The Clexus hummed softly as it descended toward the Academy grounds, its anti-grav thrusters casting a blue glow across the manicured lawn of the Year One boys' dormitory. Sophie piloted it with the casual expertise of someone who'd grown up around advanced tech, while Noah sat beside her, lost in thought.
"You're awfully quiet," Sophie noted, glancing at him as she guided the vehicle into a smooth landing. "Still thinking about dinner with the Minister of Defense?"
Noah shook his head, coming back to the present. "Just... got a lot on my mind."
Sophie cut the engines and turned to face him fully. In the dim light of the dashboard, her eyes seemed to search his face for answers he wasn't ready to give.
"Whatever you're planning," she said softly, reaching out to touch his cheek, "just be careful, okay?"
Noah leaned into her touch for a moment. "When am I not careful?"
Sophie's laughter filled the cabin. "Do you want the list chronologically or alphabetically?"
