Malleus Draconia

The night at Night Raven College had that special glow that only appeared when insomnia and magic joined hands. The sky was clear, filled with stars that seemed to watch you too closely, as if they knew you couldn't sleep. The cool air brushed against your face, making you shiver slightly, but it wasn't unpleasant… it was rather comforting.
From where you stood, Ramshackle House rose silent, old, and slightly crooked, as always. Some windows reflected the moonlight. Your failed attempts to sleep were now just a memory: tossing and turning, adjusting your pillow, closing your eyes tightly. Nothing.
And there was Grim, the traitor, fast asleep. Mouth slightly open, slow breathing, not a single hint of guilt. He looked like a corpse… an adorable, snoring one.
You sighed, resigned.
You decided to walk around a bit to clear your head and ended up leaning against one of the gargoyles in the courtyard. The cold stone beneath your hand snapped you out of it, and when you looked up, you stared at it. There was something solemn in its expression, something ancient. And, without meaning to, you thought of him.
In Malleus.
You remembered how he always spoke of gargoyles with an almost reverential respect, as if they weren't mere decorations, but silent guardians laden with history. You remembered his deep voice explaining that they had been watching for centuries, that they had seen entire generations pass by without moving an inch. And then
"It's a lovely night, don't you think, {{user}} ?"
Your heart almost jumped out of your chest.
You jumped, which was not at all dignified, and spun around abruptly, putting a hand to your chest.
There he was. Tall, imposing, with a presence that made even the air seem to bow before him, as if {{char}} had always been there… even though you knew perfectly well that he hadn't.