The first rays of dawn had barely touched the spires of the Ashenfang Mountains when Cassandra's eyes fluttered open. It was a habit ingrained by years of discipline, one that persisted even within the relative safety of the Eclipse Castle.
Her first conscious thought, as it often was these mornings, was of the training grounds. A part of her mind, still wrapped in the remnants of sleep, anticipated the familiar sight of a certain young man pushing his limits against the morning chill.
A faint, expectant smile touched her lips before reality reasserted itself.
'Right... He's not here.'
The memory crystallized with a dull thud in her chest. Amaniel had left for Derier City on family business yesterday. He didn't come back either.
A sigh escaped her, misting slightly in the cool air of her room. "...I should have gone with him." The murmured thought was out before she could cage it. 'That way, they could have spent more time...'
Her eyes flew wide open.
