Morticia's smile faded into something colder."There are rules," she said. "Break them, and Black Hollow will respond."
She lifted one finger."No one is allowed outside after 6:30 p.m. The grounds become… dangerous."
Adrian frowned."Dangerous how?"
Morticia didn't answer right away."You will hear noises," she said calmly. "Footsteps where there are no people. Whispers calling your names. Sometimes screaming."
Bella's face went pale."Do not follow the sounds," Morticia continued. "Things happen to students who do."
She moved to the side and gestured toward the door."You five will be assigned to one room. Together."
Mila let out a small breath."At least that."
"There is a canteen," Morticia added. "Meals are served three times a day. Miss them, and you wait until the next."
Daniel raised a hand."And food outside the canteen?"
"Forbidden," she said flatly."Breakfast from 7:30 to 9, lunch from 12 to 2, and dinner from 5 to 6:15."
Morticia met my eyes."Follow the rules," she said softly, "and you might survive long enough to leave."
The lights flickered once."Barf, hand them their school timetable starting tomorrow," she said.
"On it, Ms. Hollow," he replied.
Ms. Hollow's sharp gaze lingered on me."And Jay," Morticia's voice stopped me cold, "I think you should learn to talk less."
I spun around, hands on my hips."Oh, believe me, Ms. Hollow, I would if I knew how not to talk."
I walked toward our so-called sleeping quarters.