A few quiet days passed without any trouble.
They returned to the academy, and classes slowly picked up again.
When the headmaster came back, he explained everything. He had been under a spell—a strange pull that led him to follow a letter. It was a trick, a fake message meant to lure him away.
As soon as he arrived in the capital, the King understood the weight of the situation and quickly sent a small force to the beach to rescue the children. But by then, the council had already acted. They took the children and brought them back to Valorian.
They also took the remains of the demons. Austin didn't argue—there was no use for them anymore.
Lately, Austin had begun to feel like his old self again. Each day seemed to carry a little light, a little warmth—especially with Valerie beside him.
But still, there were moments. Quiet, aching moments.
