After a full day of travel, the endless flat plains of the countryside stretched out before her, a rich portrait interwoven with vivid shades of green. Occasionally, gentle hills rolled in the distance, their slopes carpeted with wildflowers that danced in the soft breeze, while quaint cottages dotted the landscape with their thatched roofs and curling smoke from chimneys. Dark, sprawling forests loomed far off, their towering trees standing sentinel against the vast sky. Yet, amidst this picturesque panorama, Elaine felt a tug at her heart for something more. Her eyes yearned for a touch of contrast, an unexpected glimpse of vibrant color, or an unusual shape—a tiny sliver of novelty to break the monotony of the serene scenery. She wanted something different.

  Perhaps she'd gotten her hopes up too high? Was that even possible? A country girl leaving her town for the first time in her life, and she was already bored on just the first day of her journey alone. Page was located in the southern region of the country, close to the border that distinguished Incante from its much larger neighbor, Ekenthall. From what she knew about Glyph Academy—there wasn't much—they still had quite a lengthy trek ahead of them. They'd have to venture further into the heart of Incante, near Beckam City but not too close to the Capital. Elaine counted four, maybe five more days of...of this, and her spirits dulled. She slunk deeper into her plush seat, her head supported on the back of her palm, a long sigh escaping her lips. The rhythmic clatter of the train wheels on the steel tracks formed a soothing backdrop to her thoughts. At the very least, she was grateful for the opportunity to travel in style, cocooned in the rich mahogany interior of the first-class carriage.

  Father often shared tales of his own journeys to procure supplies for their family shop, lamenting the discomfort of the cramped compartments filled with restless and loud passengers. Now, settled into her luxuriously padded chair, she couldn't help but compare his accounts. Sure enough, it took her a while to adapt to the constant jerking and gentle bumps as the locomotive hurried along its winding path. Each dip and rise seemed to challenge her composure, a reminder of the train's powerful momentum. Yet, those minor inconveniences paled in comparison to the indulgence of the plush fabric enveloping her, the soft humming of the engine, and the view outside the broad, cleaned windows, where lush green fields blurred past like a painter's brushstrokes on a canvas. This brief escape was more than a journey; it was a moment of opulence that promised adventure, untethered from the familiar routine of her life.

  Their booth was adorned with a long strip of plush crimson-colored carpet, rich in texture and vibrancy, perfectly coordinating with the chairs aligned on either side of the sleek cart. Above, ceiling lights cast a warm glow throughout the space, emitting white-colored rays through complexly designed hexagonal glass fixtures that resembled a honeycomb. And Elaine couldn’t help but notice how the temperature was consistently maintained at the perfect setting, neither too warm nor too cool. She wondered if the train—or rather, this exquisite booth—was equipped with an advanced arcanetech climate control device, a marvel of magical engineering that ensured a comfortable atmosphere for passengers.

  There were also these peculiar tables—tiny circular platforms, no larger than a dinner plate—imbued with an enchantment that made them float independently in midair. Each hovering table was adorned with an array of delightful snacks: vibrant macarons in pastel hues, bite-sized fruit tarts glistening with fresh berries, and dainty cookies shaped like whimsical creatures. Elaine didn't recognize any of the treats, their colors and shapes exotic and unfamiliar, yet she was more than willing to sample a few. With just a snap of her fingers, one of the tables responded instantly, gliding gracefully toward her as if eager to present its miniature buffet.

  She'd become queasy within the first hour of the trip. The vibrant spread of hors d'oeuvres, each more enticing than the last, had lured her like a moth to a flame. Colorful canapés adorned with delicate sprigs of herbs, satiny cheeses paired with tangy jams, and pastry rolls shinning like lost treasures under the soft glow of the chandeliers. Enraptured, Elaine didn’t hesitate to dive in, stuffing her face with various foreign flavors and textures. Little did she know that indulging in so many decadent bites all at once would soon lead to a burning in her stomach. If only Orion had warned her about the perils of such indulgence, she mused; perhaps she could have savored the evening without discomfort. If only.

