After a short walk, Kael reached his dormitory. At least the café isn’t that far from my room, he thought as he pushed the door open.

  The first things he noticed were a small vial and a folded letter on his desk. Curious, he walked over and unfolded the note.

  'I brought his food, and he already ate it. I also left a healing paste. Apply it to his wing; it should speed up his recovery.

  See you, Lia.'

  "Thanks, Lia," Kael murmured. He picked up the vial and went to the window, where the falcon sat quietly on the sill, its feathers faintly gleaming in the fading sunlight. The bird’s golden eyes followed his every movement, sharp and intelligent.

  "Hey there," Kael said softly, brushing a gentle hand over the falcon’s head. "I'm going to put this paste on your wing. It’ll be cold for a bit, but it’ll help, all right?”

  He knew the falcon couldn’t understand him, but surprisingly, the bird didn’t move. It stayed perfectly still, as if trusting him completely.

  "You're a smart one, huh?" Kael whispered, a small smile tugging at his lips. He paused for a moment, studying the creature. Why does it feel like he actually understands me?

  He sighed and leaned against the window frame. "I don't know why I'm doing this," he admitted quietly, "but I need to talk to someone..." His eyes met the falcon’s again, calm and steady. "Even if it's you."

  Kael continued, his voice hoarse. “I don’t even know what I’m doing anymore. When I first came to the academy, all I wanted was to become a Chronicler. Nothing more.”

  He exhaled deeply and stared at the faint glow of the sunset through the windowpane. "Then I met Zaros and Lia. They helped me overcome my solitude. It’s been a great year, but what about now?"

  A bitter laugh escaped him. "Now I’m pushing them away, and I don’t even know why. To find a girl I’ve known for a few weeks? To solve a mystery that could change everything? Or to help a group of rebels who might turn me against my best friends?"

  His voice quieted and trembled. “My mind tells me to forget all of it. To just live my normal life, enjoy my friends, and graduate as a Chronicler."

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  Kael lifted his gaze, locking eyes with the falcon. "But my heart...," he whispered. "My heart tells me I have to do this, even if it costs me everything. It feels like I’m hanging by a single thread that’s pulling me toward something dark and unknown. It's as if fate itself is dragging me to my inevitable end.”

  His eyes turned red, and tears began to fall. "No matter how much I resist, it always pulls me back."

  For a moment, only silence filled the room until the falcon stretched its healthy wing and gently brushed it against Kael’s cheek. The gesture froze him in place. His tears stopped.

  "What are you...?" Kael murmured, staring at the bird as though seeing it anew. But the falcon only looked back at him, calm and unwavering, before folding its wing again.

  Kael’s somber expression softened, and a small laugh escaped him. "You really can feel my emotions, huh?"

  He wiped his eyes and leaned closer, his voice steady once more. "All right then. You need a name." He thought for a moment, studying the falcon’s bright plumage and keen golden eyes.

  "No," he finally decided, a faint smile appearing. "I'll call you Ausma, a symbol for our little conversation, right?"

  He extended his hand and lightly touched the falcon’s beak. "Thank you," he whispered. "That really helped."

  Kael stood up, walked over to his bed, and flopped down on it. I don't have anything to do until midnight, so I might as well take a nap.

  Before long, sleep claimed him. The falcon’s golden eyes remained fixed on him, glowing faintly in the dim light like two small suns watching over him.

  When he opened his eyes again, the room was dark. For a moment, he was confused, until he saw the night sky beyond the window.

  "Shit," he muttered, sitting up abruptly. "I overslept."

  I guess the sword training hit me harder than I thought.

  He splashed cold water on his face, smoothed out his robes, and hurried out the door. I have to be on time, he thought, sprinting through the silent courtyards. If I’m late, she’ll be furious, and I can’t risk her refusing to help me.

  His footsteps echoed faintly on the stone path until he slowed, hearing the distant murmur of guards patrolling nearby. He ducked into the shadows. Fortunately, I know the hidden routes.

  A faint smile touched his lips. Thanks, Lia, for all those “secret nap spots.

  After weaving through a series of narrow paths and overgrown corners, the dormitory finally came into view: Cassandra’s dormitory. The front entrance gleamed under the light of lanterns, flanked by armored knights and guards. Their armor glinted like mirrors in the night.

  Kael crouched behind a cluster of bushes, his heart steady but alert. He circled the building quietly, taking measured steps, until he reached the far side and saw it—a single, unguarded door.

  I hope you kept your word, he thought, glancing around one last time before reaching for the handle.

  He pressed it down slowly.

  Click.

  The door opened soundlessly.

  Kael slipped inside and was swallowed by the darkness.