The classroom buzzed with nervous energy as students shuffled into their seats.
Professor Veldrin stood at the front, his bony fingers steepled together.
Watching them with the predatory patience of a hawk circling its prey.
"Alright, settle down," he said, his voice cutting through the chatter like a blade.
"Today's quiz will be one hour. Short and simple. If you paid even half-attention in my lectures, full marks should be trivial."
Kyle slumped into his chair near the back, rubbing sleep from his eyes.
The professor's gaze lingered on him for a beat too long before sliding to Reo.
Who was currently trying (and failing) to balance his quill on his nose.
'Translation: You two are doomed.'
Verdin flicked his wrist.
A stack of papers leapt from his desk, caught in an invisible current of wind magic, and fluttered down to land perfectly before each student.
"Rules," Verdin continued, pacing between the rows.
