The air at the chamber of Whitethorn's committee was heavy and packed with tension.
At the head of the long table, Principal Maren sat with her back ramrod straight, she folded her hands on the table, a picture of quiet authority. To her right, Mallory Woods kept her usual calm composure, a reassuring, but deceiving smile playing on her lips.
Professor Alden, the head of discipline sat stiffly across, his jaw locked tight. Ms. Corrin his assistant, perched beside him, her pale eyes flickering with curiosity, while Dr. Kade loomed at the far end, silent and unreadable. Together, they formed the five voices of the school's highest authority.
The doors opened with a heavy creak.
The four boys were escorted inside. Luca in front, Rafe following right behind him, Killian and Cassian coming in next.
Behind them came Bella.
Maren's lips curved the faintest bit when she saw her, though the expression never reached her eyes.
