The observatory sat high above the main halls, reached by a spiral of cold stone steps. Each level grew quieter, the world outside fading into the sound of distant wind.
When they emerged, Morgana was waiting.
She stood by the wide glass window, the city sprawling far below like veins of light. The morning had aged into golden noon, sunlight striking her silhouette, tracing silver along the edges of her hair.
"Irelle," she said without turning.
"Evaluation delivered, Headmistress."
"Leave us."
The door sealed softly behind the professor.
Silence.
Merlin stood a few paces back, hands loosely at his sides. The air here was dense, not suffocating, but ancient, layered with a presence that made even his skin tingle.
Morgana spoke without looking at him. "Do you know why I assigned you that team?"
He hesitated. "…Because they were unpredictable."
She turned, faint smile touching her lips. "And you thrive in unpredictability. Or rather, you need it."
