Elias’s POV

The walk back to Ronan’s building felt quieter than usual. The academy was still busy, but it sounded far away, like the world had turned down its own volume. Students were still talking about the alarm. Some were whispering near the walls. A few guards stood at the corners, watching everyone closely.

Ronan stayed beside me the whole time. He walked with a straight back and sharp steps, but his hand brushed my arm every few seconds, making sure I was still close. I tried to ...