Chapter 14: Grand Hall

Because of the incident, all students of Elitia Academy were summoned to the grand hall.

One by one, they started making their way inside. Winter was about to enter when a voice called out from behind.

"You didn't even flinch… when you saw the murder earlier."

Winter turned slightly, meeting Micko's gaze.

"I'm used to it," she replied flatly.

Micko frowned. "Used to it? Just where did you grow up to be so accustomed to something like that?"

Winter's expression remained unreadable. "It's not a big deal… I just didn't grow up with a lucky life like the others."

Before Micko could press further, Winter shifted her stance. "Let's go before a professor yells at us for being late."

As we stepped into the grand hall, the atmosphere felt heavy with tension. Students murmured in hushed voices, their expressions ranging from curiosity to unease. The professors stood at the front, their gazes sharp and unreadable.

I made my way through the rows of seats and settled beside Keisha and Celsy, who both glanced at me with questioning looks but said nothing. Behind us, Micko found his seat next to Theodore, who leaned back slightly, observing the room in silence.

The hall gradually filled, the low hum of conversations blending with the sound of footsteps. Whatever this gathering was about, it was clear that something serious had happened.

This time, it wasn't just the ordinary professors gathered before us the heads of the academy were all present. Seated in the center of the grand hall, their presence alone was enough to command attention. A powerful surge of magic radiated from them, thick in the air, making it difficult to ignore.

A hush fell over the students as one of the academy heads stood and stepped onto the stage.

"Good morning, students. Today, we have witnessed a dreadful scene, and the academy deeply regrets the distress it has caused. We understand that many of you may feel uneasy, but rest assured, the academy remains in control. There is no need for panic. Focus on your studies, continue your journey, and become the person you aspire to be."

The director then shifted his gaze toward the Alpha House section, where the strongest students were seated. His expression hardened, his voice carrying a sharper edge.

"We have enemies. But know this I am certain we can handle them, whether they lurk outside these walls… or within." His eyes scanned the Alphas. "Isn't that right, Alphas?"

A brief pause hung in the air before the Alphas exchanged glances and gave a firm nod in agreement.

The director continued, delivering more words of reassurance and authority before finally dismissing the students. Though the gathering had ended, the tension in the hall remained.

Something was coming. And it was only a matter of time.

After the gathering in the grand hall, the Alpha House members returned to their dormitory in heavy silence. The tension from the meeting lingered in the air, pressing down on them like an unseen weight.

Some students sank into the sofas, lost in thought. Others stood by the windows, staring outside as if searching for answers in the distant horizon. A few sat on the floor, their expressions troubled, still trying to process what had just happened.

Unspoken questions filled the room. What exactly had they witnessed? Who was behind it? And most importantly what would happen next?

The heavy silence in the room was finally broken when Axel spoke.

"That man… he was the one who delivered the flowers last night, wasn't he?" His voice was steady, but there was a hint of unease beneath it.

Justin nodded. "Yeah. I was the one who opened the door. I'm sure it was him."

"Maybe it was just a coincidence," Carl suggested. "We don't even know him."

Micko leaned back, arms crossed. "And we don't know if he had any enemies in the academy. Maybe he got into a fight with someone… and it ended in murder."

The girls nodded in agreement, especially Mary Julieth, Rachelle Hampton, Kim Lovie, and Rheem Rosie, who all seemed eager to dismiss any deeper connection.

"It's not connected to us," Rosette stated plainly. "So why dwell on it?"

She wasn't wrong. But something about it still felt off.

"She's right," kaesy added. "We have nothing to do with the murder, so let's not overthink it. But as a precaution, be mindful of your surroundings and stay safe. Understood, Alphas?"

A chorus of nods followed.

With that, the tension began to dissipate. Some students left to get fresh air, while others retreated to their rooms, leaving only Keisha, Celsy, Winter, Aella, Ella, Jeremy, and Khierra behind.