"You should rest," Noel said softly. His voice carried no command, only quiet insistence. "You need it."
Nicolas gave the faintest of nods, closing his eyes with a weary exhale. The wrinkles on his face deepened as the tension left his body, sleep already pulling at him. For once, the proud Archmage looked almost fragile—just another man worn down by time.
Noel lingered for a moment, his gaze heavy, before turning toward the door. The hinges creaked as he pulled it open, stepping into the corridor beyond.
Someone was waiting.
Redna stood there, poised as always, her eyes sharp but unreadable. She wore her Luceria Grand Academy robes, pristine despite the chaos of the night before. Her presence was calm, yet something in her gaze carried an unfamiliar weight.
Noel blinked, a little surprised. He didn't know why she was here, but he assumed the obvious. Straightening, he gestured toward the door.
"He's awake," Noel said simply. "You can go in."
