The interior of the skyship was even more impressive than the outside—crystal lanterns lit the curved halls, the floors were smooth silverwood, and faint magical sigils glowed on the walls, humming with quiet energy.
After a quick roll call, the senior students began guiding the candidates to their assigned quarters. Auri, ever efficient, led the way with a clipboard in hand.
"Girls to the east wing, boys to the west. Do not wander without an escort," she said firmly. "The ship's wards are sensitive, and I'd prefer not to scrape any of you off the ceiling because you triggered a misaligned enchantment."
Zane followed his group down a gently curving corridor. His room was near the end—simple, but elegant. A soft bed, a small writing desk, a glowing orb of light hovering in the air like a lantern. After weeks of cold ground and stolen moments of rest, it felt like heaven.
He collapsed onto the bed with a groan of satisfaction. "Finally," he muttered. "A bed that doesn't try to break my spine."
Nyx's voice echoed faintly in his mind. Don't get too used to it. The Void rarely offers luxury without a price.
"Can't I enjoy one moment of peace without you sounding like a horror narrator?" Zane grumbled, rolling onto his side.
Just as he closed his eyes, a faint click sounded from the door. He blinked.
"Wow. You really do hog the good rooms, huh?"
Zane bolted upright. Standing in the doorway was none other than Sera, leaning casually against the frame like she owned the place.
"...You're not supposed to be here," he said slowly.
"I know. But your side of the ship looked cooler." She walked in like it was nothing. "Besides, the girls' section is way too stuffy. It smells like lavender and judgment."
Zane stared at her, dumbfounded. "How did you even get in here? Aren't there wards?"
She held up a strange-looking talisman. "Borrowed it from a senior student. Don't ask how."
Zane sighed and flopped back onto the bed. "You're going to get both of us expelled before we even arrive."
"Not if we don't get caught," she said, grinning as she plopped down at the foot of his bed.
He groaned into his pillow. "You're impossible."
"And yet you haven't kicked me out."