  Having grown annoyingly accustomed to the sights past her cabin's window, Elaine grabbed a tabloid resting in the empty seat beside her—she had caught Orion reading it earlier. On its front page, the newspaper's article concerned a recent kidnapping in the Capital. Another one? Elaine thought, frowning.

  Lines of text molded around a particular photograph—the kind enchanted to move—displaying a bald, tan-skinned man with an angular face, bright green eyes, and a scar forking around his bottom lip. Elaine discerned the name "Douglas Cutter" numerous times amidst the story. He looked to be the prime suspect responsible for the kidnappings, a member of the notorious Serpent Fang Syndicate. Elaine recognized their emblem imprinted onto his robust shoulder—a severed snake head bearing knife-like fangs from its unhinged jaw. Elaine winced as Douglas, no, the moving photo of Douglas, scowled directly at her from inside the picture frame. This version was imprisoned, but the real criminal was still out there. Lurking in the shadows.

  "It's only getting worse," Raze said abruptly, sitting across from her. He'd been so quiet she had forgotten he'd ever been there. "A sorcerer with dark intentions isn't someone we can ignore. And Douglas isn't even the worst of his kin."

  Elaine attempted a grin. "Let's just hope the Military can capture him soon."

  "Doubt it," Raze replied unaffectionately. "Though it's grown, their State Sorcerer Division comprises only a fraction of their ranks. It'll take more than some rifles and wands to take out a pack of rogue sorcerers. No, that's where the Arcanum comes in handy."

  Though both the Incantian Military and the Arcanum directly served under His Royal Majesty, they operated as entirely separate entities with distinct missions and responsibilities. The Military primarily focused on preserving peace and order throughout the country, safeguarding it from external invaders and internal threats posed by national terrorists. Their extensive training in traditional warfare techniques and tactics ensured that they could swiftly respond to any hostile incursions. Although they maintained a formidable corps of State Sorcerers, their involvement in magical matters was limited, as they preferred to handle conflicts relying on conventional means.

  In contrast, the Arcanum emerged from humble beginnings as a small, deferential guild dedicated to the practice of magic, enlisting the services of skilled Professional Sorcerers who specialized in various mystical arts. Over time, this guild evolved into a significant armed force, playing a crucial role in Incante's defense against supernatural threats. Instead of conventional weaponry like rifles and cannons, the sorcerers of the Arcanum wielded their wands and executed powerful spells that could alter the very fabric of reality. This transformation did not occur overnight; it was the result of years of practice, extensive training in arcane knowledge, and the gradual accumulation of both power and prestige within the realm of sorcery. The coexistence of these two entities, each focusing on their distinct areas of expertise, highlighted the complexity of governance in a country where magic and martial prowess were equally vital.

  In response to the alarming surge of sorcerer-related crimes plaguing the nation, coupled with a formidable revolt spearheaded by a clandestine faction of dark sorcerers—often referred to as warlocks—the government had no choice but to take decisive action. This led to the announcement of a strategic collaboration with the Military and the Arcanum, aiming to restore peace and safeguard the realm of Incante from these formidable threats. Under the esteemed leadership of The Radiant Sorcerer, Ark Regaleo, the Arcanum was formally recognized by the king as an official and legitimate entity. Though the Military still boasted a significantly larger force, the Arcanum's role was critical during this tumultuous Era of Magic. The presence of the Arcanum had not only enhanced the Military's capabilities with their unique magical prowess but also signified a turning point in how sorcery was perceived by the wider populace, emphasizing its potential for protection rather than only destruction. The collaboration marked a pivotal moment in the kingdom’s history, intertwining the destinies of sorcerers and soldiers in their shared quest for Incante's safety and stability.

  "So how about it?" asked Raze. When she hadn't replied to him—not quite understanding what he was referring to—he further elaborated, "What I mean is, have you ever considered joining the Arcanum yourself?"

  Elaine hesitated. "M...Me? Join the Arcanum?"

