As the first light of dawn crested the horizon, gilding the Academy’s towering spires in hues of amber and rose, a lone figure emerged over the hill that shielded the grand institution from view. 

A grey hood concealed most of their face, save for a glimpse of golden eyes gleaming beneath the fabric’s shadow. 

At their side prowled a wolf, its silvered fur ruffled by the morning breeze. An aged leather eye patch covered its left eye, lending an air of hardened wisdom to the creature.

The figure exhaled through their nose, the weariness of their journey evident in the slow roll of their shoulders. They paused, surveying the Academy below before murmuring, “Inconclusive, huh? Well, good thing we didn’t expect this to be easy, isn’t that right, girl?”

The wolf’s head snapped toward them, ears flicking in what could only be described as disapproval. She huffed, shaking her head in response.

‘You’re clearly fatigued from the road, Master. If you wish, I could carry you the rest of the way to the Headmaster’s office.’

The figure halted mid-step, casting a withering glare down at their companion. 

As the wind shifted, a sliver of their face was revealed—caramel skin, sharp features, and an expression that spoke volumes of their exhaustion.

“Who’s joking now?” they muttered, voice laced with irritation. “Last time I let you do that, I nearly bit my tongue clean off trying to tell you to slow down.”

A rumble of laughter echoed in the figure’s mind as the two made their way to the Academy—the wolf's laughter.

At last, they reached the grand doors of the Academy, their ancient wood inlaid with runes that shimmered faintly at their presence. 

Without need for a knock, the doors groaned open on their own, granting them entry. They stepped inside without hesitation, the scent of parchment, aged stone, and distant incense filling the air.

After a short walk through the dim corridors, they arrived at the Headmaster’s office, where Helion and Corvus awaited them. 

Helion, ever the composed scholar, regarded his guests with a gentle smile, his wand flicking deftly in the air. A chair materialized before them, accompanied by a plush cushion, an unspoken invitation to rest.

"You may remove your cloak here, Your Highness,” Helion said, his tone warm yet formal. “No one outside the faculty will recognize you within these walls.”

A long pause followed. Then, with a measured breath, the cloak was cast aside.

Short white hair, animal-like ears that twitched at the sudden exposure, and piercing golden eyes now fully revealed, the boy shifted in his seat, adjusting to the open space around him. 

He grasped the cup of tea placed before him, his fingers curling around the delicate porcelain, but made no move to drink.

“Don’t call me by that title,” he muttered, voice quiet yet firm. “Each time I leave the Federation, I renounce it. I intend to keep it that way until I return.”

He lifted the tea to his lips and took a tentative sip, only for his expression to crumple in displeasure. His nose wrinkled as he set the cup down with a soft clink.

"You snuck extra sugar into my tea," he accused, his golden eyes narrowing at Helion.

Helion merely shrugged, a playful glint in his gaze. “A touch of sweetness never hurt anyone. But I doubt you’ve come all this way to discuss sugar, have you, Kai Fenris?”

Kai exhaled sharply through his nose, raking a hand through his hair. “Let’s speak plainly, Kayn,” he said, deliberately emphasizing the name with an air of irritation.

For the briefest moment, Helion’s expression soured, but he swiftly masked it with a more serious demeanor.

“My apologies,” he conceded. “But frankly, I am growing deeply concerned over our current predicament.”

From his perch, Corvus let out a loud caw, his wings ruffling as though punctuating Helion’s statement.

Kai leaned forward, his forearms resting on the table. “Your letter mentioned male students vanishing during the night. The Waldkin pixies oversee the dormitories, do they not? What have they reported?”

Helion’s gaze darkened as he shook his head. “They claim the boys simply walked out of their rooms in their sleep… and never returned.”

Kai frowned, fingers tapping absently against the armrest. 

Sleepwalkers? No… they were led. 

His eyes drifted toward Luna, who had been listening in silence, her head resting gracefully upon her paws.

‘It is not the work of a human mage,’ Luna spoke into his mind, her voice laced with certainty. ‘But beyond that, I cannot say. There are too many interwoven scents to determine the true culprit.’

Kai nodded, processing the information before speaking aloud. “May we have access to their dormitories? Personal objects might help narrow the trail.”

Helion did not hesitate, reaching into his desk before producing a small key—black and gold, inscribed with runes that pulsed with faint light. “This will allow you entry. Twist it in the door of the dorm assignment room, and all empty quarters will reveal themselves.”

Kai accepted the key, rising to his feet. “We’ll find them, one way or another. Trust in us.”

With that, he and Luna departed, their footsteps echoing down the quiet corridors.

The moment they were alone, Kai sighed heavily, rolling the key between his fingers. “Well, that felt like a waste of time.” He scowled, sticking out his tongue. “And damn it, I can still taste that sugar.”

Luna’s laughter resonated in his mind once more as she trotted ahead, her tail swishing with amusement.

They navigated the halls with ease, their familiarity with the Academy evident in their unerring steps. Finally, they reached the entrance of the dormitories.

Kai exhaled, eyes flickering with renewed determination as he gripped the key. “Time to get to work.”

And with that, he turned the key in the lock, ready to uncover the secrets hidden in the shadows.

To be continued…