Murmurs rolled like low thunder across the cold stone walls of the auditorium, growing louder with each breath and echoing footsteps. Shadows flickered from the high sconces lining the curved walls, casting long silhouettes over the rows of students who slowly filled their designated seats. The air was tense, thick with a silence barely held together by apprehension.
At the very back of the room, near the arched entryway framed by obsidian pillars, West stood motionless. Beside him, Sebastian leaned against the stone wall with his arms folded across his chest, while Ezekiel stood just a step ahead, scanning the room with calculating eyes.
