“Most rumors have some element of truth to them.”
Her words hung between us, leaving me to wonder how much truth was in the rumors surrounding Dharma. I’d find out soon enough.
“When’s the Weaver Moon?” I needed to know when I’d be fully restored.
“A little over three months. It’s a powerful time for Arcanus and Therianthropes.” She smiled tightly. “But you’ll learn all about that once you begin your classes at Trinity next month.”
“I’ll have classes here?”
“You’re Arcanus, so of course you will join us for classes once a part of your power is restored. You’ll begin with Arcane Botany and Mental Defense Against the Echoes, among other things. But for now, we should get you to class. Mistress Selethis does not tolerate tardiness.”
“It’s fine, I can find my own way. The ports should have my signature by now.”
“Are you sure?”
Her concern unsettled me. Especially since she’d had no qualms about using her magic to choke me during thePerculiari Petitione. “Why are you being so nice to me?”
She blinked sharply. “Excuse me?”
“You’re an Embercrest. A coven leader. Most high-level Arcanus hate everything associated with the Onyx name.” I arched a brow.
She pressed her lips together. “Truth be told, if we were anywhere but Nightsbridge, I would never associate with you. But Nightsbridge is its own ecosystem, its own little world, and we do what we must to maintain balance. Like it or not,youare part of that balance.”
“Not everyone feels that way.”
“Then they are fools. Bigoted and small-minded. Give it time. Meanwhile, be wary.”
The Weave Watchers’ words filled my mind.But be wary. Be aware. Be vigilant…
“You can use the port on the first floor,” Heidi said. “It will take you to the bridge.” She headed for the exit. “I’ll see you soon, no doubt.”
I took the stairs two at a time, eager to be out of the tower and as far away from the hearth and catacombs as possible.
The port on the first floor was an arch built into the wall with several colored crystals embedded into the stone beside it. Which did I press? Ah, there was a plaque with codes printed on it: Solarium, the East and West Quads, the bridge, and the North and South Borders.
I tapped the sequence for the bridge, but nothing happened. I tried again. Still nothing. Dammit, had they not added me to their database yet? Or was I doing it wrong?
I went to try again, and a hand clamped down over my mouth. “Let’s see you talk your way out of this one.” Viola rasped in my ear.
I twisted, trying to gain leverage to elbow her in the gut, but invisible bands held me firm, locking me in place, making it impossible to break free. The bitch was using a spell to immobilize me.
Tristen rushed forward and tapped the crystals, lighting up the port.
“Enjoy playing with the ratakan.” She shoved me into the blue haze.
The world tipped, and power fizzed over my skin. I landed on my hands and knees, sinking into something cold and wet. Icy wind slapped my cheeks as I raised my head to face the biting swirl of a bitter wind that cut through my wool coat and blazer and swept under my blouse to frost my skin.
The portal crackled behind me, still active.
I scrambled up and ran toward the blue haze, but it winked out before I could reach it, leaving a free-standing stone arch in the snow-covered clearing.
“Shit!” I pressed my palm to the single crystal embedded into it. Nothing. “Fuck!” They hadn’t added me, and Viola had taken advantage of that. Had the attack been opportunistic, or had they known I wasn’t in the system and waited for a chance to ambush me?
It didn’t matter. They’d pay for this regardless. But first, I needed to get back to campus.
I couldn’t see the Academy from here. Just snow-covered land and trees in the distance. I rubbed my arms and stamped my feet to generate heat.
What crystal combination had Tristen pressed on the port? If I could remember, then I may be able to figure out where they’d sent me, which would help me work out which way to head. It was still early morning, and the sun was making its ascent. Rising in the east, so west would be?—
