The sun had dipped lower, casting long, golden shadows across the paths of Dragon Academy. Students began returning to the main halls for dinner, their laughter echoing off stone walls carved with dragons in mid-flight. Lira and Maelin lingered behind, drawn by curiosity and the restless thrill of exploring a part of the academy they had not yet seen.
"Do you think it's still open?" Maelin whispered, practically bouncing on the balls of her feet. Her eyes sparkled with a mixture of excitement and anticipation.
Lira smiled, feeling the familiar pulse of earth beneath her fingers as she brushed along the walls, grounding herself in the academy's energy. "Only one way to find out," she replied, her voice low. "Let's go."
