CHAPTER 85: REMEMBER WHAT IT TOOK

The doors to Principal Aldred Kael’s office burst open with a resounding crack of magic as Professor Cecilia stormed inside.

Her emerald robes swirled about her legs, her brown hair unbound for once, giving her the look of a storm barely contained.

Behind his heavy desk, Aldred Kael, Principal of Camelot’s Royal Academy of Magic, looked up with calm, weary eyes.

His long white hair fell over his shoulders, and his gnarled hand rested on the staff that leaned against the desk, glowing faintly with the enchantments of ages past.

This wasn’t the first time this had happened, but he had a feeling that this time, Cecilia wouldn’t let things go.

"You will release him." Cecilia demanded, her voice loud, echoing in the high vaulted room.

Aldred raised one snowy brow, knowing exactly who Cecilia was referring to. But this was a familiar song and dance, and he had his lines. So he played along.

"Release who, Professor Cecilia?"

"You know exactly who." Cecilia snarled. "Noah Webb. The same student as everyone else in this academy."

"He has been in the custody of the Investigation Authority for over two months, without conviction, without trial. He is still a student of this academy, and under the laws binding our institution, you have the authority to recall him."

Aldred exhaled softly, as if she were a troublesome child. "No, Professor. He is under the jurisdiction of the Investigation Authority now. Their reach extends beyond these walls. There is nothing I... or you... can do."

Cecilia slammed her hands on the desk, rattling the stacks of parchment. "Don’t lie to me. As long as Noah is enrolled here, you hold the right to recall him after two months of unlawful detention. And this is almost three months of unlawful detention."

"The statute was put in place precisely for this reason, to protect students from being swallowed and used by politics! It’s been over two months, Aldred. He can be recalled."

The old man leaned back in his chair, keeping any expressions off his face. "The investigation is still ongoing. If I interfere, I risk undermining the Authority itself. That would invite chaos."

Her golden eyes blazed with fury. "Chaos? Is that what you call it? If Noah were a noble’s son, you would have had him back here weeks ago. Don’t deny it. Especially after Juniper Rowe was found."

Aldred’s eyes hardened, his voice sharp for the first time. "If he were a noble’s son, I wouldn’t have to intervene. His family would shake the foundations of this city until he was returned. Whatever student it is, Cecilia, the world corrects itself. Always."

Her breath caught in outrage. "You coward." She spat. "You sit here in your tower, clinging to neutrality, while a boy suffers unspeakable horrors at their hands. You should never have been placed in charge of this school."

She spun on her heel before he could reply, her robes snapping behind her.

The enchanted lifts carried her swiftly down the tower, her mind a storm of fury and anguish.

Images of Noah came unbidden to her mind. Images that she hadn’t seen, but conjured. Of torture. Of pain.

What must he be enduring now, in the clutches of Osiris and his ilk? She shuddered, rage burning hotter in her chest.

A plan began to form in her mind. A bold and reckless plan. If Aldred would not act, then she would simply have to force his hand.

Her boots clicked across the stone paths of the academy grounds as she made her way toward the gates.

The spires of the Royal Academy stood behind her, glittering with wards, but she did not look back. She would not stop. Not until she got what she wanted.

The soldiers guarding the gate stiffened as they saw her approaching. Their hands gripped spears tightly, eyes flicking nervously between each other.

They knew the rules as well as she did. She was specifically not permitted to leave the academy grounds. This was a law that could not be broken for any reason. Not without express permission from the King himself. And the King would never do that.

One soldier stepped forward, raising a hand. "Halt, Professor Cecilia!" He said, his voice wavering despite the steel in his tone. His comrades formed up behind him, their weapons lifting.

Students nearby began to notice, pausing in their walks to class. Whispers rippled through the air, the tension rising.

Cecilia did not stop. Her eyes were fixed on the gates and her steps did not slow.

Suddenly, a streak of light blazed across the sky from the tallest tower of the academy, slamming into the ground before her with a thunderous crack.

The light condensed, reshaping into the tall figure of Aldred Kael, staff in hand, eyes like pale steel.

"Stop, Cecilia." Aldred commanded, his voice ringing with power.

At last, she stopped. But she held her head high, meeting his gaze with confidence. "You forced my hand. If you will not act, then I will." She said coldly.

His staff tapped once against the stone. "I’m sure you understand what it would mean to leave the academy grounds, Cecilia."

"I do." She said. Her voice was calm. "But I have no choice. If this is what it takes to bring Noah back, then so be it."

Aldred’s face tightened. "The world will not see a teacher rescuing a student. They will see rebellion. Treachery. They will hunt you to the ends of the kingdom."

Her lips curled bitterly. "Then let them. My teacher did the same for me once. But you... ever since that teacher became Principal, I think he forgot what it means to protect his own."

Aldred flinched, ever so slightly. For a heartbeat, shame flickered in his pale eyes. He sighed, his shoulders sinking under the weight of his years.

"You leave me no choice." He said at last. His voice was quiet now, almost weary. "Very well. I will invoke the right of recall. Noah Webb will be returned to the academy, under my authority, and the Investigation Authority will have no further claim on him."

Relief surged through her chest, tempered by anger still simmering beneath. She gave him one last glare, her voice biting. "Remember this moment, Aldred. Remember what it took for you to act."

She turned and strode away, the soldiers parting silently before her. The students whispered in awe, their eyes wide as they watched her go.

Behind her, Aldred Kael remained in the courtyard, his gaze distant, his staff trembling ever so slightly in his hand.