Jason never slept that night, he was bothered.
Everyone could tell the moment morning hit.
The academy halls usually hummed with the soft rhythm of students training at sunrise, but today the air felt thick, like even the lights were dimmer. Staff whispered behind closed doors. Administrators walked fast, avoiding eye contact. No one smiled. No one laughed.
Something had shifted.
Something heavy.
And it started with one message.
Jason stood in front of his office desk, staring at the official notice on his tablet...
a glowing red emblem of the National Council.
"DIRECTOR JASON WARD IS HEREBY TEMPORARILY SUSPENDED PENDING INVESTIGATION."
Terms cited:
Professional misconduct.
Interference with corporate contracts.
Obstruction of evaluation.
They didn't even hide it.
Aurion had moved overnight.
He knew this was coming, but knowing didn't soften the blow. His hands shook, just slightly. His heart felt like it was pulling him apart from the inside.
