The morning air was crisp, but the tension was thicker than ever. The echoes of their training still reverberated in Ari’s muscles, but there was no time to rest. The Headmaster’s summons came swiftly—this time with an urgent edge.
In the war room, the atmosphere was heavy. Maps and runes covered every surface, glowing faintly under the dim lights. Scouts and professors whispered anxiously, their faces pale.
Calder looked up as Ari and the others entered. “The Gate near the Eastern watchtowers flickered again last night—longer this time. Something powerful slipped through.”
Luca’s eyes darkened. “Seraphine’s forces are probing deeper.”
Celeste’s voice was steady, but there was a sharp edge to it. “We need to know what we’re dealing with.”
Calder nodded. “We’re sending a reconnaissance
