The walk to the principal's office felt longer than it actually was.
Students lining the hallway slowed as they passed. Conversations softened into whispers. Curious eyes followed them, but most of the stares were fixed on one person.
Seraphina Vale.
At the front walked Lucian Ashbourne and Vivienne Ashbourne.
Members of the Ashbourne Family.
Their name alone carried influence across Blackthorn Academy.
"Look… it's Lucian and Vivienne."
"And that silver-haired girl is the new transfer, right?"
"They're heading to the principal's office."
"She's finished. No one goes against the Ashbournes and stays."
"Lower your voice. They'll hear you."
Behind Seraphina, a girl kept her head down.
Ivy Laurent's fingers trembled at her sides.
It's because of me.
If Seraphina were expelled, it would be because she lacked the courage to speak earlier.
At first, Ivy had been too afraid to even approach her. She thought Seraphina might resent her for dragging her into something so troublesome.
But if she remained silent now—
I have to say it… or she'll never forgive me.
"I—I'm sorry," Ivy whispered shakily. "For involving you in this…"
Seraphina didn't slow her steps.
"Why are you apologizing?" she replied calmly. "I didn't save you out of kindness."
Ivy blinked.
"They were loud," Seraphina continued flatly. "It was disturbing my sleep."
"…What?"
Seraphina glanced at her briefly, crimson eyes steady.
"What happens next is your decision. You can remain weak forever… or you can stop being afraid."
The words weren't gentle.
But they weren't unkind.
Ivy swallowed hard.
"I—…"
They had reached the principal's office.
The office was quiet, polished wood and tall shelves giving it a heavy atmosphere.
The principal adjusted his glasses and looked toward Lucian.
"What seems to be the issue, Lucian?"
Lucian stepped forward, posture straight, voice composed.
"My apologies for the interruption, sir. However, this is a serious matter. The new transfer student, Seraphina Vale, physically assaulted three students in our classroom."
The principal frowned. "And their names?"
"Celeste Whitmore. Brielle Kensington. And Vivienne Ashbourne."
The principal's expression shifted instantly.
"Ashbourne?" His tone lowered. "This could become… complicated."
His gaze moved to Seraphina.
"Miss Vale, why did you attack them?"
"They were disturbing my sleep."
A pause.
"…Excuse me?"
"And," Seraphina added evenly, "they were bullying another student."
The air tightened.
Lucian's eyes narrowed slightly. "Bullying is a serious accusation."
Vivienne stepped forward dramatically. "How dare you fabricate lies in front of the principal?"
Seraphina didn't look at her.
"Ask the victim."
"The victim?" the principal repeated.
No one spoke.
"Miss Laurent," he said carefully. "Ivy Laurent. Are you involved in this matter?"
Ivy froze.
The room felt suffocating.
"Miss Vale," the principal continued, "are you certain she is the victim?"
Seraphina shrugged faintly. "Perhaps."
"This is not a time for sarcasm."
The silence stretched unbearably.
The principal exhaled. "If no one clarifies the situation, then Seraphina Vale, for physically harming your classmates and attempting to slander Vivienne Ashbourne, you will be suspended from Blackthorn Academy—"
A chair scraped loudly against the floor.
Everyone turned.
Ivy was standing.
Her legs trembled, but she did not sit down.
"I—I was the victim," she said, her voice shaking but clear.
Vivienne's face stiffened.
Ivy forced herself to continue.
"They make me buy food for them every day. If I'm late, they shout at me. Today… they poured milk on me."
Her hands curled into fists.
"I didn't say anything because I was scared."
Lucian's jaw tightened subtly.
"She didn't lie," Ivy said quietly. "Seraphina only stopped them."
The room fell into complete silence.
For the first time, the Ashbourne name did not dominate the space.
And for the first time since this began—
Seraphina Vale was no longer standing alone.