Professor Onim's voice rang through the hall, cold and unwavering.
"The following students have been expelled, effective immediately."
He paused, letting the weight of his words sink in.
Then he began reading from the list.
"Marcus Chen. Sophomore.
Criminology."
A gasp somewhere in the back.
"Sophie Hartman. Freshman.
Literature."
Another name. Another future destroyed ,their family's reputation tainted.Being expelled from blackthorn is a huge stain in society.
"Daniel Reeves. Junior.
Political Science."
Auriella's heart hammered in her chest. Penny's hand was crushing hers.
"Vanessa Cole. Freshman.
Art History."
Please not Celeste. Please not Celeste"Auriella whispered"
"Trevor Mills. Sophomore.
Economics."
The names kept coming. One after another. Students whose lives had just been upended in a single night.
"Grace Lin. Freshman.
Biology."
Auriella could barely breathe.
"Nathan Cross. Junior
Philosophy."
"Emily Zhang. Freshman.
Engineering."
Professor Onim continued down the list, his tone never wavering, never showing an ounce of sympathy.
"Jordan Blake. Sophomore.
Pre-Law."
"Rachel Kim. Freshman.
Chemistry."
"Tyler Brooks. Senior.
Business."
"Olivia Grant. Freshman.
Psychology."
"Aaron West. Sophomore.
History."
"Megan Torres. Freshman.
Mathematics."
"Kyle Anderson. Junior.
Physics."
Fifteen names total.
Fifteen students expelled.
But not Celeste.
Her name was never called.
Professor Onim folded the paper and looked out at the silent, stunned crowd.
"Let this serve as a reminder," he said coldly. "Rules exist for a reason. Break them, and there will be consequences. Wealth, status, family connections—none of it will save you. I've said this countless times.You have been warned."
He stepped down from the platform.
"You are dismissed."