The moon hung low, a silver scythe slicing via violet clouds as I raced across the courtyard. Lilith's command nevertheless rang in my ears: "Sound the Requiem if the wraiths breach once more." In my hand, the ceremonial horn felt heavy, carved from obsidian and etched with the Academy's crest.
I located Seraphina perched atop the eastern battlements, frost glimmering alongside her cloak. She nodded once as I approached. "Are you ready, Architect?" she asked, voice slightly above a whisper.
I nodded, throat tight. "Ready as I'll ever be."
She handed me the horn. "Blow it."
Taking a deep breath, I lifted the horn to my lips and blew. The sound changed into deep—like rolling thunder in a cavern. It echoed off the walls and via the spires, summoning each demon and gargoyle within listening to. From shadowed doorways, college students armed with rune-solid blades and professors wielding crackling magic surged closer to the gates.
