CHAPTER FORTY-SEVEN
The lecture hall buzzed with nervous energy. Sneakers squeaked against the polished floor, pamphlets rustled like restless wings, and the sharp scent of disinfectant still clung to the newly varnished desks. The fluorescent lights hummed faintly above, casting a glare that made the room feel both too big and too bright.
Monica sat in the middle row, her back straight, hands clasped so tightly that her knuckles whitened. Around her, students whispered, compared schedules, scrolled on their phones, but she couldn’t focus on any of it.
Dr. Jelica Finn stood at the podium, a navy-blue pantsuit pressed sharp as glass, her posture straight and commanding.
“We are proud to welcome you to one of the most dynamic and physically engaging departments in this faculty—the heart
