The atmosphere inside the Dean's chamber shifted subtly as Luca's words trailed into hesitation, the unfinished sentence lingering heavily within the quiet room. The earlier authority that had filled the space now felt sharper, more focused, as though every individual present sensed that the next portion of the report carried weight beyond simple reconnaissance.
Luca's fingers tightened faintly at his side.
His gaze lowered.
For a brief moment, the composure he had maintained throughout the explanation faltered visibly.
A trace of embarrassment surfaced upon his face, mixing with the unmistakable tension of someone attempting to navigate words that refused to align easily with dignity.
"When we entered the room…" he began slowly, his voice quieter than before, his eyes remaining fixed upon the polished floor rather than meeting the gazes directed toward him.
"…I do not clearly remember what happened afterwards."
The admission hung awkwardly in the air.
