"I'm proud that you're taking things seriously now," she said, her voice softening.
"Truly. I know I told you before to apply yourself. That magic isn't something to take lightly. That you've got a mind you waste when you chase dust in the wind."
He nodded faintly, his hazel eyes dropping to his plate.
He remembered those talks, her gentle insistence that he could be more.
"But this isn't what I meant," she said, her voice quieter now, more urgent.
That made him look up, his hazel eyes narrowing slightly, his fork resting on the plate.
Mira leaned on her elbow, her gaze steady but warm. "You're tired, Lor. You've been quiet. You come back worn out, like you're carrying something that's not yours."
"I'm just studying more," he said quickly, his voice casual but guarded, scooping another bite onto his spoon without meeting her eyes.
"Studying what?" she pressed, her tone gentle but unyielding. "For who?"
