Night had already fallen over the complex when Serafall finally returned to the Training Center, and her presence wasn't announced by sounds, nor by escorts, nor was any protocol formality perceived.
Like a sudden change in air pressure, as if the environment had been forced to acknowledge something it simply couldn't ignore.
The main gate, immense and adorned with ancient runes of the vampire lineage, remained closed for only a second longer than it should have, as if even the structure hesitated before her… before slowly opening, without any order being given.
She walked inside.
Firm, precise steps, without any hurry—and, at the same time, without room for interruption. Her gaze was ahead, distant, as if the path had already been traced long before her arrival. The dark cloak she wore accompanied the movement with a silent elegance, gliding around her body like a shadow too disciplined to be natural.
It didn't take long for her to be noticed.
