Breaking Through

"You're not coming back, brother?" Diana's voice held a touch of disappointment, though she tried to mask it with a light tone.

I shook my head, a small smile playing on my lips. "No, I'm not planning to return to the academy right away."

Her eyebrows arched in curiosity. "And may I ask why?"

I leaned in a conspiratorial glint in my eyes. "I have some matters to attend to, some loose ends that need tying up."

A playful scoff escaped her. "You and your mysterious ways. It's practically your nature, isn't it?"

I chuckled. "Perhaps. But consider it a surprise. Something you'll find out when I return."

Diana's lips curled into a smile, both amused and intrigued. "A surprise, huh? Well then, I'll be waiting eagerly."

"Take care, Diana," I said, my tone softening.

"You too, brother." With that, she turned toward the portal that would carry her back to the academy.