We’rein what can only be described as the world’s most elaborate castle-like living room, although that hardly does it justice.
The ceiling soars overhead, supported by massive stone pillars carved with intricate flame patterns. Heavy tapestries hang between them, each one depicting witches wielding fire, the threads shimmering in the light. But most striking is the circular fire pit built into the floor. It’s easily twenty feet across, with flames dancing in its center like they’re performing for an audience.
“Welcome to Phoenix Hall.”
The voice belongs to a woman who steps out from behind one of the pillars. She’s tall, maybe late forties, with dark brown hair streaked with silver. Her robes fit perfectly, her posture is commanding, and there’s a weight to the way she carries herself that says this isn’t just her hall. It’s her world, and she’s allowing us into it.
“Evelyn Thorne.” Her sharp gaze lands on Evie. “Your mother speaks highly of your heat detection abilities.”
Evie’s mouth falls open. “You know my mother?”
“Vera Jackson.” She continues like Evie hadn’t spoken. “Your family’s combat legacy precedes you.”
Vera straightens, pride flickering across her face.
“Garrett Sinclair.” A pause. “The Sinclairs have always been... ambitious.”
Garrett puffs up, oblivious to the subtle insult.
“Samuel Reeves.” Her lips twitch slightly. “I hear you’ve memorized every text on mythological creatures published in the last century.”
Sam flushes crimson. “Well, not every?—”
“Nina Aldridge.” Those sharp eyes linger longer on Nina than anyone else. “Precision, control, and the power of observation. Valuable traits.”
Nina nods once, giving nothing away.
Then those eyes find me, and I swear the temperature in the room drops ten degrees.
“Jade Harrington.” She says my name like both a question and an accusation. “Most unexpected.”
“I’ve been getting that a lot lately,” I mutter.
“I imagine you do.” She watches me for another heartbeat. “Tell me, Miss Harrington—do you believe in coincidences?”
“I... what?”
“Never mind.” She turns back to address us all, and I swear the chandeliers dim slightly. “I’m Constance Holbrook, Headmistress of Blaze Academy. Welcome to your new home. There will be a full introduction tonight, but for now, your room assignments. Vera Jackson and Nina Aldridge. Samuel Reeves and Garrett Sinclair. Jade Harrington and Evelyn Thorne.”
“Wait, we’re roommates?” Evie bounces, spinning toward me. “This is perfect! I have so many questions about your magical development?—”
“The portal you just traveled through,” Constance cuts in smoothly, “is only active on arrival day. Once all students are here, it deactivates until winter break and again at year’s end.”
My stomach drops. “So we can’t leave?”
“Not without permission.” Her gaze cuts to me. “The island is heavily warded, and the waters surrounding it are inhospitable, to say the least. For your safety, you’ll remain on academy grounds unless granted leave.”
Trapped.
The word slams into me, echoing in my skull. I’m trapped on an island with monsters that regenerate, witches who fight like seasoned warriors, and a kiss that felt like everything but was dismissed as nothing.
Sparks prickle in my palm, useless and mocking, a reminder of how little I belong here.
“You’re the third group to arrive,” Constance continues. “Six more students will join us shortly, bringing our first-year class to its full twenty-four.”
Twenty-four. It seems like such a small number. Even Dalton, which was a small private school, had around seventy people in each class.
“Follow me.” Constance pivots on her heel, clearly expecting obedience. “You’ll want to settle in before the sigil ceremony.”
