[Solvayne Academy]
Cedric stood outside the heavy wooden door. His fingers twitching slightly at his sides.
He took a breath. Slow. Deep. His heart wasn't racing. But there was a weight in his chest he couldn't quite shake.
He raised his hand and knocked.
The sound echoed quietly down the empty hallway.
A pause.
Then a calm voice from the other side. Measured, steady. Familiar.
"Come in."
Cedric pushed the door open and stepped inside.
The office beyond was large but quiet.
Lined with tall bookshelves and soft light filtering through a tall window. The space felt warm despite the serious tone that always lingered in the air.
A few stacks of papers sat neatly on the desk. There were plants by the sill, lavender, maybe. He could faintly smell it.
Behind the desk sat Seris Voidcrest.
Vice Principal of Solvayne Academy.
She didn't look at him at first. She was seated, leaning back in her chair. Her silver-white hair falling over her shoulder like a river of moonlight.
