Elion and Mira walked side by side through the academy halls.
They did not have a destination in mind, so they simply walked. The tension from earlier had faded, leaving behind a calm silence between them.
By the time they reached the dorm area, hurried footsteps echoed down the corridor, approaching them from ahead.
Aria appeared, slightly out of breath.
Her cheeks were flushed, and her eyes were wide with concern.
"Elion!" she called out.
She slowed to a stop, bent slightly, hands on her knees, trying to catch her breath, her cleavage deepening with the motion.
"I heard what happened," she said quickly. "Are you alright?"
Mira nodded reassuringly.
"It's been handled," she said.
Elion gave Aria a calm look.
"Everything's fine."
After a brief explanation of what had actually taken place, Aria's shoulders relaxed. The concern in her eyes slowly faded, replaced by relief.
"I'm glad," she said softly.
Then her expression hardened.
