Chapter 13

• Ariel stood outside Professor Julia’s office, completely still. The muffled sounds of their argument from behind the closed door felt like distant thunder, making her nerves jumpy. Her hand trembled slightly as she reached for the doorknob. She cleared her throat softly, then pushed the door open and stepped inside.
• Professor Luther Grayson was already walking quickly across the room, his face filled with anger. His jaw was clenched, and his eyebrows were pulled down low over his eyes. When he saw her, his expression changed just a little, softening for a brief moment… but he didn’t say anything. Instead, he walked past her.
• Ariel watched him leave, her heart feeling a mix of confusion and worry. She then turned her gaze towards the desk. Professor Julia was sitting there with a smile that seemed too perfect and fake. One leg was crossed over the other, and her eyes were impossible to read.