Edge of Evolution

The air in the director's hotel room was thick. Eliza and Melcin stood before the director.

The director, seated in a leather chair by the window, stared at them, her face unreadable but her eyes cold.

"I hope you both understand, the full extent of what you've done to this academy."

Eliza's heart raced, but she held her ground, though the desperation flickered in her eyes.

"You led the charge in Eratz's expulsion," the director continued, her gaze settling on Eliza. "And look where that's gotten us. Genova is losing its prestige with the student you pointed as our ace, while the boy you threw out is rising to prominence."

Eliza swallowed hard. Her voice came out steadier than she felt.

"We... we did what we believed was right at the time. Eratz was a..."