The lab smelled wrong. Sweat mixed with something heavier the air filters had not cleared.
Morgana stopped at the doorway. The corridor lights picked up bits of violet in her hair as she looked around. Her amber eyes scanned the room fast, taking everything in.
Four men were pushed into a corner, their clothes rumpled. Papers lay scattered on the floor. The desk sat off balance, one leg scraping the tile. Her mother, Lyra, sat behind it with that practiced sweet smile she always wore.
Everything looked staged. Too neat. Too calm.
Morgana's gaze moved to Jax. He stood near the door, straightening his wrinkled uniform. Sweat made a faint sheen on his forehead. His face stayed steady, almost bored.
'Interesting,' Morgana thought. 'Most students would panic under my scrutiny. He's just... waiting.'
