Headmaster Sterling was midway through acknowledging distinguished alumni contributions when the ballroom lights suddenly cut out completely, plunging everything into darkness. The orchestra stopped playing, confused murmurs filled the space, and then the massive projection screens flanking the stage flickered to life.
Julian's voice came through the sound system, theatrical and dramatic: "Ladies and gentlemen, distinguished guests, welcome to the Ashwick Academy Gala Apocalypse. Please direct your attention to the screens for a comprehensive review of this year's most memorable scandals."
"Oh no," Roni whispered beside me. "He didn't."
"He absolutely did," Nick replied, sounding torn between horror and admiration.
The projection screens began displaying a carefully edited video compil
