The marblestone wall seemed to close in as Mel struggled to walk; her waist was now wrapped by an arm.
She gulped down a nervous pant; Maria's hot breath tickled the side of her neck.
Pursing her lips, she opened the door.
Thus, the Swordmaster was revealed; her robes were replaced by the usual academy uniform, with her usual ornamental sword dangling at the waist.
Yet a small bandage stuck to her cheek and wrapped around her leg; remnants of wounds left with her 'spar' with Wrath.
"Calina?"
With a worried frown, Mel asked. "Are you okay?"
Calina's brows raised, surprised.
"That's..."
Shaken by her words, the Swordmaster blushed before coughing twice to calm herself.
"Thanks," Calina said, hanging her head with a conflicted expression. "You might be the first not to taunt or lecture me about the wounds."
"Calina..."
Mel's look softened, then immediately melted when-
"Hic-"
She folded a hand over her lips, cheeks heating up as she shot a 'whiny' glance beside her.
