{Elira}
~**^**~
Lennon and Rennon both looked at me with that quiet kindness that made my chest warm.
I smiled—wide, and probably a little silly. "Thank you."
They didn't ask me to open it in front of them, which I appreciated.
I knew better than to expect a gift from Zenon, who was already standing up and headed toward the front door.
"It's time," he said simply.
I nodded and grabbed my backpack and the two gift bags, cradling them in one arm.
The drive back to ESA was quiet.
Zenon didn't say much, but the silence didn't feel as tense as before.
Maybe it was because of yesterday, or maybe it was because I was slowly learning how to exist around him without feeling like I was shrinking.
When the gates of the academy finally came into view, my breath caught a little.
I was back here again.
Zenon pulled into the car park meant for the professors and brought the Jeep to a smooth stop.
