The classroom door creaked as I pushed it open.
"May I come in?"
Professor Elvira's sharp gaze snapped toward me, her eyebrows rising. "Why are you late, Student Luthaire?"
I bowed slightly, my voice carefully measured. "I apologize Miss, I overslept. It won't happen again."
She stared at me—really stared—her eyes tracing the dark circles under mine, the sluggish way I held myself. After a tense pause, she sighed. "Alright. Take your seat."
"Thank you."
I trudged to the back of the room, sliding into my usual spot at the end of the third row beneath the window. To avoid further suspicion, I forced my attention onto the lecture, even managing to answer a question when called upon.
But the truth?
I hadn't slept at all.
Or rather, I hadn't slept enough.
