—Alexia—
It's after midnight when I finally decide.
The dorm is quiet except for Kaia's soft breathing in the corner. Zeus should be here. I should feel the gentle thump of his tail or the warmth of him curled by my feet. But the binding spell stole him. Took everything.
I sit on the edge of my bed, twisting the bracelet Mom gave me between my fingers. The weight in my chest feels like the storm brewing outside — too heavy to carry alone.
Finn told me this morning he'd come with me. He'd pack his things, walk me through the dark, face whatever came next—together. I wanted that. I want that. But I don't know who I am anymore, not without Zeus, not bound and watched like some fragile treasure.
I slip quietly out of bed, careful not to wake Kaia. I pull on jeans and a hoodie, my boots light on the floor.
Kaia stirs as I reach the door. Her eyes open, blinking up at me.
"Lex?" Her voice is low, sleepy but sharp.
I hesitate. "I'm leaving. Just for a while."
She sits up fully now, concern sharpening her features. "Leaving? But Finn—he's packing. He said he's coming with you."
"I know." I swallow the lump in my throat. "But I can't let him. Not yet. I need to do this on my own."
Kaia frowns. "You think you can sneak off without telling him?"
I shrug, feeling the shame prick at my skin. "He's asleep. I didn't want to wake him. I didn't want him to try and stop me."
Her lips twitch into a sad smile. "Liar."
I blink at her, surprised.
"You didn't want me to stop you either," she says quietly.
"You would've tried," I admit.
Kaia reaches out, pulling me into a hug so tight it knocks the breath out of me. "Of course I would've. But I get it. Just promise me you'll be okay. Promise you'll come back."
"I promise."
She pulls back, eyes glossy. "If you don't write me every damn day, I will hex your toothbrush."
"That's oddly specific and terrifying," I say, managing a small smile.
She snorts. "Good. Now go. Before I start crying."
I nod, throat tight, and step into the hallway.
Finn is in his dorm room, curled beneath a blanket with a book resting on his chest. His eyes flutter closed, unaware of the space I'm carving away from him, unaware I'm already gone.
I pause at the gate to Whisperwind, the wards humming softly in the night air.
Finn's arms had wrapped around me, pulling me close, his whispered promise lingering in my hair: "Come back to me."
I turn once to look back.
He's still there.
Sleeping.
Waiting.
I step forward, disappearing into the night.