The dining hall was quieter than it had ever been.

Candles burned low, their flames swaying under the draft. Plates clinked softly, the sound too small for the size of the hall.

Elowyn sat among a row of cadets who didn't speak. They chewed slowly, eyes half-lidded, as though food had lost its taste. Even the usual clang of laughter from the far tables was gone.

She felt the unease crawling under her skin. Every scrape of metal on plate made her flinch.

At the far end, Baron sat ...