The stranger's name didn't show up on any roster.
Karl checked.
So did Nyra.
So did half the class — because by nightfall, rumors were everywhere.
"He's a transfer from a northern enclave."
"No, he's a shadow envoy from one of the outer clans."
"He can speak to beasts. I heard he whispered to a wyvern egg and it cracked."
Nyra slammed her hand on the mess table.
"Okay, first of all—he doesn't even blink that often. Second, why do people like the mysterious ones so much?"
Kael shrugged.
"Because they look like they've read the end of the book before anyone else."
Karl stayed quiet.
Because even without speaking, even without names…
He knew something was off.
That night, the instructors met behind sealed runes.
Instructor Calen placed a file on the table.
Name: Nareth Veyr.
Origin: Unknown.
Magic Signature: Unscannable.
Authority of Entry: Overridden.
Headmaster Elaris frowned as she flipped the parchment.
"He arrived with a sigil I haven't seen since the Vanished Era."
"So we keep him under watch?" Delrin asked.
"No," she said quietly.
"We watch how he reacts to Karl."
Meanwhile, Karl stood at the training yard, staring up at the stars.
Rae's pendant clinked softly against his collar.
Something about Nareth stirred the Veil. Not in fear.
In… recognition.
"I need answers," Karl whispered.
"Before the fire wakes up again."