They have started their meetings.
Some of the staff room's chairs were absent and lined up perfectly in an even. Erainlia stood on the side of the tables where professors sat in front of them.
Professor Sylvia's gaze turned toward Kael.
"Is that true, Kael?" she asked.
All eyes in the room turned to him. The young student stood stiffly in the corner, his palms clenched into fists at his sides.
The accusation pressed down on him like a boulder, and for a moment, his throat tightened.
"No," Kael said firmly. He met Sylvia's eyes directly, though his heart pounded.
"I did not steal the sealed box."
A murmur rippled across the room, some professors frowning, others looking skeptical.
Erainlia slammed his hand against the table.
"Lies! The box disappeared while he wandered nearby. Who else could it be?!"
Before the tension could flare again, Professor Orwen raised a hand.
"Calm yourself, Erainlia. Accusations must be supported by proof, not emotion. Let the boy speak."