  "Yes," Raze said dryly. "I belive that's what I had asked."

  "No...erm, I don't know. Right now, I really just want to go into a profession that will help my family the most." Elaine nodded, content. That sounded right. "Being a Professional Sorcerer pays, doesn't it? For now, my main goal should be graduating from Glyph in general, I think."

  She could never read Raze's plain expressions. To her reply, however, he looked to be...unsatisfied. His lips drew compactly into a line, and he exhaled a snort. "That's pretty vague, don't you think? A Professional Sorcerer can refer to any number of things. When it was that I left my hometown I was...around your age, I believe. Back then, I had set my mind to that goal, as well."

  "And you became the headmaster's assistant?"

  "No. I was stuck as a lowly-paid enchanter at a pawn shop in the Capital, living in a rat-infested apartment alone and unfulfilled." Elaine had to shut her mouth quickly, lest she longed to bark her loud gasp directly at him. "Now, do you get where I'm coming from? It isn't enough to say you want to be a Professional Sorcerer. What is your most concrete desire? What are you most passionate about?"

  "That's easy: Magic. I've always been obsessed with it, even as a little girl. So by the time I'm made a real sorcerer, I want to know as much about magic as I can," Elaine declared almost instantly. This, however, didn't seem to appease the man either.

  "That's a bit better, I suppose. You've got the Essence of a griffin; free, eager to soar the world. But it's beneficial to have a solid idea of where exactly one intends to steer their life. May that be a Strix or State Sorcerer, an enchanter or a Medical Mage. An immovable foundation is just as crucial as an unbreakable will. Tell me, do you know the most important step a sorcerer can take? The step that will define the rest of their journey?"

  Elaine said nothing as she thoroughly contemplated his question in her mind. The most important step a sorcerer can take?

  "Oh, quit pestering the girl," Orion said, striding over to them, completely unaffected by the constant bumps the train made. Some heads turned wherever he went—high-classed noblewomen dressed in puffy dresses and hats. Even amongst the nobility, Orion managed to be the center of attention. Had the man cast a spell on himself, or was he just that naturally alluring?

  "They are relative matters to address, are they not, sir? Surely you would agree that students are better off deciding on what they want from the get-go."

  "I do, I do," Orion nodded. "As always, Raze, you bring up lovely points. Alternatively, though, I also believe that a student, regardless of whether or not they have the finer details regarding their futures figured out, should nevertheless enjoy their years of adolescence. Those are precious years you won't ever get back. Believe you me, Young Elaine. If there were a spell that could turn back the clock, I'd cast it in a heartbeat. So many things I could change, so many mistakes to fix."

  Raze shrugged. "If you don't mind my saying, sir, that sounds like a disaster waiting to happen."

  The headmaster pouted. "Come now, Raze. Where's your sense of imagination? We're sorcerers. We have the power to alter reality to our will." As if to prove his point, Orion snapped his fingers, and one of the floating tables arrived a second later. "You see?" he said, swiping a biscuit. "It'd do you well to broaden your horizon."

  "I'll keep that in mind, sir."

  "Argh, now do you understand what I'm working with?" Orion complained to Elaine, swinging the hand holding the half-eaten biscuit at Raze. "You'd hardly believe he was a Professional Sorcerer. Let alone a staff member of Glyph Academy."

  "He does raise a valid point, Headmaster Valerian," Elaine giggled. There was an air of naivete to Orion's mannerisms. He had his arms crossed, and he slumped in his chair, crumbs sticking to inflated cheeks. "But to answer your question, Mr. Raze, I'd like to think the first is the most important step for a sorcerer."

  "Interesting," Raze said, leaning forward. "And what led you to that deduction?"

  "It's where we begin, isn't it? A sorcerer's origin. It would set a precedent as to what kind of sorcerer we'd eventually turn into. I mean, you said that having an unbreakable foundation was important, didn't you?"

  "I did."

