After his plans had been crossed, Kael wandered aimlessly through the academy grounds, his thoughts circling around how he should approach that person. The sun was still shining brightly above him when he reached the café’s street. Ahead, he spotted Zaros leaning casually against a wall, his eyes closed, a calm expression on his face.

  Kael chuckled. “Yo, Zaros.”

  Zaros opened one eye, then the other, and smirked. “You’re late. I was about to think you chickened out.”

  Kael raised an eyebrow. “Me? Never.”

  As Kael came closer, he noticed something different about his friend’s expression. “What’s on your mind?” he asked, curious. Zaros wasn’t usually this quiet.

  “Nothing serious,” Zaros replied with a laugh. “I’m just looking forward to our little adventure.”

  Kael gave him a look halfway between suspicion and amusement. “If you say so.”

  Both of them walked side by side down the street until the café came into view. A charming little place, lively and filled with students. Kael halted for a moment and blinked in surprise.

  “You didn’t exaggerate,” he muttered. “The café is full of girls.”

  Zaros smirked proudly. “Told you. New cafés attract girls like flowers attract bees.”

  Kael sighed. “Don’t you think we should’ve brought Lia then? She’d love this place.”

  Zaros shook his head immediately. “Nah, this is a job for men.” He puffed out his chest in mock pride, then quickly deflated, his voice dropping to a nervous whisper. “But we can never tell her we came her without her, got it? She’s terrifiying when she’s angry.”

  Kael laughed. “It’s a promise. I won’t tell her. She’d be as angry at me as at you, so my lips are sealed.”

  Zaros exhaled in relief. "Perfect. Then, let's go." He straightened his back and walked toward the entrance.

  Amused by his friend’s enthusiasm, Kael shook his head and followed.

  As soon as they stepped inside, dozens of eyes turned in their direction. Conversations faltered for a moment; then, curious glances, whispers, and stares filled the room.

  Kael lowered his voice. "I don't think this was a great idea. Everyone’s looking at me like I don’t belong here.”

  Zaros shrugged and scanned the room as if nothing were wrong. "Ignore them. They’ll get bored soon.” He pointed toward a corner. "There. The perfect spot.”

  Kael sighed, but followed him through the rows of tables. He was aware of every gaze tracking his movements. He sat down opposite Zaros with his back to most of the room. The murmur of voices resumed, but Kael could still feel the occasional glance brush against him.

  "So," Kael began, scanning the menu. "What’s your grand plan? If we just sit here like this, I guarantee you’ll achieve nothing.” He laughed quietly and shook his head.

  "Relax," Zaros said with a confident grin as he leaned back in his chair. "Opportunities arise when you least expect them."

  Kael rolled his eyes but said nothing. They ordered two coffees and chatted idly about training, the academy, and random nonsense. The warm scent of roasted beans hung in the air, and soft chatter and the clinking of porcelain filled the room. But then, Zaros suddenly stopped mid-sentence, his eyes fixed on the entrance.

  "Now that's a beauty," he whispered. “Isn’t she in your class?”

  Kael turned and narrowed his eyes. At the entrance stood Cassandra, radiant as ever, her golden hair catching the light. Two other girls accompanied her, both of whom were unfamiliar to him. Great, he thought. She’s here. But how do I talk to her without making it obvious-

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  Before Kael could finish his thought, Zaros was already on his feet and striding toward the trio with a confident smile.

  Kael watched in disbelief as Zaros started talking to them. At first, all three girls looked politely reluctant until Zaros gestured toward Kael’s table. Cassandra followed his finger and spotted Kael. Her lips curved into a small, knowing smile. She said something to her friends, and before Kael knew it, all three of them were walking toward his table.

  Cassandra took the seat beside Kael—graceful as always—while the other two girls settled next to Zaros. They giggled as he launched into one of his stories.

  “See?” Zaros said, flashing Kael a grin. "Told you, opportunity."

  "Yeah, I see," Kael replied dryly, though his gaze couldn't help but drift toward Cassandra.

  Neither of them spoke much. Instead, they listened to Zaros's animated storytelling. The girls laughed at every gesture and exaggerated expression.

