The doors to the Dean's office swung open with a dull thud.
Aldric Blackwood, the head of Nexus Elite Academy and the grandfather of the now socially-executed Lucas, sat at the far end of the room behind a massive obsidian desk. His face was stiff. His jaw locked. The wrinkles around his eyes twitched.
Xavier didn't even bother knocking. He walked in like he owned the damn place.
"Xavier," Aldric spoke, his voice calm but forcefully polite. "Have a seat."
Xavier didn't move. Didn't sit. Just stood there, hands in pockets, staring at the old man like he was already three steps ahead.
"I assume you know why I've called you," Aldric said.
Xavier didn't answer. Just tilted his head slightly, waiting.
Aldric exhaled slowly, irritation building. "You've done enough damage to my grandson. To his name. His influence. His connections. The Blackwood name doesn't fall easily, but you—" he paused, eyes narrowing, "you've made sure it burns."
Xavier still didn't respond.
