The bell hadn't even rung when the atmosphere in the room shifted, the ambient chatter dropping by half an octave.
Gabriel Jakes walked through the double doors.
He wasn't wearing his blazer today; his uniform sweater was a deep, charcoal cashmere, the sleeves pushed up to his elbows to reveal the lean, athletic cords of his forearms. He didn't look around the room because he didn't need to; he already owned the space. Walking half a step behind him was Benny, her short dark hair neatly brushed, her expression completely detached as she carried a sleek, unbranded leather folio.
Gabriel didn't look toward the back row. He descended the tiered steps with a casual, fluid laziness and took a center seat in the front row, directly opposite the teacher’s desk. Benny slid into the seat immedia
