The day after the funeral, the academy stood in mourning.
Classes had been cancelled, and the usual rhythm of the place had fallen away. The bells that marked each period remained silent, and the corridors, usually alive with students moving between lectures, stretched long and undisturbed. Without the constant flow of voices and footsteps, the stone hallways seemed larger, the quiet settling into every arch and corner. Each step Noel took carried clearly across the polished floor before fading into stillness.
He walked alone toward the Director's office.
Elyra had stayed in the capital to spend time with her parents while they were still in Valon. Selene and Elena had gone into the city together, finding small tasks to occupy the day. Charlotte had returned to the church, duties waiting for her regardless of grief.
Everyone had chosen movement.
