Leaving the barracks felt different this time.
Luke hadn't noticed it at first, but once they stepped onto the broad stone road, the air itself seemed lighter—less rigid than within the walls where discipline lingered in every corner. The clang of armour and the low murmur of soldiers faded behind them, replaced by the steady hum of Virencia at midday. Merchants called out prices as carts rattled past, and somewhere nearby, bells rang—not in alarm, but in rhythm, marking the passage of an ordinary day.
He stretched his shoulders, rolling stiffness from his neck as though he could physically shrug off the weight of the place they'd left behind.
"Didn't think I'd miss them this fast," he muttered, half to himself.
Ilyrana walked beside him with unhurried steps, her hands folded loosely behind her back.
"You always do," she said softly. "You just don't realise it until after."
Luke glanced at her, a crooked smile tugging at his mouth before he chuckled.
"Yeah. That checks out."
