Though she often complained about him, worry inevitably surfaced now. After all, they were friends.
Zora fell silent for a moment. The beast tide had taken too many lives. Had it not been for Shihtzu at that critical moment, even she didn't know how she would have survived.
"I hope he comes back safely," she said quietly. "His strength isn't weak."
"I hope so." Reesa sighed. "These days, the atmosphere in the academy has been terrible. Every time news spreads that another student has fallen, everyone feels it."
Zora nodded. She understood that feeling all too well. Life and death were never far apart on the cultivation path.
Reesa stayed the night, and the two rested together. By morning, hurried footsteps echoed through the corridor, accompanied by anxious, muffled voices.
Zora and Reesa exchanged a glance, unease flickering between them. They rose at once and opened the door.
Baldwin's room stood open, with Raphael and the others gathered inside.
"You're here."
