I turn to find Bastian standing closer than I expected, his tall frame blocking the view of anyone behind us. Up close, he looks tired—fine lines at the corners of his eyes that weren't there before, a slight pallor beneath his tan.

"Just common sense," I reply, tucking my notes into my bag. "Use the tools you have."

"Like the book?" he asks, voice dropping so low I almost miss it.

I freeze. We haven't spoken in what feels like ages, let alone about the book. "It's been... educational."

His eyes search mine. "Found what you were looking for?"

"Not entirely." I glance around to ensure no one is within earshot. "I never properly thanked you. For the book, and for what you did during Confluence Day."

He gives a slight nod. "No thanks needed. We both got what we wanted."

"And what did you want, exactly?"

Bastian's smile doesn't reach his eyes. "To help, of course."

"Why?" I press. "Why go to such lengths for me?"

He's silent for a long moment. "What you are… dangerous or not, there are people who would value what you can become. And there are people who would see you destroyed before they took the risk of letting you grow. I've seen enough destruction for one lifetime."

I frown. "What does that mean?"

His gaze shifts, focusing on something over my shoulder. "You never did listen about him."

I don't need to turn to know who he's looking at. "Raith has been nothing but helpful."

"Has he?" Bastian's voice cools. "Almost every year, there are those who slip into Confluence under false pretenses. Those with dangerous intentions. Intentions that could harm Empire."

"And you think Raith is one of them?"

"I think there's more to him than meets the eye." He taps my notebook with one finger. "Just as there's more to you. Be careful who you trust with your secrets, Nessa."

"Including you?" I challenge.

His smile is almost sad. "Especially me."

Before I can respond, he moves past me, rejoining the stream of students leaving the classroom. I watch him go, puzzled by the warning—or was it a confession?

As I turn to leave, I catch sight of Raith standing near the door. As usual, he stands apart by his size and the dangerous aura that seems to cling to him like smoke.

Our eyes meet across the room, and electricity arcs between us, sharp and undeniable as lightning splitting the sky. His gaze drops briefly to my lips, then returns to my eyes with an intensity that sends pure fire coursing through my veins. One side of his mouth lifts in the barest hint of a smile before he tilts his head slightly toward the east wing—a silent confirmation of our training session later.

I give the smallest nod in return, and he's gone, disappearing into the corridor with lethal grace.