Lana
The Arcane Spire remained alive, even as night fell.
The atmosphere outside the tower was like a nighttime market—floating magical lights lit the air, and the candidates sat cross-legged or stood in small groups, discussing the first trial with anxious or excited tones. Some looked panicked, others tried to act overly relaxed, and the rest—like me—stayed silent. Keeping everything to themselves.
Ezric and I walked toward the eastern part of the city, where food vendors and modest inns lined the streets. Bustling. Crowded. Warm. But not warm enough to chase away the chill in my mind.
"I know a place with good pie around here," Ezric said beside me, trying to sound cheerful. "I asked the baker to save us a couple before you finished your test. Still warm, if we're lucky."
I only nodded. Didn't look his way.
