~ISSA.

The city stretched out below my office window in a sprawl of lights and movement.

I barely noticed the view, though—the sight had long lost its appeal. Instead, my mind drifted, unwillingly, back to Yulia. Her scent lingered in the air, soft and warm, even hours after I’d dropped her off at Canis Academy. I knew it was just my mind playing tricks, but I could swear I still felt her presence beside me.

I leaned back in my chair, trying to focus on the code filling the screen in front ...