The air buzzed with a peculiar tension as the students gathered in the main hall for the weekly badging ceremony. The grand chandelier above cast shifting patterns of light across the polished stone floor, its golden crystals catching the flickers from enchanted flames. Each badge ceremony was meant to highlight student achievements, yet tonight, it felt like something more profound hung in the air.
Rexan adjusted her cloak, her gaze darting to the Mistress at the podium. The woman's presence was magnetic as always, her deep crimson robes contrasting sharply with her pale complexion. She stood tall, her expression unreadable, holding a rolled parchment in one hand.
Lacy nudged Rexan. "You okay? You've been quiet all day."