  "Well then, I'll take your lesson to heart." Elaine gripped Ellend's wand, no, her wand in her hand—she had refused to leave it with the rest of her luggage. "It's settled. I will strive to be a sorcerer who can provide for my family. And I'll also learn everything I can about every kind of magic there is. So that when I graduate, I will be a competent Professional Sorcerer, just like both of you. That's what I'll aspire to be." Raze simply nodded. A rather...mundane response. She'd aimed to get him to show some modicum of enthusiasm. But there was nothing; he had nothing. Had she...answered incorrectly? She'd spilled her heart out. Every word of what she'd spoken, the girl earnestly believed. So what was the catch? Why did Raze look even more disinterested than he did prior? Maybe I need to accept I won't ever meet this guy's standards...

  "Headmaster," Raze said. "How much longer until we arrive at our destination?"

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  Orion was busy picking at more treats on the floating table beside him, but he'd made enough room in his mouth to sputter, "Two hours or so. If you have to use the restroom, I suggest doing so now."

  Two hours?! Elaine screamed in her mind. Had they really traveled that far? No, there was the Fushar Mountain Range in the far distance, a sight she could spot even from her bedroom window in Page. Enormous, rocky daggers, their snowy summits reaching well above the clouds. "Sir, there has to be some kind of mistake. We can't be close to the campus already."

  "A mistake?" Orion asked, tilting his head to the side with a raised brow. "No, my dear. I assure you we should be arriving at Glyph before day's end. Sorcerer's Guarantee."

  Now, she was even more confused. Was this another of their tests? Or was this just their way of toying with her, testing her patience? But even a sulmo like Liam could call a blatant lie when he came across one. Reaching Glyph Academy would prove to be an impossible task, especially at the rate they were going. The train was fast, but not fast enough to race across an entire country.

  "You've much to learn," Raze said, closing his eyes and sinking into his chair. "Rest your nerves, Young Elaine, and enjoy the ride."

  *

  * *

  It was well into the evening when Elaine and her companions finally arrived at Corvish, a quaint town not much larger than her hometown of Page. In fact, the two settlements shared such a striking resemblance that, for a moment, Elaine was overcome with nostalgia, almost believing she had returned home. However, as she stepped off the steaming locomotive onto the platform, she quickly realized that the faces surrounding her were all those of strangers, their features blending into the sea of unfamiliarity. A fiery orange sunset cascaded across the sky, illuminating the edges of the few wispy clouds that lingered, which soon made way for the stars to twinkle into existence, casting a soft, silvery glow over the landscape. Elaine pulled her well-worn suitcase through the uneven, cobblestone streets, where the remnants of the day's busyness lingered in the air—the smell of roasted chestnuts from a nearby vendor, faint laughter from a group of children playing, and the sound of shutters clanging gently in the evening breeze.

  As she walked, small, one-storied houses lined the road, their paint peeling in places, revealing layers of history beneath, while empty market stalls sat quietly, their vibrant displays of fruits and vegetables now reduced to leftover remnants that would be cleaned away by morning. As always, her fellow travelers, notably Orion, seemed to draw attention to themselves effortlessly. His charismatic presence commanded the attention of passersby, their gazes lingering on him, as though he were the heart of this new place—maybe he was, in some way that Elaine couldn’t quite understand. She adjusted her grip on the suitcase, feeling both invisible and at odds with the unfolding dynamics of her surroundings. The people in this town probably weren't accustomed to seeing genuine Professional Sorcerers so casually walking amongst them. For some, sorcerers were tantamount to gods trapped in human forms. Elaine never bought into that hopeless propaganda, primarily on account of her being somewhat of a sorcerer herself. And if it were true that she was a god, then humanity really was doomed...

  A gentle breeze swept through the sleepy town, carrying with it the fragrance-infused scents it had gathered from the nearby forests and fields. Elaine had to keep reminding herself that they were in the countryside, despite the twinge of uncertainty tugging at her thoughts. As dusk settled in, the streetlights flickered to life, their warm glow illuminating the cobblestone streets and creating pools of light that danced along the pathways. Attracted by the ethereal glow, fire pixies flitted about—small, whimsical humanoids with delicate, beating insect-like wings and skin that shimmered in shades of orange reminiscent of flickering flames. They zipped playfully into the glass casings of the lights, their laughter ringing like chimes in the evening air.

