The morning sun did nothing to warm the stone hallways of the main lecture hall. I walked into the magical history classroom, my boots tapping softly against the floor. The room was mostly empty, save for a few early-rising students huddled over their desks.
Kai was already at his usual spot, surrounded by three separate inkwells and a stack of fresh parchment.
"Morning," I said, sliding into the seat next to him and dropping my bag onto the floor. I tried to look casual, leaning back against the wooden bench. "Hey, by the way... have you seen Malachi around today? I didn't see him at breakfast."
Kai looked up from his notes, blinking through his spectacles. "Oh, Malachi? He won't be in classes for the first few days. Declarn mentioned that the High Council called an emergency session regarding the border incidents. Malachi had to attend with his father."
