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Unspoken History in the Hallway

Author: Calai
last update Last Updated: 2025-11-28 15:36:49

The corridor was quiet, but every step Alina took stirred unspoken history and rivalry. Her heels clicked against the polished floor as she walked, notes neatly tucked in her folder. Calm and deliberate, every gesture showed authority, as if the space itself acknowledged her presence. She had a purpose here, and every moment mattered. Her time in Atheria was short, and a flight back to Marlowe waited the next morning. Distractions, no matter how polished, were unwelcome.

From the other end, Sebastian appeared, walking with measured confidence. He stopped a few steps away, keeping a professional distance, yet the air between them hummed with unspoken history.

"Dr. Hart," he said smoothly, polite but curious, "I didn’t expect that. Your presentation, impressive, clear, detailed. Exactly what I hoped for."

Alina inclined her head politely, voice steady. "Thank you, Mr. Vaughn. I appreciate your words." A quiet pause stretched between them, heavy with the weight of past encounters.

He lea
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