In the deepest shadows of the academy, on the highest floor of an empty building, Salazar had locked himself away. He stood in a study, completely alone, his gaze troubled as it scanned the campus below through the window.
"Is this... hell?"
His heart churned with turmoil. More than fear, it was helplessness that gripped him. He lifted his trembling hand—and froze.
As his thoughts spiraled into darkness...
...he felt it.
Someone was standing behind him.
A presence so suffocating, so vile, it crushed all good thoughts in an instant.
Salazar turned slowly, paralyzed by dread.
A towering silhouette cloaked in black smoke stood before him. Its glowing white eyes pierced straight into his soul.
But how did it get in? All the doors and windows were locked.
Its form shifted with each second, a vortex of mist, as if it had been born from the void itself.
"W-who are you…?"
The entity stepped forward.
