Kael awoke to the soft touch of a morning breeze slipping through the partially open window and carrying the faint scent of autumn. The air was cool and clean. It was a quiet reminder that the seasons were changing. Kael rose and leaned his elbows on the window frame. He closed his eyes for a moment and let the chill brush against his face.

  It’s getting colder, he thought, watching the trembling leaves outside. I hope that’s not an omen for what’s to come.

  He sighed. I still don’t know what to do. Was Astra’s message about Professor Nora a warning or an attempt to help me? His mind chased itself in circles until a sharp knock at the door pulled him out of his thoughts.

  Kael straightened and opened the door, only to find Lia standing in the doorway. "Lia?” he asked, startled. "What are you doing here? Isn’t your dorm on the other side of the academy?”

  She didn’t answer. Without a word, she brushed past him, the hem of her robe swaying lightly as she stepped inside. Her gaze wandered curiously and assessingly through the room until it lingered on the scattered papers lying across the desk. A faint spark of amusement flashed in her eyes.

  “Lia?” Kael repeated, still trying to make sense of her sudden visit.

  She turned to him, her expression calm yet determined. "I'm here because I want to hear what you found yesterday."

  "I guessed as much," Kael said, crossing his arms. "But why did you come to me in person?"

  "It's a dangerous topic," she replied matter-of-factly, "so we shouldn't discuss it out in the open, right?"

  Kael frowned. "That's true, but what if someone saw you come to my room? People love rumors more than facts.”

  Lia turned away, pretending to examine his desk. "I don’t care about rumors,” she said, though a faint trace of shyness colored her voice.

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  When she looked back, her eyes met his. "So? What did you find?"

  “First,” Kael asked, “where’s Zaros?”

  “I went to his dormitory,” she replied with a hint of amusement, “but they said he’s sick. Probably stuck in his bathroom all day.”

  Kael raised an eyebrow. "You seem oddly pleased about that."

  She only winked, but her tone grew serious again. "Stop stalling. Tell me."

  Kael sighed and leaned against the edge of his desk. "We found a hidden message.” He said quietly. "It spelled out one word: Nora.”

  Lia’s eyes widened slightly. "Professor Nora? Why him?”

  Kael sank into his chair, furrowing his brow in thought. "I have no idea,” he admitted quietly. "I don’t know if Astra meant it as a warning or as help. I don’t even know enough about him to tell.”

  Lia crossed her arms, her expression turning contemplative. "From what I’ve seen, he’s just a strict professor; nothing unusual.” She glanced at Kael. "But I think he might be someone who could actually help you.”

  Kael looked up, curiosity flickering in his eyes. "Why do you think that?"

  "Because he doesn't treat you like the others," she said simply. "The other professors look at you with pity or fear. Nora doesn’t. He treats you like everyone else.”

  Kael leaned back, pondering her words. "You're right," he admitted after a pause. "But that doesn’t necessarily mean he’s trustworthy.”

  Lia nodded. "No, it doesn't," she agreed. "But we can find out.”

  He raised an eyebrow. "How?"

  A small smile crossed her lips. "He’s the head of my advanced brewing mechanics course. I see him nearly every day. I can observe him quietly. If he’s hiding something or acting suspiciously, I’ll find out.”

  She looked at him, her voice firm but calm. "Leave it to me, and don't do anything for now. Professor Nora is clever. If you start watching him, he’ll notice. And if he truly isn’t trustworthy, you’ll be the one in danger.”

  Before Kael could argue, she knelt down in front of him, meeting his gaze. She gently lifted his chin with her fingers. "Please," she said softly, her gaze steady, "just stay put. At least for the time being.”

  Kael met her eyes and saw genuine worry and a quiet tenderness he hadn’t expected.

  "Alright," he whispered, though the word tasted uneasy. Doing nothing had never been his strong suit.

  "Good," Lia smiled, the tension in her face easing. She stood and brushed the dust from her robe. She walked toward the door. "I'll see you on the weekend. My course keeps me busy until then; no time for hanging out.”

  The door closed behind her, leaving Kael alone once more. He stared at the spot where she had stood; her voice still echoed faintly in his mind.

  She really does whatever she wants, but she’s right. It’s the best move. It's quiet and unnoticed.

  With a sigh, Kael rose from his chair and began preparing for the day ahead.