Elowyn limped quietly up the stairs, every step dragging a pulse of pain through her leg. Her eyes flicked to the distant hallway—still empty.

The boys' dorm was too quiet tonight.

As she reached the top, her fingers hesitated on the doorframe. Her breath caught.

Were they waiting for her?

She stared at the door to her shared quarters, frozen.

Baron hadn’t said much since the dining hall.

Azpen hadn’t looked her in the eye once during training.

Not even a nod.

Not even that usual, ...