I couldn't remember the last time I'd slept properly. My mind constantly churned with half-formed plans and desperate scenarios as I hunched over ancient texts in my quarters. Three weeks of searching, and still nothing concrete on how to reach Hazel. The crushing weight of helplessness pressed down on my chest, making it difficult to breathe.
My phone vibrated on the desk. Kaelen's name flashed across the screen.
"Any news?" I asked, not bothering with greetings.
"Meet at the academy in an hour," Kaelen's voice sounded as rough as I felt. "Bring whatever you've found."
I hung up and gathered my notes, heart pounding with a mixture of dread and tentative hope. Before heading to the academy, there was someone I needed to see.
---
The academy halls were eerily quiet as I made my way to my sister's quarters. Even though it was midday, the place felt shrouded in gloom—or perhaps that was just my perception these days.