he next day had already come, and Miles was getting ready for school. After dressing, he went down to check on Raven in the infirmary and opened the door. Raven was awake but still lying down. Miles sat in the chair next to him and started speaking.

"How are you feeling?"

Raven didn’t respond, didn’t even move. Miles spoke again.

"I’m going to school, is there anything you want from me?" he asked. After a moment, Raven turned his head and looked at him for a while.

"I feel well enough. Will you let me go down to the private field?" he asked. Miles, almost mockingly, replied, "It’s only been a day, and you want to train? I’m sorry, I can’t allow that."

Raven had expected that answer, so he frowned and turned his head back toward the ceiling. In a quieter voice, he said, "Then bring me some training dummies and my sword."

Afraid that Raven might do something worse to himself if he refused, Miles agreed, "Okay, fine." Raven smiled and closed his eyes.

When he woke up again, Miles had already left and had placed the training dummies and his sword nearby. He also left a note:

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"There’s a room through that door for more serious procedures. It’s empty and more spacious. You can move everything there and continue."

Raven chuckled and silently thanked him. After moving the equipment, he began his training.

Miles had arrived at school in a carriage. He walked to his class and sat down in his chair. The fact that the seat next to him, which he had gotten used to being filled, was now empty deeply saddened him. "The school really needs to take more careful measures against bullying," he thought. The whole school had heard about the incident, and rumors had spread, especially Garrick’s exaggerated version of the details. Even during class, everyone was watching Miles. Sometimes even the teachers approached him, but they stayed quiet, afraid they might say something that would upset his friend—no, his brother—later.

Despite the terrifying image Raven had left behind, the bullies had decided to stay away from them. At least for the time being, no one was going to mess with them.

The lesson eventually began, and the teacher who entered was Professor Malcolm. He usually only taught in special drills or when there was important information to share, so everyone was surprised. After placing the files he was holding on the desk, he took a deep breath and began to speak.

"Our topic is the student named Raven."

Murmurs increased, and Miles found himself struggling to stay calm. It wasn’t hate, but he was so shocked he didn’t even know what emotion to feel.

"Silence!" Professor Malcolm shouted, and suddenly everyone became attentive. "You are the first class I’m addressing, and this information will be shared with all classes."

After shuffling through his files, he continued.

"It is allowed to use violence against the student Raven Blake, as long as it doesn’t kill him."