The Great Hall felt so suffocating Aiden felt like he'd want to crawl out of his skin.
All the students were herded inside, seated on the long benches beneath the floating crystal chandeliers. The glittering light did nothing to calm the nerves of the crowd; it only made the tension more visible.
Some stared blankly at the Great Hall's towering stained glass windows that once bathed them in warm, Soleil light during feasts and ceremonies. Now, they reflected the moon, casting ghostly patterns across the walls. The hall had never felt so cold.
Since the Headmaster's announcement, no one was allowed to leave. Several professors kept watch near the doors, and some of the top 10 upper years were stationed at the corners.
Still, there was no sign of Emmeranne.
The search had gone on for hours. Whispers flew from one group to another like birds flitting through smoke:
"She vanished. Maybe she's not even on campus anymore."
