Rue’s POV

The very next morning, I hadn’t expected the dean’s message so early—his assistant appeared outside the class’ door, smiling politely as she said, “Miss Rue, the dean requests your presence at the main auditorium in an hour. You’ve been chosen to give the opening speech for the new academic term.”

I blinked. “Me?”

“Yes, ma’am. As the top student of the department.”

From the seat next to mine, Vicky squealed. “ Rue! That’s huge!”

I rubbed my temple, half ...