The royal carriage wheels crunched over the gravel path, putting distance between Serena and the Academy gates.
She leaned back against the plush seat, the vibrant energy of the departing students replaced by the heavy silence of the carriage.
She exhaled, the forced cheerfulness she'd shown Karl melting away, replaced by a familiar, low thrum of anxiety for Adrian. She glanced at the figure seated rigidly beside her.
"Hey, Julian."
As expected, Julian gave no sign of hearing. His eyes were closed and his posture was unnaturally still... as always.
Serena wasn't surprised, just saddened. She turned her attention across the carriage.
Opposite her and Julian sat her other siblings. Diana had her eyes closed too, but Serena could tell she was cultivating.
She waved to Fabian too, before occupying herself, reaching out for a story book from her bag and placing it on her lap.
Before Serena could open the book and begin reading, Fabian's voice cut through the silence.