The sound of hurried footsteps cut through the tense courtyard.
Several guards stiffened at once, turning their heads toward the entrance.
The pressure in the air had not fully faded, and the metallic smell of blood still lingered thickly, clinging to the stone like a warning.
A tall figure stepped into view, his robe marked with the crest of the Blood Barons Academy, his expression sharp and already darkening as his eyes swept across the scene.
"Move."
The tall figure ordered the guards.
The guards listened and instinctively parted.
"Senior Flein," one of them said quickly, lowering his head.
Flein strode forward without slowing. His gaze locked onto the center of the courtyard, where Cornelia was crouched beside Sevette's battered body.
Sevette's face was swollen beyond recognition, blood drying along her lips and jaw. Her chest rose weakly, each breath uneven.
For a brief moment, Flein's expression froze.
"Huh?"
Then it shattered.
