AVA'S POV
The lecture ended, but my feet felt glued to the floor.
Around me, chairs scraped against the linoleum, a harsh, grating sound that echoed in the sudden rush of noise.
Students packed their bags, their voices rising instantly, eager to escape.
"So, are we meeting at the library?"
"I told you she'd be strict."
"I already hate this module."
One by one, they filed out, a stream of backpacks and chatter that dwindled until the room felt cavernous.
Then, the last of them left too.
The silence that followed was heavy, pressing against my ears.
My heart began to hammer a frantic rhythm against my ribs.
Why did she want to see me?
Had I done something wrong?
No...
It was the first lecture.
She didn't even know me.
At least... I didn't think she did.
My fingers tightened
