Jane… envied that.
Her focus had been splintered lately, even more so with everything that had happened. The stares, the rumors, the shadow of conflict that still loomed behind her even in the safety of library walls. She studied, yes. She worked. She trained. But there was always something clinging to the back of her mind, tugging her attention away.
But Astron?
He was like the eye of a storm. Everything around him could burn, and she suspected he'd still turn a page at the same pace.
Jane adjusted the sleeve of her coat slightly and lowered her gaze again. Her next line of notes was neater than usual—more deliberate.
She didn't try to mimic him. But there was something about sharing space with someone like that… someone who wasn't just calm, but anchored... that grounded her too. Just a little.
I want that kind of focus, she thought. That clarity.
