After about two minutes, I felt something snap, and I gasped as tension released like a pressure valve, the feeling of the poison’s effect on my magic completely gone.
“I think… I think it worked,” I breathed. Immediately, I felt the other botanists back off, the coolness of their magic leaving me.
“Test it out,” Petra said.
Another botanist handed me an angel’s trumpet the size of a desk lamp as a test subject.
I said the first Floracantus that popped into my mind. “Flos flori.”
Before the words were out of my mouth, I knew it had worked. My power was humming through my veins again, and I felt intimately connected to each of the plants in the surrounding area. The lemony smell of the angel’s trumpet filled the entire hut, responding to the Floracantus I had used.
“I’d say it worked,” Petra said with satisfaction in her voice.
“Thank you all.” I looked around the group. “This means the world.”
A few people gave me smiles, but most were already heading back to their research.
“Congratulations, Briar,” Petra said. “And just in time. I’m sure you’ll find a way to solve the riddle and use the book.”
“I really hope so.”
Petra studied me for a moment before speaking again. “When I discovered my relation to da Vinci, I began to research his history, as I know you have also done. I found there was a phrase he used to describe how he approached the world. He called itsaper vedere. It means ‘knowing how to see.’ He wanted to know everything about the world, and his incredible achievements in art and science can be attributed to this.”
“Saper vedere,” I said slowly, trying out the words.
“You have that vision, Briar. I think it’s been instilled in you since you were born. I suspect that it’s not a coincidence yougrew up in Weed. Perhaps your family—your ancestors—could subconsciously sense the school’s magic, even though their own magic was locked away. That may be what kept your mom and aunt there too. I have a feeling they experienced a connection to the place that they couldn’t explain. Even though da Vinci tied up our family’s powers in his journals, that spirit of curiosity about the world passed through your blood.”
I glanced at Leucie, who was resting on Petra’s shoulder and gently flapping her wings as I considered Petra’s words. The idea was so beautiful that tears pricked my eyes.
“You think I have what he had? He was one of the greatest artists and inventors in history.”
“Perhaps anyone can have that, whether or not they are related to him. You told me you are an artist, that you’ve been seeing the world through your art since you were a child. Your art—and exploring the images in da Vinci’s book—is how you ended up activating your powers without even realizing it. I know magical botanists are people of science but…” Petra paused, seeming to consider how to phrase her next words. “We also know that there’s more mystery and wonder to this world than humans can even imagine. Everything I’ve come to know about you tells me that the wonder and curiosity within you will lead you to discover the secrets of da Vinci’s riddle and much more. After all, it’s brought you this far.”
I swallowed the lump in my throat. I couldn’t form any words of protest, because I desperately hoped it was true.
“Thank you, Petra. For everything. Will I see you back at the academy?”
Petra shook her head sadly. “With the departure of Professor East, I think it’s best that I stay away for now. Besides,my reason for being there is now accomplished. You have access to your powers. You’re more skilled in defensives than most botanists I’ve met. I think your field studies were a success, don’t you?”
I nodded, but I fought back a wave of sadness, as I wasn’t sure when—or if—I would see Petra again.
Seeming to read my mind, she said, “It’s been my pleasure working with you, Briar, and I hope our paths will cross again. I have a feeling that life will lead you back here one day.”
“I hope so, too, Petra. Thanks for everything.”
“No matter what happens next, you’re always welcome here. We’re family.” Petra smiled then nodded toward Leucie, who was hovering over the boat, ready to lead me out of the conservatory.
I climbed into the tiny vessel that had been transporting me the past few days and used my powers on every passing plant as I said farewell to the defensives conservatory.
Chapter Twenty-Eight
As I returned to the aquatics conservatory, I was buzzing with energy and a sense of connection to the aquatic plants both in and above the dome—confirmation that the restored access to my powers at the defensive conservatory hadn’t been a fluke. I could feel the difference as soon as I swam through the barrier. The bonds on my magic were gone, and I had full access to my powers.
I was practically floating as I told my friends.
“Well, hot water lilies. Now that you have your powers back, Briar, if you’re up for it, I have a mission for you tonight,” Nevah said.
“What kind of mission?”
