(Opening Scene: The group, led by Headmaster Theron and accompanied by a thoughtful Xander, walks back through the magically illuminated gates of Lumina Academy. A palpable weariness hangs over them.)
The walk back to the academy was silent, each person lost in their own thoughts. Astrid stayed close to Zane, a silent comfort passing between them. Eclipse remained coiled on Zane's shoulder, his lethal venom now seemingly receded, though his golden eyes remained alert. Lady Elara walked with a rigid posture, her expression unreadable, while Prince Lysander trailed behind, still looking disheveled and nursing his injured arm. The remaining Montaigne guards followed somberly, the loss of their comrade a heavy weight in the air.
Headmaster Theron led them towards his office, the familiar path offering a small measure of normalcy amidst the extraordinary events of the night. Xander walked beside him, occasionally offering a quiet observation or question, his mind clearly working to understand the intricacies of the situation.
Once they were assembled in the headmaster's office, the earlier tension began to resurface, albeit in a more subdued form. The ornate room, usually a place of scholarly discussion, now felt charged with unspoken accusations and anxieties.
Headmaster Theron gestured for everyone to take a seat. "We need to discuss the events of this evening calmly and rationally," he began, his gaze sweeping over the weary faces. "A life has been lost, a royal prince injured, and powerful, potentially dangerous magic has been unleashed. We must understand how to move forward responsibly."
Lady Elara was the first to speak, her voice low but firm. "Headmaster, that creature is a menace. It killed one of my guards without provocation. It attacked Prince Lysander. It must be contained, for the safety of everyone here."
Prince Lysander nodded in agreement, rubbing his arm gingerly. "And the void mage is clearly unable to control it. He should be held accountable for its actions."
Zane's jaw tightened, but he remained silent, his hand resting protectively near Eclipse. He knew any rash words could escalate the situation further.
Astrid, however, spoke up, her voice clear. "Eclipse was protecting me, Headmaster. The guard tried to restrain him after he had already defended me from Lysander's unwanted advances. You heard my account."
The conflicting narratives hung in the air, a reminder of the complex web of loyalties and perceptions that had led to this point. Headmaster Theron sighed, the weight of responsibility evident in his expression. The path forward was far from clear.