Professor Cedric stepped through the threshold first, the air humming angrily as the forbidden spell settled behind them. The ancient door crackled with residual resistance, as if aware it had been forced open—resentful and warning.
He adjusted the sleeve of his robe calmly, masking the tension in his jaw. Around him, the other professors fanned out in a semi-circle, eyes locked onto the ice-sealed chamber.
They didn't speak—not yet. Not while the mana in this place still trembled from the intrusion.
"We've crossed a line," murmured Professor Sylphaera, voice barely audible.
Her fingers traced a nervous rune into the palm of her hand, a habitual tick she'd picked up during the Great War. "If the Lunar King finds out—"
"He won't," Professor Cedric cut in sharply. "Not until this is over."
Professor Alwen glanced at him, frowning. "Over? You mean contained?"
"I mean controlled," said Professor Cedric, his eyes glinting with something unreadable.
