Morning light dripped through Mystic Academy's windows like honey, soft and deceptive. The campus bustled with routine. Laughter in the halls, footsteps against marble floors… yet under the surface, unease simmered.
Darenn watched from the upper balcony, arms crossed. Below, students hurried to classes, unaware that the barrier surrounding their academy had pulsed strangely twice that morning. Once faint. Once violent.
"Something's stirring again," he murmured.
Irving's voice came from behind him, calm but wary. "Irving says you've been distracted lately. More than usual."
Darenn shot him a dry look. "You have no idea."
The lightning Familiar tilted his head. "Is this about the patrols, or about the headmaster's daughter you're definitely not thinking about?"
Darenn sighed. "Both."
Irving chuckled, but his tone soon sobered. "Irving says keep your guard up. Even if Gavin smiles, it doesn't mean he trusts us."
Darenn nodded slowly. "I know."
