The next morning came quietly. Sunlight filtered through the windows, warm and soft. Julian was the first to wake up. He sat up slowly, rubbing the sleep from his eyes, then looked around.
He smiled faintly to himself.
After what happened last night… the others had definitely noticed. He could feel it. The way they looked at him and Veronica afterward, half curious, half envious.
They wanted to be loved too. Even Zoe, though she still kept her distance, hiding behind a wall of shyness. Maybe she just needed a bit more time.
Julian got dressed quickly, adjusting his gear. Today was important. Glain was supposed to assign the scouting team, but Julian already had a few people in mind.
He made his way to Glain's office, the hallways still quiet at this early hour. When he arrived, he knocked twice on the heavy wooden door.
"Come in," Glain's voice called from inside.
Julian stepped in.
