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CHAPTER FIFTY-FOUR March 27, 2014. The morning air was soft and calm, Clara stood quietly near the edge of the administrative building, waiting in line with other students to collect her matriculation gown. Around her, the campus was lively, voices, laughter, footsteps, greetings all blending into a familiar rhythm of student life. To Clara, the sounds felt muffled. Distant. Almost like they were happening underwater. Her eyes stung faintly, heavier than usual, still swollen from the night before. It wasn’t just the tears, it was the weight pressing down on her, the kind she couldn’t explain to anyone. Not even herself. “Elina Meira Emberwing!” one of the staff members called, handing over a folded gown. Elina turned away from the table, and immediately spotted Clara in the line. She
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