The dim Academy gym smelled strongly of sweat and charred cloth. The only sound was the steady thud of fists hitting leather. Leo stood in front of an old punching bag, its surface torn and worn, ragged cloth covering his knuckles.
As he delivered a barrage of blows, the ring necklace around his neck gleamed with every one, swinging like a clock.
Rin's tear-streaked face and her heated argument with Elara Valcourt were haunting him, and his mind was a mess. Leo intervened, his voice cold, as he pushed Rin away, an attempt to shield her from Ashtera's wrath.
It ripped free, flying across the gym to crash against the stone wall, embers falling like fading stars as the cloth on his hand burned to ash.
"Still tearing yourself up over it?" Erin's soft, playful voice pierced through. When Leo turned, he saw her sitting on a bench with Nimbus stretched out on her lap, his black fur gleaming as she stroked him.
