~ Adeline ~

The first thing I notice when I walk into the exam room is the quiet.

Not the peaceful sort—no, this is the stifling, overwhelming sort that makes your skin prickle. Everyone's heads swivel in my direction as the door shuts behind me, echoing out like a gunshot in the deserted room. I'm late.

Just perfect. I thought I'd grab a cup of coffee before the exam, never expecting time to pass so quickly.

The Lecturer at the front—a lanky, pale man with rigid gray eyes and a tie ...