The confrontation with Professor Aurelian was over, but the tension still lingered. Lumi, Cyana, Heath, and June walked quietly through the academy grounds, the weight of their victory mixed with the looming threat of Erick's inevitable retaliation. They had exposed Aurelian's role in Erick's plans, but they knew it wasn't the end. Erick wouldn't back down. He would come at them harder, more desperate than ever.
As they reached the courtyard, the late afternoon sun cast long shadows across the stone paths, giving the academy an almost serene feel—if it weren't for the tension bubbling just beneath the surface.
June, who had been quiet since leaving the council chambers, finally broke the silence. "I can't believe we did it. Aurelian's out of the picture… for now." Her orange ears twitched as she looked at Lumi with a grin. "You think Erick's freaking out right now?"
