Noah stepped into the bath, letting the water run over his shoulders and back, the steam wrapping around him like a warm fog.
Unlike what he'd expected, his mind wasn't calm.
It raced with thoughts about the monolith. About the monsters inside, about Galahad and Leo, and the potential dangers waiting for them.
But for now, he let the water distract him and wash away some of the thoughts from his mind.
After bathing, he returned to his room and toweled off, then moved to his wardrobe.
Inside, neatly folded, was the same outfit he'd worn when he first arrived at the academy. The dark trousers and black boots polished to a faint shine, the dark tunic with its sharp collar and silver trimming.
Rounding it all up was the lightweight black cloak bearing no insignia. He'd received it at the palace too, but just like his classmates, had elected to not wear them. Especially since they tend to choke the throat when they sit down. Maybe it was time for him to get used to it.
