The academy buzzed with excitement after the Guardian Trial.
By lunchtime, nearly every student had heard that the first-years had completed Professor Ashcroft’s newest challenge.
Most stories grew more dramatic with each retelling.
“I heard they fought dragons.”
“I heard Finn wrestled a mountain.”
“I heard Maya accidentally blew up half the maze.”
Maya looked offended.
“It wasn’t half.”
Finn laughed.
“I knew that rumor would be your favorite.”
⸻
Evelyn slid into her usual seat beside Lucas.
The dining hall was as lively as ever, enchanted chandeliers floating overhead while portraits along the walls quietly chatted among themselves.
One elderly portrait adjusted his spectacles.
“So that’s the Lunaris girl.”
“I told you she’d be interesting,” another replied.
Evelyn pretend
