By the time Lucavion reached the dormitory wing, the Academy had settled into its evening rhythm. Students still occupied the corridors, though their earlier excitement had softened into tired conversation. Ward-lamps brightened one after another along the walls, and the tall windows reflected the movement inside rather than the winter darkness beyond them.
Lucavion walked with his hands inside his coat pockets, moving at an easy pace while his thoughts remained in Hall C.
The examination questions had already begun losing their shape. He remembered Selenne's stare more clearly than most of the formal terms she had used, and the reversed circulation model remained sharper in his mind than the proper one.
Then there had been Isolde.
He pushed the thought aside before it settled.
Another presence followed.
Elowyn Caerlin.
'Elara.'
The altered face and borrowed name could no longer weaken the certainty.
