I am heading to my room that evening when I catch Umber's chestnut hair down the empty hall. "Hey!" I call out. "Umber!"
Her back goes ramrod straight. After a quick glance behind, she hurries onward, disappearing into the adjoining hall. My teeth lock. I'll be damned if I let her slip out of my grasp. She might be the only hope I have of understanding this cult-esque hellhole and running away in one piece.
I hurry after her.
"Umb--"
I stop short on seeing numerous people in the hall. But that's not what is strange. Where they had been silent in the dining hall, they were animated here, chattering away.
Eyes on Umber's retreating back, I start my chase, walking quickly, not daring to run unless I attract undue attention.
So focused on Umber, I don't see the leg set out for me.
I go
