Vael's POV
The drive home from the Academy was quiet, but I could feel the tension rolling off Lirien in waves. He sat in the passenger seat, staring out the window, his hands clasped tightly in his lap.
His scent was still sweet and warm, but there was an undercurrent of unease that made my Alpha instincts sit up and take notice.
I reached over and rested my hand on his thigh, giving it a gentle squeeze.
"Talk to me," I said softly. "How was your day? You seemed excited when I dropped you off, but now you look… troubled."
Lirien was silent for a moment before he turned to me. His violet eyes were filled with a mix of worry and determination.
"It was good at first," he said. "Mira and Kai were happy to see me. We worked on perspective drawing and the instructor gave really helpful feedback. But then…"
He hesitated, biting his lip.
"Then what?" I prompted gently.
Lirien took a deep breath. "The new professor was introduced today. His name is Davis Korren."
