As I said before, the atmosphere in the academy had definitely changed.
Of course, it wasn't all gloomy—no one had died, thankfully—but things were still tense, like the calm after a storm that everyone knew could come back any moment.
But I had a more immediate, personal problem.
Class was about to begin, and I couldn't get to my seat.
My usual spot was in the front row, right by the window. It had the perfect view—of the board, of the instructor, and more importantly, of the sky outside. A perfect escape route for my thoughts during boring lectures.
But today, I couldn't see anything.
Because Ryen, Leona, Nora, and Kiera were all standing in front of it like four statues guarding a sacred site.
Blocking everyone. Including me.
Even Leo—yeah, that Leo—hesitated when he tried to approach me and backed off the moment he caught Ryen's stare.
I blinked at the group, more confused than annoyed.
"Hey… did I do something wrong?" I asked cautiously. "If I did, I'm sorry?"
