The Academy's front gates never creaked open without reason.
Evelyn noticed first—standing near the library steps, sorting through borrowed texts—when the guards straightened abruptly. Whispers rippled. Heads turned.
A figure on horseback approached. Dressed in tailored navy and silver, his long coat dusted with the trail's chill. He sat the saddle like he was born to it, the reins held lazily in one hand, the other lifting in a casual wave toward the watching students.
Evelyn narrowed her eyes.
There was something familiar about him.
And then he dismounted.
"Evelyn Hawthorne," the stranger called with a warm grin, "still as sharp as ever."
She blinked. "Damien?"
He strode over without waiting for permission, wrapping her in a one-armed hug before she could retreat. She laughed despite herself.
"It's been years," he said, pulling back just enough to scan her face. "Still keeping the Academy on edge, I see."
"Some things never change," she murmured, bemused.
He was older now—leaner, stronger—but the same charm pulsed beneath his smile. Damien Hawke. Childhood friend. Former dueling partner. The one who had promised to write and never did.
Before she could reply, another presence shifted behind her.
Alexander.
His gaze was unreadable as he approached, coat still unbuttoned from the earlier breeze, eyes fixed not on her—but on Damien.
"Valerius," Damien greeted easily. "Didn't expect you to still be haunting these halls."
Alexander's voice was calm. Too calm. "I don't remember you being invited."
"I wasn't." Damien grinned. "But I had reason to visit. A little Academy business. A little personal curiosity."
His eyes flicked to Evelyn again—longer, deeper than a friend's glance should be.
Alexander noticed.
Evelyn felt the tension spike. Subtle, but sharp.
"I was planning to stay in town for a while," Damien said, smoothing his gloves. "Thought I'd catch up. With old friends."
Evelyn smiled politely, but her heart beat a little faster. From the way Alexander stood just slightly closer now. From the way he didn't speak again—just watched.
Measured.
And when Damien finally walked away, promising to see her later that evening—
Alexander said only this:
"Where did you meet him?"
Evelyn tilted her head. "Jealousy doesn't suit you."
His jaw tightened. "Neither does uncertainty."
But for the first time, he wasn't sure which one he was feeling.