Approaching The Hollow-Flame Inn, late evening. Rain taps gently on the windows, and the central hearth casts a soft amber glow across the main hall. The scent of roasted meat and damp leather fills the room. The students are gathered around a long table finishing their meals, tense but lively — until the front door creaks open.
The students turn as Kyla steps inside, soaked slightly from the rain, her cloak dark with water. She removes her hood, revealing her sharp gaze and stern composure — the look of someone who's just walked through something heavier than weather.
"Instructor Kyla!" Jack says immediately as he stands up quickly, pushing his chair back. "You were gone longer than expected. What happened at the Manor? Was it Indra?" Unknowing to everyone Kira narrows her eyes, reading her mother's face far better than the others can. "You've seen something that unsettled you." Softly, almost accusingly. "What aren't you telling us?" Kira says as her mother didn't respond.
"Did he mess up? Did Indra do something wrong?" Zack's claws twitch unconsciously. He respects Indra, but fears the rumors around him. Nyla stays seated, studying Kyla's posture — the way her shoulders are tighter than usual. "…You're worried about him. Not because he failed. Because he didn't." Kyla walks forward, pulling off her wet gloves, eyes scanning each of her students. She doesn't answer right away — just stands by the hearth, warming her hands.
Kyla finally speaking, voice low and calm "I gave my report to the Lord of the Manor. And I gave my opinion of Indra." She turns, facing them. "He's progressing… faster than anyone expected. Faster than I'm comfortable with."
"So he's dangerous." Jack quickly asks "He's focused. Controlled. But yes — dangerous, if he ever chooses to be." Kyla responds as she can tell this was not something they wanted to hear "Did Lord Siegfried agree with you?" Kira asks as it made Kyla pause slightly "He… listened. That's all I needed." Kyla said as a heavy silence settles in the room. Each student feels the weight of her words differently.
"So… what do we do? About Indra?" Zack asks breaking the silence "You don't do anything." Kyla responds sharply "You watch, you learn, and you train harder. Whatever is coming — he won't be the only one tested."
"You think he's going to be part of it? Whatever's coming?" Nyla asked knowing it was a thought everyone had "He's not part of it, Nyla." Kyla said as her voice darkens slightly. "He's the reason it's coming." She finish saying as the students exchange looks — some nervous, some defiant, some quietly afraid. The flames in the hearth crackle louder, as if answering the tension. Outside, thunder rolls again, closer this time.