(Opening Scene: Zane and Astrid have both regained consciousness in the infirmary, their hands still clasped. They exchange weak smiles, the shared experience evident in their eyes.)
"Astrid," Zane murmured, his voice hoarse. "Are you… alright?"
Astrid squeezed his hand gently. "As alright as I can be, I think. You?"
"Drained," he admitted. "Like every drop of magic has been wrung out of me." He frowned, his brow furrowing in an attempt to recall the specifics of their shared power surge. "The crown… Eclipse… what happened?"
Astrid's expression turned troubled. "It was… strange. Eclipse's eyes… they were completely black. And then… that wave of power. It felt… different." She shivered slightly, despite the warmth of the infirmary. "Like something else was guiding us."
Before they could delve further into the unsettling events, the door to the infirmary opened, and Headmaster Theron entered, his expression a mixture of relief and concern. He was accompanied by Xander, who looked equally anxious.
"Zane! Lady Astrid! You're awake. Thank the arcane," Headmaster Theron said, his voice filled with genuine relief. He approached their bedsides, his gaze assessing their condition. "How are you both feeling?"
Zane tried to sit up again, this time with slightly more success, propping himself up on his elbows. Astrid followed suit, leaning against the pillows.
"Weak, Headmaster," Zane replied. "But conscious. What happened after… after we released that energy?"