Zane grunted under the weight of Sera's ridiculous number of bags as he trudged toward the airship like a condemned man.
"I swear you multiply these every time we move," he huffed.
Sera giggled behind him, completely unbothered. "Maybe they just like you."
Nyx snickered in his mind, "At this rate, we should start charging for luggage service. First bag free, every extra one costs your dignity."
Zane finally dumped the bags near their assigned seats with a dramatic sigh and slumped into the chair.
Just as Sera sat down beside him, Zane stood again.
"I'll be right back," he said, dusting off his coat. "There's something I need to do first."
"Hmm?" Sera blinked. "What is it?"
"Don't worry. I'll be quick."
Turning away, Zane whispered to Nyx, "Where's Valerie?"
A soft pulse guided his vision—Nyx's way of pointing. "Rooftop. Northwest dorm building. Alone. Probably sulking dramatically."
Moments later, Zane landed gently on the rooftop with a faint flutter of shadows. Valerie sat near the edge, legs drawn up to her chest, her gaze distant as the wind rustled her hair.
Zane walked up cautiously, clearing his throat. "Umm... hey."
She glanced sideways but didn't say a word.
He scratched his head awkwardly. "I'm... sorry. For what happened. I didn't mean to crush your feelings or anything like that."
Nyx whispered in his head, "Smooth. Really pulled out the poet in you."
Zane rolled his eyes but pressed on. "I mean it. I'm really sorry, okay? I just hope you can forgive me."
There was silence. Then Valerie let out a small sigh and turned toward him—expression unreadable.