Page 24 of The Devils They Are

Pushing open the large doors, I'm immediately whacked in the face with sunlight, resisting the urge to hiss like a vampire. Apparently, the sun has chosen to break out from behind the clouds at this very moment. When I finally manage to claw back my irises from fiery destruction, I see why I was temporarily blinded.

The spacious room only has three walls. Across from the door, the entire back panel is made entirely of glass, overlooking the sports field. Dean Lannister looks up from his paperwork, face expressionless.

"Sit down, Ms. Spencer," he motions to a chair in front of him.

I take a seat, dropping my bag next to me as I try to figure out what all this is about.

For such a large room, there's not much in here. Besides his desk, there's a bookshelf lining the wall on one side, and a cabinet on the other, filled with trophies and medallions.

"Do you know why I've summoned you, Ms. Spencer?" the dean asks, grabbing my attention.

I shake my head. "No, sir."

His lips purse, apparently either suspecting that I'm lying or that I'm stupid for not immediately knowing. Unfortunately, I'm yet to master the art of mind reading. He lays his hands atop the desk, holding my gaze.

"You were involved in an altercation last week."

Altercation? Wait—Does he mean Tuesday?

"I'm sorry," I say. "Could you please elaborate?"

An eyebrow twitches back at me. "I'm told you assaulted one of our students. I'll have you know that despite what happens atCedar Heights Academy," his vibrato increases with the words. "Here at Willowbrook, that kind of behavior will not be tolerated."

"Once again, sorry—but I'm still not following," I play coy. "Are you referring to Liv the cheerleader?"

Head cheerleader. Her voice is a shrill memory in my mind.

"Precisely," he confirms, annoyance clear on his face. "Now, we're doing our best to accommodate your cohort, however, I will not have our students placed in danger."

I hold back a laugh because I know it will just make the situation worse. But we're not a goddamn danger and he knows it. This is just a power struggle, but still, it doesn't add up. While I have no doubt she would love to see my downfall, it's been nearly a week. I'm missing a piece of the puzzle. Why is this only being brought up now?

"Sir, are you aware that her and her friends stole my belongings?" I ask, testing the waters.

"I don't see how that is relevant," he tuts back. "According to multiple sources, the physical altercation was one-sided."

You bet your ass it was.

My eyes deliberately drift down to the long red scratch on my arm that's nearly healed, the only time she managed to maim me. "That was nearly a week ago," I point out. "And even though it appears my side of the story won't be taken into account, I have to ask: why is this only being brought up now?"

The dean glowers at me from across the table. "Ms. Winston only came forward over the weekend. Apparently, she was so frightened by the attack that she needed encouragement from some of our academy leaders to speak up about the incident."

I bite the inside of my bottom lip. That makes sense. So much for a fresh, new week.

"I can only assume that these academy leaders are the ones who not only instigated the theft of my belongings but the irreparable damage to them."

He pauses for a moment and there's not a doubt in my mind that he knows about these details. He's just choosing to overlook them.

After all, one of these so-called leaders is his precious son.

"Unfortunately, the witness reports do not corroborate your story, Ms. Spencer. Now, as this is your first violation, I'm willing to apply a lighter disciplinary action. However, next time, there will be more severe consequences."

My eyes narrow suspiciously. "And this disciplinary action includes?"

"You'll have detention after hours each day this week. Thankfully for you, Ms. Winston isn't seeking restitution."

"Restitution for what, exactly?" I snap back, unable to hold it in any longer.

This whole situation is ridiculous. She snapped two nails and they think I should pay, while I'm the one who ends up with no textbooks?

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