One that shimmered like a night sky. Stars moved across it in slow motion, like it was alive. Hundreds of students filled the seats arranged in circular tiers, the floor in the centre empty like a duelling ring.
Power hung thick in the air.
My senses sharpened immediately.
Not just the buzz of enchantments or sigils — it was the people. The students. So many different kinds of magic.
I picked up the sharp scent of ozone from the tall girl with lightning in her hair. The copper tang of blood magic from a boy whose eyes glowed faintly red. Someone near the front had wings folded tight across their back and a silver chain embedded in their throat. The wolf in me growled low, unsettled.
"New batch," a voice muttered as I passed.
I didn't stop.
I moved toward an empty spot along the outer tier when a voice beside me said, "You're sitting in the wrong place."
I turned.
