"Summon the Council. We must move quickly."
Alaric's voice held a rare urgency, his gaze steady and unyielding.
Instructor Park took a moment to gather himself, nodding swiftly.
"Yes, Headmaster," he replied, regaining composure before stepping back.
He offered a brief, respectful bow and exited the room with purpose.
Once alone, Alaric leaned back into his chair, his hand running over the carved armrest. His gaze drifted out the grand window, past the twisted tree symbol, settling on the vast expanse of Shadowveil Forest.
The trees stood dense and dark even under the clear sky, their towering forms casting long shadows over the land. Sunlight filtered through in patches, but it only seemed to accentuate the forest's mysterious depths, where rumors spoke of hidden dangers and ancient secrets.
A weary sigh escaped him.
"Is it all coming back? After so many years…" he murmured to himself.
