"If they check my bags one more time, I am going to use my textbook as a weapon," Pearl muttered, slamming her wooden trunk onto the stone floor of the grand courtyard.
We had finally arrived at Arethia University, but the welcoming atmosphere from last term was completely gone. The massive wrought-iron gates were only open wide enough for a single carriage to pass at a time, guarded by rows of royal knights in polished silver armor. High mages stood on elevated platforms along the perimeter, their hands glowing with pale blue energy as they actively scanned every incoming student for unauthorized magical artifacts.
"Just keep moving, Pearl," Des whispered, nervously pulling his collar up against the freezing wind. "Look at the registration lines. They're tracking everyone who steps foot on campus."
