She stared at him, unamused. Then, after a pause: "Seventeen minutes and thirty-two seconds."
"…You actually timed it?"
She didn't answer, just turned, walking ahead toward the main building. "Come on."
He caught up, adjusting his bag over his shoulder. "You really missed me that much?"
"No," she said smoothly, but there was the faintest curve at the corner of her lips.
"Liar."
"Delusional."
He chuckled under his breath.
The courtyard was buzzing, students greeting each other, comparing grades, arguing about training exercises. A few heads turned toward Merlin as they passed. He ignored the whispers. He was used to them by now.
"…They're still staring," Elara murmured.
"They'll get bored eventually."
"Or they'll challenge you."
He shrugged. "Then they'll regret it."
Her lips twitched. "You haven't changed."
"Neither have you."
"Wrong," she said quietly, eyes forward. "I have. You just don't notice it yet."
He glanced at her, curious, but she didn't elaborate.
