As Lira stepped out of her room, the hallway was strangely silent. Her boots echoed softly against the polished stone floors, each step making the emptiness more noticeable. No students wandered through the corridors, no usual chatter filled the air.
A faint hum reached her ears—soft at first, then growing into a low buzz, like a distant beehive. It came from the direction of the Great Hall.
Fluffy padded after her, tail raised high, as if sensing something special.
She pushed the tall wooden doors open—
Clap!
The sound rolled over her like a wave. The entire Great Hall was filled with students, teachers, and staff. Every pair of eyes turned toward her. Lira froze at the threshold, startled.
Up on the raised platform stood Grandmaster Elion, regal as always, but with a bright, proud smile that softened his stern features. He extended a hand toward her, a silent invitation.
