Behind Velvet Doors: 4. The Lesson

The following Thursday, the summons came not as a note, but as a public command.

Isobel was halfway to lunch when she heard the measured click of heels behind her.

“Miss Vale.”

She turned to see Headmistress D’Arcy standing in the corridor, hands clasped loosely behind her back, eyes steady. The students around them froze for a fraction of a second before pretending to mind their own business.

“In my office,” Evangeline said simply.

No explanation. No hint of her tone beyond that same poised calm that always felt like it was holding something back.

The office door closed behind them with its familiar, soft click. Evangeline didn’t sit behind her desk this time. Instead, she leaned against it, arms crossed, watching Isobel with that unblinking intensity that made it feel like she was being stripped bare.

“Do you know why you’re here?” she asked.

“I’m sure you’ll tell me", Isobel replied, raising her eyebrow. 

“That I will.” E