Enchanter Tristisim frowned inthought.
Enchantress Primrose cleared her throat. “Though her magic may bedangerous, I don’t believe Angelique herself would willingly reject the oath of a magic user and harmanyone.”
Angelique wanted to laugh.What happened to not labeling my magic?Though I cannot blame her. I’m only good for destruction and devastation. My instructors taught me thatmuch.
Vaguely, she wondered if crying would help, but it was not likely. She was too…stately(to put it kindly) with her tall height, dark hair, and unforgiving silver eyes. (She’d heard her teachers describe her in whispers as appearing lethal, which, of course, didwondersto herconfidence.)
Enchantress Felicienne did not look convinced, but Enchantress Galendra—who had been silent until now—cleared her throat. “That is certainly a kinder way to phrase it: it is not Angelique who is harmful, but hermagic.”
Her words sounded gentle, but Angelique flinched all the same. Her magic—however unwanted it was—was still part of her. Every accusation of her magic being dark was a reflection onher.
“Her magic has nothing to do with her rejection of instruction,” Enchanter Tristisim said. “As both of you—Galendra and Primrose—are forced to admit, her magic is lethal and potentiallyhazardous.”
“Or have you forgottenouroath to protect the people of the continent from magic?” Enchantress Felicienneasked.
Enchantress Primrose paused tellingly, and the unseen audience murmured oncemore.
It’s over.Angelique could feel it in her bones.The Veneno Conclave’s first priority is to guard the people and keep them from harm. They can’t risk leaving a monster like me unleashed. And I don’t know that I disagree withthem.
Her shoulders slumped, and Angelique stared down at her hands, flexing them as hot tears of frustration pooled in hereyes.
Her blasted magic stirred at the emotion. Angelique clenched a hand, strangling the bit until it snuffed out like acandle.
Enchanter Crest drummed his fingers on his desk as Enchanter Tristisim scratched his thick graybeard.
“I make a motion to seal Angelique, containing her magic for her lifetime,” Enchanter Tristisimsaid.
Enchanter Crest sighed. “I’m sorry, Angelique. I don’t see how we can allow you to keep your magic. If there was someone who could teach you—who could assure us of your safety and those around you as you grew into yourpowers.”
“Indeed,” Enchantress Primrose appeared to wipe a tear from her eye. “But there are few equipped to handle one with your strength and…” She didn’t have to finish. Angelique knew no one wanted to take her on as an apprentice, to train her in the ways of enchanters andenchantresses.
It was a heavy commitment—and not just because the average apprenticeship for enchanters and enchantresses lasted anywhere from ten to twenty years depending on the student. It was also because whatever damage she wrought in the future, her master would share the blame. And no one was willing to risk their career for someone likeher.
“I am sorry, my dear,” Enchantress Primrose continued. “I would train you myself if I could, but Council Members are forbidden from taking onapprentices.”
Enchantress Felicienne folded her hands and placed them on the desk. “You are too kind, Primrose. I second Enchanter Tristisim’s motion to seal the student. Call avote.”
Enchantress Primrose stood to record the vote, when a deep and melodic voice shattered the stuffysilence.
“Wait.”
Chapter 2
The shiftingof chairs and buzz of gossip thickened in the area where Angelique thought the audience was seated. She squinted, trying vainly to see through the light as the quiet tap of footsteps filled HallowedHall.
I didn’t recognize that voice…but who would speak up for me if not MasterGladio—
Angelique’s jaw dropped when her potential supporter effortlessly hopped over the wooden railing of the platform, joining her and her twoinstructors.
Though she had never met him before, she recognized him on sight. It was a Lord Enchanter who had stopped the proceeding, the famous Lord Enchanter Evariste of the Fire Gates, to beprecise.
That explains the shock.Angelique stared dumbly at the Lord Enchanter as he joined her by therailing.
He winked at her, then raised his gaze to the Council. “I’ll take Angelique on as myapprentice.”
Enchantress Primrose gaped at him. “Pardon?” shesqueaked.
“Both you and Enchanter Crest said you would consider leaving Angelique unsealed if a suitable enchanter could train her,” Enchanter Evariste said. “I’m willing to take her on, and with my magic, I am more than capable of handling her training. Even if there arehiccups.”
