Desperate to escape the suffocating air clinging to him like a second skin, Kael followed her out of the room at once. He didn’t notice Cassandra’s lingering gaze or the hesitant step she took in his direction. He only wanted to disappear.

  He pushed through the corridor and out into the arena forecourt, where hundreds of students mingled, laughing, eating, and discussing the earlier matches. Their voices blended into a distant, meaningless hum.

  In the distance, he spotted Lia and Zaros waiting for him, their eyes scanning the crowd for him. He immediately turned away and slipped behind a column before they could see him.

  He couldn’t face them. Not now. Not with this storm raging inside him.

  They would read him like an open book and try to stop him, calm him, and tell him to do better.

  Today, he wasn’t sure he wanted to be.

  So he walked further, leaving the chaos of the arena behind until the noise faded into a soft, distant murmur. At the edge of the academy grounds, he found a small, empty bench beneath a leafless tree. It was quiet and blessedly empty.

  He sat down and leaned back, exhaling with weariness. For a moment, he simply closed his eyes and listened to the faint rustling of leaves, the muted chatter from afar, and the soft whistle of the wind through the branches.

  A minute passed. Then another.

  Then, a familiar sound pricked his ears.

  A sharp, cutting cry sliced through the sky.

  Kael’s eyes shot open.

  High above, a dark shape circled once, twice, and then plunged downward with breathtaking speed.

  Just before hitting the ground, Ausma flared his wings, slowing into a smooth glide that carried him directly to Kael. The falcon landed on Kael’s arm with gentle, practiced precision, his claws gripping firmly yet carefully as if sensing Kael’s fragile state.

  Kael sighed softly and ran his hand over Ausma’s head. "I'm afraid not even you can cheer me up today," he murmured, his eyes drifting toward the distant academy towers.

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  Ausma’s golden eyes narrowed, shimmering with a spark Kael had learned to interpret as annoyance. A second later, the falcon jabbed his beak sharply against Kael’s arm.

  "Ow—" Kael hissed, turning and frowning. “What are you—”

  But the words died on his tongue.

  Ausma lifted one claw deliberately, almost ceremoniously.

  Only then did Kael notice the small, folded piece of paper tied neatly to his talon.

  His breath caught. He looked from the letter to Ausma, utterly bewildered.

  Ausma remained perfectly still, claw raised, gaze steady and expectant. It was as if he was insisting he take it.

  Slowly, Kael reached out and untied the string. He unfolded the letter with cautious fingers.

  He froze.

  The handwriting was elegant and precise. Unmistakable.

  Your heart is unsteady. Do not let it drown you.

  Remember when you quieted mine? Hold on to the warmth you gave me then.

  It will steady your steps.

  Kael’s heart skipped a beat, then another.

  Of course, he knew who had written it.

  He stared at the ink, feeling the world tilt beneath him. His breath grew shallow and his pulse quickened in stunned disbelief.

  "How...?" he whispered, looking at Ausma as though the falcon might answer him. Ausma only watched him calmly with golden eyes that were warm and unblinking. Like two tiny, steady suns.

  Kael held his gaze for a long, silent moment.

  Then, something inside him loosened.

  He exhaled. A soft, almost disbelieving smile formed on his lips—gentle and graceful, touched with melancholy.

  The memory she referenced...

  The moment in the labyrinth...

  He could feel it rising within him like a quiet light.

  The dark emotions that had consumed him only minutes ago began to unravel and dissolve into something softer and clearer.

  Understanding. Resolve. A strange, aching warmth.

  He pressed the letter to his chest. "It doesn't matter how," he murmured. The warmth returned to his face, nothing like the cold, raging expression he had worn before. "Thank you, Astra."

  The words were soft, but his resolve solidified like tempered steel.

  Kael reached out and stroked Ausma’s feathers. His expression shifted from gratitude to curiosity. "You always find new ways to surprise me," he said with a faint smile. "So, can I know how you know Astra?" he asked lightly, already knowing he wouldn't get an answer.

  Ausma blinked once.

  Kael chuckled. "Let me guess: a secret." He imitated her cool tone and laughed quietly to himself. His earlier bitterness dissolved into something quieter.

  I miss her, Kael admitted inwardly. The thought was soft and painful. He only hoped she might forgive him someday for his panic, his selfishness, and the things he had said that day.

  Despite his injuries, he rose from the bench with every movement steady. A new light kindled his violet eyes, making them appear clear, sharp, and resolute.

  The pain from Taro’s cuts, the humiliation, and the anger toward Liam all faded to faint, distant shadows.

  Kael inhaled deeply, then looked at Ausma.

  The falcon met his gaze without blinking, as though acknowledging a silent oath.

  I’m ready.