*Chapter 39: Home Fires*
Morning sunlight streaked through jade-green windows as Nightwatch limped back into Jade Spirit Academy. Bandages wrapped every joint, bruises marked every face, but nothing could hide their relief. Word of their latest "adventure" flew ahead of them—classmates whispered and wondered, while the headmistress simply gave each of them a small, proud nod.
For days, they moved quietly through halls—catching up on classes, sneaking winks and smiles. Jin Ming and Mei Fen compared scars under the table; Yan helped Bao Yu with a tricky potion assignment, her shoulder freshly splinted. Li Wei and Xiulan sat together in morning sunlight, hands always just touching, the memory of their victory and their first kiss a secret warmth.
Beneath the bandages, every member of Nightwatch felt less alone—carrying both pain and pride. Together, they'd survived the shadows; together they could face anything the world threw next.