The morning sunlight filtered through the tall windows of the headmistress's office, casting elongated shadows across the room.
Elara sat stiffly on the edge of the chair, her palms clammy against the polished wood of the armrests. Opposite her, behind the imposing desk, the headmistress scrutinized her with the intensity of a hawk about to strike. The silence stretched, thick and suffocating.
"Elara Celine," the headmistress began, her voice calm but razor-sharp, "are you ready to tell me what happened?"
Elara's heart pounded in her chest. She forced herself to meet the headmistress's piercing gaze, even as a wave of unease washed over her. "Yes, Headmistress," she said, her voice steady—but only just.
"Good." The headmistress leaned forward, her dark robes rustling. "Let's start with the basics. What were you doing at the secluded tower? It's off-limits to students, as you well know."