The evening had begun to settle gently over Arcadia Academy, casting long shadows across the wide stone courtyard where the group stood. The sky above had deepened into a warm mixture of orange and violet, the last rays of sunlight reflecting faintly against the tall academy towers and the glass windows that lined the distant halls.
A light breeze moved through the courtyard, carrying the faint sounds of students somewhere in the distance finishing their evening training sessions.
Against that calm backdrop, Elowen finally straightened as she answered the question Luca had asked.
Her long green hair shifted softly with the wind as she stepped forward, her relaxed smile making it clear that she had already anticipated the reactions that were about to follow.
"I'm planning to admit Sylthara into Arcadia Academy," she said casually.
For a moment—
No one reacted.
Then the words fully registered.
Kyle blinked.
Aiden's brows lifted slightly.
