Seraphina was already standing when Daemar entered the council office.
Papers covered the long table—schedules, funding requests, end-of-term projections. The work of keeping the Academy running didn't stop just because the world kept trying to end.
She didn't bother sitting.
"So," she said flatly, arms crossed. "Which rule is Noel breaking this time?"
Daemar closed the door behind him with deliberate calm. "None."
"That's new," Seraphina replied. "Because yesterday you personally reminded him he was not allowed to disappear again. I had him scheduled for three council reviews this week."
Daemar met her gaze. "He won't be attending."
Silence.
Then—"You're joking."
"I'm not."
Seraphina's composure cracked just enough to show real irritation. "Director, with all due respect, you don't get to pull my best asset out of the council whenever it's convenient. I already had to reorganize half our workflow because of his last absence."
"I'm aware."
