Moments later,

Author

The roof access was supposed to be locked.

Aria picked the latch in three seconds and stepped out into the night. The academy spread below her like a circuit board. Lights in windows. Movement in courtyards. The hum of a world that didn't know she was standing above it.

He was already there.

Malphas sat on the ledge, legs dangling over the drop, a bottle of something dark beside him. He didn't turn when she approached. He just shifted slightly, making room.

She sat. Not close. Not far. The distance of a blade's reach.

"You're not supposed to be here," she said.

"Neither are you."

"The lock...