"There have been secret gatherings among the conservative noble families, discussions about 'bloodline purity' and 'maintaining proper order.' Your presence has triggered something larger than individual rivalry."
She gestured toward the groaning figures around them. "These students were just the opening move. What comes next will involve family resources, political pressure, possibly even direct action from outside the academy." Her voice dropped to carry additional weight. "There have been strange deaths recently. Mysterious disappearances. People who challenged the established order in ways that made certain families uncomfortable."
