The doors thundered open, their runes igniting with a sound like cracking stars. A wash of light poured into the corridor, so blinding that the first-years shielded their eyes. When their vision cleared, they beheld the Grand Hall.
It was vast beyond reason — a cathedral of cosmos made stone. The ceiling arched high into infinity, where constellations shimmered in living brilliance, each star winking like a watchful eye. Columns lined the hall, carved from obsidian and crystal, each one etched with ancient Zodian sigils that pulsed faintly, as though alive.
On either side, twelve long rows of pews stretched in symmetry, each row glowing faintly with the sigil of its Binding — Aries blazing red, Taurus burning with earthy bronze, Gemini shining in twin silver and shadow, all the way to Pisces shimmering in violet-blue. Upperclassmen filled the seats, their uniforms marked with glowing crests, their eyes keen as they turned to study the newest arrivals. Some smirked, others whispered, a few simply stared with solemn silence — the weight of what was about to unfold written plainly across their faces.
At the far end of the hall stood the head table, raised upon a dais of marble veined with celestial fire. Professors and instructors sat there, their gazes severe, but at the center sat a figure unlike any other.
The Headmaster. Maximilian.
His form was shrouded not by cloak or veil, but by a swirling corona of mythic wisp-light, a spectral halo of smoke and flame that bent reality around it. His features were obscured, ever-shifting, as though no mortal eye could settle on his true face. Yet his presence was undeniable — a quiet storm of power, refined and absolute. The very air bent toward him, as if the hall itself recognized its master.
De'Oliver's voice cracked in a whisper. "Oh… stars above."
Cynthia's sharp gaze narrowed, though even she seemed taken aback. Kaitlyn's fingers twitched slightly as though she were mentally noting every detail. Jordan's chest tightened. Jayden, however, smirked, eyes gleaming as if the sight was not terrifying, but exhilarating.
Then, without gesture or word, the doors behind them slammed shut.
The sound echoed through the Grand Hall like thunder.
And silence fell.