A man with his hair slicked back with pomade turned slowly to face us as we stepped into the spacious office. The room exuded authority, with its floor-to-ceiling windows offering a breathtaking view of the entire academy. Sunlight streamed in, casting long shadows across the polished wooden floors and the mahogany desk that dominated the center of the room.
The man himself was as imposing as his surroundings. Broad-shouldered and tall, he had a presence that felt tiger-like, predatory yet controlled. His scarred eye, cutting diagonally across his rugged face, gave him the aura of a retired soldier—a man who had seen battlefields others could only dream of.
"So, you're Lucas?" His voice was low and gravelly, but there was a warmth beneath the gruff exterior, like a seasoned warrior who had long since traded his blade for wisdom.
"Yes."
My response came out firmer than I expected, though my body felt tense under his piercing gaze.
