Rhian finally made it back to the dorm room. The walk there had been slow, his thoughts heavy.
It wasn't that late, plenty of students were still out, sitting on benches, chatting near the vending machines, or heading back from training. But Rhian didn't stop for anyone.
When he opened the door, the room was dimly lit by a soft glow from Aras's side. The guy was already asleep, or at least pretending to be.
His blanket was pulled up to his shoulders, and he didn't move when Rhian stepped in.
Rhian dropped his bag near the desk and stretched his shoulders. His clothes smelled faintly of smoke and metal from the forge. He grabbed a towel and headed straight to the bathroom.
The shower was hot, which was exactly what he needed.
He stood under the water longer than usual, letting the heat ease the tension from his back He wasn't tired, not really.
His body needed rest, but his mind hadn't stopped turning since he saw that picture.
The tree. The voice. Nia's silence.
