Chapter 19
CHAPTER NINETEEN
IRIS
Knock, knock, knock.
I blinked my eyes open and instantly regretted it. The sun's rays were creeping in through the cracks in the blinds.
‘Arughh.’ Adora made a very strange noise from underneath her blanket cocoon.
‘Um, coffee delivery?’ I heard Rory ask nervously, as the door creaked open.
I resubmerged myself in the duvet.
‘Dora?’ he asked tentatively, stepping through the doorway. ‘You specifically requested coffee—’
‘I know what I said!’ Adora mumbled angrily. ‘I’m just regretting it very much right now.’ She moved the duvet just enough for her eyes to peek out. ‘It’s still dark outside!’
‘You specifically asked for a caffeine dose at seven so you and Iris could…’ He paused. ‘…Is Iris even here?’
I lifted the duvet enough to slide my hand out and give him a thumbs up.
‘Cool. Morning, Iris. Anyway,’ he turned back to Adora, ‘you were so crazy last night. I’d have much rather pissed you off now, waking you both up early, than say no last night.’
‘That’s fair,’ I called, my voice muffled by the blankets.
I could feel Adora’s eyes on me.
‘See? Even Iris agrees.’
‘I’m allowed to be crazy when I feel strongly about something!’
I threw the duvet down. Adora looked at me. Rory looked at me.
‘Is this about whatever it was you girls were so secretive about yesterday?’ he asked.
The silence stretched on too long.
‘It’s none of your business,’ Adora said. ‘…Girl stuff.’
Rory laughed. ‘Yeah, don’t worry, I’m good with not knowing.’ Smiling, he deposited two coffee cups on the desk and exited the room with a sarcastic roll of his eyes towards Adora and a mock salute to me.
Once the door clicked shut, Adora whispered, ‘Sorry!’
I shook my head while sitting up in bed. ‘It’s fine. Don’t worry. He probably just thinks you’re being weird.’ I smirked slightly.
‘Hey! I am weird, thank you very much.’ Then she dramatically flopped back into her nest of blankets and pillows.
‘Come on, you need to get up.’ I pulled on a velvety dressing gown over my lacy shorts and camisole and padded over to Adora’s bed. ‘Wakey wakey,’ I whispered. ‘We have things to do today, remember?’
A hand slowly emerged from the depths of the mound and aimed at the coffee. Fingers opening and closing in a grabbing motion, I stifled a laugh as I lifted the cup into her hand. It disappeared under the duvet briefly as she sat up, spilling a little.
‘It’s too early to be alive,’ she groaned.
‘Yeah, I know, but we need to go over the plan.’
I’d been wary at first of Adora’s idea to contact Isobella, but after giving myself time to consider it, I had to admit it made sense.
Isobella had clearly been waiting for me in the corridor yesterday, and whatever she’d been trying to say…
she hadn’t managed to get it out. The days were slipping by far too quickly, bringing us closer and closer to the same window of time when she – and all the other students – had vanished.
Something Adora had said last night kept echoing in my mind…
I could actually see her.
Which meant I might be the only one who could uncover what had happened to her… and all the others.
And the only one who might be able to stop it.
‘You’re sure about the location?’ Adora whispered as we slipped through the crowded halls on our way to class.
‘Yes.’ I nodded. ‘I’ve seen her twice – once in the library and once in that hallway.
The first time, I must have accidentally summoned her by saying her name, right?
’ Adora nodded. ‘Well,’ I continued, ‘when she appeared, I heard this huge crash. I think that was her… which means she actually interacted with the physical world, even just briefly. But when I saw her in the corridor, she didn’t interact with anything and she couldn’t speak to me.
So I think she must have a stronger connection with the library…
Plus, it’s more secluded there if we go at night. ’
‘Okay,’ Adora murmured, keeping her voice low as we passed a handful of loitering students. ‘So we meet tonight? At the dorm, and we’ll walk over together?’
I exhaled slowly. ‘Are you sure you want to come with me? You won’t be able to see her… or hear anything if she does manage to speak. Plus, it could be dangerous. Maybe it’s best if I just go alone?’
‘No, I’m coming,’ she said firmly, lifting her chin. ‘You, Iris, are my best friend, and I’m not going to let you go wandering the halls at night chasing a ghost on your own. Especially when there are creepy men in masks skulking about the school.’
