Author's Note: This chapter is Seris's POV after the Council meeting. You can skip it if you prefer as some readers found Aurelia's POV repetitive in Chapter 64 and 65.
——
[Seris's POV]
Seris Voidcrest stepped out of the portal. Her boots clicked softly against the polished marble floor of her office.
The quiet scent of old books and ink drifted through the air. Wrapping around her like something familiar and steady.
Moonlight poured through the tall arched windows. Casting pale silver lines across her desk and shelves.
Everything was exactly as she'd left it. Tidy, calm, untouched.
Stacks of reports waited for her on the desk, lined up in perfect order.
She stood still for a moment, just listening.
The distant murmur of late-night students echoed through the academy halls.
A soft breeze rustled the leaves outside, carrying the cool smell of autumn with it.
Seris let out a long breath, slow and quiet.
