The next morning came heavy with quiet.
Lucian was already up before sunrise, standing by the dorm windows, arms folded, eyes half-lidded as the light began to slide through the mist. He didn't move. Just watched the world shift from deep blue to silver.
By seven, the dorm was alive with murmurs again. Class Zero didn't say much to each other. Not because they were tense, but because the buzz outside said more than words ever could. Eyes were following them now. Not with curiosity—something closer to caution. Like people knew not to provoke them too easily.
Evelyn was brushing her teeth when the alert chimed through the dorm intercom.
"All Class Zero members. Proceed to East Wing Courtyard. Immediate summons."
Reia looked up from her seat, hair still damp from a shower. Silas was mid-stretch, and Vyn had just returned from her usual early morning routine—whatever ghost-like training she did in the shadows. They all glanced at each other briefly.
Lucian was already walking out.
