Lyra's POV
The final accusation hit me like a physical blow. The word "whore" echoed through the atrium as Beck let out a weary sigh. Her hand moved in a dismissive gesture, and the student representative stepped away from the crowd, moving toward the main platform where Ash stood. That twisted smile never left their face as they climbed the steps and positioned themselves at the podium.
When they turned to address the assembled students, their voice carried across the silent hall with practiced authority.
"Fellow wolves of this academy," the representative began, their tone dripping with false righteousness. "The proof stands before us, undeniable and damning. Lyra Cooper has manipulated her way through our pack, seducing and corrupting the strongest among us. She has twisted ancient dark arts to her will, forcing these wolves to believe in some fairy tale of fated bonds."
The crowd stirred, murmurs of agreement rippling through their ranks like a poisonous wave.
