A few hours before the attack on Azalith was identified by the other Kingdoms, the sky was covered in a light mist, as if the world was holding its breath. The academy, in its usual routine, breathed tranquility - at least on the surface.
Amelia was walking alone through the hanging gardens of the eastern sector. Her eyes roamed over the flower beds, attentive but relaxed. She had finished her training and was enjoying a rare moment of silence. The sound of water flowing through the fountains gave the place an almost ethereal air.
That's when she felt it.
A shiver - subtle, but unmistakable. A presence that shouldn't have been there.
She turned quickly, her blue eyes narrowing as she scanned the area. She saw nothing. No sign of magic, no mana in the air. But instinct didn't lie.
And then they appeared.
From the shadows cast by the stone columns, two students emerged.
Rivern and Lys.
