Morning light spilled across the academy walls as Damien and Kristin slipped through the outer grounds.
The sun had barely risen, but the air already carried the crisp chill of early morning.
Damien felt like he had been trampled by a pack of wolves.
His head pounded, every muscle in his body ached badly, even his jaw hurt so bad, as if he had been grinding his teeth all night.
Kristin, on the other hand, seemed far too cheerful for someone who had barely slept.
They crossed the inner gate using their academy cards before the patrol rotation changed.
The guard barely glanced up.
Once inside the academy courtyard, Kristin stretched his arms lazily.
“Still alive?” he asked.
Damien shot him a look.
“Barely.”
Kristin laughed.
They headed toward the dormitories, but instead of turn
