[right][img]https://i.imgur.com/LgbtnEJ.png[/img][/right]
The cafeteria was a surprisingly fun place to work. It wasn't just because she was surrounded by delicious-smelling food that she sometimes got to taste-test after winning over the cooks, or the really fun and fascinating kitchen staff she got to know. The dining hall, Imogen learned, was a hub of information. Rampant with rumors and gossip, there wasn't a day where she didn't find out something new. Often, it would be something as trivial as two students hooking up after class. Maybe something slightly more scandalous like someone getting caught cheating on an exam. But occasionally, she'd get something meatier. 

Like whispers of ghosts, disappearances, and danger lurking in the dark. 

Ever since she'd caught wind of the gossip, Imogen had readily volunteered for the late shift at the cafeteria, which no one minded in the least. Some have gotten cagey and preferred to return to their rooms before sundown. Imogen, on the other hand, made sure to be last to leave and took the longest possible route back to the dorm, eyes and ears (and Dogberry) peeled. Sure, her heart would be drumming up a storm and she'd have to drive away a half-dozen scary stories she'd involuntarily concoct in her head. And she supposed it would be nice to have someone accompany her. But in the end, curiosity trumped fear. Imogen wanted to see if these rumors were true, and who better to investigate than someone who could sense looming danger? 

Io's announcement all but confirmed the rumors and indirectly enabled Imogen to continue her late-night investigations. If students really are going missing, then they wouldn't get mad at her for trying to help, right? Probably not. The new strict curfew wasn't ideal, but she was confident she could avoid the guards to some extent. She's had experience escaping authority figures back in her hometown. It's practically the same thing. Kind of.

Clary offered to accompany them on errands and Imogen imagined for a second what would happen if she invited her out on her excursions—nope! Her ear burned from a phantom tug and she felt pre-chastised already. Clary was great and all, but Imogen knew better by now than to involve her in any rule-breaking shenanigans. In her mind, she had made her up to be part saint, part badass warrior, part mom. At some point, she had even learned to fear disappointing Clary.

Imogen's gaze swept over to where the Blue Lions sat, watching as Kel offered a similar gesture, although he seemed far less certain than Clary. This time, she imagined asking Kel to tag along and nearly burst out laughing as she pictured the two of them cowering behind a tree, both in tears after they had just seen a ghost. It made her wonder; would she be braver or more afraid in the company of someone who is also terrified?

Okay, so maybe she can just ask Jory instead.