Ilia pointed to the bed, her expression stern, eyes bloodshot. “Sit. Talk. Do not leave anything out.”
I marched because she meant business. Larissa settled in on one side of me, Ilia on the other, and then I took a deep breath and told them everything that had happened. Including the stories from Atlantis, what Louis had done, and how my powers were locked down again whilesomeonetried to figure everything out.
When I was done, we sat there in silence. It wasn’t uncomfortable, just absorbing the information … processing it. “So, the Arterian called you another name and said you were a royal of Atlantis?” Larissa confirmed. “I mean … how can you not have Atlantean blood?”
I shrugged. “I have no idea, but when my power was released, it was fey and magic user, in the way of the originals. Something’s not adding up here. I’m more confused than ever.”
Ilia waved her hand. “Forget that, let’s worry about those assassins. I mean, I’m highly trained in defense and attack magic—it’s actually the reason I got to be a tracker at such a young age—and I was like a first year against them.”
I nodded. “Yeah, Axl made it very clear that if they wanted us dead, we would be. He said they must have needed me for something.”
Larissa cleared her throat. “Dad wants to speak with you before class on Monday,” she said softly. “I think you might be getting a security detail.”
I coughed and choked. “What? Why?”
She shook her head and shrugged at the same time. “Something about your energy almost blowing up the school and sending out a beacon to the world advertising that you’re here.”
Muthafucker.
“I’m never gonna be cool with security following me around,” I warned her, hoping she’d take that information back to her father. “My energy is locked down now, so no one will know it’s me. He might as well just put more security around the school.”
Larissa turned her head in a thoughtful gesture. “Yeah, that’s not a bad idea. I guess he’ll tell you more on Monday.”
Monday. My second official week at the Academy.
* * *
I spentmost of Sunday in my room, avoiding the world. My friends kept me company though, and I was starting to realize how damn lucky I was to have met them. For the first time in my life, I felt like I had true friends. Friends who would be there through the tough times as well as the good.
When Monday showed up, I was ready and dressed in my uniform. I wanted to see Princeps Jones and then get breakfast, because I was starving.
Today my classes were Race Morphology, Demon Mythology 101, History of the Supernaturals, Herbalism, and Sword and Sorcery. I also had Water Magic after dinner again. The swirls in my stomach at the thought of that class were definitely because of the beautiful beach. Nothing to do with Asher.
And the best liar in the world goes to...
In truth, I was excited to get to all of my classes, even the ones without Asher. For the first time in my life I was actually into school. In my downtime yesterday, I’d read ahead on all texts and worksheets. I might be in my first year, but I was determined to learn as much as I could.
The school was quiet as I strolled through the commons. Today was sunny and bright and there was no barrier above us. I tilted my head back and allowed the sunshine to wash across my face. Cool breezes brushed over my skin, and a calm and contented feeling filled me. I’d read that magic users were very connected to nature, which explained why I’d often found solace in parks and creeks, especially if I was barefoot on the grass and dirt. They might have bound my powers, but they couldn’t change my fundamental DNA.
I was a supernatural.
One day, admitting that wouldn’t even feel weird.
Continuing on, I knocked on Princeps Jones’s door, and he lifted his head to wave me in. “Maddison, please come in.”
I closed the door behind me and dropped into the chair across from him. “How are you feeling today?” he asked, concern tilting his face and eyes down. “You gave us quite a scare on Saturday.”
Subconsciously, I rubbed at my head, but there were no lingering effects. “I feel fine today,” I said with a smile. “Confused by everything I learned, but physically fine.”
He returned my smile. “I’ll bet you’re confused. We are as well, which is not something I like to admit to.” His eyes twinkled. “So don’t tell anyone.”
I laughed. “Your secret is safe with me.” I leaned in closer, some of my mirth drying up. “Do you know anything more about what’s happening to me? About what I am?”
He grew more serious as well. “Louis and I spoke briefly about what he felt when your energy was unlocked. His main concerns center around the reason your powers were bound. And why there is no record of birth parents.”
I swallowed hard. “I can’t remember anything before I was five. I don’t recall how I got to my adoptive mother’s.”
Princeps Jones nodded, unsurprised.
