The change at the Academy was subtle at first. Then it was glaring.
Classes were cancelled.
Not with a detailed explanation, but with a succinct note pinned to the door:
Cancelled. Study independently.
Professor Ashwood, who was famous for never missing a lecture, had missed three in a row.
Students wandered the courtyards, confused.
"Is she sick?" a second-year mage asked.
"I heard she was called to the front lines," another whispered.
"No," a third said, leaning in. "My cousin works at the Magistrate's court. He said there's a lawsuit. Something about her husband's family."
The rumors spread like spilled ink.
Marcus stood near the fountain in the central quad. He was ostensibly reading a book on agricultural reform.
In reality, he was watching Seraphina's office window.
The blinds were drawn. They had been drawn for three days.
He hadn't seen her.
She hadn't replied to the short note he sent asking if she wanted to grab coffee.
He told himself it was good.
