The storm arrived before she did.
Thunder rolled across the koi pond. The towers pulsed in sync. The Velvet Atrium reshaped itself into a spiral of thorns. Students whispered. Professors watched. The mirrors refused to reflect.
Then the gates opened.
And she stepped through.
The Arrival
She wore no uniform.
Her robe was stitched from velvet and shadow. Her eyes shimmered silver. Her hair floated like mist. She didn't speak. She didn't blink. She simply walked — slowly, deliberately — toward the Obsidian Tower.
Lyra felt it instantly.
The pull.
The echo.
Maris whispered, "She's not new."
Nova Quinn trembled. "She's old. Very old."
Zephyr Vale watched silently.
Cassian Thorn dropped his coin.
It didn't bounce.
The Name
Headmistress Virelle stood at the top of the Spiral Track, her voice cold.
"Students, welcome your newest peer."
She paused.
Then spoke the name.
> "Calyra."
Lyra gasped.
Maris clutched her arm.
Nova whispered, "It's her."
Zephyr murmured, "Or what's left."
The First Class
Calyra was placed in Class Obsidian.
She didn't speak during Emotional Dissection.
She didn't blink during Dream Theory.
She didn't react when Professor Umbra handed her a vial labeled Origin.
She simply held it.
And it pulsed.
The Encounter
Lyra found her in the Mirror Garden.
Calyra stood before a cracked pane, her reflection flickering between faces — Calyx, Lyra, Nova, Zephyr.
Lyra approached. "Who are you?"
Calyra turned.
Her voice was layered. "I am what remains."
Lyra's heart pounded. "Of Madame Calyx?"
Calyra nodded. "Of her memory. Of her emotion. Of her rebellion."
The Book Again
Back in the dorm, the book pulsed violently.
New ink appeared:
> "She has returned. But not as herself. She is the final echo. And she is incomplete."
Maris whispered, "Then she's dangerous."
Lyra nodded. "Or necessary."
The Towers React
The Obsidian Tower dimmed.
The Aureum Tower trembled.
The Noctis Tower cracked.
The Solara Tower sparked.
The fifth tower pulsed.
And the koi pond turned black.