Chapter 27: Bloody Banquet (1)
The sun dipped low over Imperial Academy of Vaelterra, casting the towers and gardens in a soft orange haze.
There were no classes today.
Only preparation.
Students hurried across the grounds in elegant suits and flowing dresses, adjusting ties, fixing hair, laughing with the kind of easy excitement that only came before a celebration they believed would last forever.
Noel watched from the edge of the courtyard, hands tucked into the pockets of his tailored dark jacket, his white shirt crisp beneath it, sleeves rolled neatly just once at the cuffs.
He looked like any other student.
Calm.
Relaxed.
Ready for a night of music and luxury.
Inside, though, his mind ran like a machine.
'Everything's prepared.'