Profs and Prophecy

You Are the Weakest Link

Chapter Thirteen

You Are the Weakest Link

Sara and Cassia were sound asleep. Priti was sure of this; she recognized the slow, steady pattern of their breathing. As carefully as she could, Priti pulled herself up from under the covers, extricating herself from the warm confines of her bed. Then she climbed slowly over first Cassia and then Sara and crouched quietly at the side of the bed, looking for any signs that she may have wakened anyone.

The room was completely black; not a hint of light came in from the night sky. Fortunately, she had arranged everything she would need ahead of time. Priti crept to the dresser, picking up the pile of clothing she had set out for herself. Moving quietly to the closet, she pushed aside the sliding door and took down the outfit she found where she had placed it, on the far-left hanger. Her shoes were in the corner of the room waiting for her.

Priti balanced all these items in her arms, while she opened the door leading into the hallway. She was very cautious; she dropped nothing, and didn’t make a sound. The hallway was empty, but she was afraid the light might wake Cassia and Sara. Nevertheless, she was glad that the light allowed her to look back in the room and see her sisters one last time. Priti closed the door, leaving them sleeping peacefully.

Priti allowed herself one sentimental moment, as she quietly wished both her sisters a good night. Then she straightened herself, turned, and got to work. Priti went straight to the showers, where she set out all the clothing she had brought with her. Once again, it was all black; she would need to cross the campus and couldn’t take a chance on being seen. She changed quickly into her black dress and stockings, going through her plan one more time in her mind as she did so.

Priti placed her nightgown on one of the shelves, as she couldn’t risk waking Sara or Cassia by returning to their room. She would find it there when she came back, if she came back. If she didn’t come back, it didn’t really matter. She thought about leaving a note, but didn’t know what she could possibly say. Priti stood in front of the mirror, looking at herself and considering everything one last time. She took several deep breaths to steady herself, then went back into the hallway.

Priti thought she was ready for anything. She was ready to face down the Vice Chancellor and all his minions if necessary. What she was not ready for was two people standing outside the showers, grabbing her and shoving her forcefully back through the door. Priti screamed from the shock.

“Quiet down, you’ll wake the whole floor,” said Sara.

“Don’t do that, you… muffins!” exclaimed Priti. “You two scared the life out of me.”

“Just where do you think you’re going?” Cassia wanted to know. “Have you got a date you forgot to tell us about?”

“Guys,” said Priti, “I’m really sorry I woke you.”

“Woke us?” said Sara, infuriated. “Do you think this is about waking us up?”

“Well, I tried very hard not to,” said Priti apologetically.

“You steamrollered me getting out of bed! How could you possibly think I was going to sleep through that?” said Sara.

“Anyway,” said Cassia, “you’ve changed the subject. You’re planning to turn yourself in. Priti, you promised you would talk to us first.”

“But I didn’t break my promise,” explained Priti. “I’m not going to turn myself in, I’m going to find the Blood Stone.”

Sara and Cassia stood quietly. They stared at Priti in disbelief, then looked at each other, hoping an appropriate response would come to one of them.