Lucan turned back to the ward, quickly finishing the spell to disable it. The barrier, once a shimmering wall of magic, began to dissolve, leaving the entrance unprotected. He glanced at Maris, his expression serious. "Stay close," he instructed, his voice barely above a whisper. "And don't make a sound."
Maris nodded, her light blue eyes wide with both fear and anticipation. Together, they slipped through the now-vulnerable doorway, entering the headmaster's office with careful, measured steps. The room was exactly as Lucan had expected—lavishly decorated with relics and artifacts that spoke of power, wealth, and a deep connection to the arcane. The air was thick with the lingering presence of ancient spells, and every item seemed to hum with a quiet, almost ominous energy. But Lucan's focus was entirely on one thing: the ornate chest sitting atop the headmaster's mahogany desk.
