A Rival's Shadow

The air in the Great Hall, usually buzzing with the cheerful clatter of breakfast, felt heavy. A whisper, starting from a few tables and spreading like wildfire, was enough to silence even the most boisterous students. Emiliano and I exchanged a glance, the unease we’d been carrying since the first ‘accident’ now solidifying into something colder. It was more than just fear of some mythical beast; it felt… orchestrated.

“Did you hear that?” Emiliano murmured, his eyes scanning the room, his analytical mind already sifting through the hushed conversations.

I nodded, my own gaze drawn to the worried faces of our classmates. Ayani was huddled with Santiago, her usual bright smile replaced by a worried frown. Even Professor Eldrin, usually so composed, had a crease of concern etched between his brows as he spoke with Headmistress Thorne. “They’re saying it’s Facundo.”