Moments later,

Author

The Zodiac gathered at midnight in the old armory beneath the academy - their usual meeting place, shielded by wards so strong not even Malphas could sense them unless he was invited. The air smelled of oil and steel, and the only light came from torches burning low along the walls.

Leo stood at the head of the long table, his armor polished to a mirror shine, his posture straight and rigid. He held a folded scroll in his hands, and his usual easy smile was gone, replaced by a quiet, unshakable gravity.

“I have an announcement to make,” he said, his voice carrying clearly to every...