  Considering how close they were to sundown, Elaine couldn’t shake the feeling that they would soon seek a cozy nook to rest for the night. Did they prefer a quaint, cheap inn with creaky wooden floors and low rafters, or were they in search of a more elaborate hotel—though she doubted anything so grand existed in these parts? As twilight deepened, she guessed that they would not continue their trek much longer, for the shadows stretched longer and the warmth of the day began to give way to the cool embrace of night.

  Orion's eyes darted restlessly in their sockets, searching for something elusive that Elaine couldn’t quite grasp. A flicker of urgency hung about him, spurring her to follow closely as they made their way through the quiet town. As they moved, the path opened up to reveal a modest town square, where nearby buildings formed a rough circle around an aging stone fountain at its center. The fountain was an oddity—its design mimicked a peculiar breed of avian, one with an elongated neck and a strangely adorned crest that jutted above its chipped, almost grotesque beak. The once-splendid structure stood dry as a bone; water hadn't graced its basin in decades, leaving behind only the remnants of cracked stone and stubborn traces of algae. A sparse handful of townspeople, seemingly unconcerned by the unusual duo's presence, occupied the benches that lined the square. Some chatted amiably, their voices a soft murmur that blended with the gentle rustling of leaves overhead, while others leaned languidly against weathered walls or a flickering street lamp, their eyes flickering toward Orion and Raze with muted curiosity.

  “Ah, here we are,” Orion declared, his voice breaking the tranquil atmosphere, as he gestured toward the fountain, a sense of purpose rekindling his stance.

  Elaine dropped her suitcase with a jarring thud, the metal handle clanking sharply against the cobblestones as it fell, and a wave of bewilderment constricted her throat. She hadn't noticed it before, but now it loomed in front of her like a sentinel of lost secrets. Perhaps it was the peculiar angle at which they had entered the town square, or maybe the encroaching darkness that seemed to swallow her vision, but her eyes widened in surprise when she finally beheld it.

  It was an oddly designed structure, a cylindrical-shaped frame crafted entirely from ancient stone. Towering nine feet into the air, it was wide enough for four people to walk through side by side. As she drew nearer, cautiously edging past the neglected fountain that stood dried up and cracked, she noticed that every one of the massive stones—more akin to weathered boulders—was intricately festooned with twisting vines and a lush carpet of moss. Each stone bore an archaic symbol etched into its surface, their meanings lost to time. Some spiraled elegantly in shapes reminiscent of knotted ribbons, while others appeared to depict a star-like figure, or was it the sun peeking through the clouds? In striking contrast to the surrounding street, which was marred by patches of cracked earth and scattered rocks, this enigmatic frame was built atop a smooth platform of striking turquoise-colored marble, veined with streaks of deep purple and bright yellow. She only fully appreciated the platform's beauty when the tap of her shoe echoed against its polished surface, a sound so distinct that it broke through the otherwise pervasive silence of the square.

  Orion chuckled. "Close your mouth, Young Elaine. A pixie might fly inside of it." Elaine, more than embarrassed, gave the headmaster her back, trying to dispel the blush roaring on her face. "Any idea what this is?"

  "It's an archgate," Elaine said, still not meeting his stare. Fortunately, she heard the shuffling of his boots. He had turned to the structure, and it was then that she reapplied her stare on it. "So, this is how we'll get to Glyph, then?"

  "How do you think we got here in the first place?" Raze asked.

  "Well, you're sorcerers. I just assumed you used a teleportation spell or something of that nature."

  "And yet we chose to take the train?"

  Elaine cringed at her painful ignorance. "Yeah...I guess that wouldn't make sense, would it?

  Orion laughed louder. "Had we cast a teleportation spell, we'd be too drained to make the trip to your Page. Even us professionals require Essence." Striding right up to the construction arched over his head, Orion smiled as he announced, "Reptum. Glyph Academy, Umen Oblix."

