Her gaze moved deliberately across the professors, silencing those who still looked ready to laugh again.
"If what Kael says is true, then the Shadow Disciples are not fairy tales, and ignoring them would be folly."
Orwen spoke. "Perhaps we should investigate the borders of Arcadia and Elaris. If there is even the slightest chance demons are involved, we cannot afford complacency."
Professors who had laughed earlier now looked thoughtful, some uneasy, others troubled.
Erainlia, however, scowled. His fists clenched tightly at his sides, his jaw hard as stone.
To him, Kael was nothing but a liar.
Kael lowered his gaze.
Sylvia's belief gave him a sliver of protection, but Erainlia's hatred burned hotter than ever.
As the meeting drew toward its close, Kael realized one thing with chilling clarity: whether the professors believed him or not, the shadow creeping into Arcadia was real.
Professor Sylvia spoke.
"Erainlia," she said.
