The morning came too soon at Blackmoon Alpha Academy, and the air was unusually still, like the academy itself was holding its breath.
Jace heaved a deep sigh as he stepped out of his dorm. Timing was ticking, and Xavier was watching.
He had to do it.
It's now or never.
The council was already seated when Jace arrived.
Head Councilor Varric sat at the center, eyes sharp, hands clasped before him. To his left, Head instructor Calloway tapped his quill against his notes, and to the right, Master-at-Arms Thorne leaned back with arms crossed, always skeptical.
Jace walked into the room with deliberate steps, his boots echoing loud against the polished floor. His face was calm, unreadable—but his stomach twisted with nerves.
This was it.
He had thought about doing what Xavier asked—abou
