POV: Mina
The Academy fractures overnight.
I feel it happening through the walls of the Oracle chambers, through the bond connecting me to three devastated Alphas, through the ancient magic in the foundation that's been responding to my presence for months and is now screaming recognition.
The chambers Headmaster Thorne brought me to are in the oldest part of the Academy. North tower, top floor, rooms that haven't been occupied in centuries. Oracle symbols are carved into every doorframe, every window, protective runes that flared back to life the moment I crossed the threshold.
The rooms knew me. Recognized my blood. Welcomed me home to a place I'd never been but that had been waiting for me anyway.
I stand at the window looking down at the ceremonial grounds, now empty except for c
