The ward smelled of dried herbs and mana salves. Light-blue runes floated lazily in the air, providing warmth and dulling pain. Students lay across rows of padded beds, some moaning softly, others asleep, their beast companions resting nearby.
Kai sat on the edge of a cot, arms crossed, silent. His wounds had already been treated—nothing serious, but the sting of what he'd seen hadn't faded.
Selene stood near the doorway, speaking in low tones with two professors. Her tone was clipped, precise—anger simmering beneath the surface. When their eyes met, she nodded once.
"Come," she said, waving him over.
Kai followed her through the hallway, the muffled sound of healers working behind them. They turned into a private chamber lined with enchanted stones—a warded room, meant for secure discussions.
❖ Scene: Truths in Shadow
Selene didn't sit. She stared out the enchanted window, where storm clouds gathered above the distant mountains.
