The note still burned in my pocket as I walked through the academy halls. The parchment felt heavier than it should, as if the words themselves carried weight. Whoever had left it wanted me to question everything, to watch my back more closely than ever. And for once, I listened.

Trust wasn't something I gave freely, but if I wanted to survive, I couldn't fight this war alone.

The stone walls of the academy seemed to press closer as evening shadows lengthened. Torches guttered in their ...