  "Your friend's quite the entertainer," Cassandra murmured softly, a faint, knowing smile playing on her lips again.

  "Please," Kael said quietly, leaning a little closer. "You asked both of them to sit next to Zaros just so you could talk to me, didn't you?"

  "Oh?" She raised an eyebrow, her tone light, but her eyes were sharp. "Someone thinks he's quite important." Then, with a subtle tilt of her head, she leaned nearer, her voice dropping to a whisper that brushed against his ear. "But you might be right. My interest hasn’t lessened since our last conversation.”

  Kael met her gaze steadily, his expression calm, though his heart beat faster. "Your interest worries me," he said softly. "But I need your help. Unfortunately."

  Cassandra leaned back, resting her chin in her hands. She studied him with amused curiosity. "And how can I, a noble, help someone who so clearly despises us?" she teased.

  Kael sighed and rubbed his forehead. "I already know I'm going to regret this," he muttered under his breath. Glancing around discreetly, he slipped a folded piece of paper from his pocket and passed it to her under the table.

  Cassandra’s eyes widened briefly before the amusement on her face returned. She took the paper delicately between two fingers, her eyes flicking up to meet his. "My, my," she said in a mock-sweet tone. "If you wanted to ask me out, you could've done it directly. No need for secret tones.”

  “In your dreams,” he retorted. "Just take it.”

  Cassandra unfolded the paper under the table so no one could see. As she read it, her expression grew serious. She looked up at him. "We should meet again. In my room, at midnight."

  Kael’s eyes narrowed. "No, not there. Besides, even if I wanted to, how could I get into your room? You live in one of the most secure dorms at the academy.”

  “No,” she said, shaking her head. "We have to meet here. My room is soundproof, and I'll only discuss this in private. If you want my help, you must come.” She tapped the paper as if to remind him of his own words.

  "Just tell the guards I'm expecting you, and they'll let you through," she added with a wink. "That happens often enough."

  “No,” Kael replied firmly. “I don’t care about your affairs. But if anyone finds out that I went to your room, rumors will start, and I won’t have that.”

  Cassandra’s smile deepened. “Why not? It would be an honor to have an affair with me. Or are you afraid because of your friend with the red hair?"

  Kael’s jaw tightened. "Not because of her. I just don't want to be associated with someone like you."

  Cassandra’s smile faltered for a moment, and pride flashed in her eyes. "Someone like me?" she repeated, as if she didn't understand the insult. “Could you be more specific?”

  Kael sighed, losing patience. “Just tell me how to get into your room without being seen.”

  Cassandra stayed silent for a moment, her expression cooling. "Fine," she said at last, her voice like ice. "My room is next to a door on the ground floor. There’s no guard there because it can only be opened from the inside. I’ll unlock it shortly before our meeting. Happy?”

  Kael ignored her tone and simply nodded.

  Without another word, Cassandra rose from her seat. She didn’t even glance at her friends as she walked toward the exit, her steps measured and sharp. The two girls, still caught up in Zaros's story, noticed her absence a few seconds later. Their laughter died instantly, and they hurried after her.

  “No, wait—” Zaros muttered, watching them leave. His shoulders slumped. "What happened? It was going so well," he said, his voice filled with genuine disappointment.

  Kael couldn’t help but laugh at his friend’s crestfallen expression. "Sorry, man," he said, chuckling. "I guess she just couldn't handle sitting next to me anymore."

  “No, you don’t have to apologize,” Zaros said, shaking his head. "She's not good for you if she judges you by your looks."

  If only you knew, Kael thought, smiling faintly to himself.

  He pushed back his chair and stood up. "I should head back. I need to check on the falcon.”

  “I get it,” Zaros replied, grinning. "Thanks for coming along today. It's always more fun with you around."

  They exchanged a quick wave before parting ways.

  As Kael made his way to the dormitory, his thoughts drifted back to Cassandra. She's unpredictable, he mused. But I need her. Without her help, I’ll have to wait even longer. My chance to uncover anything will slip away.

  He sighed and ran a hand through his hair as he climbed the stairs. Still, I’d rather go through the Labyrinth again than be alone with her in that room.