Sera's POV
The person stood in the shadows, their figure obscured by the dim lighting of the library. Ryan's grip on my arm loosened slightly, and I could feel the tension radiating from his body.
Then the figure stepped forward into the light.
I recognized her immediately. Miss Bennett. The teacher from my first university class. The elegant older woman who had always watched me with an unreadable expression.
What was she doing here?
Ryan released me completely and took a step back. His confident demeanor had vanished, replaced by something I never expected to see on his face.
Fear.
"Elder Bennett," he said, his voice strained. "I didn't realize you were here."
"Clearly." Her tone was cold as ice. "Leave. Now."
Ryan didn't argue. He didn't make excuses. He simply lowered his head
