THE INVESTIGATION

The principals office

The Principal's Office was silent—eerily so, even for a Saturday morning. When the door swung open, Vera's footsteps echoed sharply off the polished floor, following her into the dimly-lit room. Principal Furi's desk stood empty, her blazer casually draped across the back of the chair, like she'd only just left. Vera's eyes found it immediately.

"Where is Ms. Furi?" Vera murmured, pausing near the desk. She glanced around and tugged lightly at the blazer's sleeve. It smelled faintly of lavender, the principal's signature scent.

Before she could ask again, a portal materialized to her right. The shimmering borders of the doorway pulsed with energy, and through it stepped Principal Furi herself—hair immaculate again, her posture purposeful as she strode in.

Vera stood straighter and offered a respectful bow. "Are you going somewhere, ma'am?"