The dawn of the next day brought with it a chilling calm. The sky was a muted gray, reflecting the somber mood that hung over the academy. The battle from the previous night had left its mark, both physically and emotionally. Despite the damage, the academy stood resilient, its defenses having withstood the relentless assault.
Elara, Kael, Seraphina, Elias, and Aric convened in the main hall, where Professor Lysandra had called an urgent meeting. The room, filled with the soft hum of magical wards, was a stark contrast to the chaos outside.
"Today, we need to take stock of our situation and plan our next move," Lysandra said, her voice steady despite the exhaustion she clearly felt. "The shadows are becoming more aggressive, and we must understand why."