The twilight dipped the sky into shades of amber and violet, while the magical dome that protected the Academy slowly pulsed with a faint glow - as if it itself were tired. The enchanted walls that had once inspired security now seemed cold, distant. A heavy foreboding hung over the ancient stone corridors, while shadows moved silently among the students.
At the side of the inner courtyard, under a twisted tree with golden leaves - a gift from the Northern Dryads - three figures gathered. Their student coats fluttered in the cold mountain wind, but none of the three seemed worried about the weather.
Amelia, with her arms crossed and leaning against the tree trunk, watched the sky with half-closed eyes. Her normally firm countenance was filled with unease.
Sylphie paced back and forth with her hands clasped behind her back, her elven ears twitching discreetly - a clear sign of barely contained irritation.
