Freya rejoined Class S while the rune sat pressed against her palm, feeling heavier than it was.
She had just watched Ronan disappear into the trees without explanation, without further instruction, and without anything that resembled reassurance of any kind. The word 'no' still echoed in her mind.
Not Ronan.
Then who?
She forced the thought aside.
There was no time to process it properly. For all she knew he was just trying to mess with her.
Class S was already moving toward the final statue, and if she hesitated even slightly, someone would notice.
Freya slipped back into formation near the middle of the group, her expression controlled and warm as it always was. Her fingers stayed loose around the rune despite the instinct to grip it tighter. She kept her breathing even. She did not look back.
Grace glanced at her.
It was only a moment. A flicker of attention that passed before Freya could fully register it. But it was enough to make her pulse spike.
