HARPER
Our graduation ceremony was held in a grand, historic auditorium at the heart of the university campus. High vaulted ceilings arched overhead, elegant stone columns lined the walls, and stained-glass windows splashed ribbons of color across the polished wooden floor.
At the front, a broad raised stage was draped in the university's colors and crest. Ornate floral arrangements of white lilies and green ferns framed the lectern where the president and deans sat in their academic robes. The air thrummed with restless energy as families and friends filled every pew and row of chairs, their voices buzzing with anticipation and pride.
"Are you nervous?" Julian's hot breath tickled my ear, then he licked the tip, successfully dragging my attention to him. I nudged him, earning a low groan before I shot him a glare.
The hint of a smile on his face told me he had done it on purpose.
"Are you?" he asked again.
I shook my head. Then nodded.
