"Still think you've got nothing to answer for? I have many other recordings if these aren't enough for you."
The room fell silent at those words from Alex. Other than the faint crackle of the recording crystals still glowing in Malen and Lena's hands, no other sound could be heard.
The one who broke the silence was Malen. He straightened his shoulders as a smug grin spread across his face. He tossed the crystal to Rodeus standing in the group.
"Well," he said, his voice dripping with mockery, "I guess the jig's up."
Lena's sharp eyes scanned the room, taking in the wide-eyed stares and slack-jawed disbelief of the other teachers. She crossed her arms, her lips curling into a sly smile. "You all really thought we were in this for the money?"
"What—what are you saying?" Stammered Elenara, her icy composure cracking as her gaze darted between the two.