Chapter 19

Zoe took a deep breath and stepped into her first spellcraft classroom. She had expected something like a lecture hall or a library with thick, dusty books. Instead, she found herself standing in a sunlit meadow, vibrant and impossibly serene. Warm rays of sunlight filtered through the trees, and a gentle breeze stirred the wildflowers scattered across the grass.

Ahead of her, a small stream meandered through the field, its waters crystal-clear as they gurgled over smooth pebbles. At the far end, a soft line of forest beckoned, thick and lush, filled with tall trees whose leaves cast flickering shadows. Right in the heart of the meadow, a large stone circle stood, formed of ancient menhirs carved with symbols of the four elements: water, fire, earth, and air. A five-pointed star had been etched into the earth at the center of the circle, grounding the elemental symbols with an added layer of mystery.

Turning around, Zoe’s eyes fell on a single doorway, standing tall and imposing a mid