The shift in the hall was immediate.
The murmurs lowered. Students turned their heads. Those sitting on the floor began pushing themselves up despite obvious exhaustion, while others who had been leaning against friends or walls straightened as much as their bodies allowed.
Even the ones who looked seconds away from collapsing forced themselves upright. Pride, discipline, and academy habit all worked together, making the second years stand as properly as they could while the authoritative figures entered.
Headmaster Thion Layenhart walked in first, composed as always, his steps steady and unhurried. Beside and behind him came Assistant Lucia Greydon, her clipboard held close, her gaze already moving across the students with sharp assessment.
