The academy's lecture hall hummed with subdued energy.
The usual boisterous chatter was muted, and the rows of seats were noticeably sparse.
Only about half the students were present.
The aftermath of the demon ambush weighed heavily on everyone; many students were still in the infirmary, nursing wounds both physical and emotional.
Eclipse sat in the back of the room, slouched in his seat, half-hidden behind a book.
From his vantage point, he had a perfect view of the hero's party seated in the front row—Caelum, Seraphine, Finnian, and the rest.
His gaze lingered a moment too long on Seraphine, who, for once, didn't seem to react to his attention.
Normally, she'd throw a glare his way or mutter something about "that insufferable noble."
But today, she merely sighed, her sapphire eyes fixed ahead as if she had more pressing concerns.
Finnian noticed her uncharacteristic calm and leaned over, whispering, "Well, this is a first."
