Chapter 126. The Slot to Closure

ARDEN

It’s been a week.

One long, gray-skied, heavy-hearted week.

Mr. Winters was arrested the same day with more than enough proof.

The livestream, the testimonies and videos, the hidden passages in the cabin, and the army of students under his command—all of it was more than enough. He was disqualified instantly from the Praetor candidacy. His name was spat upon across the regions. The public didn’t just turn their backs on him. They were disgusted. Outraged. And rightfully so.

Elite Order Academy shut down for a full week. A rare, unprecedented break. Students who sided with Winters were suspended, most of them expelled, and several were arrested for full involvement in his plans. Jaxon and Kieran were among them. I saw their parents on the news one afternoon—begging, crying, pleading for their freedom. But the law wasn’t lenient. Not when it was my mom who had enforced it.

My chest tightened.

My mom…

Cade had continued with his can