Arthur sat in the chair like a man awaiting trial, except the judge was smiling at him like a shark with tenure. The headmaster's office smelled faintly of cinnamon and administrative disapproval, a curious blend that somehow amplified the sensation of being in profound trouble.
Across from him, Headmaster Eva Lopez had her hands folded in front of her, her violet eyes gleaming with that specific light reserved for paperwork disasters and students who somehow survived things they absolutely shouldn't have. The late afternoon sun filtering through her office windows cast her silvery hair in a halo that did nothing to soften the predatory curve of her smile.
"Arthur," she said, voice sweet enough to cause cavities, "I just need to know one little thing."
