Ash filled the area, the academy grounds, once serene under the pale light of ElderGlow's moon, now carried scars of violence.
Stone walls bore cracks, dormitory roofs smoldered faintly, and the scent of charred demon-blood clung stubbornly to the night wind. The chaos had ended, but its echoes lingered, and the Deans moved to ensure no remnant dared stir again.
Dean Godsthorn moved like a shadow through the academy's deeper halls, the needle-like tool now tucked back into his sleeve. His expression was calm, but his eyes were sharp, constantly measuring, searching.
He swept his essence across every corridor, every hidden passage. His senses pierced through walls like lantern-light through mist.
Nothing.
No hidden intruder. No wounded student left behind. The attack had been thorough but not cunning enough to slip past the combined might of the Deans.
