" ...You showed that you are more than capable of functioning alone, without anyone beside you to give direction or cover your weaknesses."
The statement sounded simple enough to most of the hall, but among the students who knew Lucian well, the meaning carried deeper weight.
It was no secret that Lucian had often positioned himself near Chris Rature, acting more like a subordinate than a student pursuing his own growth. Those who understood Kaelen's words understood the warning hidden within them.
He was not merely praising Lucian's independence in Nalim. He was pointing out that Lucian was capable of more when he was not moving as someone else's shadow.
Lucian himself remained still, his gaze fixed on the stage.
Kaelen continued, his voice measured.
