Alira gathered the class just after their morning lessons, her presence as calm and commanding as always. She stood at the front of the room, arms loosely folded, the sun from the high windows spilling across the floor and catching in her hair.
The students, some still yawning from the monotony of the earlier drills, perked up when they saw the glimmer of purpose in her eyes.
"This afternoon," Alira began, her voice steady but carrying a faint thread of anticipation, "we'll be conducting a field exercise. The academy has granted permission for us to explore a set of ancient, forgotten tunnels in the northern forest."
Murmurs rose immediately. Some faces lit with excitement, others tensed in unease. Elise's brows drew together, sharp with caution, while Tirel leaned forward with obvious interest, her lips curving faintly.
