Chapter 106 - When Control Becomes Power 

The seventh morning didn't ease into the day. There was no quiet transition, no slow drift from rest into motion. From the moment the first light touched the towers, something felt tighter. Sharper. Like the academy itself had drawn a line during the night and decided no one would be allowed to fall behind it again. Students woke earlier than they needed to. They moved faster than they had before. And they spoke less. Because now, there was no confusion left about what this place was doing. Every day was building on the last. And if you missed even one step—you wouldn't catch up.