Elowen burst into the dormitory room with her usual whirlwind energy, her dark curls bouncing as she skidded to a halt just inside the door. The afternoon light filtered through the tall arched windows, casting long shadows across the wooden floors where a few girls were still lounging on their beds. "Oi, everyone! The Headmistress says come downstairs right now. No excuses, no dawdling. She's got that look on her face—the one that means trouble."
The room, which had been buzzing with lazy chatter about weekend plans and upcoming exams, fell into a sudden hush. Elowen planted her hands on her hips, her eyes darting from face to face. "Seriously, drop whatever you're doing. It's all hands on deck in the main hall."
