The dorm had gone still again, but sleep didn't come.
Elara lay curled on her bed, staring at the ceiling, her blanket clutched tight in her fists. Every creak of the wood, every shift of the night wind made her jolt. Mallory's voice still rang in her head: Do not, for any reason, test this school's patience.
Across the room, Corrine lay on her side with her back to Elara, but Elara knew she wasn't asleep either.
Minutes passed. Maybe hours. Slowly, exhaustion started to drag Elara down, her eyelids heavy. She drifted slowly towards sleep.
But then—
She froze.
A sound. Faint and subtle, coming from the window.
"…Elara…"
Her heart stopped.
She sat up quickly, the mattress squeaking beneath her. Corrine shifted, half-turning. "What now?" she whispered, her voice hoarse.
Elara pressed a trembling finger to her lips. "Shhh. Listen."
At first, there was only silence. Then it came again, low, like the voice of someone pressed right against the glass.
"…Corrine… Elara…"
