Selyne skipped down the silent white corridor. She hummed a happy bubbly tune on her lips. Her mind buzzed with excitement for the first day at the academy tomorrow.
Then she heard it. A soft rhythmic sound. A quiet breathy voice like someone tried to speak but couldn't get the words out.
She stopped. Confusion hit her. She looked around but the hallway stayed empty.
'Should I tell Mama?' she thought. A flicker of fear ran through her heart. Her mother had warned her about dangers in the world. About darkness that hid in quiet corners.
She straightened her shoulders. She puffed out her chest a bit. 'No. I'm a grown-up now. I can handle my own problems.'
She followed the sound. Her fluffy bat-pajama slippers made no noise on the polished floor. It led her to a door slightly ajar. The sounds came from inside.
