The Dean was at a complete loss for words. Her mind, a finely tuned machine for academic and political nuance, was seizing up.
Her first instinct was to unleash a sharp rebuke for such an outrageous claim, but that instantly died on her lips. Usually, someone making such a preposterous statement would be laughed out of her office. But this was Von.
Melissa had known the man for years. He was a pillar of discipline and strict adherence to the rules.
He wasn't one for jokes or baseless claims, especially not in a setting as serious as this. The triumphant, genuine smile on his face wasn't one of a man playing a prank; it was one of a man who had seen the truth. And that, in itself, was terrifying.
She stood abruptly, her chair scraping against the stone floor. Her sharp, intelligent gaze fixed on the imposing figure standing before her.
She met Adrian's firm stare with one of her own, and a silent challenge hung in the air. Just immediately, she said a delicate chant.
