Chapter 35: Calm before the Fight 2
Morning sunlight spilled over the gates of Blackridge High No. 7, the school’s tall stone building glowing softly under a clear sky. Students started filing through the main entrance—some still yawning, others laughing and chatting in small groups. For them, it was just another regular school day.
But Ezra and Dravis weren’t here for school.
The two had come to meet Ellia, hoping to speak with her directly. The rest of their group four others were elsewhere, trying to find out why the Crimson Guild was involved with her in the first place.
"Let’s go," Ezra said, looking at the main building. "I hope she came to school today."
"In a place like this," Dravis replied, "missing a day means losing a day’s salary. Unless she’s rich, she’ll be here."
Ezra gave a short nod, and the two walked through the gates. A few students glanced at them, unfamiliar faces standing out among the crowd, but didn’t pay much attention. It wasn’t unusual for Blackridge to have visiting teachers, outer academy students, or parents wandering around.
"Let’s head straight to the staff room," Ezra said. "If school just started, she might still be there."
"Do you know where it is?" Dravis asked.
Ezra shrugged. "We’ll ask."
He spotted a group of students—three boys and two girls—chatting in a loose circle. Ezra approached calmly.
"Excuse me," he said politely.