Invitation Ceremony

The Great Hall of Lupenvale was a cathedral of shadows and muted, murky lights. Tall, stained-glass windows framed the room, their intricate designs filtering pale sunlight into fragmented hues of crimson, emerald, and sapphire.

The air hummed with chatter, laced with tension and excitement, as all kinds of students gathered at long wooden tables polished to a dark sheen.

Elara hesitated at the entrance, her nerves taut. Her excitement had changed to a sagging feeling inside her stomach. She smoothed her dress—a plain black, practical garment compared to the elaborate robes and tunics worn by the others—and stepped inside. Her silver eyes darted around, catching curious glances and whispered murmurs almost immediately.

"Another stray," someone muttered.