Chapter 4: The Price of a Secret
Elena approaches Sloane Vance to decode the 1994 book. Sloane reveals that Blackwood isn't a school; it's a training ground for "The Hand," a secret group that places its graduates in high-ranking government positions. But the price of entry is a "Moral Sacrifice"—committing a crime to ensure the school has leverage over you forever.
Chapter 5: The Sorority Gala
Bea Sterling invites Elena to the Alpha Gamma Sigma gala. Elena realizes the gala is actually an auction. The students aren't bidding on items; the "Patrons" are bidding on which students they want to "sponsor" (control) for the next decade.