Back in the Royal Arcane Academy, inside Dean Orin Belebright's cozy (and slightly messy) office cabin.
The dean sat behind his big wooden desk, stroking his wild, untamed beard while staring at the letter in his hands.
In front of him, two chairs held two very different people:
Lucian Duskwood, calm and sharp-eyed as always, and Jaya Balan, leaning forward with her usual no-nonsense energy.
Dean Orin finished reading, folded the fancy paper neatly, and looked up.
The playful twinkle that usually danced in his eyes was gone. His voice came out low and serious.
"They're inviting the three of us to the Saint Trial."
Lucian let out a slow, thoughtful hum. "Hmm…"
He turned his head slightly toward Jaya. "What do you think?"
Jaya rubbed her chin, a small frown creasing her forehead.
She stared at the floor for a second, thinking hard.
"Well…" she started, then nodded firmly. "We have to go. No…we 'must' go."
Both Dean Orin and Lucian leaned forward a little, waiting.
