The Academic District was a labyrinth of marble and pretension, but the layout was surprisingly intuitive.
It was designed like a hierarchy—because of course it was.
The First Year classroom block was a massive, sprawling complex located at the base of the Spire.
It hummed with the energy of thousands of teenagers, a chaotic mix of excitement, anxiety, and the smell of fresh starch.
Kael and Theo walked side by side, trailing a few steps behind Nyla's brisk, military stride.
The silence between the two roommates was heavy.
Ever since the encounter with Melian—Theo's terrifyingly accomplished sister—Theo had gone completely mute. He walked with a stiff, mechanical rhythm, his gaze fixed on the floor tiles as if counting them was the only thing keeping him tethered to reality.
Kael glanced at him out of the corner of his eye.
'Say something,' Kael's brain urged. 'Be a supportive friend. Ask him how he's feeling.'
Kael opened his mouth.
Then he closed it.
