The afternoon sun draped the academy grounds in a mellow warmth, its golden light spilling across the courtyards and cobblestone paths. Students drifted here and there in small groups, laughter and chatter rising faintly in the distance, but around Luca and Eric, the air felt heavier—charged with urgency.
They stood facing each other near the central path, shadows stretching long behind them. Luca's brows furrowed as the words Eric had just thrown at him sank in.
Oh shit. He rubbed the back of his neck, exhaling slowly. After what happened yesterday, I completely forgot about Big Bull. I should have talked with the dean about this. His shoulders sagged in helplessness for a moment, but he quickly straightened, eyes sharpening. No—this isn't the time to dwell on mistakes.
"Tell me what happened!" Luca demanded, voice firm.
