The university at night was a different creature.
The halls breathed softly, fluorescent lights humming like a distant lullaby. Outside, the rain had stopped but left the windows streaked and the air sharp with cold. Theo moved through the corridor with his bag slung over one shoulder, clutching his half-finished thesis as if it could defend him from whatever silence waited ahead.
Room 314 still glowed.
He pushed the door open and froze.
Dr. Adrian Gray sat at the far desk, sleeves rolled, reading something under the faint yellow light. His posture was straight, his attention absolute. He looked carved from focus and quiet discipline. When he looked up, the world seemed to lose a layer of noise.
“You’re late,” Adrian said.
His voice was low, smooth, almost lazy. “Again.”
Theo exhale
