The old greenhouse sat tucked away at the far edge of the eastern gardens, half-hidden behind thick vines and fogged glass panels that scattered the late afternoon light into soft, golden fragments. The air inside was warm and still, heavy with the scent of damp soil, aged timber, and faint wild herbs. It felt like stepping into a world separate from the academy's sharp edges and watchful eyes.
Aria was already waiting.
The moment Leo stepped through the door, her gaze lifted and softened with open concern. She set her notebook aside and moved toward him without hesitation.
"You look drained," she said gently. "Was the topic that difficult?"
Leo lowered himself onto the low bench. "It was dense… but that's not really the issue." He rubbed the back of his neck, exhaling. "I've been getting really sensitive to everything lately. In class today it felt like I was overloaded. Every sound, every flicker of mana, every small shift in the room — it all hit me at once."
