Smoke drifted through the courtyard.
The scent of scorched stone and magic hung in the air.
Evelyn knelt where Selene had disappeared, the silver feather resting in her palm. It shimmered softly, warm against her skin.
“Who was she?” Maya whispered.
No one answered.
Dean Blackwood strode toward them, his expression more serious than Evelyn had ever seen.
“Everyone inside,” he ordered. “Now.”
“But—” Evelyn began.
“That wasn’t a request.”
⸻
The professors quickly organized the evacuation.
Third- and fourth-year students remained outside to reinforce the academy’s defenses while first-years were ushered into the Great Hall.
Finn shifted back into his human form behind a line of wagons.
Lucas tossed him an academy sweatshirt.
“Thanks.”
Finn looked at the torn sleeves and sighed.
