Days had passed since they returned from Lohssa, and Midhir’s wounds had only finished healing now. It took several sessions of healing resonance being cast on him for all the damage to the muscles, tendons, and bone to be healed fully. It had been a painful experience he didn’t want to repeat anytime soon.

On the way back to Solus, Arwen had explained what happened after they were separated with Midhir. According to her, they ran for their lives, somehow outrunning the mist and the few wolves that didn’t go after him. After reaching the airship, she was able to recast the resonance from the ‘echoes’ that remained on her staff, and she kept it up until help arrived.

Headmistress Moira had arrived via her personal airship a while later, and while a group of soldiers protected the citizens and the airship, she had apparently dashed towards a beam of golden light.

Her words still bothered him. He had never heard of an ‘echo’ being left behind after a resonance had been cast. His sister hadn’t ever mentioned such a thing either.

Having just been released from the hospital, he finished getting dressed, checked his belongings in his holding gem disguised as an earring, and prepared to leave.

After thanking the nurses and the healers, he stepped out of the two winged doors.

“Finally!” A cheerful voice startled him.

Arwen, Willow, and Alistair were standing off to the side. Arwen’s green eyes lit up with childlike glee, while Willow showed a tired smile.

Alistair’s expression remained unchanged – he seemed distant and uncaring, but his shoulders did relax just a little.

“Have you healed properly?” Arwen rushed towards him. “Is your leg alright?”

He couldn’t help but smile, she reminded him so much of his sister right now. “I’m fine – the healers here are some of the best in Eldoria.”

Arwen smiled with relief. “That’s very good to hear.”

They headed back to the dorms while chatting idly, though Midhir soon found himself disconnected from Arwen and Willow’s conversation. His gaze lingered beyond the windows as they walked the halls.

Snow had begun to fall atop the mountaintops, and it was ever so slowly creeping closer to the castle, and the town beyond the crater. He could feel the chilly wind penetrating his clothes as it blew across the castle halls.

It wasn’t even winter yet, not even the end of autumn. It was too early for snowfall. An’Larion wouldn’t see it for months to come yet. Was it normal for Lunum and Solus Academy to have long, cold winters because of the altitude?

“Let’s meet for dinner later,” Arwen offered as they arrived at the dorms.

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“Sure,” Midhir glanced at Alistair, who curtly nodded.

Willow suddenly looked away. “I, uh,” her voice was hesitant, “I’ll join you guys later.”

Alistair shot her a sharp glance, while Arwen seemed more confused. “What’s wrong?” the blonde girl asked.

Blood rushed to Willow’s cheeks as she quickly shook her head. “Nothing!” she exclaimed, awkwardly chuckling. “There’s nothing wrong, stop worrying so much! Anyways, see you later.” She nearly ran towards her room.

Arwen watched her with a concerned expression before turning towards Midhir and Alistair again. “I’ll check on her,” she promised.

Once she left as well, Midhir and Alistair climbed the stairs to the upper floors, leading to their rooms. Alistair’s room was at the start of the circular hallway of the tower, while Midhir’s was towards the end.

“Do you mind if I accompany you?” the noble asked, following Midhir.

“No, not at all,” he said, wondering what was going on. They soon arrived at his room.

It was exactly as he had left it. The single window was shut closed, but the wind still found cracks along the frame to blow through. His only belongings were a couple of books stacked on top of each other on the small desk, and a cloak hanging from the hanger next to the door.

Alistair closed the door. “I must thank you,” he spoke with a solemn voice. “And apologize for my despicable behaviour.”

Midhir stopped mid-step and turned towards the young Orlein. “What are you talking about?” he asked with raised eyebrows and a confused expression.

“I despaired. I gave up. I was ready to wait for the mist to take us,” Alistair looked out the window. “At the first hint of trouble, I forsake Lohssa, and everyone there – the crew of the airship, Willow, Arwen, you. It was unbecoming of a noble – I can’t face my lineage with such a weak will.”

So that was what this was all about. Midhir took a deep breath. “We survived,” he stated the obvious. “You got Arwen and Willow out of there, didn’t you?”

Alistair closed his eyes. “Before that, I-“

Midhir cut him off, “I heard you. I heard Arwen shouting at me, and I heard your voice. I heard you bring them back to their senses. You made sure the people of Lohssa weren’t lost in the mist.” He folded his arms and scowled. “We all despair. You’re human – ancient lineage or not, you are allowed to feel.”

He pointed out the window. “Bareon didn’t survive only because your ancestor took action.”

Alistair’s eyes shot wide open.

“He wasn’t alone. The Emperor didn’t reclaim the city all by himself either – they had army behind them, and had each other, and their close allies to lean on,” he continued without hesitation. “If something like what happened to Bareon happens to An’Larion, what do you think will happen?”

He could see blood drain from Alistair’s face. Pale as a sheet of paper, the young noble looked at him in shock. “Do not speak of such a thing, have you lost your mind?!” He exclaimed, almost as if he was frightened even speaking of it would bring it into existence. “Eldoria would come to the brink of collapse!”

Midhir pursed his lips. “I know. But it can happen. The thirteenth district of the city is covered in mist, only contained by the combined efforts of the Empress, and many powerful people, including Willow’s father.” He let out a sigh and brushed his hair back. “My point is,” he explained, “You’re human. So are we all. You don’t apologize for feeling.”

He glared at the young noble. “You don’t,” he repeated again. “You apologize for not acting – but you did act. You helped us cast the first resonance, you got Arwen and Willow out of there safely, and you fought against the beasts coming from the mist when she recast the resonance. What more should you have done?”

A moment of silence was broken by Alistair’s next words.

“Everything you have done.” His gaze met with Midhir’s. “Willow and Arwen – they don’t know what that beam of light was.”

Midhir felt his blood freeze.

“I will keep it that way, since you’ve said nothing.” Alistair bowed his head slightly before leaving the room.