That night, Esme hadn't retired to her chamber.
Sleep eluded her, but more than that, she didn't want to sleep. When the corridors had grown quieter, she slipped away with a few clothes, knowing the hours were late enough that no one would follow.
Donovan had fallen asleep right after their confession session, so she knew she needn't worry about him jumping on her by this time of the night. Just thinking about what happened back there made her cheeks bloom, especially the part where he said it back, and she knew he meant it.
However, this was not the time to reminisce about that, whilst she shook the moment from her mind.
Gathering her thoughts, she headed for the training grounds. The moonlight cast a silver sheen across the corridor, illuminating the dust motes dancing in the still air as she walked by. Only the night guards were awake, patrolling the perimeters as they should.
