Northern gripped the airship's wheel, guiding it through the dark clouds at breathtaking speed. He could control the vessel with mere thought—his mind linked directly to the Tower—but where was the joy in that? Playing air sailor felt infinitely better.
The clouds parted as they surged forward. Northern spotted the Academy's island in the distance, wrapped in a crimson shroud that twisted like smoke. The ominous sight made his chest tighten.
Others couldn't see what he saw of course, he had special eyes. Instructors stood scattered across the deck, shoulders rigid with tension. Student council members took positions at different corners, their faces carved from stone.
Even with the Tower's incredible speed, Northern figured they needed several dozen minutes before reaching the Academy. The journey used to take nearly a full day by conventional flight.
