The academy grounds had become far livelier than they had been just an hour earlier.
Groups of first-year girls hurried through the broad stone hallways, crossed the open courtyards, and searched every corner of the academy grounds. Some ran through the gardens while others split into smaller groups, determined to cover as much ground as possible.
Their voices echoed one after another throughout the first-year district.
"Sir Ezra!"
"Sir Ezra!"
"Where did he go?"
Every shout carried farther than the last, drawing the attention of countless students who hadn't been involved moments ago.
Many boys stopped whatever they were doing to watch the unusual scene unfold before them.
One boy leaned against a stone pillar and sighed.
"What a lucky fellow."
His friend folded his arms with a helpless smile.
"That's Ezra Ashenlocke."
He shrugged.
"This was bound to happen sooner or later."
Another boy clicked his tongue.
