The Tension in The Lecture Hall

Amberine strode through the towering halls of Magic Tower University, the weight of her books pressing against her chest. The usual hum of student chatter filled the corridors, but today, there was something different—an unease, thick as the scent of old parchment and burning candles. It lingered in the air, carried in hushed voices and exchanged glances, in the way students lowered their voices as she passed.

Whispers trailed behind her, murmurs barely concealed behind the backs of hands. She didn't have to strain her ears to know what they were talking about.

Draven.

The name alone carried weight, but today, it was heavier than ever.

"…Did you hear?"

"They say he killed Lady Sharon."

"No way. Not even he would—"

"Are you sure? He admitted it, didn't he?"