Chapter 203: Keeping Her Eyes & Ears Open
Evaline:
I stepped out of the dining hall and into the gentle hush of snowfall. The entire Academy was glowing softly under a thick blanket of crystalline white.
The night air bit at my cheeks, but I pulled my fur-lined coat tighter and set off toward the administrative building. Despite spending more than three months here, I still got taken aback this place’s sheer beauty. Every step felt like stepping into a storybook - the corridors, the lamp-lit paths, the warriors patrolling around the place.
But my own breath felt taut, mixed with the anticipation of the evening ahead.
Halfway through the West Wing, I passed Professor Aldric and another second-year instructor. I offered a polite nod and "Good evening," and received friendly smiles in return as we headed our respective ways.
Snowflakes were falling heavily now, clinging to the hem of my coat as I took a shortcut through a courtyard. A wave of warmth greeted me as I entered the office area. The heaters kept the place warm - a stark contrast to the cold outside.
Once I arrived outside Kieran’s office, I rapped gently on the door. Within moments, I heard the soft authority of his voice inviting me in.
Inside, the room was glowing in golden light as the fireplace roared softly, spraying sparks across the hearth. The air was thick with warmth and the faint scent of woodsmoke. I looked up to see Kieran not at his desk, but curled on the long couch, an arm draped across a pile of papers, loose strands falling into his face as he looked up. He gestured to the space beside him, and I made my way there.
"Thank you," I said, holding a paper bag in my lap that held his coat from previous night. I sat down as he leaned forward, pushing the hair from his eyes and taking a look at the bag.
"I sent it for dry-cleaning at the Academy laundry, and I... well, I used a light-scented perfume of mine. I hope you don’t mind." I forced a shy smile.