Chapter 23: The Trial
The room looked more like a courtroom than any classroom Cordelia had ever seen.
A long stone table dominated the space, surrounded by tall-backed wooden chairs. The walls were bare except for a few dark banners with the academy’s crest. No decorative glyphs. No floating lights. Just the cold weight of judgment hanging in the air.
At one side of the room stood Professor Halvern, arms folded tightly across his chest, his gaze sharp and self-assured. Beside him sat Serina Thornevale, wearing an elegant academy uniform embroidered in gold, her chin tilted high with a practiced look of innocence.
Across the room, at the center, Director Adler Vos Vogelsong entered with his signature half-smile and bright eyes—as if he were walking into a tea party rather than a disciplinary hearing.
He was in his fifties, tall and lean, with gray hair tied into a low ponytail and dressed in simple, elegant robes of navy and silver. His expression radiated warmth—and a subtle hint of amusement.
On either side of the director sat Professor Trinity, calm and composed, and Professor Al, who absently twirled the end of his white mustache. Professor Darius remained silent, arms crossed and observing.
Finally, near the center of the room, stood Cordelia Ross. Her back was straight, her expression unreadable. But her heart beat fast beneath her uniform.
The room remained still. They were waiting.
The family Thornevale had yet to arrive.
Outside the courtroom, Noah sat alone on a wooden bench, one leg crossed over the other.
He wore his formal academy uniform—simple, crisp lines in deep blue and silver. The crest on his chest gleamed faintly in the light that streamed through the arched hallway windows.