Elena stood in the middle of Professor Flint's imposing, gloom-filled laboratory, a faint knot of apprehension tightening in her stomach.
The lab was exactly as the other students described: chaotic, smelling of burnt ether, and utterly silent.
"Professor Flint?" she called out, her voice clear and strong despite the oppressive atmosphere.
"I apologize if I'm early, but you requested I come for my query regarding the Principles of Aura manipulation."
There was no answer. The moonlight streamed weakly through the arched window, highlighting swirling dust motes, but the large obsidian table was deserted.
Elena frowned. The professor had called her himself. She didn't tarry and rushed here immediately, but now he was nowhere to be seen.
"Perhaps he stepped out for a moment" she thought.
She shrugged off her satchel and pulled up one of the heavy, uncomfortable wooden chairs near the table, deciding to wait patiently.
It was then her gaze drifted toward the rear of the room.
