The next morning, class resumed as if the hearing had never happened.
But the air had changed.
Students looked at me longer. Some with pity. Some with curiosity. A few with suspicion.
Professor Velet, the elemental instructor, stood before the blackboard covered in sigils.
"Today," he said, "we review controlled combustion—specifically, the Ash Lock technique. Miss Winterose, step forward."
Dozens of eyes turned to me.
I stood. Walked. Hands cold.
A circle was drawn on the floor—familiar, etched with fire runes and stability glyphs.
"Channel," Velet said. "If your mind is scattered, the spell will be, too."
I raised my hand, fingers slightly trembling. Heat gathered. The runes responded—too quickly.
A pulse. Then a flare.
The glyph surged with flame, licking the outer ring.
Murmurs rose.
"Again," Velet said calmly, though his eyes narrowed.
I exhaled, tried again. This time slower. Steadier.
The flame receded, held within the circle like a breathing heart.
He nodded.
As I turned back, Serena met my eyes from her seat—just once. A faint nod. A message.
They're watching. But you're still in control.