I haven’t been able to work out if that’s illusion magic or alterationmagic.
Angelique turned her attention to Pest—who was gaping at the butlers that carried the trunks through the open gates. She stepped closer to him, intending to announce she would see him to his rooms while Evariste dropped off the spell, when she caught sight of the teachers waiting for Pest in the frontcourtyard.
It was custom for several teachers to greet new students, and Luxi-Domus had made no exception for Pest. Angelique recognized a craftmage, a non-magic-possessing instructor who taught continental history and culture, and…MadameQuarrellous.
Angeliquefroze.
She hadn’t seen the instructor since she had come for the in-person report conducted in her first year of apprenticeship.And I have no desire to changethat.
Angelique looked to Evariste, unable to speak the question that hovered on her lips.What do Ido?
Evariste, his expression icy, stared at Quarrellous as he maneuvered himself so he stood between Angelique and the school, hiding her fromsight.
He cupped a hand around her elbow and slowly slid his fingers down her forearm until he placed his palm against hers andsqueezed.
Normally such a gesture would make Angelique want to take a branch to his head, but for once she was grateful for his warmth andsupport.
It was also a clear answer—she was going with him and not to theschool.
Evariste broke her reverie by addressing Pest. “I wish you luck, young man.” He placed a gentle hand on top of Pest’s head in a fond pat. “You have plenty of talent. If you apply yourself, you will gofar.”
“Try to graduate quickly,” Angelique advised as she glanced at the courtyard. “It’s much more fun when you get to play with your magic.” She grabbed Pest, reeling him in for ahug.
Pest leaned back to avoid her grasp. “Wait, aren’t you two coming inside withme?”
Angelique flattened her lips and looked down until Lord Enchanter Evariste rested a hand on her shoulder. “No,” he said with a sorry smile. “Sadly, we must depart immediately. I have a spell to drop off, and then we will leave the Conclave fortress tonight. But the school is aware of your arrival; there is a guide waiting for you past the gates. They have already received all the necessarypaperwork.”
“Oh,” Pest said in a smallvoice.
Angelique grabbed him, this time succeeding in embracing him. “You will do well. More than well, in fact—you will thrive,” she said impulsively. Feeling a little awkward, she added, “I know you will enjoy learning about magic, just as Iknowyou will not do anything to tarnish Master Evariste’s name,” she said, her voice holding awarning.
“Angel,” Evariste thankfullylaughed.
“You could at least see me situated,” Pest said in a voice that nearly broke Angelique’sheart.
She was tempted to storm the school, but even if Quarrellous hadn’t been there…Luxi-Domus is not a place I am reallywelcomed.
“I can’t,” Angelique tightly said. “But I will write. I promise.” She squeezed Pest tight before releasing him and backingaway.
Pest rubbed his face, then squared his shoulders and looked to the school. “Hey,Angel.”
Angelique felt a quirk of a smile settle on her lips. “That’sAngelique, andwhat?”
Pest looked over his shoulder and grinned. “I think I know what I’m going to call myself.” He took a few steps towards thegates.
“Oh?What?”
“Stil! No turbulence, but strength in the mind and heart!” Pest—now Stil—said. He pumped a fist over his head and ran to the school grounds, nearly colliding with the craftmageteacher.
Angelique watched with a fondsmile.
Evariste draped an arm over her shoulders. “He’ll be fine. He’s bright, and he has magic that will be in high demand. He really willthrive.”
Angelique nodded. “You’re right, of course.” She watched him brightly greet the other teachers. “It’s just it was so different…”for me. She trailed off before she could finish, ofcourse.
But even though she hadn’t finished, Evariste must have known what she meant, for henodded.
They watched another minute as the instructors led Pest inside the school. Just before Angelique started to ease herself out from underneath Evariste’s arm, he pensively stared at theschool.
