----
The sun had dipped below the horizon, leaving the academy bathed in a soft glow of twilight.
The once- bustling courtyards were now silent, save for the faint rustle of leaves swaying in the cool evening breeze.
Lanterns flickered along the stone paths, their dim light casting long, wavering shadows on the academy's towering walls.
Fowad, Helena, Liam, and Mira walked briskly toward the headmaster's chambers.
The air was thick with tension, and the distant chirping of crickets only amplified the silence that hung between them.
When they reached the heavy wooden door to Headmaster Grevan's quarters, Fowad paused.
His Chaos Eye flickered faintly, revealing the faint glowing outline of the headmaster's massive bear resting on the other side.
Taking a deep breath, Fowad knocked lightly on the door. A low, rumbling growl came from within, followed by the familiar deep voice of Headmaster Grevan.
"Enter."