Immortal Consequences

On the Blackwood Academy rooftop, Olivier reels from witnessing the shadow magic. Emilio steadies him, and they rejoin Wren, Masika, and August in the entry hall. August argues they should stay silent to protect their Decennial nominations, while Wren and Masika want to report what they saw. Housemasters Birdie, Wesley, and Russo catch the group outside curfew and take them to the Memorium, a memorial hall for the “Forgotten,” souls who remember nothing and have been expunged from the memory of others. As they wait, Olivier feels a memory slip, triggering fear that the Forgetting is advancing on him. He recalls that Ascended, who carry golden rings, do not experience the Forgetting.

Olivier is nervous as Headmaster Silas calls the students one-by one into his office. When it is Olivier’s turn, Silas states the shadow magic was part of a Demien abduction attempt on Louise Nordain that he personally stopped. He has forbidden the students to speak of it, offering to pardon their curfew violations if they keep this secret but warning of severe consequences if they refuse. Olivier agrees, driven by the need to protect his Decennial chances.