Chapter 54
Etherlight Academy – South Hallway
Ezra stepped out of Headmaster Lyssara's office, the heavy oak door closing behind him with a muted thud. The corridor ahead was bathed in the fading amber light of late afternoon, shadows stretching across polished stone. Students moved in small clusters, their footsteps echoing, their laughter dim in his ears.
Every step he took was steady, deliberate. His thoughts were already far ahead, past the conversation he had just finished.
Clearance granted. That's the first gate… Now comes the harder part—making sure every piece on the board moves exactly where I want it.
At the far end of the hallway, Xavier leaned casually against the wall, arms folded. The moment he spotted Ezra, he pushed off and asked,
"You got it?"
Ezra didn't slow. "We're cleared."
Xavier fell into stride beside him. His tone was casual, but his eyes were sharp. "You're sure about this? You know what you're getting into."
