Haley wasn’t the only one who had to find a job, and I wondered if the roller rink still had a spot available. As a former derby girl on the weekends, I never could resist a good skate season.
Glancing at my watch, I saw that it was almost time for the graduation ceremony. We were dressed in jeans, boots, tanks, andjackets once more, the icy weather setting in early this year. Tonight was Halloween, and while we didn’t partake in humantraditions of dressing in costumes and collecting candy, we’d still gone for a darker, more dramatic makeup effect.
We were witches after all. No brooms or pointed hats, but there was a sexy darkness to this night all the same.
“Let’s head there now,” I said, “I think I’m as packed as I need to be.”
Students could stay and continue independent study for the winter, but most left for at least some of it. Jenna and Alicewould be officially graduating their entire program tonight, heading home with Simon and Morris.
The last time I chatted with Dad on the phone, he’d been erecting their barn out back, keeping busy. My heart hurt to knowhe wouldn’t be here tonight for my graduation. At least it was only freshman year for me; I knew it hurt a lot worse for thetwins.
When we emerged into Florence Hall, it was packed with students. Some were dressed formally in suits and long dresses, whileothers like us, in jeans and boots. There was no dress code tonight, allowing us to be comfortable.
“I can’t believe how quickly this year flew by,” Sara said as we ducked into the crowd. “I swear it was only yesterday thatI arrived through those gates, so nervous I thought I might vomit.”
It felt like yesterday to me as well, while also being centuries ago. It was a year of growth and change and confusion.
My siblings waited at the doors to the assembly hall. “We’ll save you a seat,” Sara said as I hugged Alice.
“Thank you,” I called. “I’ll be in shortly.”
We all sat with our years, and while I wished I could be with my siblings, at least I’d get to see the twins graduate andreceive their coven assignments.
“Are you nervous?” I asked Jenna. She looked stunning in a simple blue knitted dress. She’d pulled her hair back into a chignonat the nape of her neck, and her makeup was as dark and smoky as mine.
“Yes and no,” she said in a rush, gaze darting around. “I’m excited for the next stage of our lives, but what if Alice andI don’t end up in the same coven?”
“We’re twins,” Alice said breathily. “They can’t separate us. It’s against the laws of nature.”
She looked just as beautiful in a black dress that was buttoned right down the front and had a high neckline and long sleeves.She’d teamed it with knee-high black boots, leaving her hair lightly curled around her face.
“I’m so proud of you two,” I said, trying and failing to keep my tears at bay.
“We’re proud of you, Baby Sis,” Jensen interjected, wiping away one of the escaped traitors. “We heard that the assessorswere discussing the possibility of a third spellcaster. Anything you want to tell us? Has it been confirmed?”
Pressing my lips together, I looked between the four of them.
“It’s not official,” I told them quickly. “But... the assessment went well. My magic didn’t fail me, and I’m really excitedfor what the next year at Weatherstone will bring in way of development and my affinity.”
“You’ve always had the power.” Jensen’s expression was serious. “Maybe what you lacked was the belief in yourself. Your confidencehas grown a lot this year, and I, for one, can’t wait to see what year two brings.”
“Aw, guys.” I sniffed. “Don’t make me cry more of my makeup off.”
Trevor gently nudged me. “Go on. Go and sit with the freshmen. We’ll find you at dinner.”
“See you then,” I said.
By now the hall was noisy and almost full. Hurrying down the center aisle, I caught sight of my friends about halfway along,and headed straight for them. As I crossed toward them, fate decided to throw me a bone, and Logan entered the same aisleas me.
Grinding to a halt, it was now or never. “Hey, spellcaster.” I ignored the many faces turned my way as I focused on Logan.“Where the Hel have you been?”
He turned to face me, and the ass-chewing I’d been working on giving him died in my mouth as I stared. He was devastating.He’d chosen semiformal, and as I dragged my gaze over him, I noted the slacks pressed against muscled thighs, and the waythe green of his shirt turned those icy eyes brighter than ever. He’d rolled his sleeves to midforearm too, leaving his inkon display, like an additional slash of color and art against his outfit.
“My eyes are up here, Precious,” he drawled.
My cheeks were heating, even as I shot him a withering stare. “We need to talk.” I ignored everything else. “This is our lastopportunity. Will you meet me after dinner tonight?”
He sobered, and as always was completely unreadable. “I can meet you after dinner. Say... near the graveyard.”
