After Clarisse left, Brandon settled back onto the bench beside Eira and Dhayun, while Yverine remained seated on the grass in front of them, comfortably leaning against his legs.
Their conversation wandered from the recent academy tournament to the assignments Dhayun had neglected during the past week, and Brandon was currently listening to her explain why she believed the academy's instructors had collectively decided to make her life miserable.
What he didn't notice was that Eira has been exchanging messages with someone ever since Clarisse came earlier.
She initially took her phone to check a notification, only to remember that there was someone else who has been asking about Brandon almost every day since his disappearance.
Elena.
Eira sent her a simple message saying that Brandon is back at the academy and sitting with them in the park.
She barely put her phone away when Elena responded, asking whether he is actually there or if Eira is joking.
