There were plenty of people in the grand room. Dozens of families are under the protection of the giant muffler. Parents, sisters, and brothers looked at the golden robe, aware that a word from the woman could shorten their reunion.
The mages, those wearing a tarnished grey flower crest over their heart turned toward the two newcomers. But the eerie feeling was the same. In their eyes, there was only fear.
Byssa took a deep breath and roared at them. "Resume!" All obeyed at once, turning their head back into the perfect symmetry of their torso. She whispered to Arthur, loudly enough for the nearest people to hear. "It's just their curiosity, don't worry about it. Soon, they won't even acknowledge you anymore. Most don't know how many classmates they have. That's what we teach them back in here.
It sickened Arthur to witness the healing process he was aiming for being dulled down by the vice-director of the school.
