She was pointing at me.
Wait.
Me?!
I blinked, confused, then looked around to double-check—maybe someone was behind me? Nope. All eyes were on me now.
What the hell did I do?
I had fully expected her to point at Ryen. Maybe someone else with top grades or glowing recommendations. Not me.
"Me? Are you talking about me, Professor?" I asked, sounding like I'd just been accused of a crime I didn't commit.
Alice Draken smiled brightly and nodded. "Yes, you. Don't be so surprised."
Okay, now I was really lost. What the hell did I do to get noticed?
Then, for a brief moment, she glanced at Ryen before returning her gaze to me.
"That student's good," she said, casually nodding toward him. "He's aware of his surroundings. He knew better than to laugh along with the crowd. But you?"
She tilted her head slightly, her smile sharpening just a bit.
"You were better."
I blinked again.
