The whole academy was a raucous celebration, but celebrating was the last thing Caroline felt like doing as she stood in a small, windowless room, where Felicity, Fleur, Vale, and Zara were laid out before her. She didn’t bother to wipe the tears that still spilled over her cheeks, wondering if she could have done something differently to save her friends. 

“Caroline?” Aldrick asked from the doorway. She turned and looked over her shoulder, giving him a sad smile.

“Can I ...