Ashen Guards training area
The training yard was empty when they arrived.
That should have been the first clue that something was different. Usually, at this hour, the yard was crowded with second-year hunters running drills or third-years showing off for the rookies. But today, the mats were rolled up, the dummies were pushed against the walls, and the only light came from the grey sky filtering through the high windows.
Alistair stood in the center, arms crossed, waiting.
Ashen Dawn filed in—Cora first, still stretching her arms from their morning run; Mason next, his gauntlets already strapped on; Sera behind him, phone in hand but eyes alert; Derek last, staff tapping nervously against the floor. Lucian brought up the rear, quiet as always, his eyes scanning the empty yard.
Alistair waited until they formed a loose semicircle around him. Then he spoke.
"In two months, the inter-academy tournament begins."
