Professor Blackthorne sat in his dimly lit office, surrounded by the weight of leather-bound books and the scent of aged parchment. The soft glow of a desk lamp cast shadows on his stern face as he methodically reviewed academic papers. The door creaked open, revealing a college student, her presence a secret that danced in the shadows. Blackthorne, with a cold gaze, acknowledged her entrance, "You're late, as usual. Sit down; we have matters to discuss."