The plan was simple.
In theory.
After lights-out, I was to slip away unnoticed, my bag already packed with essentials—compressed rations, two burner phones, the drive, and a folded sheet of coordinates in Niko’s tight script. We were to meet at the eastern service exit, where the tunnel network narrowed into half-forgotten sewage lines that no one monitored anymore.
But nothing at the Academy stayed simple for long.
That day dragged like gravity had doubled. Every look from a passing instructor felt longer, heavier. Kael tried talking to me after training—asked if I was alright. I lied. He saw through it. But he didn’t push. Just gave me a slow nod and said, “Whatever you’re doing... just don’t do it alone.”
I think he knew. At least some of it.
The sun dipped. Lights dimmed. The clo
