Walking into class, I felt like I had already failed.
The room was lined with rows of desks, students settled in with open tomes, ink-stained hands, and the unmistakable air of people who actually knew what they were doing. The atmosphere was charged with magical energy, subtle but present, and I was honestly a bit shocked that I could feel it. Perks of the host I supposed.
I moved toward an empty seat near the back, keeping my pace measured, controlled. If I looked confident, maybe no one would notice how little I belonged here.
The professor, a tall, lean man with streaks of silver in his dark hair, glanced up as I sat down. His robes were pristine, and his posture screamed academic authority. He studied me for a moment before offering a small nod.
"Caidan Vale," he said, his voice carrying easily through the room. "It's good to see you back."
I forced a weak smile and rubbed my temple. "Good to be back," I murmured, adding a slight wince for effect.
