Kael did not leave the Headmaster’s office so much as escape it.
The moment the heavy oak door closed behind him, the corridor’s cool air hit his skin, sharp as winter breath. His mind was still buzzing—observe her more closely, the Headmaster had said. As if Aria Blackthorn were a threat. As if she were a mystery wrapped in danger.
She’s just a girl, he had almost said.
But Aria wasn’t just anything.
Kael moved through the dim hallway, boots echoing softly against the stone floor. The academy felt strange today—shadows stretching a little longer, whispers carrying a little farther. The building was old, yes, but there was something else too. Something watching.
He stopped at the tall glass window overlooking the courtyard.
Students moved below like drifting specks of color, unaware
