Jae walked into the academy's casual party with Elise at his side, his face giving little away. The hall was dimly lit, lanterns hanging in uneven lines overhead, their glow spreading in soft patches against the old stone walls.
Shadows stretched long and thin, moving gently whenever someone passed by. A faint hum of music floated from the far corner, where a group of students had clustered around a lute.
The sound wasn't polished, not like a formal performance, but the uneven strums and laughter gave the place a warm, easy mood. Scattered around the room, small groups had formed, some drinking, some gossiping, some simply trying to look important.
For most people, the party was a chance to breathe after the week's heavy lessons, a break from routine. For Jae, it felt more like an obligation, something to show his face at before slipping back into the quiet he preferred.
