Of Life and Death: [A Dark Academia Paranormal Romance]

Chapter 16

"This is f*cking crazy."

"I know."

"I can't believe I let you talk me into this."

"I'm sorry."

At present, we stand in the alcove a few feet away from the administrative wing. Night had rolled in and the sound of doors slamming shut tells me people are closing up for the day.

"A lot could go wrong," Sophie whispers harshly.

"And a lot could go right."

"What do I get out of it anyway?"

I lock gazes with her. "Justice."

I step out of the shadowy area, calling to her, "Come on."

A muffled curse from within. Slowly she steps out. Not as Sophie, but Headmistress Alba.

"You do realize this plan could go to shit the moment I open my mouth," she says. "I've skipped enough practice room periods to not be able to shift my vocal chords."

"Don't worry, I'll think of something."

"You sure?"

"Yeah... I'm good at lying."

"Okay, thank God. I would lie, but you know." She waves a hand around her mouth--which is Headmistress Alba's mouth.

"Yeah, I know," I say. "Now, come on."

The moment the clack of her heels become evident, the hall changes. People stop to compliment her clothes, some nod in acknowledgedment and others trip over themselves to greet her. Wow.

When we get to the main section, Soph whispers for my hearing. "I'm pretty hot stuff."

"They should all bow at your feet."

She laughs, then straightens with her face falling into an impeccable frown. On we go, through glass halls, wood panelled rooms and spirals of staircases. Finally we get to her office. We have the first real flare of alarm.

It's locked.

"Shit," Sophie curses.

This... was not part of the plan. I panic. "F*ck. What are we going to do?"

"The f*ck you're asking me for? This was your idea."

"You don't have to be a banana about it."

She shoots me a look. "What?"

"Well, it's twisted at that angle for a reason."

"You cannot be serious right n--"

"Alright, just...hold on." I walk down the lobby, spying a stout man. The memory of where I've seen him is hazy. "Hello. Headmistress Alba was wondering if you have a spare key to her office."

He turns his full attention to me and my stomach bottoms out. I remember him. He's one of our professors.

He adjusts round glasses. "Oh, I don't... Why does she need a spare key? She left just a few minutes ago." Suspicion colours his gaze. With a last look at me, he marches into the lobby. When he spots her, his face morphs into the picture of reverence. "Oh, Mrs Alba. I didn't know you were back. What happened? I was told you needed a spare key."

The Headmistress stares back at him blankly, something akin to panic weaving through her gaze.

"Mrs? Is everything alright? Are you well? Do I need to call the clini--"