CASSIDY'S POV
The boarders at Anubis are a strange bunch. I will nonchalantly stroll down the carpeted corridors and witness groups of students whispering or motioning discreetly at each other with some sort of secret gesture. None of them seem to notice I'm there; they go along minding their own business, but carry it out as if they're still avoiding being seen. As if they're evading a greater threat to their secrets.
The weirdest experience occurs when I casually walk in front of my own room and hear a group of people, more than just my three roommates, talking nervously.
Listening closely, I recognize a few of the voices. I hear Joy, but it seems like she's the only one of my three roommates in there. The rest of the group is made up of a distinctly voiced Amber, KT, Fabian, and Alfie.
"I haven't seen Eddie or Patricia since after French," I hear Joy say. She sounds extremely shaken, as if this is a scary circumstance.
"I'm sure they're ok," Fabian says reassuringly.
I'm fearful for Eddie, instantly wondering if it's got to him. I know that eventually I'll have to tell him what's happening, explain it all thoroughly, but it seems as if these guys know bits and pieces of the full story. I wonder if they know about Eddie.
"Look," says Joy shakily. "Patricia was telling me about some things that happened to her and Eddie. Bad things. They were attacked in the woods while driving, and she said it had horrible red eyes, just like we've seen Madame's change into. I've seen it, KT has seen it, Patricia and Eddie have seen something similar. We shouldn't ignore it. Madame Kahn should be at the top of our suspects list. I don't want Eddie or my best friend getting hurt - or worse."
"Joy, I don't want to worry you further, but what if Eddie and Patricia are being attacked right now? What if that's why you haven't seen them all day?" Amber suggests. This causes a whimper to emanate from Joy. I hear a thud, which I can only assume means Joy fell onto the ground, either out of fear or fainting.
"They'll be alright," Fabian says to comfort Joy. "Eddie is powerful. He's an Osirian. He should be able to hold of Madame."
So they do know about Eddie.
It comes to my attention that Eddie hasn't even truly met me yet. We haven't spoken properly, and why would we? He doesn't know who I am. Or how I am of importance.
"No!" Joy screams. "They might not be alright! Victor said that Eddie's powers are still developing, and he's getting stronger. But even though his abilities have improved significantly, he's still susceptible. Victor blatantly said that whatever we're dealing with is stronger and deadlier than anything we've ever faced before. He said that it was able to penetrate a mind as strong as Eddie's and make him go insane. Eddie is stronger than any of us, and the evil has targeted his powers and made him crazy. You didn't see what happened to him last month. I did. It was the most horrific thing I've ever seen. And it was caused by whatever has been attacking him. They are most definitely not alright."
I hear Joy panting breathlessly, clearly scarred. I don't know what happened to Eddie last month, but Joy sounds like she was paralyzed with horror.
"We need to find them," KT says, agreeing with Joy. "They are in trouble. School is over, and they aren't back yet. From what Joy has said, I get the feeling that they wouldn't voluntarily be away from a group. It sounds to me that they'd want to stay close to us and the house."
"Alright," Alfie says. "Let's go back to the school, check there first. Then maybe we'll worry about what may be holding them back."
The door swings open, and 5 petrified faces stare are me.
"Cassidy?" Fabian says fearfully. "Wh-how much did you hear?"
"Enough to prove my suspicions"
"S-suspicions?"
"I know all about Eddie, and I got the feeling you guys knew too. Hearing you talk about the Osirian made me know I can trust you - as long as you trust me."
"Trust you?"
"Look, I know about Eddie, and I know about this evil that's stirring. You need my help, and you can't exactly pretend you don't. I know too much."
The five exchange nervous glances. With a haggard look, Fabian nods his assent for the group.
"Fine. If what you say is true, and you do know something, you have to promise not to tell anyone, and to tell us the complete truth. Everything you know."
"Perfect. Just not here."
"Why?"
"I heard everything. Next time you want to keep a conversation private, I recommend not standing behind a thin door. It's not exactly soundproof, you know."