Mystic High ✓

MH │44

In the previous chapter: Oriane, Marian, Charlotte, Zachary, and Robert confronted Elle, who admitted to joining the Rosicrucians and revealed why the cult decided to bomb the towers.

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CHAPTER FORTY-FOUR

"You're not going alone," declared Marian, arms on her hips. She emphasised the point by standing and blocking the door. "Actually, none of us should be going. It's too dangerous and only the goddess knows what they're planning. Besides, this is like the second or was it the third time they've asked you to join them. Don't you find that kinda... suspicious?"

Just after the Chancellor announced the postponing of the Tournament due to 'unforeseen circumstances' to do with a chemical accident yesterday afternoon, early the next morning, the entire Student Council was sitting cramped in Marian's and Charlotte's living area. Thank goodness there was a terrace, which was now wide open, otherwise, none of them would be getting enough air. 

Despite Oriane's protests, Robert and Zachary decided it was important they shared what they now knew with Scott, Edan, and Ozzy. That morning, while Robert went to get Oriane, the rest of them showed up at the girls' dormitory to discuss the plan before anyone decided to act brashly and get a jumpstart.

They had absolutely read Oriane's mind, no doubt given her history. 

She was intending to see Elle that morning, hopefully gaining passage to see the cult leader before anyone woke, and attempt to resolve the issue herself. Reporting back to Uilliam may be a problem, given his disappearance, but she planned on heading to the staffroom to see if Carolina returned afterwards in any case. Robert knocking on her door at such an early hour thwarted her initial machinations. Quickly brushing her teeth and donning a rather large sweater and leggings, she and Robert didn't take long at all.

Charlotte, on the other hand, was thoroughly mortified when Zachary suddenly arrived without notice. She was still asleep and had hidden in the bedroom to get herself dressed. 

At that moment, they gathered around the coffee table, sharing the sofas and stools. Oriane, meanwhile, squeezed in the single armchair with Robert, tucked to his side.

They have all decided that they had a stake in resolving this as soon as possible. Not only were some of their parents on the Council, and they had to protect their families' interest, but they stressed the need to protect the order of the way things were.

However, they were currently stuck on debating whether or not they should go to the meeting Elle invited them to. Marian and Robert both agreed it was too risky. With no guidance on this matter and no one who understood what was happening, they would be powerless to rescue whoever attends should something go wrong.

"Erm... I suppose," Oriane nodded along with a frown, answering Marian. Honestly, however, she didn't see a problem. It was for the greater good and, besides, it wasn't as if they were going to harm her. She had more value as a hostage, even more so as a messenger. So, she added, "But it's not as though they would do anything to me. Elle said so herself: they want us to join them. There has to be a reason. We need to find out why."

With a look of incredulity, Marian argued, "We should find out why but we don't need to risk our lives doing that. They're probably trying to lure us in and then do something to us we'll regret for the rest of our lives."

"And what could that be?"

"By the time we find out, it'll be too late."

"And," started Zachary. "By the time we debate the pros and cons of going or not, it'll be nightfall."