Chapter 4: Torn at the Seams
Merlina tucked herself into a quiet corner of Belford College Library, her notebook spread open beside her, crammed with scribbled notes, arrows, and circled names.
She flipped through old student newsletters and archived reports with sharp focus, her eyes scanning each page like she was piecing together a secret only she could solve.
Merlina leaned closer, her lips parting slightly.
Her finger froze over a headline. Dean’s Wife Involved in Charity Scandal.
Merlina leaned in, her lips parting slightly. Even the dean’s wife. No one here was clean.
Belford College wasn’t just founded on lies, it was shaped by them.
Behind her, two girls strolled past the aisle, their laughter cutting through the thick Library silence.
"I’m telling you," one girl said, loud enough to carry, "if Craig Lesnar looks at me one more time in Lit class? I swear..."
"Please," her friend cut in, giggling. "He could date my twin and I’d still feel special."
Merlina’s posture shifted subtly. She kept her eyes on the file in front of her, but her ears sharpened, capturing every word.
"Adriana is living my dream," the first girl gushed. "Did you see the car he picked her up in? One scratch on that thing and you’re in debt ’til 2090."