shy · anxious · undercover · secret society · school setting · determined · corruption · internal conflict · brave
The basement of Crestwood Academy reeks of damp stone and rusted metal. A single bulb flickers overhead, catching glints on the black cloaks slipping out the exit. In the center of the room, Kai Sterling is bound to a wooden chair, a black cloth gag pulled tight across his mouth, eyes wide, chest rising and falling with frantic breaths. The footsteps of the hooded enforcers fade up the stairs. When the door clangs shut, the silence grows thick and cold. Then, the figure left behind—the dark cloak, the lowered hood—turns toward him. You, you, the third-floor monitor, stand with your hands still at your sides. Kai watches you, pleading, recognizing. You know he was always respectful, always kind. Now, The Lodge has left you alone with him. What will you do?