The doors groaned before Layla could even place her hand against the wood to open it. Warm light spilled into the corridor, brushing against her skin like static. For a heartbeat, she wondered if she’d imagined it, but Perse was already tugging her forward, grinning as if she owned the place. Inside, the dining hall was alive. Long tables of dark oak stretched under floating candelabras that burned with blue-white flame. Banners hung from the rafters—each one marked with a different crest: a thunderbolt, a trident, a laurel crown, a flame, a serpent. So many symbols and banners hung high above tables full of chattering initiates. The colors shimmered as if the fabric itself breathed. “Welcome to the Feast of the Houses,” Perse announced, spreading her arms. “Try not to stare too hard. They can smell nerves,” she joked. She nodded swiftly as Peres pulled her alongside her, weaving through all of the students in the hall. Layla tried not to, but it was impossible. Students glowe
Last Updated : 2025-10-17 Read more