_Zephyr’s POV_
The hallway buzzed with tension and excitement. Students in black uniforms stood in lines, chatting quietly while adjusting their belts and boots.
My heart thudded as I adjusted the strap of my leather satchel across my chest. This was it, the day of the hunting.
I glanced to my left. Elias stood beside me, calm as always, adjusting his spectacles with two fingers like he was about to sit through a quiet reading session, not enter a deadly forest full of wild beasts.
He caught me staring and gave me a small smile. “Nervous?”
I scoffed softly. “Me? No. Are you?”
He gave a thoughtful hum, then said, “Only a little. I don’t like dirtying my shirt.”
I couldn’t help but chuckle. Of course that was his concern.
Principal Morren stepped onto the stage at the front of the r
