Chapter 12 - 11: Seraphine Vanishes
The sun rose without color.
Clouds covered the sky, pale and flat like someone had painted over the morning. A cold breeze moved through the capital streets, and even the birds seemed to avoid the windows.
Inside the Academy, things had shifted.
Students whispered less.
Professors carried sealed scrolls like they were made of glass.
Even the guards posted at the main gates didn't talk anymore. Not when Alaric walked by. Not when Kaelion passed either.
Whatever line had separated "student business" from real politics had vanished.
Everyone knew it.
---
Alaric stood in the Headmaster's private office, arms folded as Gaelin paced in slow, tight circles. A sealed letter sat untouched on the desk.
"Say it again," Alaric said quietly.