The headmaster has a vaguely uncomfortable look on his face as he goes on. He looks almost nauseous, actually. “Now, as I’m sure you’re aware, the scholarship under which you attend Bramppath is subject to a number of conditions. The most pressing of which being that you agree to follow the school rules as outlined in our handbook. You would have received a copy of this along with your enrollment packet last year, correct?”

I do not like where this is going one bit. “Yeah,” I say, wary. “Yes.”

“I’m sure this goes without saying, but underage drinking while under the care of the school is a gross violation of the rules. And Bramppath College has a zero-tolerance policy in this area.”

My hand finds the hem of my cape, and I roll the material between my thumb and forefinger, trying to keep myself calm. “I’m really sorry about all of it,” I say, and I couldn’t be more honest. “I really, really am. I wish I could undo the whole night.”

“Yes, I rather imagine you do,” he says. He sounds sad and regretful. I don’t like that, either. “I know this has been a difficult week for you. I want you to know that you do have my sympathies.”

“Thank you. It means a—”

“Though I’m afraid I am about to add to the week’s difficulties.”

Please, don’t say it. Please don’t. Let him tell me he’s punishing me harshly. As harshly as he wants. Detentions every night, fine. Kitchen duty every Sunday for the rest of the year? I’ll take it on the chin. A suspension? It’ll suck, but I probably deserve it.

“I’m sorry to inform you that, based on this extreme—and public—breach of the school’s policies, we have no choice but to expel you from Bramppath. Your expulsion from class will be effective immediately, though you may use today and tonight to pack your things in preparation to leave tomorrow.”

This morning, it hadn’t seemed possible that things would get worse. I thought there was no way to feel any more terrible than I already did.

I was wrong.

“Please don’t,” I manage.

“The alumni association felt very strongly. It’s done, Danni.”

“Please undo it. Please. I haven’t broken any rules before, it was a mistake, and I’ve learned my lesson, really, I promise, I’ve been punished plenty—”

“Zero tolerance means zero tolerance. No exceptions.”

“You can punish me. I—I deserve to be punished. Anything you want, I’ll agree to it. But I have to stay. Caroline, and piano, and all my friends are here. Everyone I know in the whole country is here, sir.”

“You fit in quickly when you arrived here. I have every confidence you will do the same at your new school.”