The journey back to Mystic Heights Academy was tense, each step weighed down by the words of the Syndicate's masked agent. Zayne barely spoke as they navigated through the dimly lit tunnels, his thoughts consumed by the warning.
"Your past is tangled with ours… The answers you seek are closer than you think."
How could the Syndicate know about him? About his past? His parents had died when he was too young to remember the details—only scattered images remained. A dark night, the scent of burning wood, the faint echo of voices raised in fear. And then, nothing.
But if the Syndicate was involved…
Zayne shook the thought away as they finally emerged from the underground passage, stepping into the familiar grounds of the Academy. The cool night air wrapped around them, the grand towers of Mystic Heights standing tall against the moonlit sky.
Elias exhaled sharply. "We need to report this to Headmaster Vaughn."
Malo scoffed. "Yeah, and then what? He'll just tell us to be careful and 'trust the system.'"
Seraphina sighed. "We can't just ignore it, Malo. The Syndicate's working their way into the Academy—we need to know how deep this goes."
Zayne nodded. "We go to the headmaster, but we also keep investigating on our own. If there's a traitor inside Mystic Heights, we're not going to find them by waiting around."
Elias gave a firm nod. "Agreed. Let's move."
The halls of Mystic Heights were quieter than usual when they stepped inside, the usual murmurs of students replaced by a strange stillness. Even the ever-burning sconces lining the walls flickered oddly, casting long, shifting shadows.
Zayne couldn't shake the feeling that something was wrong.
As they turned a corner leading to the headmaster's office, the doors suddenly burst open, and a figure was thrown out—skidding across the stone floor before slamming against the wall.
It was Professor Solomon Lewis.
The elderly professor groaned, struggling to push himself up. His robes were disheveled, and a nasty bruise was already forming on his cheek.
"Professor!" Zayne rushed forward, helping him to his feet.
Professor Lewis winced but waved him off. "I… I'm fine."
The doors to the office stood wide open, and within, Headmaster Vaughn sat at his desk, his expression cold. Standing opposite him was a tall man in black and gold robes, his presence radiating authority.
Zayne's stomach twisted.
The man turned, his piercing silver eyes scanning the group with sharp precision. His aura was overwhelming, heavy with power and something darker underneath.
Elias stiffened. "That's… Lord Cedric Vael."
Zayne had heard of him. Lord Vael was a high-ranking member of the Guild Council, the governing body that oversaw all guild-academies across the region. His reputation was one of ruthless efficiency—whispers said he had personally eradicated entire criminal networks in the past, though the methods he used were never spoken of.
And now he was here.
Professor Lewis straightened, glaring at Vael. "This is our Academy, Lord Vael. You have no right to interfere with our internal matters."
Vael raised an eyebrow. "No right? I act under direct authority of the Guild Council. And given recent… disturbances, it seems Mystic Heights is failing to keep order."
The headmaster sighed. "Professor Lewis, that is enough."
Lewis clenched his fists but reluctantly fell silent.
Vael turned his gaze to Zayne and the others. "And you must be the students involved in the… incident at the auction."
Zayne met his gaze, refusing to look away. "We were gathering information."
Vael smirked. "Is that what you call it?"
Malo crossed his arms. "If you're here to lecture us, don't bother. We already know the Syndicate's moving against the Academy."
Vael studied him for a moment before chuckling. "Bold. I like that. But no, I am not here to lecture you." He stepped closer, his silver eyes locking onto Zayne. "I am here because the Syndicate's reach extends further than you realize. There is a traitor within these walls."
A heavy silence fell over the room.
Seraphina frowned. "You're sure?"
Vael nodded. "We intercepted messages—coded transmissions originating from within Mystic Heights. Someone here is working with the Syndicate, feeding them information."
Zayne's mind raced. If the Syndicate had a spy within the Academy, then everything they had been doing—every plan, every move—had likely been monitored from the start.
Vael's expression darkened. "And I intend to root them out."
Professor Lewis spoke up. "That does not justify attacking faculty."
Vael waved a hand dismissively. "I do what is necessary." His gaze returned to the students. "You will continue your studies as normal. But I will be watching. Closely."
Without another word, he turned and strode past them, his robes billowing as he disappeared down the corridor.
Elias exhaled. "That guy gives me the creeps."
Malo muttered, "Yeah, and now he's watching us."
Professor Lewis rubbed his temple. "This is bad. If Lord Vael is involved, things are more serious than I thought."
Zayne clenched his fists. The Syndicate had a spy inside the Academy. That meant their enemy wasn't just outside these walls—they were within them.
Seraphina turned to him. "What do we do?"
Zayne took a slow breath.
"We find the traitor before Vael does."