By the time the crowd began dispersing, the energy was palpable, part excitement, part dread. Elara glanced over as they stepped into the open courtyard again.
"You looked distracted."
"Just thinking about Morgana's tone."
"She always sounds like that."
"No," Merlin said quietly. "This was different."
Elara studied him for a moment, then said, "Whatever it is, we'll face it. Together."
He smiled faintly. "That's the second time you've said that."
"Then remember it."
He nodded, eyes glinting faintly gold in the sun. "I will."
They walked on, the sound of students echoing behind them, laughter, chatter, the start of something new.
And for the first time that morning, Merlin felt a quiet certainty settle in his chest.
Something was changing again.
And this time, he wasn't facing it alone.
