*Roanne’s POV*

I slid into the wooden desk, the cool surface a stark contrast to the feverish throb of my pulse. My fingers clutched the pen with a sense of urgency that belied the calm I projected, note-taking a futile attempt at normalcy. The professors' speech melded into the background hum of my thoughts, each word heavy with the secrets that now lined my pockets like stones.

"Questions?" The professor's voice punctured my reverie, and I jerked upright, ...