A sound as dense as a sudden summer downpour splashed against the windows of the upper-level box seats, and the excitement surged.
Kup, who had been dozing, jolted awake. He had just caught the host mentioning a few familiar terms. His eyes flew open, and from his elevated vantage point, he could see the entire Great Hall.
Crowds packed the tiered seating, jostling across the changes in elevation. The closer to the center, the more cramped it became, as scholars competed for the hot air warmed by the roasting heat. They didn't like the conditions; there simply wasn't anywhere else closer to the center at the lowest level. So the more comfortable but more distant upper-level private boxes had been left available.
When the frazzled staff arranging the venue heard they didn't need a close-up view, they practically thrust the box keys into their hands in gratitude.
"Time's up." Kup spotted a tall figure approaching from the outer edge, carrying a large wooden chest. "Want to come watch?"
"Yeah."
For easier observation of Yvonne's condition, she had also been brought to Rivers University's residence. Ever since her second treatment, she had been prone to nodding off at any time, and had missed several dinners. Her appetite, though, hadn't diminished along with her activity. The snacks and drinks Kraft had told Kup to bring along had already been mostly eaten without anyone noticing.
Before Kup could remind her, she had stuffed the pastries into her mouth in just a couple of bites, then moved to the terrace window. She easily recognized the next star of the show.
There was no need to look closely. Wherever that distinctive glowing hair went, the black-robed crowd automatically parted, opening a path for him like candles pushing back a dark tide.
Alongside it, another idea