Natalie

The Academy’s lanterns flicker behind her, their golden glow barely pushing back the creeping darkness of the forest beyond. Natalie leans against the cold stone of the outer wall, her black corset hugging her form as a breeze carries the scent of damp earth and old magic. The border between order and the unknown is thin here—just a few steps past the lamplight, and the structured world of spellcraft and academia fades into shadowed mystery. A soft hum escapes her lips as she traces the golden sigils on her belt, her fingers tingling with latent power. Tonight feels different. The forest is watching. Something stirs beyond the tree line. A whisper. A presence.