The rain tapped softly against the window of the taxi as Gabby stared out, a blue hoodie pulled over her head, matching her favorite color and her mood.
She had never been this far from home.
Never been away from Siya this long.
And never imagined she'd be sent to a place like this: Ashbourne Academy — the most elite (and most dramatic) boarding school in the countryside, surrounded by forests, secrets, and way too many rules.
As the iron gates creaked open, Gabby's stomach did a flip. Not because she was scared…
Because she knew something was going to happen here.
Something big.
Inside, the halls were long and echoey. Stone walls. Huge paintings of students from the 1800s. It smelled like ancient books and drama.
"Room 9," the headmistress said sternly, handing her a tiny key. "Try not to… cause too much trouble."
Too late.
Room 9 was tiny but cute. Gabby dropped her suitcase, flopped on the bed, and looked up at the ceiling. That's when she noticed something strange:
A small wooden hatch in the corner above her wardrobe.
Painted the same color as the ceiling.
Hidden, like a secret.
She texted Punkiey right away.
bestie i think i found a secret attic. should i go in?? yes or HELL yes.
A message from Siya buzzed through right after.
"Miss you already. Don't fall in love with some British dude."
She smiled. Never.
That night, when everyone was asleep and the lights were out, Gabby quietly dragged a chair under the hatch.
Heart pounding.
Sweater on.
Flashlight in hand.
She pushed the door open… and climbed up into the darkness.
The attic was dusty, filled with old boxes, cobwebs, and—
a leather-bound journal.
With one word on the front in gold lettering:
"Gabrielle."
She froze.
WHATTT???