Just as Blanche reached out to take Isabella's small hand, ready to leave the secluded garden—
A group of figures suddenly appeared, surrounding the two of them in a tight circle.
Then, one of the shadows stepped forward, parting the crowd and revealing his face.
Blanche's eyes widened in shock.
The man who stood before her was Eisen—a name that echoed with power and fear.
The other prodigy of Lioncrest Academy, hailed alongside Beatrice as one of the strongest students of their generation.
Eisen's icy gaze swept over her with contempt. His voice was low and sharp.
"Where is Alan?"
Blanche swallowed hard and shook her head.
"Alan… he's not at the academy right now."
Eisen frowned, then said coldly,
"Then you can pay with your life in his place."
The moment those words fell from his lips—his figure vanished.
All that remained was the cracked ground beneath his feet, spiderweb fractures radiating outward from his last step.
Blanche's heart dropped.
