Chapter 37: Flames of Unity
The morning after our return was colder than usual. Silver mist clung to the air around Astaria Academia, draping the training grounds in a hush that mirrored the silence between us. No one had said much since the encounter with the Nightwalker. The battle had ended in our favor, but every one of us knew how close we had been to defeat.
We gathered inside the Divinia common hall—a circular chamber lined with bookshelves and banners bearing our crest. A single sunbeam filtered through the high windows, falling across the polished table where we now sat. It was the first time I had seen the entire group so still, so contemplative.
“Alright,” I finally broke the silence. “Let’s talk about what happened out there.”
Santina exhaled sharply and crossed her legs. “
