Chapter 4 — Professor's Plans

Jace

I was late. Again.

The lecture hall buzzed with energy as I slipped in through the back door, keeping my head low in a futile attempt to avoid being noticed. The faint scent of coffee mingled with the crisp fall air wafting through the open windows. Professor Ames was already handing out assignment sheets, his monotone voice cutting through the rustle of papers and the occasional scrape of a chair. My duffel bag, still harboring the faint smell of last night’s practice, swung against my leg as I made my way down the aisle.