Elara sat at the edge of the training field, watching the distant treetops sway gently in the wind when a voice emerged behind her.
"Lila?"
Elara jumped, spinning around. Her silver eyes widened as she found herself face-to-face with Mathew. He stood just a few feet away, hands in his pockets, a charming smile tugging at his lips.
"I didn't mean to startle you," he said, raising his hands in a gesture of apology.
Elara shook her head quickly, her heart racing. "No, it's fine," she murmured, glancing around. "But… how are you allowed to be here?"
Mathew chuckled, his gaze warm yet knowing. "I have my ways," he said smoothly. "Years and years of service to this place, coupled with a little trust I've earned along the way."
Elara frowned, unsure if she should press further. The Academy was famously strict about its boundaries, and yet here he was, as if strolling through a public park.