Ava: Florice's Fate

My legs tremble as Marcus guides me down the stairs. Each step feels like a monumental effort, and I'm acutely aware of the sweat beading on my upper lip and hairline. The living room comes into view, and I'm taken aback by the sight of Magister Orion pacing in silence, his usual booming presence subdued.

Vanessa's concerned gaze meets mine as we enter and she comes over to help Marcus lead me into a nearby chair.

I sink into it gratefully, my body feeling like it's made of lead.

"Thanks," I manage, offering Vanessa a weak smile. The room seems to spin slightly, and I have to focus to keep my vision steady. "What's going on?"

Magister Orion halts his pacing, his eyes locking onto mine. The gravity in his expression sends a chill down my spine before he even speaks.

"Florice has been murdered."

The words hang in the air, and for a moment, I can't process them. Then reality crashes in, and I feel the blood drain from my face.