Ethan stepped out of the dungeon, his breath steady but his body heavy with exhaustion. The remnants of battle still clung to his skin—his fists bloodied, his muscles sore. The fight with Aldric had been his toughest challenge yet, pushing him beyond what he thought possible.
The moment he emerged into the academy grounds, the atmosphere felt different. A crowd had gathered, students whispering amongst themselves as their gazes locked onto him. Whispers of Aldric's death had spread faster than wildfire, and with it came two types of reactions—fear and awe.
Among them, Sylvia Frostheart stood with her arms crossed, her usual icy demeanor cracked just slightly as her eyes flickered with something unreadable. Beside her was Selene Aldridge, her expression tense as she observed Ethan closely. And then, in the distance, a pair of violet eyes burned with restrained fury—Seraphina Nightshade had arrived.
Before anyone could speak, a group of robed figures stepped forward. They bore the crest of the Academy's disciplinary committee, their leader—a tall man with silver hair—glaring down at Ethan.
"You killed Vice President Aldric Nightbane," the man declared. "By academy law, such an act demands severe punishment."
Ethan didn't flinch. "He attacked me first. I defended myself."
The leader scoffed. "A convenient excuse. We don't tolerate murder within the academy walls, regardless of circumstance."
The tension in the air thickened.
Before the situation could escalate, Sylvia took a step forward, her piercing gaze silencing the murmurs around them. "If you wish to discipline him," she said, her voice calm yet dangerous, "then you'll have to get through me."
The robed figures hesitated. Sylvia Frostheart wasn't just the student council president—she was the heir to the Frostheart lineage, a family that held immense power.
The leader clenched his jaw, but before he could respond, another voice cut through the silence.
"Enough."
Everyone turned as an imposing figure approached—the Academy Headmaster himself. His gaze swept over the scene, taking in Ethan, Sylvia, and the onlookers.
"Ethan Night," the Headmaster spoke, his voice a mixture of curiosity and authority. "You have shaken the very foundation of this academy. I will decide your punishment personally."
Ethan met his gaze, unyielding. He was ready for whatever came next.
To be continued…