Noah jolted awake, gasping for breath, his heart pounding against his ribs. Sweat clung to his skin, his sheets damp and tangled around him.
For a moment, he couldn't move, the image of the ruined academy, the blue fire, and Lady in Dark's laughter still echoing vividly in his mind.
He sat up slowly, rubbing his face with both hands, forcing his breathing to calm down.
The room was quiet. Pale dawnlight hadn't yet touched the sky, and the world outside his window was still dark, waiting for the sun to rise.
He pushed himself out of bed and headed for the shower, letting the cold water wash away the sweat and the lingering dread.
When he was done, he dressed automatically, buttoning his uniform with mechanical movements. But his mind wouldn't stop spinning.
At the window, he paused. The academy grounds lay peaceful, creating an illusion of calm.
