In the end, the Central Academy students had no real choice, at least, that was how it felt. Reluctant, fearful, and uncertain, they found themselves following behind Raze and Kelly wherever they were leading them.
Their footsteps were heavy, their hearts heavier still. Many of them couldn't stop staring at Raze, the thought gnawing at them: he had somehow obtained George's special affinity. That single detail left an uncomfortable weight pressing down on everyone's chest. It made them question everything.
If he has George's affinity, doesn't that mean he really did steal our powers? some thought. Others clung stubbornly to the belief that it had all been the Grand Magus' fault, that the pills were the true reason. Yet doubt lingered, poisoning the air between them.
"The Grand Magus will punish us for this, without question," one muttered under his breath. "But… can we really believe it was all just because of the pills?"
