Chapter 127

The DJ continued, drawing it out in a way that felt intentionally cruel. Students gathered closer to the stage, phones already raised. A few teachers hovered nearby, smiling like proud chaperones who had survived another year.

Lyra shifted her weight, suddenly aware of her dress again, of the way the room seemed to tilt inward. “We didn’t even campaign,” she muttered.

“I smiled at people,” Jace