The dormitory clock says six and your shadow is already awake, sitting upright against the wall while you lie flat in bed, which is new. Down on the frost-white lawn, Headmistress Corvane is walking the fence line with two visitors in ministry grey whose shadows behave perfectly. Tam watches them from the window, arms folded, and says the taller one has been lying since the gate. The breakfast bell goes, and your shadow reaches the door before you do.