Her sharp eyes swept across the group of students, pausing just briefly when they reached Kael.
He stood slightly apart from the others, quiet and alone near the edge of the clearing. His uniform was dusty, the cuffs stained with dried mud from the forest floor.
His boots were worn and covered in dirt, and slung over one shoulder was his satchel—its shape bulging slightly from the carefully wrapped beast claw hidden inside.
Though her gaze only lingered for a second, it was enough. She noticed. Still, she said nothing.
"You are dismissed," Professor Sylvia announced.
With that, the exam was officially over.
The students immediately began to move, some stretching their tired limbs, others sighing in relief.
The once-silent group quickly burst into life. Conversations bubbled up all around as they began to leave the clearing, heading toward the academy gates and the teleportation circle that would take them home.
Laughter, chatter, and footsteps filled the path.
