The hallway leading to Seraphina Ashwood's office felt longer than usual.
It felt like walking down a gallows.
Marcus Aldridge adjusted his collar. It felt tight against his throat.
The Academy was quiet in the evening. Most students were in the outside the campus.
The silence amplified the sound of his boots on the stone floor.
He reached the familiar oak door.
He had stood here many times before.
Usually, he came with flowers. Or coffee. Or a terrible excuse about his brother.
Today, he brought nothing but the truth.
He knocked.
"Enter," Seraphina's voice called.
It was calm. Professional.
Marcus pushed the door open.
Seraphina was sitting at her desk. She was grading papers.
The magical lantern cast a warm glow over her platinum hair.
She looked up. Her eyes softened when she saw him.
"Marcus," she said. "I wasn't expecting you."
She put down her quill.
"Did Theodore break another training dummy?"
"No," Marcus said.
