The tram glided smoothly through the early morning light, carrying the three cadets back toward the academy. The city outside the windows slowly gave way to greener landscapes, the buildings thinning, the horizon opening up.
Inside, silence reigned.
Elreth sat by the window, her orange eyes fixed on the passing scenery but seeing none of it. She was lost in thought, still processing the night with her mother—the quiet peace, the training, the words of pride that still echoed in her heart. Her body ached from the punishment she had received, but beneath the soreness was a deep, quiet satisfaction.
Khione sat across from her, eyes closed, her breathing slow and even. She had slipped into a light meditative state, drawing in the ambient prana, letting it cycle through her core. Her face was calm, peaceful, the Ice Queen in repose.
Nero sat beside Khione, watching them both for a moment. Then his gaze shifted to Elreth.
His God's Eyes activated. [A/N: Divine Eyes if you prefer]
