---
As plans were set in motion, tensions continued to rise within the academy.
The courtyard buzzed with rumors and debates, students arguing over Fowad's actions and their consequences.
"He's reckless!" one student shouted. "How many more people need to get hurt before he stops?"
"Yeah, but what's the alternative?" another retorted. "Sit around and wait for the rival families to crush us?"
Helena, passing through the courtyard, stopped abruptly. Her falcon screeched loudly, silencing the crowd.
"Enough!" she snapped, her voice ringing out. "Fowad is doing what none of you have the courage to do."
He's fighting for this academy while the council sits on their hands. If you've got a problem with that, maybe you should take it up with the rival families yourself.
The students fell silent, their gazes dropping as Helena strode away, her falcon circling overhead.
