The storm had passed, but the tension remained. Hope, London, Raphael, Stephen, and Daemon trekked silently out of the tunnel and into the clearing beyond. The moon hung high in the night sky, bathing them in silver light as they approached the treeline that led back to Blackmoor Academy.
Hope walked slightly ahead of the group, her fingers brushing the edge of London's hand every now and then, their closeness forming a current between them. They hadn't spoken about the almost-kiss, and the silence weighed heavier with every step.
Stephen whistled softly. "So, no one's going to talk about how Raphael tripped over that root like a dramatic soap opera character?"
"I was scanning the area for danger," Raphael growled defensively.
"Sure you were. Very bravely. With your face," Stephen grinned.
Daemon rolled his eyes. "Quiet. We're being watched."
Hope's eyes glowed faintly yellow, alert. "Where?"
"Up ahead. About thirty meters near the southeast wall. One heartbeat. Not human," Daemon said, narrowing his eyes.
They approached cautiously, spreading out as they reached the academy gates. The forest whispered around them, but nothing emerged. The presence vanished.
"Could've been an animal," London suggested, though his voice was taut with alertness.
"Or a warning," Daemon said cryptically. "Whoever is behind the earlier ambush isn't done."
As they stepped through the magical barrier surrounding Blackthorn, Hope paused and turned to London. "Earlier… in the tunnel…"
He looked at her, green eyes glinting under moonlight. "Yeah?"
She hesitated. "Thanks for protecting me."
"You're the strongest one here," he said, smiling. "But… I'd do it again. Anytime."
Their eyes met. The world grew quiet. Hope leaned in ever so slightly—
"Ahem," Stephen interrupted loudly, twirling a leaf like a fake mustache. "Romantic tension aside, does anyone else smell burning toast, or is that just my brain short-circuiting from all this tension?"
Hope sighed, pulling back as her cheeks flushed. London gave Stephen a tired look. Raphael, however, chuckled.
"You have the worst timing," Hope muttered.
"I take pride in it." Stephen beamed.
Back inside the school grounds, they headed straight for the headmaster's office to report. But when they arrived, the room was empty.
Richard was gone.
His chair sat slightly askew, papers scattered across his desk, and the faint scent of cinnamon incense still lingered. But he was nowhere in sight.
"Wasn't he supposed to be here?" Jessa asked from the doorway, her brows furrowed.
Her sister stood behind her, arms crossed and silent. Daemon gave the girl a brief glance but said nothing.
"Something's wrong," Hope said softly.
"Agreed," Daemon said. "This wasn't a random disappearance."
A slow