---
Morning arrived.
There was silence in the infirmary as if nothing dramatic had happened last night that had woken the whole academy in panic.
The professors had finally concluded that William required nothing more than rest. They had checked his pulse twice more than necessary.
Wardens lingered longer than their actual shifts near the infirmary wing, and then gradually, one by one, they left him alone while increasing security around the entire perimeter.
The security had tightened so much that it was as if he were a sensitive asset that could be attacked at any time.
When the corridor outside finally fell quiet and everyone left the room, William opened his eyes.
Faint golden light filtered through the tall windows. He pushed himself up slowly, letting the blanket slide from his shoulders, and turned his gaze toward the couch near the far wall where a black cat sat quietly.
