Mia Heather’s POV
Classes ended early that day. It wasn’t announced with ceremony or relief, just a quiet dismissal from Master Eryn after a long lecture on preservation techniques.
"That’s enough for today. Leave," was all he said in a tone that itched colder than the frostbite I had that morning.
The words barely settled before chairs scraped back and students poured out, voices rising as tension bled into laughter.
By the time Liora and I stepped outside, the sun was hanging low enough to cast long shadows across the school grounds, yet the light shone sharply with a golden hue that radiated an unexpected amount of heat.
It was that strange hour between obligation and rest, when the day loosened its grip but hadn’t quite let go.
"Three p.m," Liora muttered, glancing up at a sun di
