The cobblestone streets of the academy were eerily quiet.
Noah and Ariana made their way through the narrow paths.
A cloth-lined bag slung over Noah's shoulder.
The old leather straps creaked softly with each step.
But otherwise, the pair moved silently under the cover of the night.
The setting sun bathed the horizon in a rich gradient of orange and purple, soon giving way to the pale glow of the moon.
Noah adjusted his black hoodie, pulling it further down over his face as Ariana glanced around nervously.
"Are you sure we're not being followed?"
She whispered, her voice barely audible.
Noah scoffed lightly.
"Relax. It's late.
No one's going to notice—"
"Oi! You two!"
A sharp voice cut through the quiet.
Ariana froze mid-step, her breath catching.
From a shadowed corner ahead, two knights in polished academy-issued armor stepped into view.
