even as her excitement gave way to deep fatigue. As the first rays of sunshine touched the horizon, Avery took a moment to breathe. She th

h Brain Research class, the auditorium was half full. Old habits kicked in as she scanned the room for potential dangers and exits. Her gaze settled on Lucas Sterling, sitting in the back row surrounded by a group of students staring at him. Avery knew t

cial for her work. She was so focused that she almost missed Lucas glancing at her from behind as she took notes. To avoid conflict, A

h in his voice. "Good to see you

ook. "It's been helpful

ing her arm. "Hey, you don't have to rush. A few of us ar

wary. His natural charm seemed to have a purpose, and it was clear this invitation was more

ft wood. Avery found herself squeezed between Lucas and a lively redhead named Zoe. The conversation was filled with jokes and campus gossip, but Avery stayed quiet, observing the group

attention on her. "Why did you come to Blackthorn?

conversation stopped. She took a sip of her latte to

n eyes fixed on her. "And what

knew the others were watching her closely. S

toast, but Avery had the distinct feeling she had just been assessed. As the conversation shifted back to safer topics, her mind raced

y, often in a crowd, always watching her with that knowing smile. As night fell, Avery returned to her dorm, her mind spinning with new information and unresolved questions. She almo

clock tower.

is games were likely a trap, but a part of her, driven by the desire to uncover the secr

Chen had never been one to shy away from a challenge. At 11:45, she left her room and quietly made her way across the shadowy campus. The old cl

ious expression instead of his usual smile.

hidden knife at her belt. "I almost

termination, she pressed on. Lucas led her to a hidden door at the base of the tower, using an old-fashioned key from his pocket. As the

ently. "Once you enter, there's no coming back. B

ft behind, and the future she hoped to build. She knew that whatever lay beyond that door would change

k smile. "We'll

elt she was reaching a point of no return. Whatever awaited her at the top would shatter her carefully crafted image and force her to confront Blackthorn University and herself. Every creak of the steps heightened the suspense, and Avery's growing interest clashed w

the other side, there's no going back. You

anxiety aside. Lucas said, "Open the door."

ter, their voices hushed as Lucas and Avery approached. Avery's attention was drawn to the person sitting at the head of the table. Unlike the chaos of the room, Professor Elena Russo's composed posture and sharp gaze made it clear that Avery's lif