The warded chamber beneath the academy had changed slightly since the last incident. Thalyris had instructed the walls to shimmer faintly with protective runes, capable of absorbing any misfired flames. The air hummed with quiet energy, and a faint scent of warmed stone and herbs lingered. Tonight, it was not just Lira alone — Maelin stood by her side, confident, ready, and ready to help.
The teacher assigned to oversee them arrived silently, almost like a shadow shifting from the carved doors. His presence was calm but watchful — a middle-aged dragon-shifter named Sagirus, with sharp amber eyes and faint, soot-dark horns curling from his temples. His gaze swept the room, noting every rune, every scorch mark, and finally settling on Lira.
"You may begin," Sagirus said, his voice quiet but firm. "I will only intervene if safety requires it. The rest is yours to discover."
Maelin grinned at Lira, giving her shoulder a reassuring squeeze. "Ready?"
