The Hall of Resonance felt different by daylight. The same circular, marble-lined chamber where Silas had endured his affinity test now held an air of judicial solemnity. Instead of testing stations, there was a semicircular table of dark wood where five figures sat. In the center was Arcanist Kaela, her severe face framed by the high collar of her Branch A robes. To her left sat two older mages—one from Branch S with storm-grey hair, another from Branch B with the calloused hands of a practical artificer. To her right were two administrators, including the pinched face of Arciclerk Mordred, the Guild's chief bureaucrat.
Sir Alaric stood at a lectern to the side, looking every inch the noble petitioner. Silas stood alone in the center of the room, the sole focus of their combined gaze. Th
