The academy dining hall was packed with the usual lunch crowd—students clustered at tables discussing homework and weekend plans, faculty members eating at their designated section, and the general buzz of conversation that made the space feel alive and normal.
I was sitting with Julian, who was enthusiastically describing his latest plan to "revolutionize academy social dynamics" through what sounded like elaborate theatrical chaos, when I noticed something wrong with the server approaching our table.
She was new—I'd never seen her before, which was unusual since dining hall staff stayed consistent throughout the semester. More concerning was the way she was moving, her attention fixed on Julian with laser focus while completely ignoring the other students she passed.
"Julian," I said
