THALIA’S POV
My question lingered in the air, unanswered. “What the hell happened to them?” Neither of them replied immediately. Ragnar moved first.
He stepped closer to the bodies, crouching beside Headmaster Valdren. His movements were sharp and controlled but something about him still felt off. Like he was holding himself together by force.
He reached out, pressing two fingers briefly against Valdren’s neck. Then he pulled back.
“They’re dead,” he said flatly. A chill ran down my spine.
“I can see that,” I whispered, my voice shaking. “But how long have they been dead?”
Ragnar’s jaw tightened. “Not recently.”
My heart skipped. “What?”
Caleb stepped forward then, his expression unreadable as he examined Baron’s body. “At least a few hours,” he said calmly.
My stomach dropped. “
