"Dismissed," Professor Thornwick announced, his tone brooking no argument. "Next session, we'll be working on defensive positioning. Don't be late."
The students began filing out, conversations erupting about the matches they'd witnessed. Some were animated, others subdued after their own defeats.
Livia was the first out the door.
She moved quickly, not quite running, but close. Her arms wrapped around herself, weaving through the dispersing crowd with practiced efficiency. Her fingers found that tear-shaped pendant again, worrying at it as she walked.
Caleb watched her go from his position by the pillar.
Then he pushed off and followed.
Without any hesitation or second thought.
He didn't call out. Didn't rush. Just maintained a steady pace that kept her in sight as she navigated the corridors, heading away from the main campus paths toward the less-traveled areas near the outer buildings.
She turned a corner into a narrow walkway between two structures.
