That afternoon, Lyra wandered the halls, curiosity outweighing caution. She noticed a faint glimmer of light behind a tapestry.
Touching it, a hidden door swung open, revealing a secret classroom. Dust motes floated in golden rays. Shelves lined the walls with ancient scrolls, spellbooks, and arcane artifacts.
"This must be forbidden…" she whispered.
Her fingers brushed a leather-bound tome. The moment she opened it, her mark glowed brighter. Spells and sigils leapt off the page, forming faint holographic images in the air.
A sudden voice startled her.
"You shouldn't be here."
Lyra spun. Kael stood in the doorway, arms crossed, expression unreadable.
"I… I just—" Lyra stammered.
Kael stepped forward, the faintest smirk on his lips.
"You're curious. Dangerous curiosity."
Lyra felt heat rise to her cheeks. "I'm just… learning."
Kael's eyes softened slightly, but there was still a warning in his gaze.
"Learning can get you killed here. But… I'll allow it. For now."