The Watchtower felt colder than usual.
Aria stood near the arched window, arms crossed, watching the trees blur under a veil of mist. Below, the Academy bustled with morning drills, but up here—things were still.
Still enough to notice the space between them.
Kade leaned against the stone wall a few feet away, arms folded, eyes locked on the floor. He hadn’t spoken since they got back from the simulation.
She didn’t push.
Not yet.
Finally, he broke the silence. “You’re going to choose her.”
Aria turned slowly. “What?”
“Talia,” Kade said, jaw tight. “You’re going to make her your second.”
She blinked. “I haven’t made any decisions.”
“You’re spending time with her. Defending her. Training her.”
“I’m watching her. That’s different.”
His voice rose slightly. “Is it?”
Aria took a s
