Headmaster Thion Layenhart rose from his seat.
He did not need to do more than that for the atmosphere in Beacon Hall to change. The students had already quieted after Lucia's introduction, but the silence that followed Thion's movement was different. It settled deeper.
The second-years watched as he walked calmly to the pulpit, his steps measured, his expression composed, and his presence carrying the weight of authority without requiring force. There were instructors in the academy who could silence a room by intimidation, others by reputation, and some by sheer volume. Thion did not need any of those. His authority was quieter than that, older in feeling, and somehow heavier because it did not ask to be acknowledged. It simply was.
Lucia stepped aside as he reached the pulpit.
Thion gave her a brief nod. "Thank you, Ms. Greydon."
Lucia returned the nod and moved to stand slightly behind him.
