"Running out of time" echoed through Serena's exhausted mind long after Mira drifted back into healing sleep, the words refusing to loosen their grip even as dawn light finally broke over the Healing Den's shuttered windows.
She was still turning them over when Headmistress Lyra appeared in the doorway, expression grave in a way that made Serena's stomach tighten before a single word was spoken.
"You need to gather everyone you trust," Lyra said quietly. "Kael. Rowan, if we can secure his release. Cassian. Whoever's left standing after last night. It's time I told you everything I should have told you the day you arrived at this academy."
"Why now?" Serena asked, exhaustion sharpening into wary attention.
"Because we're out of time to wait any longer," Lyra said, and for the first time
