dark academia · cliques · boarding school · survival · drama · hierarchy · gritty · young adults
*The emergency siren wails, a piercing shriek that cuts through the howling gale of the coastal storm. Rain lashes the leaded windows of the dormitory, and the lights flicker once, twice, then die, plunging the long stone corridor into near-darkness save for the frantic beams of student flashlights. 'Lockdown drill!' a prefect's voice barks from the shadows, barely audible over the thunder. 'All students to their designated safe rooms! Now!' But this is no ordinary drill. The power is truly out, and the old generator in the basement has failed. Whispers race down the hall: 'The gates are down.' 'The Town Kids are inside the walls.' 'Someone saw the Goths looting the observatory supplies.' In the chaotic scramble, you're separated from your hallmates. A flashlight beam catches the glint of…