Morning returned the campus to motion.
Lyra adjusted the strap of her bag as she crossed the quad,the notebook safely tucked inside like it always was.She kept her pace even,eyes forward,shoulders relaxed. If she blended well enough,the world usually let her pass unnoticed...Usually.
The Literature Society's orientation had taken over one wing of the main hall—tables lined with flyers,banners fluttering,students crowding in clusters that laughed too loudly for so early in the day.Talia practically bounced beside her.
You have to sign up,Talia insisted..."Free books,debates,guest speakers—and apparently a very generous sponsor."
Lyra frowned faintly. "Sponsor?"
Talia's grin widened. "Guess."
Lyra didn't need to.
She felt it before she saw him.
The subtle shift in the room,thw way attention tilted,like a compass needle pulled off course.
Kael Draven stood near the front table, speaking with one of the faculty members. He wore black—of course he did—but it wasn't loud or deliberate.It simply belonged to him,his posture was relaxed,one hand resting casually against the edge of the table,the other tucked into his pocket.
Students hovered nearby,pretending not to stare.
Lyra stopped walking.
Talia noticed immediately. "You okay?"
"Yes," Lyra said, too quickly. Then softer, "I just… didn't realize he'd be here."
Talia laughed. "Oh, he's always where something important is happening." She leaned closer. "And look—he's pretending not to notice anyone."
Lyra swallowed and forced herself to move again.
She signed her name on the list,careful and precise,heart beating faster than necessary. She could feel his presence now—not watching exactly, but aware....like standing too close to a door that might open.
"Lyra Vale."
Her pen slipped.
The voice wasn't loud,it wasn't commanding. It was calm—measured in a way that made it impossible to ignore.
She turned slowly.
Kael had stepped closer, just enough to be polite.His gaze rested on her with the same unreadable focus she remembered from the courtyard,no smile,no flirtation....Just attention.
You dropped this,he said, holding out her pen.
Oh—thank you.She took it,their fingers not touching.She was careful about that.
"You're welcome."
A pause followed,not awkward Intentional.
"I don't think I've seen you here before," he continued.
"I just arrived," Lyra said. "This week."
"Scholarship student?" he asked casually.
Her shoulders stiffened almost imperceptibly. "Yes."
Kael nodded once, as if confirming something only he had questioned. "That explains the discipline."
She blinked. "I'm sorry?"
"You observe more than you speak," he said. "It's rare."
Before she could respond, a girl stepped up beside him—tall, elegant, perfectly aware of the attention she drew. Her hand slipped easily onto Kael's arm.
"Kael," she said smoothly. "They're waiting for you."
His expression didn't change, but his attention shifted—away from Lyra, just enough to remind her where she stood.
"Excuse me," he said to Lyra, polite and distant once more.
She nodded. "Of course."
As he walked away, the girl glanced back at Lyra—not hostile, not curious.
Assessing.
Talia leaned in immediately. "Okay. That was not nothing."
Lyra exhaled slowly. "It was nothing."
But her pulse disagreed.
Later that afternoon,Lyra sat at her desk, sunlight spilling across the floor.She hadn't planned to write.She rarely did during the day.
Still,the notebook opened beneath her hands.
Dear Stranger,
You spoke to me today.
I wish I could say it didn't matter—but it did.
You were careful,that stood out.
So was the way you left.
I think you understand distance.
If so,thank you for keeping it.
Lyra.
When she closed the notebook,the campus bells chimed the hour.
And far away,in a room where sunlight never reached,Kael Draven smiled faintly—just once—before the sound faded.