“Yes, partners. Aurora has four of them—Alden, Rowan, Faolan, and Thorne. They’re all endlessly devoted to her and to their children. It’s an unconventional arrangement, but they’re very happy.” She lifts one shoulder in a gentle shrug.
Four partners. I try to imagine what that would be like and can’t quite wrap my mind around it.
“But the reason I’m bringing this up is,” Professor Silvermoon continues, “is because one of Aurora’s partners has access to some...raremagic, and I need something only he can provide for the ball.”
What kind of magic could he provide that none of the professors at Coven Crest can?
“Rare magic?” I ask.
Professor Silvermoon nods. “Yes, though I’m afraid I can’t go into too much detail.” Her smile turns slightly mysterious. “It’ll make the ball even more special—something we couldn’t achieve with ordinary magic alone. And I would go myself to retrieve it, but I have family obligations here this weekend that I can’t postpone.” She leans forward slightly, her dark blue eyes glittering in the light coming through the sprawling classroom windows. “Which is why I’m asking if you might be willing to make the trip in my stead.”
“Me?” The word comes out higher than I intended.
“Yes, you.” She lets out a twinkling laugh. “I trust you, Poppy. Honestly, you’re probably the only one I’d trust with this. And I’d handle all the arrangements, of course—transport, lodging, everything. You’d leave Friday evening and return Sunday afternoon. It would be a quick trip, but I think you’d enjoy Faunwood. And Aurora would be delighted to meet you.”
I twine my fingers together in my lap, mind racing. A weekend trip to Faunwood? To meet Professor Silvermoon’s sister and her four partners and retrieve something for the ball? The idea of it makes my stomach twist with nerves. Mama’s busy with the café on the weekends, so I know she won’t be able to go with me. But maybe one of the girls will. Then I’d at least be with someone instead of going on my own.
“What would I need to do, exactly?” I ask, trying to ground myself in the details in an effort to calm my racing thoughts.
“Simply travel to Faunwood, meet with Aurora, and bring back what I need—Aurora already knows all about it. It’s simple, I promise.” Professor Silvermoon’s expression softens. “I wouldn’t ask if I didn’t think you were more than capable, Poppy. But I also understand if you’d prefer not to. Travel can be daunting, especially alone.”
Alone.The word settles over me like a cumbersome cloak.
But then I think of Aric—of the way he tried to climb the astronomy tower to meet me for our first tutoring session despite his fear of heights, of the courage it must havetaken him to keep trying, even when everything in him probably wanted to give up and turn back.
If he can do that, surely I can manage a weekend trip. Even if I’d much rather curl up under a warm blanket with a new book.
“I’ll do it,” I say, surprised by the steadiness in my own voice.
I hope I don’t regret this later.
Professor Silvermoon’s face brightens. “Wonderful! Oh, Poppy, thank you. This means more than you know.” She stands, sending the delicate scent of lilac swirling around me as she moves to her desk to retrieve a piece of parchment. “I’ll send word to Aurora tonight to expect you. The transport will be arranged—a carriage will pick you up Friday evening after your last class. You’ll stay at the Golden Lantern, and Aurora will make sure you have everything you need. Just wait until you try her cooking. She makes thebestsourdough. Oh, maybe you could bring a loaf or two back with you. I’ll ask her about that as well.” She picks up a quill and jots something down.
Meanwhile, I nod numbly, trying to absorb all the information: A carriage. Friday evening. The Golden Lantern. Rare magic. Sourdough.
This is already more stressful than final exams. I start picking at my nails, something I only do when I’m under intense pressure.
Professor Silvermoon’s voice pulls me from my thoughts. “Don’t worry. Aurora is wonderful, and Faunwood is safe. You’ll have a lovely time—I’m certain of it.”
I manage a smile, even as my stomach does a nervous flip. “I hope so.”
“You will,” she assures me. Then, with a knowing look that makes me wonder if she’s seen something in my tea leaves, she adds, “Sometimes the most unexpected journeys lead to the most important discoveries.”
She holds my gaze, but before I can respond, the classroom door opens, and a few students come trickling in for their next class. I quickly stand and begin gathering up my notes and sketches for the ball. With my bookbag on my shoulder, I lift a hand to wave goodbye, and Professor Silvermoon gives me a little smile.
As I make my way out of her classroom and into the busy corridor, the reality of what I just agreed to settles over me.
I hope someone can come with me . . .
My heart races—part excitement, part anxiety—and I can’t help but wonder what exactly I’ve just gotten myself into.
But as I make my way down the wide staircase toward the entrance hall, I think of Aric again, remembering his smile when I said yes to letting him escort me to the ball and the way he looked at me in the cookie shop garden, like I was the only person in the world.
If I’m going to dance with him at the Blue Moon Ball, if I’m going to be brave enough to step onto that floor in front of everyone, then I can certainly be brave enough to take a trip to Faunwood.
Even if the thought of it makes my hands shake, just a little.
I push through one of the heavy doors and out into the autumn sunshine, taking a deep breath of crisp air. Summer has yielded to fall, and the days are getting cooler now. The trees dotting the campus are a little less green and a little more gold every day.
