Chapter 61: Shadows of the Past

(Azaria 'Ziya' Point of View)

As the spa day ended, a lingering sense of unease tugged at the edges of my consciousness. I tried to dismiss it as nerves from the constant stress of recent events, but the feeling persisted. When we arrived back at the castle grounds, the news that classes had let out early only heightened my concern. The boys were somewhere in the vast expanse of the castle, and with everything that had been happening, the thought of them wandering alone filled me with dread.

"We should split up and search the castle," I suggested, the urgency in my voice unmistakable. Lilly nodded, her expression mirroring my worry.

"I'll take the higher floors," Lilly offered, already moving toward the nearest staircase.

"I'll cover the middle floors," Aniyah added, her tone brisk as she started down a different corridor.