Perfect — that gives the story tension and direction right after the cafeteria fight. The scene will transition naturally from her hitting the bully to being summoned to the headmaster's office, where w
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Chapter 5 – The History of Magic (final section)
Zamira didn't even make it past the dining hall doors before someone called her name.
"Miss Zamira."
The voice was firm — not angry, not soft, just final.
She turned to see a tall woman in silver robes standing beside the archway. The sigil on her chest marked her as one of the tower's Sentinels.
"The Headmaster would like a word," the woman said.
Zamira sighed quietly. "Of course he would."
Rami glanced up from the table, halfway between guilt and awe. "Want me to—?"
"No," she said, already walking. "You've gotten into enough trouble by association."
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The Headmaster's office sat high above the tower, past winding staircases and floating lanterns that hummed with quiet magic. It smelled faintly of old parchment and rain.
Zamira stepped inside.
Behind a desk carved from dragonbone sat a man who looked far too young to be in charge of anything — until he raised his eyes. Then the weight of them told another story.
His name was Master Valerius— though most called him The Keeper. He had silver hair tied back with a leather band, eyes the color of calm storms, and the posture of someone who had once been a warrior.
"Please, sit," he said, gesturing to the chair across from him. His tone was patient, but not indulgent.
Zamira sat, her back straight. "I assume this is about the boy I hit."
He chuckled softly. "Assume correctly."
She crossed her arms. "He deserved it."
"I have no doubt," Valerius replied easily. "But in this academy, we solve conflicts with words, not fists."
"He shoved me," she said flatly.
"And you nearly broke his jaw."
A pause. Then, to her surprise, the corner of his mouth twitched upward — almost like he was trying not to laugh.
"You have spirit," he said finally. "That will serve you well here. But spirit without control…" He leaned forward, fingers steepled. "That gets people killed."
Zamira said nothing.
Orin studied her quietly for a long moment. Then his voice softened. "You've been through enough battles, Zamira. You shouldn't have to fight your own classmates."
Her jaw tightened. "Tell them that."
"I intend to," he said calmly. "But you must understand — not everyone here wants peace. There are students who will see you as a threat simply because of what you are. And others who have… orders."
Zamira's eyes flicked up. "Orders?"
Valerius didn't 't answer right away. He rose, walking to the tall window behind his desk. The view stretched out across Qasratul Jinan — spires glinting in the distance, clouds drifting low over the rooftops.
"There are whispers," he said at last. "A prophecy that speaks of six souls bound by fire and shadow. You've heard the name, I assume — The Song of the Six."
Her stomach twisted. "Rumors."
"Perhaps," Valerius said . "But some believe one of those six has already awakened. And some," he turned to meet her gaze, "believe it's you."
Zamira didn't answer.
Valerius expression softened. "Be careful, Zamira. People will test you. Some will try to harm you — not because you've done wrong, but because they fear what you might become."
Her fingers curled against her knee. "Let them try."
He smiled faintly, but there was no amusement in it. "That's what I'm afraid of."
She stood, sensing the conversation's end. "Am I dismissed?"
"For now," he said. "Oh—and Zamira?"
She looked back.
"I know what you did today wasn't right," he said quietly. "But it wasn't wrong either."
For the first time since walking in, she almost smiled. "Good to know the headmaster believes in moral flexibility."
He chuckled. "No. I believe in survivors."
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Outside, the night wind was cold. Zamira pulled her cloak tighter, staring out at the glowing towers across the academy grounds. Somewhere in the shadows below, she thought she saw something move — a shape too fast to follow.
For a heartbeat, the wind carried a whisper.
> "The Sixth has awakened…"
Then it was gone.
Zamira blinked once, then shook her head. "Great. Now I'm hearing voices."
She turned and headed back toward the dorms — unaware that the true song had only just begun.
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