The afternoon bell echoed across Hidden Moon Academy.
Students poured from classrooms into the castle corridors, laughing and talking as they hurried toward their next lessons.
Evelyn adjusted the strap of her satchel as she walked beside Lucas.
“You’ve been quiet.”
Lucas looked up.
“Have I?”
“A little.”
Before he could answer, Maya suddenly appeared between them.
“Good!”
They both jumped.
“Maya!”
“What?”
“You were having a serious conversation.”
“I fixed it.”
Finn sighed as he caught up.
“You really did.”
⸻
The group rounded the corner toward the History Wing when Professor Elowen appeared.
“There you are.”
The six students stopped.
“I’ve spoken with Professor Ashcroft.”
She smiled warmly.
“Beginning tonight, the six of you—and Kael—will meet once a week after dinner
