The cafeteria's stillness was broken when a new figure walked through the doors. He moved quietly and barely drew attention from the others like the four of them before. But Erend noticed immediately.
He glanced up and saw Conrad's a tall, composed, and distant figure as he took a tray and got his lunch in silence.
Without a word, Conrad made his way to an empty table at the far end and began to eat with a quick and reserved manner, his eyes lowered as if he had no desire to engage with anyone.
Erend's munching on his food becomes slower. He remembered the conversation they'd had years ago when Conrad had come to him in private and asking—no, pleading—for help.
He had wanted Erend to use his own Magic to try restoring Conrad's lost Magic power. But Erend had refused. The power wasn't something he could just grant to someone like Conrad.
Conrad had looked angry then. Angry, but also hollow and sad. Like a man already broken and just realizing how deep the cracks ran.
