***
Alba left the next morning, and he was far from quiet.
He made sure to bark, nuzzle, and circle Ignotus until he had enough.
Ignotus waved, smelling freshly bathed, his white hair soft as wool.
Eris sat on his shoulder. Her tail curled around his neck.
She did not wave.
Alba didn't deserve that honor.
The moment the dog-wolf disappeared around a corner, Ignotus turned towards the classrooms.
Eris watched, studied, and savored these moments.
Because today… Ignotus was calm, far from teasing death.
And these small, peaceful moments were new to Her.
Every mortal they passed stared. Some froze, others whispered, but most simply stepped aside, making an interrupted path through the hallway for him.
Ignotus didn't give them a single glance, nor did She.
They did not matter; they were pieces of a world She tolerated because He was in it.
Besides, Her thoughts were too preoccupied to spare even a sliver of attention to the gawking children.
