Evaline:
By the time we left the city behind, the wind had calmed my nerves. The bike ride with Rowan was smooth, fast, and strangely comforting. No words were exchanged, but something about the silence didn't feel heavy like it usually did. Maybe because it wasn't the kind that judged.
Instead of heading straight for the Academy, he slowed down as we passed the first town nestled at the base of the Academy mountains. The streets here were quieter, cozier, lined with small shops, bakeries, and warm yellow streetlights that were glowing like fireflies in the night.
Without warning, he pulled into the parking lot of a small diner that was looking like it had been pulled out of another era. Red booths were lining the windows. A neon sign was buzzing above the glass door, casting a soft pink glow.
He turned off the engine and looked over his shoulder. "Come on. Let's eat."
I blinked. "Shouldn't we... go back?"
He shrugged. "The gates are open till midnight. We have got time."
