KAI
By the time we returned to the dorm, the sky had turned a quiet ink-blue over the campus. And my thoughts turned to Avel, who I knew was probably waiting to hear from me before glancing at Aalto who walked beside me, hands stuffed into his pockets.
We were returning from seeing our father off. He never liked the surface; it was too dry, too exposed, and too unfamiliar. So, even though it was late and Reed's father, Micah, suggested he stay the night, he declined.
The sea was treacherous at night, but he had not traveled alone. The royal guards remained in the water, which provided some comfort. Now it was just me and Aalto, and I unlocked the door and let us in. We had not talked much since leaving the ocean, and I didn't want to continue walking around with all of this between us.
