Atticus's footsteps echoed louder than usual as he walked through the Ravenstein estate, approaching the entrance.
The double doors swung open, and what he saw immediately made him stop in his tracks, raising an eyebrow.
Just in front of the estate, an army of snow-white-haired individuals filled the grounds, numbering in the hundreds.
Every Ravenstein he knew, except those at the academy—his immediate family, the Ravenstein elders, sanctum masters, and even the three stars of the family—were standing there. All eyes were focused on him, unmoving.
There were so many people gathered that the estate should have felt cramped, but despite the crowd, a straight, open path led directly to where Magnus stood waiting.
Atticus paused for only a brief moment—less than a second. As soon as he understood the situation, his body moved.
A heavy silence fell over the entire estate as Atticus stepped forward.
