Tuesday evening arrived and Kai made his way to the expedition meeting room in the academy's administrative building. The room was larger than he expected, with a long table in the center and maps of the Thornvale Ruins spread across one wall.
Seraphina was already there, talking animatedly with a group of older students. She spotted Kai and waved him over.
"Kai! Come meet everyone!"
Kai approached reluctantly as twelve pairs of eyes turned to assess him. The senior students ranged from curious to skeptical, clearly trying to reconcile the rumors about his abilities with his unremarkable appearance.
"Everyone, this is Kai Wraith," Seraphina announced. "He's the other additional support for the expedition."
A tall woman with short black hair named Mira Chen, one of the team leaders stepped forward. "We met briefly in Henrik's office. First year, House Ascendant, correct?"
"Yes."
