Lunch was well underway in the Great Hall when an unexpected hush fell over the students.
The sound of heavy wooden doors creaking open reverberated through the room, followed by a distinct shift in atmosphere.
Conversations dwindled, the clatter of utensils softened, and all eyes turned toward the entrance.
Headmaster Kairos had arrived.
Unlike his usual, almost lazy stroll through the academy halls, today he walked with purpose, his deep green robes trailing behind him like the swaying leaves of an old oak.
His eyes behind his owl mask, alight with something both knowing and amused, swept over the hall, taking in the gathered students as if reading a story written across their faces.
Even without speaking, Headmaster Kairos had a way of commanding attention.
He stepped onto the elevated dais at the front of the hall, where the professors usually sat, and with a simple wave of his hand, silence settled like a spell.
