***Crystal’s POV***
The dining hall had emptied, but the tension lingered like smoke. Bane led them into Dustin’s office, the heavy oak door closing behind them with a final thud.
Lizzy paced once, then stopped, arms folded tightly. Her expression was sharper than Crystal had ever seen. Bane stayed closer to the door, shoulders squared, as though guarding them from more than wandering ears.
Dustin moved behind his desk, leaning against its edge with his arms crossed. His presence filled the room—commanding, unyielding—but Crystal could sense the undercurrent. The doubt.
“What is it you’ve discovered?” Dustin asked at last, his voice flat, cautious.
Bane exchanged a look with Lizzy before speaking. “Katherine isn’t what she seems. The pieces don’t add up, Dustin. Her influence over the
