The academy was unusually bright that night.
Countless lanterns illuminated the floating city, their golden light spilling from crystal windows and reflecting off silver stone. From the highest districts, the towers looked like stars scattered across an endless sea of clouds, connected by glowing bridges that stretched through the darkness. The storm that had haunted the academy for days was finally retreating toward the north, but traces of it still lingered on the horizon, where dark clouds gathered above distant lands hidden beyond sight.
Tomorrow, the expedition would leave.
The thought followed Kael everywhere.
No matter what he was doing, no matter who he was speaking to, part of his mind kept drifting toward the Northern Frontier.
Toward the monument.
Toward the mysteries waiting beneath endless snow.
Toward the strange feeling that something was expecting them.
He leaned against the railing of a quiet observation platform overlooking the western districts and stared at the distant horizon. The night wind was cool against his skin, carrying the familiar sounds of the academy. Laughter echoed from nearby bridges. Students crossed suspended pathways overhead. Somewhere in the distance, music drifted from one of the dormitory towers.
It sounded normal.
Perhaps that was what made it feel strange.
A familiar voice interrupted his thoughts.
"You know, if someone saw you standing here every evening, they'd probably assume you were composing poetry."
Kael didn't need to turn around.
"Aren."
The boy approached carrying two steaming cups and an expression that suggested he was very pleased with himself.
"I brought tea."
"You poisoned it."
Aren looked offended.
"I can't believe you think so little of me."
"You poisoned it."
"I only poisoned one."
Kael stared at him.
Aren sighed dramatically and handed over the other cup.
"This friendship lacks trust."
Despite himself, Kael accepted the tea.
The warmth felt pleasant against the cool night air.
For a few moments, they stood side by side in comfortable silence, looking out over the academy.
Aren eventually took a sip from his drink and frowned.
"Do you ever think about how weird all of this is?"
Kael glanced toward him.
"The expedition?"
"The entire situation."
The boy gestured vaguely toward the northern horizon.
"A few months ago my biggest concern was passing Professor Halden's combat theory exam."
"You failed that exam."
"That isn't the point."
"It feels relevant."
Aren ignored him.
"Now we're preparing to travel into a frozen wasteland because military expeditions keep disappearing near a mysterious monument connected to ancient gates that apparently nobody understands."
He paused.
Then shook his head.
"When I say it out loud, it somehow sounds worse."
Kael couldn't argue with that.
Before he could respond, footsteps echoed across the platform.
Lyra appeared from the connecting bridge and approached them with her usual calm expression.
The moment she noticed Aren, her eyes narrowed slightly.
"What did you do?"
Aren blinked.
"What makes you think I did something?"
"You look guilty."
"I always look guilty."
"Exactly."
The boy pointed triumphantly.
"See? You admit it."
Lyra ignored him and leaned against the railing.
For a while, none of them spoke.
The academy stretched before them in a sea of lights and distant towers.
Tomorrow, they would leave it behind.
Not forever.
But long enough for things to change.
Lyra seemed to be thinking the same thing.
"We spent five years here."
Her voice was quiet.
Aren nodded.
"Five years."
Neither of them spoke for several seconds.
Then the boy suddenly frowned.
"Wait."
"What?"
Aren looked horrified.
"I just realized something."
Nobody trusted that tone.
The boy pointed accusingly at the academy.
"If we die, I'll never have to take another exam."
Silence.
Lyra stared at him.
Kael stared at him.
Aren slowly lowered his hand.
"...That came out wrong."
"It really did," Lyra said.
The conversation was interrupted by another set of footsteps.
This time it was Draven.
The larger student crossed the platform with a look of mild irritation and immediately sat down on a nearby bench.
Aren brightened.
"You look angry."
"I am."
"What happened?"
Draven exhaled slowly.
"Selene happened."
Aren immediately started laughing.