Orion scratched the back of his neck. "Your… academy. The one you trained at. What's it called again?"
"Arvandor Academy of Arcana," she replied. "Why?"
Orion's eyes lit up with uncharacteristic seriousness. "What are the requirements to join?"
Fiona blinked, caught off guard. "You? Want to join an elite combat academy? Why? You can just study here, though."
"I want to become strong but far away from Dad's eyes," he said quietly, his voice lower. "And maybe…" He trailed off.
Fiona narrowed her eyes, but nodded slightly. "Alright, come, let's talk."
As they walked together down the corridor, Fiona found some of her earlier devastation fading due to distraction.
*
Later that day, in his private chamber, Azzy sat cross-legged, his breathing steady, the energy within him pulsed faintly, like a steady heartbeat.
He opened his eyes, golden irises gleaming with focus. "Time," he murmured.
