The assembly hall was grand, its high ceilings adorned with intricate chandeliers, the polished marble floors reflecting the glow of artificial lighting. Rows of students sat in disciplined silence, their gazes directed toward the elevated podium where Vice-Principal Galen Kross stood, his sharp presence commanding attention.
His voice rang through the vast hall, steady and unwavering.
"Welcome to a new year at Vermillion Private School."
Celia Everwyn sat in the front row, her posture poised, her expression carefully composed. But beneath the surface—
She was fuming.
Not just angry. Livid.
The events from the courtyard still clawed at her mind, replaying over and over again like a cruel taunt.
Damien Elford.
That mutt had humiliated her.
In front of everyone.
A nobody. A pathetic, disgustingthing that had once begged for her scraps had dared to look her in the eye and discard her like she was nothing.
It made no sense.
It shouldn't make sense.
