Gothikana

Corvina continues to see strange flickers in her vision, leaving her uncertain if there is something amiss with the castle or her mind. Deverell notices her distraction in class, which doesn’t surprise Corvina. He has been watching her closely since their encounter in the woods, though he doesn’t speak to her. Deverell then asks her to stay after class and flirtatiously comments on the interested way she looks at him. Another flicker distracts her, though she dismisses it when Deverell asks her about it. He warns her not to seek his attention, as he will “take away everything worth having” (68) if she lures him in.

Seeking distraction, Corvina wanders through the garden, where she encounters Jade and several other classmates. They tease her about Deverell’s attention, though Jade remains concerned. They then discuss the Black Ball. Erica suggests they remain in a group, as this will make it harder for any of them to disappear, though Jax, another first-year student, argues that this will be difficult, as the ball is a masquerade.

The other students are surprised that Corvina went into the woods, which students rarely enter. Corvina asks about the room on top of the tower; the others explain it is a rarely used storeroom.