Halls of Splintered Souls (Wandering Souls #1)

Chapter Four

There was a shortcut that Adrien showed me and Ayn the other day. It opened from the garden and led to the left wing of the academy. The garden is near the girls' dormitory so it's the fastest way to get to music studios on the fourth floor. It was originally meant to be an emergency exit during rebel attacks. Nowadays, though, no one used it unless they are late for choir or music lessons.

I decided to join the school choir as an extracurricular activity. It was four thirty on a Wednesday after class and I was on my way to the first meeting. I was supposed to be there fifteen minutes ago so I was already late. Naturally, I decided to use the shortcut. I opened the door and stared up at the rarely used steps. It smelled like dust and something I couldn't quite place. It was so dusty that when my skirt swept across the walls I sneezed. I wouldn't mind it if they cleaned up the place a bit better, and maybe add some more lighting.

I made my way up the stairs slowly, watching my steps so I don't step on some fragile part of the stair. When I reached the third floor though, the smell I couldn't place earlier became stronger. There was a gust of wind that caressed my hair despite the nonexistence of any window. I shrugged it off but climbed the stairs slightly faster than I did before. I did not like the way I felt at that moment. Right before I stepped on the last step of the stairs, I swore I saw a boy sitting on the lower steps. But when I turned my head to see, the stairs were empty like before.

***

I ended up staying until sundown. The choir members were really kind and talented. They made me feel like it would be easy for me to fit in. They explained the practice schedule to the new members and introduced the organizational structures. After that, we just jammed to some songs together. There were instruments including a pianoforte, some guitars, and some violins. I was having so much fun that by the time I realized what time it was, there were only a handful of people left in the studio.

"Do you want to see our previous members?" a senior named Vivian asked me, "we have records of our alumnus dating back to the Victorian era."

"I'd love to, but..." I said, checking the time on my watch, "Actually, is it okay if I go now? I have some assignments due tomorrow."

Another senior, Harry, smiled and nodded. "Of course! We're just going to clean up a bit and leave too. We'll show you some other time."

I said my goodbye and left the room. Once outside the studio, I saw that the sun has turned orange and the light was slipping through the windows. The trees were casting shadows on the walls. I didn't want to go the long way round so I decided to take the shortcut again. I walked slightly faster so I don't end up in the dark. I know what I saw earlier was probably just my mind playing tricks on me, but an irrational part of me was scared regardless.

I passed the other empty studios and was halfway to the stairs when I realized I didn't have my phone with me. I must have left it charged in the studio. I cursed my forgetfulness and quickly made my way back to the studio, hoping Vivian or some other students were still there. Otherwise, the studio would be locked and I don't have any access card yet. Call me a victim of technology, but if I wouldn't know how to act without my phone.

As I got closer to the studio, I heard the faint sound of the piano. I sighed in relief as I realized that there was still someone in there. The music grows louder and clearer with each step. It seemed to flow so beautifully that it made me stop in front of the door, afraid to interrupt whoever was playing the beautiful tune. I know this piece. I've heard it before somewhere I can't remember. It felt like I could listen to this piece for the rest of my life. It hypnotized me and I leaned against the door to listen better. To my surprise, the weight of my body accidentally pushed it open and I fell inside.

The music stopped abruptly and I felt my face getting redder by the second. I felt embarrassment wash over me. I looked up and stood to apologize for disturbing whoever was playing, probably Harry or Vivian. But when I did finally look up, there was no one in sight.

***

I stepped out and closed the door in terror. I was glued to the spot, shocked. I was sure the sound was coming from this studio. And shouldn't it be locked if no one was here? I was motionless for a few minutes and only moved when another door opened on my left and Vivian came out of it. I thought this was the choir studio? Did I unknowingly enter the wrong room? I was sure this was it.

Vivian walked up to me and smiled. She searched her bag and fished out my phone and charger. "Looking for this?"

"Uh, yeah, thank you," I said, taking my phone with shaky hands, "would you mind if I walked with you?"

Vivian seemed to notice my discomfort and frowned, but nodded anyway. I appreciated the fact that she didn't try to get me to tell her what happened. I didn't think I could tell her without shaking or collapsing in equal parts fear and confusion.

Vivian walked a few steps ahead of me, telling me to hurry. Before I followed her, however, I decided to try opening the door to the studio I accidentally entered.

It shouldn't have surprised me anymore to find that it was locked.