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AYRA'S POV;

I leaned against the doorframe of Mr. Caspian’s office, the afternoon sun casting a warm glow over the chaotic mess of papers, folders, and, most notably, a precarious pile of books stacked beside his bookshelf.

"What’s all this about now?" I muttered under my breath.

The sight was irritatingly familiar. I braced myself, knowing what was likely coming next.

“Are you just going to stand there, or are you coming in?” His voice rang out, laced with that unique impatience only someone with his sense of authority could muster. He sat at his desk, fingers flying over his laptop keyboard, seemingly absorbed, yet aware of my lingering...