Chapter 18

As they exited the dining hall, Zoe found herself walking beside Sara, who whispered, “She’s intense.”

Zoe nodded, feeling a strange mixture of awe and wariness toward Lysandra. The fae woman exuded power and confidence, the kind that made you want to follow her but also made you cautious about crossing her.

Lysandra led them through the sprawling castle, pointing out key areas as they went. The library, which Zoe had seen briefly the night before, was even more impressive in daylight. Rows upon rows of bookshelves stretched to the ceiling, with students quietly reading or practicing spells at large wooden tables.

“The library is open at all hours,” Lysandra explained as they passed through the grand archways. “But don’t expect to find every answer here. Some knowledge is earned, not given.”

Next, they moved through the outdoor training grounds, where students of various species practiced combat and magic. Zoe noticed a group of werewolves sparring in their wolf forms, their movements