Sacrifice

Eratz stared down at Rowan, his face hardening as the fury drained away, replaced by something colder, sharper, disappointment.

He had wanted this reunion to mean something, had hoped for an honest conversation, but instead, he was facing a scene that felt like another setup, another trap.

He clenched his jaw, the memories flooding back unbidden: the small, dimly lit room where they had all pointed fingers, the cold, accusatory stares, the voices telling him he had assaulted someone, that he didn't belong.

He could still feel the tightness in his chest, the crushing weight of betrayal.

Taking a step back, he felt the urge to leave, to walk away and never look back.

But before he could turn, one of the other teachers stepped forward. He was an older man, still his face lined with worry and regret. He raised a hand, his voice cracking as he called out.

"Wait, Eratz... Please, just listen."