Lucien POV
The moment I entered the dining hall, I knew something was wrong.
The atmosphere felt different.
Too quiet.
Too tense.
Then I saw Aria.
She was standing beside the table, her shoulders straight despite the humiliation written all over her face.
And surrounding her were people who should have known better.
People laughing.
People judging.
People treating her dreams as if they were entertainment.
My blood ran cold.
"What's so funny?" I asked.
The room immediately fell silent.
No one answered.
Good.
Because I wasn't sure I wanted to hear their answer.
I walked directly toward Aria.
Ignoring everyone else.
Ignoring the stares.
Ignoring the whispers.
Only Aria mattered.
When I reached her, I noticed the slight redness in her eyes.
Someone had hurt her.
That re
