Behind Velvet Doors: 5. Behind Closed Doors

The storm rolled in just after dusk, dragging a low sky over the academy.

By the time lights-out came, rain was lashing the windows hard enough to drown out the usual stillness of the dormitory. The power flickered twice, then went out entirely, leaving the hallways in darkness.

Clara groaned from her bed. “We’re going to freeze if the heat’s off", she complained. 

Isobel sat up, pulling on a sweater. She could feel the restless energy humming under her skin—part the storm, part something else entirely. “I’m going to see if the generator’s on yet.”

Clara mumbled something half-asleep as Isobel slipped out into the corridor.

The building was silent but for the rain hammering the roof. She wandered toward the main wing, the flicker of emergency lanterns casting long shadows on the walls.

She didn’t mean to end up outside the Headmistress’s office. But she wasn’t surprised when she did. Her waking thoughts had always been of Evangeline and she w