Anta finally left reluctantly.
There was no helping it, as Durin had a pass and could move freely in the Circle, but Anta couldn't; she was only allowed to come in for a while because the security staff made an exception for old Liz.
Durin didn't want any exceptions, nor did he want to become one.
So Durin walked Anta to the front door of the Mage Academy, where he also encountered Irene.
The little bird immediately started chirping joyfully and flew into Durin's arms upon seeing him.
"You've grown a little taller," Durin said, hugging her with some confusion.
"So have you," Irene said, sizing up Durin as she spoke.
But no matter, it's not important to split hairs over a half-blood's growth—they always get taller in time.
After saying goodbye to the two girls, Durin was about to head back to the Circle when a black dragon blocked his path.
"You've got the nerve to show up here!" he said, glaring at Durin with a hostile expression.
Durin was stunned, "Who are you?"