The sky burned orange behind the school window
The classroom was already full when irene and lucian were escorted in
Whispers started immediately when they entered
Irene kept her head down, crawnling up her neck, it wasn't the punishment that bothered her , it was the class, the eyes, the gossip and all
At the front of the class stood principal alder with his hands folded neatly behind his back, his expression was calm
Irene was affraid whilewhile lucian is unbothered
"Miss williams and mr vale", principal alder began his voice echoeing in the room as she class went silent"perphaps you will lije to explain to your peers why you missed class"
Irene's stomach dropped instantly
Lucian answered smothly "we were busy"
A few student snickered
Principal alder said "in the restroom? "
The pricipal response make the class to burst in laughter
Irene clenched her fist embarassed
"We were talking", she muttered
" Talking", alder repeated, pacing slowly in front of the class"during class hours, in a restroom? "
He stopped dorectly in front of them
"This school values displine and structure ", he said, his gaze sharp
" You will both serve after-school detention for one weeks", he announced, gasps and murmurs ripped through the room"additionally you'll assist custodial staff each afternoon"
Irene blinked
"What?" she said under her breath
Lucian posture didn't change, but his jaw tightened slightly
Principal alder turned to irene fully now"miss vale , your academic performance has declineddeclined, your behavioirs are shifted, can you explain that as well? "
Hwr pulse thudedd in her ears
"I'm fine "she said stiffly
" Are you? "He asked Softly
The class went silent again
Irene felt exposed
Lucian stepped half a pase foward"with respect mr alder, you should learn how to mind your business"
"With respect mr vale this is institution ", alder said his eyes red
The air shifted and they class murmured again
Even the human student can feel that something is up beneath the surface
Alder moved closer to irene again"you've been absent minded", he continied" Pale, distracted, unwell... ", he didn't complete is sentence
" I said i am fine", she said out loud frustrately"
Alder leaned just for the three of them to hear
"If you are struggling", he murmured"this is not place to unravel"
Lucian's voice cut in "she isn't unraveling"
Alder straightened slowly
"Good", he said
Lucian met gaze with alder without flinching
" If this is about the attendance, we accept but if it is something else we can talk about it privately", lucian stated
The whole class exchanged glances Then principal alder smiled faintly"oh it is the attendance, what else do you think might be? "
"I have no idea", lucian replied
" It is about attandance and reputation",alder replied as he turned his gaze to the whole class
"You are free to go", he said to lucian and irene
Chairs scraped loudly against the floor as student rushed out , buzzling with speculation
" Did you see her face", one student said
"They were definately up to something", the other replied
Irene stood frozen as she overhead many unfriendly conversation going on
" Ignore them", lucian stood slightly toward her
Principal alder watched them from the desk"detention begin tomorrow at break time don't be late "
The finality in his tone left no room for argument
Lucian guided irene toward the door, his hand brushing her elbow
As they stepped into the empty hall way, the noise dadded behind them
"Do you think that is a punishment? ", irene asked
" He was testing us"lucian replied
Her throat tightened"in front of whole class"
Lucian's jaw tightened"public pressure reveal weakness"he said"he wanted to see if you would crack"
"And did l? ", she asked
" No", he said"you didn't "