Why would he even have it?
He assured me she was fine, that she was with family and would return when she was ready.
Whatever that means.
I don’t trust that family of hers in the slightest.
Still… this is very like Eleanor. She has a habit of disappearing for days, sometimes months, then turning up again as if nothing ever happened.
But this time it feels different.
Wrong.
I take the stairs down and step outside. I take a deep breath and begin walking towards the main building.
Today is the first day back. The semester begins.
As our private dormitory sits slightly apart from the rest of the campus, it’s a ten to twenty minute walk depending on your pace. There are cars assigned to us, and drivers we can call for whenever needed.
But I prefer walking.
Provided it is not pouring rain, of course.
I don’t mind running through the rain, but sitting in class soaked for hours like a drowned rat?
Absolutely not.
And my curly hair?
Don’t even get me started.
Before long, the academy comes into view.
The main building looks as if it belongs to another century, maybe it really does. Tall stone towers reach into the grey sky, severe and imposing.
Students are already gathering outside and along the wide staircase leading to the entrance.
I scan the crowd automatically but don’t see any of the girls.
As I begin climbing the steps, I feel the familiar attention turn towards me.
Everyone whispers, stares, points at me, none of it subtle in the least.
Nothing new, really.
Why I thought this year might be any different is beyond me.
The Thirteen Circle is always a hot topic.
I saw Instagram this morning.
Octavia and Ophelia Bellanti are already all over social media. The cut on Ophelia’s forehead is clearly visible in the photo.
If the rumour attached to it is salacious enough, it sometimes finds its way into the actual press as well.
As I climb the steps, I feel my phone buzz inside my bag.
Again.
