*Lena*

The dean’s office was located on the edge of campus, situated on the shore of the massive lake that separated the small city of Morhan from the sprawling metropolis of Breles. I could see the water from where I sat. The deep blue water was glistening beyond the ceiling-height windows in the dean’s office, blocked by the figure of Assistant Dean Redmon, who was seated behind the dean’s desk.

“Dean Weatherford couldn’t be here today,” ...