Pearl's POV
The announcement had come earlier in the day, two weeks off from the academy to visit family or simply rest.
The dorms buzzed with excitement. Some were already writing letters to their parents, others packing with laughter echoing through the halls.
For me, it was simple. I would visit Cecil. She had written to me just a week ago, urging me to come see her and rest. I missed her warmth, her fussing, her quiet strength. I needed it more than I admitted.
I folded my few belongings into a small travel bag. Across the room, Demyan was doing the same, only… he was quieter than usual.
Too quiet.
He folded his robes with unnecessary precision. His brows were slightly furrowed, jaw tense. But when I glanced at him, he caught me looking and offered a faint smile.
“I’m nearly don
