Lorraine's POV
Felix and I sat together in the dim light, the quiet hum of distant voices filtering in from somewhere beyond the walls. It was strange, talking to him like this. Of course we'd spoken before, we practically lived together at the feral dorm, but tonight…. tonight felt different. Maybe it was because I was exhausted enough to let my guard down, or maybe because I'd already lost too much to care about pretenses anymore.
We spoke about everything and nothing. About the academy. About the nights when I thought I wouldn't survive to see morning. About the ridiculous pranks we once pulled on our friends in the feral dorm. And somehow, in between the laughter and the heavy silences, I felt.… lighter. Clearer. Like all the noise in my head had finally settled, leaving me with the pieces that mattered.
After a while, I leaned back, staring at the ceiling.
"How's it going with the Ghosthound Queen?" I asked quietly, breaking the moment. "Is she awake?"
