I looked to the ground—the black, dead grass. A gust of wind blew, and the azalea bush that had once been bright and alive crumbled away, turning to dust in the air.
“This is not inter-coven magic,” Heidi said. “This is Flores magic. You and your Academy obviously know little of the magical capabilities of the kingdom’s covens. To mistake this,”—she waved her hand dismissively at the death I had brought—“as inter-coven magic is ludicrous.”
“I am unfamiliar with any coven possessing such power as to drain a life force,” President Minerva replied.
“Ridiculous,” Heidi snapped. “It’s plant life, for a start. Plant magic is the domain of Flores, yes? Do you know that much?” she continued patronisingly.
I watched President Minerva’s jaw tense. “I’ll take your silence as an answer in the affirmative and continue to educate you on the basics of magic and witch culture. While all within a coven share magic within a domain, not all share the same capabilities. Percy has a rare gift, but it is entirely of Flores.”
I had no knowledge of what other Flores witches were capable of besides my mother and stories from the books she left me. The stories within those books contained no mention of what I had done. Flores nurtured; we gave life—we did not take it. But Heidi was a pureblood, a noble of her House, and she knew much more than me about all things magic.
“We do not show our cards; that is not the witch's way. We keep our greatest strength hidden—none more so than Flores. When did you last meet a Flores witch practising magic within their innate domain? I would bet it many years ago, given your age—if at all. The only other Flores witch I’ve ever met practises enchantment magic, a skill any witch can learn. How dare you cast such an accusation at one as harmless as a Flores witch, who acted unintentionally when attacked—unprovoked and without warning—in the middle of working her magic. As for the blood witch, she was offering nothing more than moral support.”Heidi’s voice was straining more. Her magic might have been endless, but her stamina was not—she was getting tired.
“I will have to inquire into the truth of your statements concerning Flores’ magic, Miss Coactus,” President Minerva replied.
“You do that,” Heidi shot back.
“In the meantime,” President Minerva returned her attention to Selene, “Percy of Flores and Ana of Syngeneia are suspended from classes until Miss Coactus’ claims can be verified. You will remain in your living quarters, and no unauthorised contact with other students outside of those with whom you room is permitted.”
“What? That’s not fair,” Ana protested.
“I fear it is overly lenient, Miss Syngeneia. Inter-coven magic is the greatest risk to the well-being of Sanguis Academy students,” President Minerva looked pointedly at Selene, “and the Borealis Kingdom. I must investigate any potential instance of inter-coven magic thoroughly.”
Selene growled low and threateningly. “Very well, conduct your pointless investigation,” she stated before turning to me and taking me by the wrist. Only then did I release my grip on the new guard’s tunic. “We will return home immediately,” she told me.
“What about Ana?” I asked as Selene dragged me past my friend. If not for her grip, I would have fallen. Would Ana be okay? Ana didn’t have an heir to the throne and head of a House to look out for her. I needed to make sure she would be okay.
“Ana will return to her room in the Servant Student Residence Halls,” Selene answered, without slowing her pace or looking at me.
“I’ll be fine, Percy,” Ana called to me as Selene shoved one of Heidi’s blind Academy guards out of the way with such force that he was lifted off his feet and flew a dozen feet through the air.
“I’ll take care of you, half-witch,” I heard Heidi say to Ana, and a little stone of worry left my stomach. Heidi wouldn’t abandon another witch, even a half-witch.
2.The Rooftop
Persephone Flores
We didn’t return immediately to our rooms. Instead, Selene guided us to my rooftop garden.
“Why are we here?” I asked, reaching out to perk up the strawberry bushes.
“What were you doing this afternoon, Percy?” Selene asked, her tone low and severe, almost a whisper.
I turned to her. Her molten-silver eyes glowed eerily in the quickly dimming light, and when the back of my knees hit the wooden flower bed, I realised I had taken an unconscious step away from her. I almost felt her anger in my chest, as if it were my own. I raised my hand and rubbed at the odd sensation.
“I don’t understand the question,” I said. “You know what I was doing.”
“Do I?” she asked sternly and stepped towards me, her eyes holding mine.
I swallowed, a lump forming in my throat. I was scared. It had been a long time since she had behaved in a way that scared me. And yet, she hadn’t done anything. It was simply her look—the way it made me feel. I fought the urge to run, the instinct to flee.
“Why did Heidi lie for you?”
“Lie for me?” What did she mean, Heidi had lied for me? “She didn’t,” I protested.
“Do not play stupid with me, Pet. I am in no mood for such games. I know Heidi well enough to detect the difference in her scent when she is stressed or telling a mistruth. Lucky for you, President Minerva is unable to spot the difference,” Selene said, taking another step closer.
“I don’t understand, Selene,” I said. “I didn’t know Heidi was lying.” I continued and turned away from her, attempting to take a step to the side and create space.
