Annabelle took a deep breath and braced herself against whatever punishment was to come before turning the handle. The warmth of the office once again struck Annabelle as out of place in a school like this one. Annabelle saw Principal Kingsley sitting at her desk, the lovely woman's unnaturally crimson hair standing out vividly against the cream-colored walls.

The older woman looked up, surprising her with a brilliant smile.

"Annabelle! I thought you would never come. Please, do come in."

Annabelle took a seat in it, all the while eyeing her principal curiously.

"Yeah, sorry about that. I was... delayed," Annabelle said, thinking of her uncomfortable parting with Ansel.

Principal...