As soon as Alan spoke, all three of them fell into silence.
After a moment, it was Francis who broke the stillness with a hoarse voice, asking, "What exactly do you mean by that?"
Alan gazed up at the bright moon above, letting out a quiet sigh.
"The path to rebuilding the Academy will be a hard one," he said softly. "And with all the enemies I've made, forces from every direction are watching our every move. I'm scared. Scared that you'll end up like Headmaster Gayle…"
"Hold it right there!"
Francis suddenly stood up, cutting him off. His expression turned uncharacteristically stern.
"Listen to me, Alan. I don't care what's going on in your head right now, but if you're trying to suggest that I abandon Sirius and walk away from the Academy, then forget it. That's not happening."
"I'm not the only one who considers this place home. Let me make this clear—my name is Francis. I was born a man of Sirius Academy, and if I die, I'll be its ghost!"
