Page 6 of A Touch of Darkness

I scoff. “At this point, I need the carbs to fuel all the homework we’re apparently going to have. We can compare notes tonight, just in case any of these classes have overlapping reading or something.” I reach for my water cup.

“Totally,” she agrees.

Movement across the dining hall catches my attention. I see Nicole weaving between tables, followed closely by Rebecca walking just behind her. They appear to be searching for a place to sit.

“Oh, look—Nicole and Rebecca,” I say, setting my cup down.

Lara grins and says, “Let’s invite them over.” She lifts an arm and waves, her bright smile lighting her face. “Hey! Nicole, Rebecca! Over here!” she calls above the chatter.

The girls spot us at nearly the same time, their faces showcasing their relief. They hurry over, trays balanced in their arms, and set them down beside us.

“Mind if we join you?” Nicole asks, her blue eyes scanning our table for free space.

“Not at all,” Lara replies, scooting her tray to make room. “Grab a chair.”

Rebecca settles in, exhaling a dramatic sigh. “I swear I just walked through a gauntlet—this dining hall is chaos. Even crazier than last year.” She glances at Nicole. “We practically did an obstacle course to get these plates.”

Nicole nods in agreement as she relaxes into her seat. “I almost collided with some guy carrying a stack of books and a latte. Coulda got real messy.” She glances around, looking at both Lara and me. “So, how’s your day been? Did you guys enjoy your first full day of classes at Blackthorne U?”

I exchange a look with Lara, then shrug as she says, “Busy. But good. It feels like every class is competing to see who can assign the most reading.”

Nicole chuckles. “I know the feeling. My psych professor seems convinced we can finish an entire textbook by mid-semester.”

“Mine too,” Lara adds. “Well, not psych, but anthropology. The professor seems a bit unrealistic. I’m already bracing for the lack of sleep.”

Rebecca snorts, twirling a forkful of pasta. “Welcome to Blackthorne. If the building’s Gothic architecture doesn’t intimidate and terrify you, the homework load will.”

That earns a laugh from all of us. I glance around at the high-arched ceiling, the weathered stone walls, and the tall windows that reveal dark silhouettes of trees outside. Shadows from the chandeliers seem to skitter across the floor as students move about, piling more food onto their plates. The architecture really is a bit chilling. She isn’t wrong.

“Speaking of Blackthorne,” Lara says, leaning in. “Today I overheard rumors about certain wings of the school being off-limits. Any truth to that?”

Nicole purses her lips, as if considering how much to share. “I’ve heard the same, but I’m not sure how accurate the rumors are. Some say the administration keeps parts of the mansionclosed because they’re unstable. Others say there’s some hush-hush research going on. I heard whispers about it last year, but nothing ever really came from it.”

“That old third-floor West wing myth, right?” Rebecca chimes in. “The place is supposedly haunted by the family who originally owned the mansion back in the early 1900s—apparently, they died here, too. I’ve never seen any ghosts for myself—just heard the stories.” She lowers her voice dramatically. “Creaking floors… flickering lights…”

Lara narrows her eyes, clearly intrigued. “Do you really think the place is haunted?” she asks inquisitively.

“I think it’s a possibility.” Nicole shrugs as she looks at Rebecca, something knowing in her features. Then, she grins. “At least it adds character. Otherwise, we’d just be a bunch of overworked students in a giant stone building.”

Rebecca starts to say something else, but then she looks at me, her eyes narrowing with curiosity. “Sylvie, you’ve been quiet. What’s your take on all this? Do you think the rumors are true? Did you hear anything today while in classes?” She looks at Nicole, like maybe the two of them know more than they’re letting on. Or maybe I’m just reading into things like always.

Heat prickles at the back of my neck. It’s not that I don’t have opinions—I’m just used to Lara taking the lead in conversations. “Oh, I’m… not sure,” I admit. “I mean, we’ve only been here one full day. For all we know, the restricted wings could be full of cleaning supplies.” I force a small laugh, hoping I don’t sound too awkward.

Nicole looks between Lara and me. “Don’t tell me, Lara is the wildcard; Sylvie, you’re the calm, thoughtful one?” she guesses, raising an eyebrow.

“Exactly,” I say, my lips curving into a genuine smile. “It’s been that way since we were little.”

Lara nods in agreement, reaching across the table to cover my hand with hers. “Sylvie’s always been the brainy one, too. She’s the reason I even made it through math class in high school. She may be more reserved, more quiet, but she has way more going on in her brain than me. Always has.”

Nicole laughs. “I sense some good stories here. So, which one of you is the bigger troublemaker?”

Lara points at herself with a mock-innocent expression, and we all break into light laughter. I realize it’s easier than I thought to chime in throughout the conversation, especially with Nicole and Rebecca making space for me in the conversation.

Rebecca looks between Lara and me, then tilts her head curiously. “It must be nice having a twin. Or having a sister in general, one you can be so close to. I’m an only child so I never had what you two have.” A grim expression crosses her face, and I do feel bad for people who aren’t in our position. I wouldn’t trade Lara for the world.

Nicole’s eyes light up with interest. “How’s that been, growing up side by side? I have a sibling, but he’s an annoying little brother.”

Lara and I share a warm, knowing glance. My chest tightens with affection for her—she’s been my other half in so many ways. I look at Rebecca and Nicole, trying to sum up what it’s like in a few words, feeling comfortable with the two of them. It doesn’t usually happen this organically with new people, but I feel like I actuallywantto talk to them. It’s a rare feeling for me. “Honestly? It’s been amazing. We’ve always had someone to fall back on—someone who understands us. I’m shy, and Lara’s the brave one. She’s the reason I don’t spend all my time buried in books. Sometimes I just need a little nudge.”

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