The academy granted a short leave after the mission.
Kael returned to his district.
Seraphine visited the military brigade to see her uncle.
Riven returned to a small, single-room home in a rundown area near the outer walls.
No banners hung outside.
No crest marked the door.
He placed his shield beside the wall.
Boiled water.
Prepared milk tea.
Sat in silence.
An old man from the neighboring building knocked later that evening.
"Riven, the railing is loose again."
"I'll fix it."
He did.
Without complaint.
Without mention of spirits or battles.
No one in that district knew that he was one of the academy's strongest.
No one suspected.
And Riven preferred it that way.