Chapter 6: Chapter 6: Welcome to the Academy
Morning sunlight slipped through the tall window, filtering across polished wood and velvet curtains. The air was still—cool, fresh, and quiet in a way that felt unnatural after days of travel and blood.
Noel blinked awake.
For a few seconds, he didn't move.
He just lay there, eyes on the ceiling, letting the warmth of the bed soak into the ache in his back.
No jolts of fear. No phantom pain. No blood.
He sat up.
His body responded immediately—no strain, no soreness.
A clean start.
He stood, walked across the room barefoot, and poured himself a glass of water from the crystal decanter set on the shelf.
Then he turned to the desk.
The briefcase sat exactly where Gareth had left it—sleek black leather, polished silver latch.