  The sun had been cut in half by this point in the late afternoon, casting elongated shadows that made it feel considerably dark for the hour. The streetlights that lined the cobblestone streets were ancient relics; their flickering bulbs struggled to pierce the thick, velvet blackness enveloping them. Yet, just as Orion uttered those words, an azure light erupted into existence. One by one, the runes etched along the archway's frame sprang to life, glowing in perfect synchronization, as if they were conversing in a forgotten language of light. The space within the archgate ignited with a pulsating, liquid energy dancing with a primal rhythm reminiscent of the waves rolling over a hidden shore. The vivid brightness washed over Elaine's face like a warm tide, forcing her to squint against the overwhelming luminescence. All around them, a throng of curious lowborns from Corvish stood captivated, their faces bewitched by the unforeseen spectacle. A collective gasp escaped their lips—a sound of wonder and disbelief—that echoed against the stone buildings, reminding Elaine of their presence. Indeed, she had an audience—one that seemed eager to marvel at the extraordinary, unlike the jaded, cynical merchants and shoppers infesting the bustling marketplace in Page, who had long since lost their sense of awe. Fingers pointed. Eyes were split. These people, they feasted on the splendor. The magic.

  "Would you look at that," exclaimed a male voice.

  "See? I told you I was telling the truth!" said another. A woman's voice, this time. "Those sorcerers popped right out of it yesterday!"

  "Now that's magic for ya!"

  "What kind of spell did they use?"

  That's right, some of them must have witnessed the surreal arrival of Orion and Raze the day before. She pondered how the onlookers would have reacted. An ordinary day, suddenly shattered by a burst of magical energy. Then, as if stepping from a dream, two Professional Sorcerers emerged out of the archgate, their robes billowing around them like the wings of otherworldly beings. The crowd would have stood frozen, jaws slack, eyes wide in disbelief. Elaine imagined herself there, profoundly flabbergasted, too stunned to even form words, as the extraordinary unfolded before her, blending the mundane with the fantastical in an unforgettable display.

  "Only certain sorcerers can use the archgates," Orion said, lifting a finger. "One has to recite the specific words to activate them, so it makes no difference to keep some in convenient places. The Arcanum makes it a point to build an archgate in every city, town, or place of relevance in Incante. It permits easy travel for us sorcerers."

  Elaine gulped. "I see..."

  "Well, duty calls." A wave of bewildered gasps rippled through the crowd. With a roguish grin that lit up his face, Orion boldly stepped forward and, with a swift, effortless motion, he swung himself through the archgate, the ornate patterns glinting in the fading light. In an instant, he vanished from sight, leaving behind a trail of astonished whispers and wide-eyed spectators, all craving for an explanation.

  Next was Raze's turn, however, he paused a breath away from the portal. He must have noticed it, the cage of thorns confining her where she stood. "Not coming?" he asked. Elaine didn't reply. Her legs, they weren't cooperating. She felt frozen, her bones turning stiff. "That of what I mentioned on the train? Were you able to figure it out yet?"

  "Wh...What?" Elaine stammered. "You're bringing that up now?"

  "The most important step," Raze intoned, his voice resonating with an unshakeable conviction, "isn't the first. No, it's the one that follows. Always the next step. Whatever you've accomplished, whatever feats you've achieved, all of it would ultimately prove meaningless if you don't continue to advance with a consistent and steady march forward. Novice Wand," he continued, his piercing gaze fixed on her, "you may not have realized it yet, but you've already taken your first step. It was your choice to join us on this journey, to leave the safety of your familiar realm and venture into the unknown. That act alone marks your first step into a larger world. Now, it is time for you to fully commit." Raze lifted his arms high above his head, his dark cloak billowing behind him like a storm cloud, the fabric swirling dramatically in the gusty wind. "Null bereft Grandium entys Enternum. Clara en Vyrum. Bound by nothing, we March Freely into the Forever. Radiant and True. This is the oath we, the Glyph sorcerers, hold sacred, a promise forged in the crucible of life and death." With a commanding gesture, Raze extended a hand toward the shimmering archgate, its ethereal light casting moving patterns on the ground. "Now, tell me—what will your next step entail?" He leaned forward slightly, anticipation written across his face, eager to see if she would embrace the moment and define the path that lay ahead.

