Whispers of Unity High – Episode 8: Betrayal in Assembly Hall
The Suspension Notice
The morning after the chase, Unity High buzzed with whispers. Mara’s eyes were heavy with fear and fatigue, but she marched toward the principal’s office with Jude, the stolen folder clutched tightly in her school bag.
They never made it past the front desk.
“Jude Akinleye,” a voice boomed. It was the Vice Principal, Mrs. Okorie, holding a white envelope. “Report to the disciplinary committee immediately. You’ve been accused of exam malpractice.”
Jude blinked. “What? That’s not possible—I haven’t even written my paper yet!”
But she handed him the letter anyway. “Your suspension is immediate pending investigation.”
Mara grabbed his arm. “This is them. They’re trying to stop us.”
But Jude was already being escorted away.
The Assembly Plan
Mara ran to the hostel, retrieved the duplicate evidence hidden under her bunk, and rushed to find Blessing, the Head Girl.
“We need to make an announcement at the school assembly,” Mara said, breathless.
Blessing’s eyes narrowed. “About what?”
“This is proof. The Circle. Mr. Lawal. Tobi. They’re planning expulsions, covering up disappearances—”
But Blessing cut her off. “Careful, Mara. That’s a serious allegation.”
“I have proof!” she insisted, thrusting the folder forward.
Blessing glanced at it. “I’ll speak to the principal.”
“No,” Mara said firmly. “Let me speak.”
Blessing nodded slowly. “Okay. Five minutes. At the end of assembly.”
The Assembly Twist
By 7:50 a.m., the entire student body filled the hall. Teachers sat along the edges, eyes scanning every row. Tobi stood in uniform at the prefects’ corner, calm and unreadable.
Mara waited near the stage steps, folder in hand.
After the usual announcements, Blessing walked up to the podium. “Before we dismiss, one of our students has something important to share.”
Mara stepped forward. Heart pounding, palms sweaty.
But just as she opened her mouth to speak, the principal raised a hand.
“Excuse me,” he said, rising. “There will be no further speeches today.”
Gasps spread through the room. Mara’s mouth fell open.
“Sir, with due respect—” Blessing started.
“I said—no speeches,” the principal said, his tone final. “This student is under investigation for possession of stolen school property. And her associate, Jude Akinleye, has already been suspended.”
The hall erupted in murmurs.
Mara clutched the folder to her chest. “That’s not true! You’re covering for them!”
“Security,” the principal called.
Two guards approached, hands outstretched.
“No!” Mara shouted, backing away. “Everyone, listen! There’s a group—called the Circle—they’re running this school from the shadows!”
But her voice was drowned in noise. The guards seized her arms.
And then Mara saw it—Blessing turning away. Avoiding her eyes.
The Betrayal
The guards dragged Mara outside. She twisted in their grip. “Blessing! You said I could speak!”
Blessing didn’t answer.
Then it clicked.
Blessing had betrayed them.
She had taken the folder when Mara showed it to her. She must have told the principal. That was how they were waiting.
Mara stopped struggling. Her heart pounded with a different kind of pain.
They were losing.
The Waiting Room
In the principal’s waiting area, Mara sat between the guards, silent, defeated.
A staff door creaked open. Mr. Lawal stepped out. He smirked at her, then turned to the secretary.
“She’s not to be released. Lock her file for expulsion.”
Then he walked out.
Mara’s fists clenched.
They had Jude. They had the folder. The Circle was winning.
But deep inside her, the fire hadn’t gone out.
A Whisper in the Dark
That evening, a knock came at her hostel window.
She opened it cautiously.
It was Esther—a quiet junior who’d once helped her in the library.
“I saw what happened,” she whispered. “And I believe you.”
Mara stared at her. “Why?”
Esther pulled out her phone. “I recorded your whole speech. Before they cut the mic.”
She pressed play. And Mara’s voice echoed from the tiny speaker, loud and clear: “There’s a group—called the Circle—they’re running this school…”
Esther looked her in the eye. “I want to help.”
Mara’s lips curled into a tired, grateful smile.
“The Circle thinks they’ve won,” she said. “But they just made their biggest mistake.”
To Be Continued…
Previously on Episode 7: Unveiling the Circle
Next on Episode 9: The Real Principal Summary: Mara uncovers a truth more shocking than the Circle — the current principal isn’t who he claims to be. He’s covering up something connected to a senior student’s mysterious accident years ago. The web of secrets leads all the way to the school board.
