Aria stood at the threshold of the Sixth Branch residence, her travel pack slung over one shoulder.
"Two weeks," Kael said, leaning against the doorframe with his arms crossed. "Maybe three. The Shadow Guild has training facilities I can't replicate here."
"I know." She adjusted the strap. "Don't die."
"Disappointing. I was hoping for something more sentimental."
Her violet eyes flickered with something between annoyance and affection. "Don't fuck anyone while I'm gone."
"No promises."
She left without looking back.
Kael watched her silhouette disappear down the corridor, then shut the door and exhaled slowly. The Sixth Branch residence was exactly as he had left it two years ago — sparse, cold, and deliberately uninviting.
He dropped onto the narrow bed staring at the ceiling.
The throne room replayed in his mind.
