The smell of fresh bread drifted through the academy great hall, mixing with the chatter of students. Plates clattered, laughter rang, and sunlight spilled across the long tables. It was just another morning—at least for most.
For Aleck, however, every step down the hallway felt heavier than the axe slung across his back. He doesn't usually bring it, especially around the campus, but with him training and with him wanting to get used to holding it as it has been so long, he decided to bring it with him.
"You're walking weird," Aranea pointed out as she and Elenea caught up to him. "Like you fought an army last night."
Aleck stiffened. "I didn't."
But Zann, smirking beside him, muttered just loud enough: "He kind of did."
Aleck's twin sister squinted at him suspiciously, but before she could pry further, Aerin skipped up and cheerfully added, "Yup! He was training under the moonlight. Very dramatic. Very shiny." She wiggled her fingers like fake sparkles.
