Lyra's POV
By Friday afternoon, the academy buzzed with news that Viktor Vancroft had been permanently expelled from Alpha Academy. The official announcement sent ripples of whispers through every corridor, and I found myself at the center of renewed attention in the cafeteria.
Students cast sideways glances my way, their hushed conversations carrying fragments of speculation about what had transpired between Viktor and me. The weight of their stares pressed against my shoulders until Ash strode into the dining hall and claimed his usual seat beside Poppy and me.
The effect was immediate and absolute. Conversations died mid-sentence, forks paused halfway to mouths, and an uncomfortable silence blanketed the room. Ash seemed oblivious to the shift in atmosphere as he methodically consumed his meal without uttering a single word. His presence alone commanded respect and fear in equal measure.
