Aria's POV
8:00 AM, The University Disciplinary Chamber
"We will wait one last moment for Ms. Harper," Prof. Dean Keller announced. His deep voice filled the tall room. I paused in the hallway. My hand trembled on the cool wall next to the heavy doors. My phone showed 8:00 AM. I was late. Or maybe I was too scared to go in.
Inside, five faculty members sat behind a long wooden table. Celeste Langford leaned back in her chair, a smile of triumph on her face. Her nails tapped the polished desk. I knew her favorite sound. It meant she thought she had already won.
I took a breath I did not feel. My heart pounded as if it wanted to break free from my chest. I pressed my palm against the carved door, as though it would give me strength. But I could not move. I wanted to run away from every set jaw and every stern gaze waiting for me.
The secretary's clear voice drifted through the wood: "Aria Harper is not present."