The instant Verena stepped through the glowing exit, the heavy astral hum of the labyrinth faded. In its place came the faint chatter of reunited students, the soft buzz of nervous laughter, and the distant clatter of spells and swords still echoing from far-off trials. The waiting area beyond the Trial Gates was carved into the bedrock beneath Irasios Academy itself—a grand atrium glittering with star-forged stone, the vaulted ceiling above etched with shifting constellations that gleamed like living ink.
She wasn't alone.
Clusters of first-years were sprawled across the marble floor and benches, some slumped in exhaustion, others chattering excitedly about their trials. Teachers and proctors in embroidered navy robes observed from the edges, faces unreadable, clipboards floating beside them as they scribbled evaluations into glowing ledgers.
Verena's gaze swept the room—and immediately landed on her.
Evelyn.