  Elaine stared at him in complete silence, her breath hitching in her throat. There was a pulse in her heart, like a warm melody weaving through her veins, melting away the icy grip that had settled at the bottom of her boots. In her right hand, her wand felt solid and reassuring, and she tightened her grip around its surface, drawing strength from it. Exhaling deeply, she leaned down to pick up her luggage, the familiar weight of it grounding her at the moment. With a sudden surge of exhilaration, Elaine sprang into a sprint, her legs moving faster than they had in days. A loud scream burst free, a wild release of energy, defiance, and a cloud of dust kicked up behind her as she charged past Raze; she caught a fleeting glimpse of his surprised expression—a mixture of shock and concern—and felt a rush of adrenaline propel her forward as she dashed into the grand archgate.

  Immediately, she felt the biting chill of the wind as it swept across her bare, fair skin, leaving a trail of goosebumps that rose like miniature hills on her arms. The air was stark and devoid of any scent, carrying an eerie, aloof character that felt disjointed from the world around her. Strands of her blonde hair danced wildly behind her in vibrant arcs, caught in the relentless gusts that swirled and twisted with playful abandon. Elaine tilted her head back, her eyes scanning the sky above. The mass of clouds had thickened and loomed ominously closer, a heavy gray tapestry that seemed almost within reach as if she could stretch out her hand and pluck one from the heavens. A sudden pressure built in her ears, accompanied by sharp pops that echoed like tiny fireworks deep within her ear canals, briefly distracting her from the encroaching sense of unease.

  And then—a disconcerting realization washed over her. Was it her imagination, or was the air growing heavier, making it increasingly difficult to draw in a full breath? It felt as though an unseen weight pressed down on her chest, wrapping around her lungs and constricting her ability to inhale deeply. She could sense the struggle intensifying, each breath more labored than the last, as if the very atmosphere was conspiring against her.

  Stumbling forward, Elaine took notice of the numerous other archgates enclosing her in a ring, all of them built upon the same fashion of smooth, turquoise-colored platform expanding beneath her feet. Some had their runes shimmering, strangers in adorned attires striding onto the courtyard from some faraway realm. Footsteps sounded behind her, and Raze appeared at her side. "Now you've done it. I guess you're officially a sorcerer in training."

  Elaine could hardly believe her eyes. Raze was...smiling. Or at least, it looked like a smile. The expression contorted his already rugged features in an unsettling way, as if it physically pained him to drop his usual hardened scowl. For just a fleeting moment, his lips twisted upward, revealing a hint of vulnerability beneath his stern facade, but the semblance of joy disintegrated almost as quickly as it appeared, returning to the familiar grimness. He advanced with purpose, heading toward a small gathering. Here, she spotted Headmaster Valerian, his distinguished figure cloaked in the deep afternoon light, engaged in an unsmiling conversation with two men dressed in uniform gray. Their cloaks, reminiscent of Raze's, swayed and fluttered in the brisk wind, casting shadows that danced around their feet. The men’s expressions were obscured, but their postures radiated authority.

  "Where are we?" Elaine asked, aghast.

  Raze glanced back at her, cringing. "Where do you think?"

  Elaine followed the direction of his nod, and a thrill surged through her, consuming her like a ravenous beast, gnashing away at her emotions and leaving her awash in a cavernous sense of wonder. Towering spires pierced the heavens. Warm amber lights streamed from the countless rows of windows, illuminating the white brick exteriors weathered by age. Elegant, fastidiously crafted stone bridges arched over rugged cliff sides, linking the titanic architecture together. This was...this was...

  "Elaine Harwood," Raze muttered, "welcome to Glyph Academy."