Students began to filter into the Great Hall, their hushed voices bouncing off the high stone walls as the full student body gradually assembled. Nearly six hundred students from all grade levels filled the vast space—despite the unusually small first-year intake this season.
From his position on the raised stage at the front of the hall, Michael did his best not to fidget. Standing before so many eyes was uncomfortable enough—but what truly unsettled him was the reason he was here.
His gaze swept over the crowd. Some teens were still laughing with their friends, others chatted cheerfully—utterly unaware of the tragedy that had unfolded just days earlier.
Most would be unaffected by the news. But a few…
A few would have had family in Newhold.
And because word of the incident hadn't yet reached the castle, it fell on them to deliver it.
