The Dean's office was crowded with authority figures by the time I arrived—Dean Patterson, several security personnel, and what looked like legal counsel for both the academy and Julian's family. Julian sat in the center of it all, looking perfectly composed despite being accused of international vandalism.
"Miss Virelli," Dean Patterson said, "His Highness claims you can provide an alibi for the time period when the vandalism occurred."
"Between midnight and 3 AM," I said carefully. "Julian was in the academy gardens. I saw him there around 2:30 when I was... having a private conversation."
"A private conversation with whom?"
"With me," Alexander said, entering the office behind me. "Isabella and I were discussing personal matters in the gardens. Julian was present, though we didn't r