‘I—’ I dragged a hand over my face. ‘Look, I don’t even know if that was a real person.’
‘But you said you didn’t see a flash!’
‘Adora, I was hysterical last night. You saw me when I got back. I could have just mistaken a flash for lightning … or just imagined the whole thing!’ I pulled the strap of my bag higher up my shoulder. ‘We should just focus on one thing at a time, and for now, that’s Isobella.’
‘Fine,’ Adora said. ‘But I am coming.’
We turned the corner and stopped outside the door to her classroom.
‘Midnight?’
‘Hmm… maybe one o’clock? Just to make sure there aren’t any stragglers doing late-night studying.’
‘Good idea.’ She nodded, then reached out and gave my hand a gentle, reassuring squeeze. ‘It’ll be fine.’ And with that, she slipped into the classroom.
I lingered a moment before slowly heading towards my literature lecture, a knot forming in my stomach. How on earth was I supposed to focus on my studies when we were about to attempt to summon a ghost… on purpose.
After dinner that evening I sat at the foot of my bed, reading a new novel that Adora lent me and stroking Boo’s silky fur while he snoozed peacefully next to me. I watched my fingers glide over his midnight-black coat and wondered how it was possible – how I could see him.
See them.
I watched the moon as it slowly began its ascent across the inky sky. The daylight was fading from the dorm, so I gradually made my way around the room lighting the candles – their golden light spilling out and encasing the room in a homely warmth.
Boo stirred slightly, stretching and nuzzling his little, pink nose into the blanket, and then fell asleep again.
I wished I could be as content as he was.
I reopened my book and was just about to return to reading – or at least attempt to – when there was a sharp knock at the door.
Heartbeat skyrocketing, I crept towards it. I slowly turned the handle and opened the door just an inch.
‘Oh,’ I said, frowning. ‘Hi…’ I shifted my weight awkwardly from one foot to the other as Mr Williams’ tall form stood in my doorway.
‘Ah, Miss Blackthorne, I’m sorry to interrupt your evening.’
I forced a polite smile. ‘It’s – uh, it’s no problem at all.’ I opened the door further. ‘How can I help you?’
I’d not spoken to Williams since my first day here, when he’d collected me from the docks – though I had seen him around the school on occasion.
But what was he doing here?
‘I’ve come on behalf of Headmaster Draven,’ he said. He was so tall that he blocked out all the light from the hall behind him. ‘He’s requested your presence in his office.’
‘Oh…’ I said, eyebrows creasing.
Fuck.
My palms grew sweaty and the temperature of the room suddenly felt sweltering. ‘Is everything okay?’ was all I could think to ask.
‘I’m just the messenger, Miss,’ he replied politely.
‘Yes, of course.’ I forced a small smile. ‘No problem, I’ll head there soon.’
‘Actually, Miss, I’m here to escort you.’
Double fuck.
I looked over to the clock. It was only seven, so I had plenty of time before meeting Adora… but that was the least of my concerns right now.
Feigning calm, I nodded silently, put down the book I was still tightly gripping, and followed him out of the door.
By the time we passed the first corner, my heartbeat was so fast I could feel it in my throat. I thought about every moment I’d spent in Archer’s vicinity, sifting through the memories and replaying them on a loop, wondering if I might have slipped up somewhere.
Had someone seen us?
Had someone said something?
We walked in silence, the hallways passing in a painfully slow blur. I felt like a girl walking to the gallows.
My stomach twisted nauseatingly as we turned and entered the Headmasters corridor. Williams slowly came to a halt outside the tall wooden doors.
‘Miss,’ he said with a polite nod by way of parting. I watched him turn down the corridor, leaving me alone with only my nerves for company.
For a brief moment, I almost turned and walked away, too afraid to face the unknown… but before I could make that choice, the door swung open, revealing Headmaster Draven.
His hair was the same shade of grey as I remembered, neatly styled, and he wore a crisp three piece suit of the same colour. His stern eyes met mine.
‘Miss Blackthorne, please come in.’ He stepped to the side and indicated not to his desk, but to the small seating area beside the fire. ‘It’s cold this time of year, is it not? Let’s sit and warm ourselves.’
‘Yes,’ I said sheepishly, my voice not sounding like my own.
‘Please, take a seat.’
Forcing another small smile, I shuffled over to the plush sofa and took a seat close to the warmth of the flames. I laced my fingers together tightly in my lap and tried to get my breathing under control.
