I felt numb as I watched Bianca digging around in my closet to find a black dress for me to wear. Everyone had been horrified and sadddned to hear about Garessa's death but somehow it had unnerved me. I still couldn't believe it. The funeral was to be held today and even the royal family was arriving from Vervosia to attend. 

Under usual circumstances, the funeral would have been held in Vervosia itself but due to security reasons, her coffin would be carried there. I still shuddered to think of what it had been like when the news of her death had been announced. Jasmine and Avery had broken down, crying with horrible aching sobs and it felt like someone was twisting a shard of glass in my heart whenever I glanced at them. They had lost their best friend and no one was eveb close to discerning the murderer. I had tried to comfort them but they pushed me away rudely- not that I blamed them. 

The rumor was that when the news reached Garessa's parents, her mom had gone into shock and her dad hadn't spoke a single word since. They were also arriving for the funeral. My throat ached whenever I thought of what they must be going through.

All the other parents including mine had been terrified at this lapse of security on the school's part and were calling repeatedly, trying to convince their children to come back home. As the news of the huntress attacks had increased, many Carthans and witches were hurrying to Vervosia and were barring themselves in. My parents wanted me to join them there and so did Bianca's but we had wanted to stay for the funeral.

Word was that the school might shut down but the royal families wanted it to continue on. Wards were being placed left and right and security measures were being increased a hundred fold. Mrs Kuperus wandered about the halls listlessly and I actually felt sorry for her. The school was passed down to her from her father and it meant everything to her. 

There was a feeling of fear and suspicion about the whole  school and everyone travelled in groups for fear of another Selzer attack. I kept searching for all my friends but they weren't around. Surprisingly, even Finn had disappeared somewhere and Bianca kept looking for him. 

Bianca emerged from my closet and wordlessly handed me a dress I didn't even know I owned. I put it on and racked my brains for something comforting to say to her. 

"Bianca…about Finn..." 

"Don't bother." she interrupted me. "It's not like you even liked him." 

I flinched at her sharp words. 

"I am sorry." I mumbled. "I didn't mean..." 

"Sorry Verina." she said closing her eyes. When she opened them again, they were filled with tears. "I didn't mean to snap at you- I know you meant well. It's just that I am so worried and Finn isn't even responding to my texts..." 

She burst into tears. I pulled her into a hug. I didn't feel angry at all, I understood her worry. After Garessa's death everyone seemed to be on the edge.

We stood there and hugged, comforted in each other's presence. A gong sounded startling us both. With a heavy feeling in our hearts, we hurried downstairs to attend the funeral.