The duel was over. Cheers still echoed faintly in the arena, but Ron had no time to bask in victory. Without even catching his breath, he rushed straight toward the medical hall where Lia had been taken. His spear arm still trembled from the fight, but his eyes searched only for her.
Ron stepped into the medical hall, his steps heavier than usual but his eyes searching only for one person. Rows of beds lined the quiet chamber, students resting under the academy's restorative spells, but his gaze instantly landed on Lia.
She was lying on a simple white-sheeted bed, her breathing steady but her face pale. Sitting close by, Lirael was gently channeling her light magic, strands of soft radiance weaving into the academy's restorative enchantments around Lia's body.