Draven sat down in the leather armchair opposite me and plucked a file that was sitting on the table between us.
‘Now, Miss Blackthorne,’ he said, tone unreadable. ‘I thank you for rearranging your plans for me tonight.’
‘Oh, it’s not a problem at all,’ I said with an unconvincing, short laugh that came out more like a squeak.
‘I just thought I’d summon you to have a little catch up, to see how your first few weeks have been.’
‘Oh?’ My heartbeat slowed, but not entirely.
‘Yes, I have your file here. I just wanted to go through your grades, to make sure you’re at the level we need you to be and that you’re keeping up with your courses and peers.’ He flicked to the first page.
I was so relieved I could cry.
‘So, let’s not waste time,’ he said, pushing his spectacles up his nose.
‘Your current grades… Mathematics – excellent. Literature – excellent. History – above standard, though room for improvement. Moral Philosophy…’ He paused, and I swallowed.
‘Top of the class,’ he said with a sharp nod – the most emotion he probably ever shows.
He rested the file on his lap and looked up at me. ‘Good job, Miss Blackthorne.’
I smiled for real this time. ‘Thank you, sir.’ My shoulders sagged in relief.
‘Yes, yes, well,’ he nodded. ‘Don’t thank me yet. There is a… slight concern.’
My brows drew together. ‘Okay… in which subject?’
‘Science. According to this, the work you’re submitting to your professor is currently averaging eighty-one per cent. That is below the expected benchmark for someone in your academic tier.’
I took a deep breath and looked down at my hands.
‘Now, that alone is not an alarming grade; however, it’s enough that it’s bringing your whole average down.’
I nodded. ‘Okay…’
‘I’m sorry to say, but it’s simply not good enough for someone with your capability.’
‘I’m sorry, sir,’ I said, voice shaky. I didn’t know what it was about Draven that made me feel that way, that brought out all my anxieties. His whole presence was intimidating. ‘I have been struggling with the topic, but I promise I’m working on it.’
‘Struggling is acceptable in the early stages, Miss Blackthorne, but failing to correct the struggle is not. Have you sought out additional support? Your biology work in particular is in need of improvement.’
‘I have, sir. My roommate is actually—’
‘Your roommate…’ he interrupted, looking back down at the file. ‘Oh yes, Miss Price. Yes, she’s very adept. Well done – seeking support shows discipline, which is a good sign.’
‘Thank you, Headmaster,’ I breathed, swallowing hard.
‘I hope to see improvement in your next report. A small dip in one subject might seem marginal to you, but consistency does matter at this school, understand?’
‘Yes, sir, thank you.’
Suddenly there was a knock at the door.
‘Yes?’ Draven called.
The door edged open.
‘Hi, Agnar, you—’ The voice cut off.
I looked up and swallowed as my eyes locked on Archer standing in the doorway.
My heart began pounding anew. Oh no oh no.
‘Ah, Professor, you’re early.’ Draven stood and walked over to the door.
He and Archer shook hands, and my stomach dropped.
‘Please, join us. I suppose your arrival is actually perfect timing.’ He gestured him forwards.
‘We were just going through Miss Blackthorne’s grades, and I believe your comments would prove valuable. ’
He didn’t say anything for a moment, then cleared his throat.
‘Of course,’ he murmured. I looked up at him, and our eyes met briefly.
I saw the slightest flash of worry – so swift I questioned if it was real – before his face smoothed over, all cool control and unreadable calm. His usual hard, expressionless exterior.
He was dressed smartly in navy blue fitted trousers, with a white shirt rolled up to his elbows in the way that always makes my heart jump. His hair was neatly styled again, not unruly like it was the other night.
The other night.
I snapped my eyes away from him and looked down at my hands to try and remain calm.
‘Williams, fetch me and Archer a scotch, please,’ Draven said. Williams, who had silently snuck in behind Archer, shuffled over towards the drinks trolley in the corner and busied himself making the two men a drink. ‘Please, sit.’ He indicated the spare seat beside me.
Archer didn’t meet my eyes as he silently stalked over to the sofa, slowly lowering himself onto the cushion next to me. I felt it dip with his weight.
He might have fooled me – might have even convinced me that we were strangers – if not for the stiffness of his movements, the measured way he breathed… the subtle way his knee brushed mine when Draven briefly turned his back, sending fireworks sparking through me.
This was not good.