Two evenings after the concert, Martin returned to Worldshell beside Cassandra.
Their bodies formed on the road outside Forest Hidden, where they had last logged out after her probationary visit. The hotel room, aquarium, and quiet morning that followed disappeared beneath the familiar weight of the Worldshell Carapace. Rainwarden Sword rested at his side, and the forest smelled of damp bark instead of filtered air.
Cassandra appeared in her white suit with the black marker still fixed beneath her name.
[Condemned.]
Nothing about their date changed what the academy saw. Cassandra looked at the marker once, then checked the boundary ahead without touching it. Her restricted access required another approved purpose and escort. Tonight, the party had agreed to meet on the road before deciding where to hunt, so she had no reason to request entry.
Martin offered his hand. Cassandra took it without hesitation, and they started toward the gate together.
