The hooded figure ducked behind the bushes, vanishing from sight. The forested edge of the academy grounds was eerily quiet now, save for the faint whisper of wind brushing the tall grass. Avin and Henry moved slowly, deliberate in their steps, trying to keep their breathing even and their boots from snapping any twigs beneath them.
Henry leaned close, whispering with the same excitement that always preceded his bad ideas."How many points do you think we'll get for subduing this person—?"
Avin didn't even let him finish. He shot him a glare sharp enough to cut steel, thrusting his finger against Henry's lips hard enough to push his head back. "Shhh," he hissed through gritted teeth.
Henry blinked, nodded once with exaggerated obedience, and then turned his gaze back toward the bush. The two crept closer again, crouching now, their forms hidden by the shrubs. When they reached the thick cluster of leaves, they carefully peeked over the edge.
