The room was quiet save for the faint crackle of the candle burning low on the desk. Charlotte lay fast asleep on the bed, her breathing slow, her face softened by rest. Noel closed the Forgotten Brother's Manual with care, sliding it back into his pouch. He glanced at Noir, who had settled near the bedside, her violet eyes glowing faintly in the dark.
He crouched beside her, lowering his voice. "Stay here with her."
Noir flicked her ears, tail brushing against the floor. She gave a soft, approving rumble, positioning herself closer to Charlotte as if to underline her promise.
Noel pulled on his cloak and slipped out the door. The hallway of the dormitory was silent, lanterns dimmed to a faint glow. Every step echoed too loudly in the stillness of night, but he moved with practiced quiet. Students and attendants slept behind the rows of doors—none stirred.
