Lottie searched the hall again, secretly hoping she wouldn’t spot who she was looking for.

‘I’m sure everyone is very concerned about Rosewood’s plans following the unfortunate incident involving a break-in last night,’ Dame Bolter began, her voice booming through the hall like a foghorn. ‘To put the rumours to rest, the trespasser was a reporter from an online website, and they were looking for a particular student who we shall not name.’

Everyone immediately glanced at Lottie, and she felt Ellie and Jamie tense at her side, the former’s hands clenching into tight fists.

‘They appeared unable to behave or think rationally, and threatened a student,’ continued Dame Bolter.

Lottie felt sick to her stomach, thinking of Dom having to go through something so scary – she could only imagine what he was feeling right now – and all because … She paused in her train of thought, turning to Ellie, and she nearly bit her tongue.

Her princess was shaking, her tired eyes blazing with a simmering storm, and upon her lips, barely audible, she whispered like a curse, ‘This is my fault.’

Lottie wanted to tell her that wasn’t true, but before she could Dame Bolter carried on.

‘It has been decided that, due to the high volume of students here from important families, we need to reconsider our security within the school, starting with a strict eight-thirty curfew for all students, which we will be implementing via a registry system,’ she announced, and immediately whispers and chatter broke out while Dame Bolter went on with the list of limitations. ‘We will also be blocking off the Rose Wood completely with a high fence, and we will be placing security around the premises; no one will be allowed to enter or leave the school without permission, and, yes, that includes those of you in the sixth form.’ The whispers among the students grew in volume, a low moan coming up through the crowd like the sound of a creaking ship. ‘I know some of you in higher years were looking forward to the privilege of leaving the campus during lunchtime and on weekends, but for the foreseeable future we will be retracting that privilege. These measures have been suggested by a trusted member of faculty, and we hope you can understand their importance and help keep our school a safe and secure environment.’

Lottie felt her heart race, but not because of anything that Dame Bolter had said or the outcry from the students, but because of a scent in the air, warm and disarming, like a summer breeze. She knew who it was, and when she turned her head she saw him walking down the steps beside her to join the other teachers and assistants.

Haru.