Haunted Return to Dalloway School

After a year away, Felicity Morrow returns to the Dalloway School, a place filled with dark history and personal tragedy. Haunted by the memory of her girlfriend Alex's death, Felicity is determined to face her fears amidst the whispers of witchcraft that linger in the halls. The eerie atmosphere of the school and the isolation of Godwin House amplify her unease. Felicity's struggle is not only with the ghosts of the past but also with her own mind, as she tries to find her footing in a place that feels both familiar and foreign.

Ghosts of the Past Resurface

Felicity meets Ellis Haley, a new student and literary prodigy fascinated by the school's dark history. Ellis's presence is both intriguing and unsettling, drawing Felicity into her orbit. As they delve into the school's bloody past, Felicity's memories of Alex and the events leading to her death resurface. The line between reality and the supernatural blurs, and Felicity begins to question her own sanity. The school's legacy of witchcraft and murder looms large, threatening to consume her once more.

Secrets and Shadows Unveiled

Despite her initial reluctance, Felicity is drawn to Ellis and her project. Together, they explore the school's occult history, uncovering secrets long buried. Felicity's knowledge of the Dalloway Witches, infamous witches who died under mysterious circumstances, becomes invaluable to Ellis. As they dig deeper, Felicity is forced to confront her own past and the role she played in Alex's death. The shadows of Godwin House whisper truths Felicity is not ready to hear, and the weight of her guilt threatens to unravel her.

The Night Migrations Begin

Ellis proposes recreating the rituals of the Dalloway witches, forming a new coven, the Night Migrations, with other students. The group meets in secret, performing rituals that blur the line between play and reality. For Felicity, the rituals are a way to reclaim her power and confront her fears. But as the nights grow darker and the rituals more intense, Felicity wonders if they are summoning something they cannot control. The past and present collide, and the spirits of the Dalloway Five seem to awaken.

Truths and Lies Intertwined

As the Night Migrations continue, Felicity's grip on reality weakens. Haunted by visions of Alex and the events leading to her death, Felicity struggles to separate truth from illusion. Ellis's insistence that magic is not real clashes with Felicity's experiences, creating tension between them. The school's dark history seeps into her mind, and she fears losing herself to the same madness that claimed the Dalloway witches. The line between victim and villain blurs, and Felicity must confront the possibility that she is both.

A Dangerous Game of Reenactment

Ellis's plan to reenact the deaths of the Dalloway Five becomes a dangerous game. Felicity is drawn deeper into Ellis's world, where fiction and reality intertwine. The reenactments force Felicity to confront her deepest fears and the truth about Alex's death. As the boundaries between past and present dissolve, Felicity realizes that the ghosts of Dalloway are not just stories—they are real, and they demand justice. The game becomes a test of loyalty and survival, and Felicity must decide how far she is willing to go to uncover the truth.

Thanksgiving Without Family, Secrets Unfold

As Thanksgiving approaches, Felicity and Ellis find themselves alone at Dalloway, sharing intimate details about their pasts. Felicity reveals her mother's indifference and her struggles with mental health, while Ellis opens up about her isolated upbringing. Their bond deepens, but Felicity is haunted by memories of Alex. The two girls form a fragile connection, united by their shared loneliness and fascination with the school's dark history. However, Felicity's unease grows as she senses that Ellis's interest in her might have darker undertones.

Ghostly Visions and Haunted Minds

Felicity's grip on reality weakens as she experiences vivid visions of Alex, who seems to be haunting her. The line between the supernatural and Felicity's troubled mind blurs, leaving her questioning her sanity. Despite Ellis's insistence that magic isn't real, Felicity is drawn deeper into the occult, convinced that Alex's spirit is trying to communicate with her. As the Night Migrations continue, Felicity's fear and guilt over Alex's death intensify, threatening to consume her.

A Deadly Game of Deception

Felicity discovers that Ellis has been manipulating her all along, using her belief in magic to control her. Ellis's plan to reenact the deaths of the Dalloway witches takes a sinister turn, culminating in the murder of Clara, a fellow student. Felicity is horrified to find Clara's body buried in Alex's grave, realizing that Ellis has framed her for the murder. The weight of guilt and betrayal threatens to crush Felicity as she grapples with the truth about Ellis's dark nature.

