Chapter 32: [32] Behind Closed Doors
Luna Valdez closed the door of the faculty lounge behind her, grateful for the silence. The room offered a sanctuary of dark mahogany panels, butter-soft leather chairs, and crystal chandeliers. Floor-to-ceiling windows overlooked the ocean, while a fully stocked bar occupied the far wall. Not that she’d touch it during school hours, though the thought was tempting after what had just happened.
She shrugged off her blazer and draped it over the back of a chair, rolling her shoulders to release the tension that had built there. The cold she’d generated in the training arena always left her muscles tight afterward. A small price to pay.
Luna moved to the espresso machine—a top-of-the-line model that had appeared mysteriously after she’d complained about the previous one. She suspected Director Angelo had ordered it specifically for her, though neither would ever acknowledge it.
As she measured coffee grounds, the door swung open. Luna didn’t need to turn around to know who it was—only one person entered rooms with that particular combination of stealth and dramatic flair.
"Is Lucy here?" Director Vanessa Angelo whispered, peering around the doorframe like a teenager sneaking into a bar.
Luna shook her head, not bothering to hide her amusement at seeing the most powerful hunter in the academy hiding from her own vice director.
"Phew," Vanessa sighed, slipping inside and closing the door. Despite being fifty-one, she looked barely older than some of the senior students, her black hair falling in perfect waves, her figure showcasing the side benefits of S-rank Essentia. "Don’t tell her you saw me. I’m supposed to be reviewing budget proposals."
"Your secret’s safe," Luna replied, pressing buttons on the espresso machine. The rich aroma of coffee filled the air as dark liquid streamed into her cup.
Vanessa flopped onto one of the leather couches, kicking off her heels and tucking her feet beneath her. "What are you doing here anyway? Don’t you have a practical class with 1-D and 1-A right now?"
Luna’s finger hesitated over the steam wand. "It ended early."
"Ended early?" Vanessa raised an eyebrow, leaning forward. "That’s not like you. You’re usually squeezing every second out of class time."