“I’m not seeking a wolrpia if that’s what you’re thinking,butyou’re right to assume I attend Mistral Hall, on the other side of the woods. As you said, it’s not allowed, of course, but the night air and whispering trees help clear my mind when I can’t sleep.”
His explanation felt parchment-thin, but Seren bit her tongue before saying so. This was starting to feel like a game, and it was clear as day he was trying to play her, but letting him win might work to her advantage. She knew, already, that there was harmless rivalry between their schools and that the wizards learned magic over there that wasn’t taught to Calami witches. Perhaps he knew something that could help her.
He stepped forward and, as if reading her mind, whispered, “If you really want to face your fear, what you need isn’t out here. It’s back in the tower you came from. Locked away in the Defense professor’s office.”
Her thoughts flashed to the only male professor permitted on Calami’s grounds.
“Professor Atwood?” she murmured, recalling the first day she’d met him in the briar maze. The strange connection that blossomed when their magic met. He hadn’t so much as glanced her way since, but she’d spoken with him, briefly, in the foyer that morning. He’d stiffened when she stepped close, asking directions to her next class as the halls of Calami were ever-changing.
Standing so near, she’d been able to make out each hair in the deep brown stubble that shrouded his strong jawline. He was older, of course, mid to late twenties perhaps, but nevertheless more handsome than any teacher had the right to be. His dark hair carefully parted at the side and swept over his forehead. His spectacles rested low on his celestial nose, and he’d nudged them back up with a scarred knuckle and ink-stained fingertip.
Calder cleared his throat, and Seren didn’t miss the quick flit of irritation that flashed across his face at the way she had spoken his name–perhaps a bit too fondly.
“That’s him. Professor Icarus Atwood. The one and only. If you’re up for a night of adventure, use this and get inside his office.” From the vest pocket of his suit, he produced a small golden pin with a faint green glow to it. The same color as the ball of flame flickering in his other hand. “I know what you’re thinking, but it’s not beneath me to use mortal tricks, though I like to add my own flair to them. It’s spelled to picknearlyany lock. Use it on his office door. Once inside, you’ll be searching for a Pavorwand–black ash wood, about yay long.” He made a vague gesture between his hands. “It has magical properties that include casting spells to numb fear so you can practice facing obstacles without becoming . . . overwhelmed.”
Seren felt a rise of hope in her chest, vibrant and exhilarating, though in less than a second it dipped back down, crashing into the deep pit of her belly. “What’s the catch? What’s in it for you?”
His glowing eyes danced with laughter as he slipped the pin into her open palm and then captured her chin between his fingers, forcing their gazes to meet. “Would you believe me if I said I simply want to help such an enchanting creature?”
No.The thought hissed so fierce and quick that it made her dizzy. But outside, she simply lifted her hand to his, carefully prying his deft fingers away, though not letting them go. It had been so long since she felt aphysicalconnection to anyone. Her body craved human touch. But she was wise enough to know there were things lurking behind his charming facade. A tangle of darkness and ambition.
Still . . .she bit her lower lip . . .would it hurt to try?She knew she didn’thaveto give it to him after she found it, but she wouldn’t be able to get it without his spelled lock pick and direction. Yet there were other factors to consider. She could only imagine that getting caught stealing would lead to a much swifter expulsion.
“What are the odds?” She let go of his hand, crossed her arms, and shifted her weight, studying him.
He frowned beneath her penetrating gaze. “Odds?”
“Odds of me getting caught. Expelled for theft.”
“Oh, that.” He shrugged and took a small step to lean into the tree next to them. His chuckle blended with the night so perfectly. “Slim, especially once I cast a cloaking spell on you.”
From the pocket of his trousers, he withdrew a gleaming silver pocket watch, misted with his emerald green magic. Seren recognized it instantly as an augure and felt a wave of jealousy spread through her. She couldn’t wait to get her hands on one next year.
“But . . .”
The word drew her gaze back to his face.
“If you don’t take my help and start training with the Pavor wand as soon as possible . . . well, I’d say your odds of getting expelled by the year's end are more than doubled. I’ve watched the end-of-year trials at Calami. They’re brutal. You think the welcome trials were rough?” He laughed again, driving his point home.
Seren felt her knees give an inch, and she wavered, imagining it in her head so clearly. Her nightmares brought to life once more.
“You seem like a smart young woman, Seren, so you could see the logic in the fact that getting expellednowand having your magic burned to ash before you grow . . . attached to it would be better. Gods, the humiliation and pain to have such a thing happen after working so hard for a full year. Going back home to wherever you came from. I can’t even imagine. At least now you would still have time to look for another placement. By then it would be too late.”
A horrible twinge shot through Seren’s chest. She pictured a life without her magic after a grueling year at Calami. The shame he spoke of felt real and tangible. Her fists clenched, she reached for that power that hummed deep inside of her, tried to imagine being parted from it and the thought was almost enough to undo her.
Calder grinned again, as though seeing that his victory had already been sealed. With his free hand, he reached forward to offer her a condescending pat on the arm. “May I?”
Seren looked toward his augure again, glowing, ready to cast his so-called cloaking spell.
Numbly, Seren gave him a nod, but her mind was still drifting, fighting to come back from such a horrible future. One where she would be truly alone. No magic. No power. This was all she had left.
Threads of emerald green swathed over her, tingling where it brushed her skin.
“Meet me back here when it’s done. Hurry, the night wanes. I’ll wait at the edge of the wood for you and when you return with it, I’ll show you what true power feels like.”
Or perhaps I’ll show you.
Though he could no longer see her through the darkness, she smiled back.
