A Crimson's Heart

"Ah, it looks like they've finally left, huh?"

Aeliana turned her head toward Joaquin, who had suddenly appeared beside her in the garden of the Crimson Estate.

He sat down on the grass next to Aeliana, who lay sprawled, staring at the sky.

It had been three days since the first-years were expected back at the academy, but Azriel, Jasmine, and Nol had only departed an hour ago, accompanied by Amaya and Iryndra. Yelena and Lumine had already left earlier, not too eager to skip classes, though their departure carried no other pressing reason. Still, their brief visit had left a significant mark.