Dissent and Daffodils

Hazel walked to the basin in her dorm's bathroom. She splashed some cold water on her face and replayed the scene from the concert last night, as well as what had happened in Professor Blackthorne's office.

Could it be her? Hazel wondered. Last night, with the professor sitting next to her during the concert, she felt safe. With her around, the nagging feeling of danger that Hazel had experienced since childhood was absent.

It could be her. They had been talking throughout the concert, but then Professor Blackthorne went missing after the show. It might have been her.

Hazel's heart raced at the thought of Lilith being the mystery woman.

Regardless of whether Lilith was that person or not, she had other things to focus on. Hazel needed to submit her pending assignments.

A week passed, and Lilith and Hazel mostly avoided each other, having reached an understanding to keep their relationship strictly professional. Lilith was busy with her classes and preparing for the new batch of students joining the university, while Hazel was overwhelmed with assignments.

As the new students began their university journey, Principal Blythe organized a welcome party. The main hall buzzed with energy, filled with new students mingling with seniors and friends. Faculty members took a break from academic life to enjoy the festivities, catching up with each other. Jazz music flowed through the hall, drinks were served, and students took turns on the dance floor while faculty mingled nearby.

Lilith stood in a corner with a few other professors, zoning out of their conversation and scanning the hall. She wore a dark blue blazer over a white shirt, paired with dark blue pants and a royal blue tie. Her gaze soon landed on Hazel, who was dancing with another boy. If Lilith remembered correctly, this was Julian Vale, a student from the junior class. She narrowed her eyes, watching the duo on the dance floor.

Hazel looked beautiful in the maroon flowy dress she wore to the party. A silver necklace complemented her diamond earrings. Hazel appeared ethereal. However, Julian's adoring gaze at Hazel annoyed Lilith.

Lilith was pulled from her thoughts by Professor Merrick, the chemistry professor for the first two years. With his grey hair and white stubble, he was in his mid-40s. He embodied a conservative mindset, stuck in the 1920s, believing himself superior to women, which made it irksome for him to work alongside them. Lilith knew how to handle such men well.

"Lilith, you seem a bit off. Is something bothering you?" he asked.

"Just feeling a little stuffy," Lilith replied tersely. Noticing her tone, Professor Merrick continued, "Of course, so much daily pressure. Attending parties and functions can be overwhelming. You should consider getting married, having kids, and letting your husband handle the rest." He chuckled hollowly after making this remark.

Annoyance flashed in Lilith's eyes. In a cold tone, she responded, "I manage daily pressure just fine, Professor. Perhaps you should focus on yourself and your family instead. Your sons are struggling to pass each year with grace marks, and it seems they could use your help with their academics. I can handle my responsibilities well, which is precisely why I became a professor at such a young age of 26." She smiled condescendingly at him. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I'd like to take a walk outside," she said, turning to leave as she noticed him clenching his jaw in frustration.