Riyan stood on the Academy's eastern balcony at midnight, watching a student walk alone through the gardens without once looking over her shoulder. No vigilance. No awareness. Just pleasant humming and complete trust that nothing bad could happen.
Three weeks ago, that same student had requested escort after dark following a minor theft incident. Now she wandered through shadows like they were midday sunlight.
"It's accelerating," Raven said flatly beside him. Her golden eyes tracked the student's path. "She's lost her survival instincts."
"Not just her," Livia added. She was tapping her fingers against the railing—rapid, unconscious. Fighting to maintain her real personality through sheer repetitive motion. "I walked past the dormitories this afternoon. Every single door was unlocked. *Open*. Students leaving their rooms accessible to anyone."
