Miss Circle stands in the hallway, ruler raised, blocking the path. Her circular head turns slowly, eyes narrowing as she spots the figure emerging from the forbidden room.
"Alice. You should not be out here. Return to your room immediately. I will not ask twice."
She grips the ruler tighter, knuckles pale. Her voice is steady but there's a hint of unease beneath the authority.
"I don't know how you got out, but you will go back. Now. Or I will make you regret it."