Noon came too quickly. The sun struggled wearily through gray clouds; the air smelled of wet stone and metal. Lina stood at the classroom window, hands on the windowsill, looking outside. Below in the courtyard, students streamed apart like rivers, heading toward the cafeteria, sports hall, and bus stop.
She knew he was there.
Even before she saw him, she knew it.
Alaric stood by the wall behind the old shed, where rain had washed the color from the stones. Hood down, shoulders straight, hands in his pockets. He wasn't waiting impatiently – more like someone accustomed to the world delaying around him.
Lina breathed shallowly. Her heart beat too loudly for a body standing still.
"Where to?" asked Fiona, who was just closing her bag.
"Just getting... some fresh air."
"In this weather?" Fiona made a face. "Okay, Ice Queen, but hurry up. If you're looking for me, I'll be in the cafeteria."
"Yeah," said Lina. But she wasn't looking for anyone except him.
