The sun had barely dipped below the horizon when I reached the dormitory gates. The Academy's towers cast long shadows across the cobblestone paths, their stained-glass windows glowing with the last embers of twilight.
I stepped into the cool silence of the hall, the heavy door closing softly behind me. My coat was dusted with dried leaves, and my boots echoed across the polished floor as I walked toward my quarters.
"Master," came a soft, familiar voice.
Masha, my ever-efficient maid, stood by the entrance of my room. Her usual uniform was immaculate, silver hair tied into a loose braid, and her eyes calm and unreadable as always.
"Dinner is ready," she said. "You may take a shower while I prepare the table."
I nodded, letting the day's tension roll off my shoulders. "Fine."