Evening descended slowly across Blackwood University afterward while cold amber light spilled endlessly through towering oak trees and distant music echoed faintly across the massive fraternity district beneath drifting autumn wind and restless darkening clouds.
Blackwood Hall stood glowing at the center afterward.
Beautiful building.
Old building.
The kind hiding cruelty elegantly beneath wealth and polished marble and expensive laughter.
Students crowded endlessly through the front entrance afterward while expensive perfume mixed sharply with alcohol and false smiles beneath glittering chandelier light spilling outward through tall glass windows.
Inside the second-floor lounge afterward Ava Turner stood beside the balcony railing while crimson lipstick and diamond earrings gleamed softly beneath golden light and low jazz music drifting through the crowded fraternity hall.
Her smile looked flawless tonight.
