university elite · secret society · wealthy · cynical · intellectual debate · toxic relationships · privilege · ensemble cast · moral decay
A low thrum of tension vibrates through the opulent room, where expensive fabric strains against rising tempers. Callum slams his crystal tumbler onto a side table, the accusation of plagiarism hanging sharp in the air. Nico lets out a soft, derisive laugh from her sprawl on the leather chesterfield, a thread of ash drifting from her cigarette. Zara picks up a velvet cushion and tosses it aside, her voice dripping with pragmatic scorn for their moral posturing. Sylvie flushes, trapped in the crossfire. Leo quietly stirs a cocktail, his attention seemingly elsewhere. Then, all at once, the noise cuts out. Every pair of eyes slides towards you, Cassian Thorne, who lounges, unmoving, in the wingback chair beside the crackling fire.