The morning sun cast long shadows across the Academy's courtyard as students gathered before the main announcement board. Usually, this spot would be bustling with anxious chatter about upcoming final exams, but today was different. The events of the past week had changed everything.
Aria stood at the back of the crowd, arms crossed, watching as Vice Principal's projection materialized above the announcement board. His usually stern face carried an added weight of exhaustion and grief.
"Students of the Celestial Arcane Academy," his voice resonated across the courtyard, "in light of recent events, the Council of the Academy has made several important decisions regarding the remainder of this academic year."
The crowd fell completely silent.
