Valen descended the Academy steps, his pristine gold and white robes catching the afternoon light.
Behind him, Lyria and Seraphine followed, both moving stiffly.
Three carriages waited in the courtyard, each one bearing the Church of Lioren's insignia, a radiant sun crossed with a silver staff, rendered in gold leaf against white lacquered wood.
Valen gestured toward the first carriage. "You two. With me."
Lyria and Seraphine climbed inside with assistance from attendants who'd materialized from somewhere. The interior was plush, cushioned seats in white silk, small essence-conducting crystals providing soft light, temperature-controlled despite the external conditions.
Valen entered last, settling across from them.
The other Church officials divided themselves among the remaining carriages. Within moments, all three vehicles were moving, wheels crunching over debris-scattered roads as they departed the broken Academy.
---
