The old greenhouse sat at the far edge of the eastern gardens. Thick vines hid half the walls. Fogged glass panels scattered the late afternoon light into soft golden fragments. The air inside felt warm and still. Damp soil, aged timber, and faint wild herbs hung in every breath. No academy sharp edges here. No watchful eyes.
Aria was already waiting.
The moment Leo stepped through the door, her gaze lifted. Concern softened her face. She set her notebook aside and moved toward him without hesitation.
"You look drained," she said gently. "Was the topic that difficult?"
Leo lowered himself onto the low bench. The wood creaked under his weight. "It was dense… but that's not really the issue." He rubbed the back of his neck, exhaling. "I've been getting really sensitive to everything lately. In class today it felt like I was overloaded. Every sound, every flicker of mana, every small shift in the room. It all hit me at once."
