Whispers of Unity High – Episode 6: The Confession Under Lock
A Whisper in the Dark
It was just past prep when Mara noticed the boy standing awkwardly outside the Assembly Hall. He was in junior secondary school—thin, nervous, and holding something tightly in his hand. He looked like he’d been debating whether to run or speak.
“You’re Mara,” he whispered, glancing around. “You’re the one asking about the Circle.”
Mara’s heartbeat quickened. “Yes. Who are you?”
“My name’s Daniel. My brother… he used to be a student here. He was one of them.”
Mara leaned in. “One of the Circle?”
Daniel nodded. “He tried to leave. He told me he was scared. That they knew too much. One day he packed his things, told me he was going to tell someone everything… and then he just stopped writing. My family says he’s studying abroad now. But I know something happened.”
Mara felt her throat tighten. “Why are you telling me this?”
Daniel opened his fist and handed her a small, rusted key with a tag: Library Locker #41.
“He left this in our house. Said it was important. I think whatever you’re looking for… it’s in that locker.”
Before Mara could ask anything else, Daniel turned and walked quickly down the corridor. She wanted to follow, but something told her not to draw attention. That night, Daniel didn’t return to the hostel. His bunkmate said he packed quietly and left at dawn, claiming he was sick.
The Locker
The next afternoon, Mara and Jude stood at the far end of the school library where old lockers lined the walls—mostly unused except during exams.
“Are you sure we won’t be caught?” Jude asked, glancing around.
“Not if we’re quick,” Mara said, sliding the key into Locker #41. It clicked open.
Inside was a faded brown envelope. On it, someone had scribbled in block letters: SARAH UKEJE – ORIGINAL REPORT.
Jude opened the envelope. Inside were pages of handwritten notes, an old student report card, and a disciplinary file. Sarah had once reported a group of prefects for bullying and strange midnight activities. She’d written about late-night meetings, threats, and even hinted at a secret symbol used by “Circle” members.
“This is gold,” Jude whispered. “They tried to silence her, but she kept everything.”
As they scanned the last page, Mara noticed a final warning scribbled at the bottom: If you’re reading this, be careful. They already know your name.
A Shadow Over the Library
Footsteps echoed in the corridor outside. Jude quickly locked the locker and shoved the envelope into his backpack.
“Let’s go,” Mara whispered.
They exited through the back stairwell just as someone stepped into the hallway. It was Mr. Lawal, holding a file. His eyes scanned the area like a hawk. Had he seen them?
Back in the dorm, they examined the notes more closely. There were references to a student named E.M., and meeting logs marked with phrases like “Operation Restart” and “Disciplinary Cleanse.”
“They were planning something big,” Jude muttered. “Expulsions? Blackmail? Maybe more.”
The Circle’s Symbol
Among Sarah’s pages was a rough drawing of a circle with a dagger piercing through a flame. Mara had seen that symbol before—carved into the back of a prefect’s chair in the Assembly Hall.
“It’s not just a name. They really do have a sign,” she said.
Jude nodded. “And they leave it as a warning.”
The final page included a list of initials—likely members or targets. Mara saw “E.M.” listed first, followed by “T.A.,” “L.K.,” and others.
“T.A.?” Jude repeated. “That’s Tobi Akande. The new Head Boy.”
Mara’s eyes widened. “He’s in the Circle?”
Jude clenched his jaw. “That would explain the nod from Mr. Lawal during the election.”
The Disappearing Junior
They tried asking around about Daniel, but no one had seen him. His room was cleaned out. Mara checked the school’s record log and found something chilling—there was no Daniel listed in JSS2 for the term.
“That’s impossible,” she said. “I spoke to him.”
“What if they erased him?” Jude whispered. “What if this Circle can delete students… like they never existed?”
Preparing for the Next Move
Mara felt the envelope grow heavier in her bag. They had names, evidence, and a connection to Sarah’s case. But they also had enemies watching their every move.
“We need to be smart,” Jude said. “If we rush, we’ll end up like Sarah. Or Daniel.”
Mara nodded. “First, we make copies of everything. Then we find out who Emmanuel Musa is now… and how to stop them.”
As they left the dorm later that evening, they found something chilling outside their door: a candle with the Circle’s symbol carved into it—and a note:
We warned you once. This is your final chance to back down.
To Be Continued…
Next Episode Preview: Episode 7: Unveiling the Circle
Summary: Inside the locker is a folder titled Unity Circle: Rules of Power. It contains photographs, punishments, and a list of names — including current students and teachers. Now Mara has evidence, but someone in school knows she has it.
← Previously on Episode 5: Prefect or Puppet?
→ Read Next: Episode 7 – Unveiling the Circle
