Invitations and Implications

Classes dragged on, one after another, their content blurring together like fog on a battlefield. Not even the Headmaster's more terrifying stares could keep my focus in check. I sat by the window, watching the clouds instead of the blackboard, my thoughts tangled in something far more important.

Two days. That's all I needed.

At the end of the last lecture, Professor Davos finally stood and cleared his throat, his voice amplified by a mana-imbued crystal on his collar.

"Students," he began, "as most of you already know, the Royal Fest is fast approaching."

Groans and murmurs echoed across the room. I didn't join them.

Davos continued, "It is our Academy's most prestigious event, where we open our grounds to noble families, foreign dignitaries, and royalty from across the continent. Kings. Queens. Dukes. Archmages. Every seat will be filled, every eye upon you. It is not simply a celebration—it is a statement."

He paused for effect.