Liam pushed open the door to Director Elena's office, the familiar creak of the hinges cutting through the quiet hallway.
Beatrix, Crya, Olivia, and Pyra filed in right behind him, their footsteps soft on the worn carpet.
The room smelled like old books and strong coffee, same as always, but the second Liam looked at Elena he knew something was off.
She sat behind her desk with her shoulders slumped, her face dark and heavy like a storm cloud that wouldn't break.
Her eyes, usually sharp and focused, looked tired and pinched at the corners.
"What's wrong?" Liam asked, keeping his voice steady even though worry already twisted in his gut.
Elena let out a long sigh and rubbed her temples with two fingers.
"I already confronted Simon. Accused him right to his face of infiltrating the Ark Academy and siding with demons."
Liam stayed quiet, waiting for the rest. The girls shifted behind him, but no one spoke.
