He shifted. I squirmed.
“So . . . before was,” I scrambled for something to say. “Nice.” As soon as the word left my mouth I could have facepalmed myself.
Nice? It was nice? Oh my God, how generic can I be?
But Alex didn’t seem to notice. In fact, a low chuckle rang from his lips. The sound was so light, so not judgmental, that my heart literally sang.
“Yeah . . . it was nice.” One corner of Alex’s lips lifted and suddenly all my doubts evaporated. Taking his smile as an indication of interest, I leaned in again.
But instead of warm lips and the taste of mint, I felt Alex lean back. “I should tell you something, Diana.” The easy charm that had just graced his face was gone. Only unease lived there now. “I want you to know that I find you attractive and respect you, but I don’t think I’m ready for any sort of relationship right now.”
The world fell away beneath my feet. “Oh? I must’ve misread—”
“No! It’s really not you . . . it’s me.” He pressed his lips together and shook his head. “Sorry, I know jerks usually say that, but this time, it’s true. I’m totally new to Spellcasters—to this world, really. My family has never been in a coven and we’ve been sort of ostracized. I guess what I’m saying is, I don’t want to start something new and have my relationships already laid out for me. When I come here, I want to find my own way and focus on my studies. At least until I feel like my feet are firmly on the ground.”
My heart stuttered. God, he was so hot. And even though I wished he hadn’t just denied me, I understood why he’d done it. “I get it. I know a thing or two about needing to prove yourself too.”
“Can we be friends? I’d really like that,” Alex asked, sincerity in his voice
I nodded. “I’d like that too.”
And maybe, eventually, we can be something more.
Chapter Fifteen
After informing Mother about the hole by the fence and seeing how irate it made her, I decided that staying in the family suite would be a downer, especially after the night I’d had. Luckily, I didn’t have to worry about being completely on my game the next day. So I packed a little bag and slept in the initiate tower for the first time. When morning came, I walked to the front lawn, where the ceremony would take place, alongside Tabby and Phoebe. We were so excited that we got to the meeting spot early.
Then, we waited, twiddling our thumbs nervously. It didn’t matter that I waspositiveI’d get into the academy, and pretty sure Tabby and Phoebe would too, the anticipation was totally nerve-wracking. Not only was I dying to hear that I’d been accepted, but also where I ranked among the other exam participants.
Of course, I hoped that I was first, but I also wasn’t delusional. Alex had given me a run for my money. Either way, firstorsecond would be a sufficiently high rank to rub in Jackson’s face when he returned from his internship.
As I stood there, wondering what would happen, it became clear that my friends and I weren’t the only tense ones. The entire crowd was eerily quiet as everyone contemplated their futures.
Finally, after what felt like a year, the front doors to the academy burst open and my mother strode outside. Ms. Seeley, Professor Thrax, and Professor de Spina flanked her, and their narrowed eyes scanned the crowd. My mother didn’t need protection; she hadn’t become the headmistress of a top witching spy school by being weak. Still, the posse behind her spoke loud and clear.
They were in control. Their decisions regarding who was admitted and who didn’t make the cut were non-negotiable.
Mother and the professors made their way to a small platform, just large enough for them to stand on, and the professors took up position behind their headmistress.
“Thank you all for spending the last three days with us at Spellcasters.” Mother gave the crowd an indulgent smile. “We’re aware that you’ve worked incredibly hard to be here and for that, we thank you. As I believe your time is valuable, I shall make this brief. I’ll now read off the names of the twenty students who have officially been accepted into our academy for the next Culling-year.”
A gasp arose from the crowd.Twenty?! Only twenty?My head swiveled around. That was less than half of the remaining participants.People are gonna be pisssssed!
My mother didn’t seem to notice the response. “If your name is read off, you may stay on Spellcasters property until tomorrow morning. Please feel free to celebrate in Wandstown and return to the academy grounds as you wish. If your name is not on this list, please pack your bags and exit the school grounds as quickly as possible.” Mother scanned the crowd, waiting to see if anyone had any questions. When no one raised a hand or even dared to shuffle, she unfolded the manila envelope she carried and pulled out a list.
“The following students are to be congratulated. Upon their acceptance, they are officially a part of the next Culling class of Spellcasters Spy Academy. I’ll read off the students who placed at the top of the incoming class first and go down the list from there. Those who will be joining us are: Alexander Wardwell, Diana Wake, Hunter Wardwell, Amethyst Rhines, Kira Johnson, Olivia García . . . “
My heart gave a massive thump as my mother read my name. Soon after Tabitha’s and Phoebe’s names were read off within the same breath. We squealed and hugged each other excitedly, then my friends ran off to find their families.
Once my mother stopped reading off the list, the people who had been waiting to be called, but weren’t, reacted immediately. Two young men let out roars of frustration and one woman began arguing with her parents about whose fault it was that she wasn’t picked. From those outbursts alone, I thought the council had chosen wisely to deny them entry. Spies couldn’t wear their emotions on their sleeves.
I trudged through the sea of people to speak with my father, who was beaming at me from the back of the crowd.
“Way to go, Di-Bear! We always knew you had it in you, but now it’s official! You’re carrying on the family legacy.” He pulled me in for a hug and barely winced when I squeezed a bit too tight.
“Thanks. I’m just so damn happy its over. That was so stressful!” I grinned. “Are we going to celebrate? Dinner at the bistro?”
My father snort-laughed. “Of course. Your mother has already made reservations, and Claudia is saving us one of the best seats in the house. It’s an early dinner as your mother figured you may want to mingle with the other students who made the cut. Most won’t leave until tomorrow. Their parents are having too a good time visiting.”
