{Elira}
~**^**~
The moment the Vice Chancellor and the professors stepped down from the stage, the hall seemed to exhale — a wave of rustling clothes, scraping chairs, and students speaking in hushed, excited tones.
I stood quickly, clutching my notebook, pen, and phone in both hands as I made for the back door just as Cambria had instructed.
My heart thudded, loud enough that I could almost hear it echo in my ears. What if Regina was waiting outside? What if…
"Elira!"
I froze mid-step, but when I turned, it wasn't Regina's cold gaze that met mine.
It was Cambria, smiling and waving me over.
I rushed to her, breath shaking. Cambria's smile faltered. "Why do you look so frightened? Are you okay?"
I nodded quickly, forcing my breathing to steady. "Yes, I'm fine. Really."
And for the first time, I meant it a little. Cambria's presence calmed me, like seeing light after wandering in a tunnel.
