The next morning came quickly. The golden light of dawn spilled through the high windows of the Magnus estate, catching the pale mist that lingered over the gardens. Birds from the higher realm—feathered with faintly glowing plumes—sang among the crystal-leaved trees. The air itself carried the soft hum of soul energy, alive and vibrant.
With only three days left before enrollment, the estate had grown busy. Servants prepared traveling robes, academy documents, and charm-imbued satchels, while the younger cousins—Maxwell, Sylens, Lia, Sophia, and Amanda—moved restlessly about the courtyard. Their excitement filled the air, but so did a nervous edge. This would be their first real step into the higher realm on their own.
Asher stood in the center of the training yard, his arms folded as he watched them line up before him. His expression was calm, but there was a faint gleam in his eyes—a mixture of pride and challenge.
