Neo was lying in the infirmary bed, vision hazy and ears ringing.

  “Hey, hey. Wake up! Damn it. I should’ve known that this was going to happen.” Kleo’s voice was muffled to him.

  His eyes were beginning to focus on his surroundings. He sat up, placing a palm over his head before looking at Kleo, his vision stabilizing.

  “Finally awake? Good, because I couldn’t have guessed that you’d be out for that long,” Kleo sighed, sitting back down.

  “What happened?” He asked.

  She crossed one leg over the other. “First of all, how’s your head feeling? Any better?”

  Neo moved his hair from his eyes. “... Better than before. I hope it stays that way for now.”

  “Okay, that’s a relief. I had you drink something earlier this morning, but after that, you were out for the rest of the day.” Kleo tilted her head to the windows.

  Blood orange from the sun tinted through the infirmary windows, dark clouds setting.

  “So, I missed the entire day of classes?” Neo said.

  “Yes, you cheeky fellow. Well, I suppose any student would be happy for that. Unless you’re in advanced classes, because if you are? You’ve got plenty of catching up to do. The curriculum gets rigorous in Frostveil.” She said.

  Kleo put an elbow on her crossed leg, her palm meeting her chin. Neo scooted over to the edge of the bed, getting ready to slip his shoes back on.

  “It’s you, isn’t it?” Kleo looked at him.

  “What do you mean by that?” He halted.

  The infirmary was slightly cracked open. Kleo raised her other hand, fingertips covered in green energy as the door was pushed shut.

  “What else could that mean?” She said.

  “So, you can do a little more than just gauge wellness?” Neo said.

  “Yes. Yes, I can. And what I saw shook me to the core. What was all of that? Tell me it’s fake, I don’t want to believe any of that was real!” Her eyes were searching his gaze.

  Neo’s expressions didn’t shift. His brows relaxed the same way they did when he slept, eyes narrowing as if nothing mattered, and his hands rested loosely on the edge of the bed. Kleo’s mouth opened marginally, and her brows furrowed.

  “I ran away. And my house has been doing everything in its power for me to return. I’m not going back.” He said.

  “I was right then.” She said.

  “Don’t go around telling everyone. That white-haired ogre is already after my blood.” He said.

  “Oh, stars… Why didn’t you say anything sooner? Do you not understand the gravity of your existence?” She said.

  “I do. And it’ll be the same thing here as it was in Vislinia. You’re already showing me that if word gets out, I’ll be in deeper waters.” Neo put his shoes back on and stood from the bed.

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  “Hey! Wait, just a second, I didn’t mean it like—”

  “I’ve heard that phrase everywhere. You’re not any different from them,” Neo walked toward the infirmary door.

  “Hey, wait a moment! Don’t forget your medicine!” She stood from the stool, hoping her words would stop him, but he continued out the door.

  “Ugh! What a brat.” She ruffled her hair.

  Golden flames wrapped between Veyric’s palms, spiraling just within them, never breaking the formation of a sphere. His eyes relaxed, gently removing one palm, now controlling the flames in one hand. A grin tore free, his gaze widening, and his eyebrows snapping upward.

  “Yes!” He mouthed to himself, moving his hand around with the sphere of flames.

  Xena walked out to the front of the manor where he was, grinning.

  “Well, would you look at that? You’ve gotten much better.” She put a hand on her hip.

  “In the book, it said this was one of the most powerful skills dragon hybrids have. It’s called Sleight of the Flame,” He said.

  “That’s interesting. I trust by the time I get back, you’ll be a master?” She grinned.

  “I hope so.” He chuckled.

  “Wait… You’re leaving now?” He said.

  “Duty calls, Veyric,” She said.

  He looked at her intently, focusing all his attention on Xena’s new armor. It was sleek, dark-plated, and fitted closely to her form. Around her waist was a dark-plated skirt of armor, cropped at the front, leaving only the back and sides protected. She wore a pair of ankle-height flat boots. Although most of Xena’s body was covered in armor, it was lightweight and designed for agility, making little noise as she moved.

  “So that’s why you were wearing ordinary clothing? New armor? It looks good on you,” he said.

  “Thankyou. They put a lot of effort into making it for me. Maybe one day they’ll make you one too,” She chuckled.

  “Are you sure you’re going to be all right out there?” He dropped his hand, the flame dissipating.

  “I’ll be more than all right out there, Veyric. But if it puts you at ease, I’ll send letters.” A faint smile escaped.

  “Yeah, that would be nice. Make sure you add in what Hirmzin’s like.” He said.

  “I’ll be sure to remember.” She stepped closer and wrapped her arms around him.

  Veyric froze, his breath hitching, and his shoulders stiffening. He raised his hands with shakiness, hugging back loosely. Xena gently patted his back.

  “You’ve got a good head on your shoulders, Veyric. Don’t let anyone sway you into changing, hear me?” She pulled back, hands straightening out the collar of his shirt, then backing off.

  “... Right,” he said, scratching his head.

  “I’ll be on my way now,” She began heading down the hill of the manor.

  “I’ll be waiting for your letter!” He shouted.

  The sun sank below the horizon, casting shadows across the forest.