Truths Revealed, Betrayal Unmasked

In a tense confrontation, Felicity accuses Ellis of murder and manipulation. Ellis admits to killing Clara, claiming it was necessary for her writing. She reveals her plan to frame Felicity, leaving her with no choice but to comply or face the consequences. Felicity is trapped, her world unraveling as she realizes the depth of Ellis's deception. The bond they shared is shattered, leaving Felicity isolated and desperate for a way out.

A Final Confrontation on the Roof

In a climactic showdown on the school roof, Felicity confronts Ellis one last time. The tension between them reaches a breaking point, and Felicity pushes Ellis off the roof, mirroring Alex's death. The act is both a release and a condemnation, as Felicity is left to grapple with the consequences of her actions. The line between victim and villain blurs, leaving Felicity to question her own morality and the darkness within her.

Aftermath and New Beginnings

In the aftermath of Ellis's death, Felicity is left to pick up the pieces of her shattered life. She reflects on the events that led her to this point, seeking redemption and closure for the ghosts of her past. As she prepares to leave Dalloway, Felicity is determined to forge a new path, free from the shadows that have haunted her. The future is uncertain, but Felicity is resolved to face it with courage and resilience.

Characters

Felicity Morrow

Felicity is a complex character, struggling with the trauma of her past and the betrayal of those she trusted. Her journey is one of self-discovery and redemption, as she confronts the darkness within herself and seeks to make amends for her actions. Felicity's relationship with Ellis is central to her story, highlighting themes of manipulation, trust, and the blurred line between victim and villain.

Ellis Haley

Ellis is a literary prodigy with a dark fascination for the occult. Her relationship with Felicity is marked by manipulation and deceit, as she uses Felicity's belief in magic to control her. Ellis's true intentions are revealed as the story unfolds, exposing her as a master manipulator willing to go to any lengths for her art. Her death is a turning point for Felicity, forcing her to confront the truth about their relationship.

Alex Haywood

Alex is Felicity's deceased girlfriend, whose death haunts Felicity throughout the story. Her presence is felt in the visions and memories that plague Felicity, serving as a constant reminder of the past. Alex's death is shrouded in mystery, and her ghostly presence blurs the line between reality and the supernatural, driving Felicity's quest for closure.

Clara Kennedy

Clara is a fellow student at Dalloway and a member of the Night Migrations. Her murder at the hands of Ellis is a pivotal moment in the story, highlighting the extent of Ellis's manipulation and the danger of the games they play. Clara's death serves as a catalyst for Felicity's confrontation with Ellis and her own inner demons.

Leonie Schuyler

Leonie is a fellow student and member of the Night Migrations. She provides a stabilizing presence for Felicity, offering support and friendship amidst the chaos. Leonie's relationship with Felicity is marked by trust and loyalty, serving as a counterpoint to the manipulation and deceit of Ellis.

Kajal Mehta

Kajal is another member of the Night Migrations, known for her intelligence and analytical mind. Her skepticism of the rituals and Ellis's project provides a grounding influence for Felicity, challenging her beliefs and encouraging her to question the reality of the supernatural.

Plot Devices

The Dalloway Witches

The legend of the Dalloway witches is a central plot device, driving the narrative and influencing the characters' actions. The witches' mysterious deaths and the school's occult history create an atmosphere of suspense and intrigue. The line between reality and the supernatural is blurred, as the characters grapple with the possibility that the witches' spirits still linger. The legend serves as a catalyst for Felicity's journey, forcing her to confront her past and the truth about Alex's death.

The Night Migrations

The Night Migrations are a series of secret rituals performed by Felicity, Ellis, and the other students. These rituals serve as a means of bonding and exploration, blurring the line between play and reality. The Night Migrations are central to Ellis's manipulation of Felicity, using the rituals to control her and further her own dark agenda.

Reenactment of the Dalloway Deaths

Ellis's plan to reenact the deaths of the Dalloway witches is a key plot device, forcing the characters to confront their own fears and motivations. The reenactments blur the line between fiction and reality, serving as a test of loyalty and survival for Felicity and the others.

Analysis

"A Lesson in Vengeance" delves into themes of trauma, identity, and the blurred lines between reality and illusion. Through Felicity's journey, the novel explores the impact of past tragedies on the present and the struggle to find one's place amidst chaos. The story highlights the dangers of manipulation and the quest for truth, as Felicity navigates a world where trust is fragile and reality is uncertain. The book serves as a cautionary tale about the power of belief and the consequences of allowing the past to dictate the future, ultimately advocating for self-discovery and resilience in the face of adversity.

Last updated: March 2, 2025