"You ran away from home?" Maia asked, staring at her like she had done something wrong. "Do you even know how old you are?"
Adeline shifted the bag at her feet and looked away. Okay, she didn't technically know where she was going yet, but that was beside the point. The decision itself had been necessary. Impulsive, yes—but necessary.
Maia worked for the Imperial Council, which meant her home was inside a gated residential zone reserved exclusively for people employed directly by the Empire or royal family. Heavy security. Strict access. No random nobles dropping by to throw tantrums or apply political pressure. It existed precisely so people like Maia could work without fearing for their lives.
Which made the situation even stranger.
Because when Maia returned home that evening, Adeline was sitting outside the gate, bag beside her, looking far too comfortable for someone essentially loitering in a restricted area. And then greeting her with a 'Heeeey~ What's up, girl?'
