The night air on the academy campus was crisp and cool.
Alice Draken wasn't the type to enjoy going out for no reason, but tonight's weather made her rethink that habit. The breeze was steady, refreshing, almost playful against her skin.
For a moment, she thought that once she finished her business, it might not be so bad to take a walk and let the night carry her thoughts away.
"It's a nice night, don't you think?" she said aloud, glancing at her silent companion.
"Professor Lena keeps nagging me to 'get some sun.' But moonlight's just reflected sunlight, broadly speaking. So, technically, this counts… right?"
Her "date" didn't answer.
Alice sighed and tilted her head, her golden eyes narrowing.
"Figures. When you asked me to come out in the middle of the night, I knew you were either crazy, stupid, or both. But you could at least humor me with a reply. Then, maybe—just maybe—I'll go a little easier on you when I beat you down."
