The ride back to the academy was quiet. Damien’s hand rested on the wheel, his expression unreadable, the low hum of the car the only sound between them.

Ivy sat beside him, watching the trees blur past in the dark. The scent of leather mixed with his faint musk filled the air, grounding her.

He spoke after a while, voice calm but distant. “I won’t be around tomorrow morning,” he said, his eyes still fixed on the road. “I have preparations to make.”

Ivy nodded softly, faking a ...