Aurelia Delensar had just stepped out of her room when she nearly collided with Daniel, who was carrying a stack of new books for her. The young man’s blue eyes flickered briefly, taking in Aurelia’s disheveled appearance—her tousled hair, the wrinkled hem of her dress, and the faint traces of sleep still lingering in the corners of her eyes. It was clear she had spent the night in Caelum Valtaris’s room. And then there was her unusually red lips. Was it just the dry autumn air, or something else?
Daniel’s smile faltered for a moment, but he quickly masked his concern. “Good morning, Lily,” he said warmly, his voice steady.
Aurelia blinked in surprise. “Shouldn’t you still be in the chapel? Isn’t this the time for morning prayers?”
Daniel shook his head. “The Healing Saintess is guiding
