I sharpened my focus with every ounce of my ability but still couldn't make out what she was saying. It became apparent though, as her whispers slowed and the three of them looked up at me simultaneously, that they were talking about me.
Toxic insecurity soured my stomach, and I pulled away. Turning to the next stairwell, I bounded up to the third floor, already regretting my cowardice response.
But it was something about their stares. Like they were conspiring against me.
"Hey! Where've you been?" Piper bombed over to me from the washroom.
"Oh my god," I exhaled. "I'm so happy to see you right now. Where's Noah?"
"He's in the study. We're looking up ideas for the Fire Festival. We're gonna help you win the trials."
Her words washed over me like a warm blanket.
At least someone had my back.
"I have so much to tell you," I started as we rushed toward the study. "Everything's going wrong all at the same time. I'm kinda freaking out right now."
She studied me through her light orange lashes, and the cooling color of her gray eyes settled my hysteria.
"I'm sure it's nothing we can't handle," she said as she pushed open the massive mahogany doors to the study.
Light poured through the room from the west-facing balcony, illuminating the details of the intricately painted ceiling. Every wall was covered with rows and rows of ancient books, and a ladder on wheels remained at the ready to traverse toward the next selection.
Noah sat by the massive fireplace and looked up with eager eyes.
"Hey, I found something cool here." He tapped a page in the large book in front of him.
As soon as his eyes focused more specifically on me, he slammed the book shut.
"What the hell happened to you?" he blasted. "You look like you've seen a ghost."
His words jarred me.
At first, I was offended, like, what the hell? Do I look that bad?
But then I realized my entire being radiated fear and anxiety.
"Yeah, I feel like I've seen a ghost," I murmured, pulling up a chair next to him. "There's something strange going on."
I started at the beginning and told them everything—from Hattie's episode, to Clayton being helpful, and then to Laney's suspicious visit. The story seemed endless.
"Clayton helped you?" Noah stated.
I paused to catch my breath.
Was that all Noah heard?
"Well, yeah, sort of," I stumbled.
I realized quickly it was delicate territory.
We loathed The Big Three. They'd made more trouble for us over the years than could ever be imagined. And at the moment, it became very clear to me that Clayton irked Noah more than I realized. I'd never noticed such a visceral response from Noah before.
He looked down and rubbed his forehead.
"Noah, don't be mad," I begged. "I can't handle that right now. Clayton and I have to work together with the new recruits. It's not my choice by a long shot, but I can't get out of it. We have to be civil for Asher and Hattie's sakes."
"Mhm." He kept his eyes on the book in front of him.
I turned to Piper and lifted my hands in confusion.
She shrugged, baring her teeth like she had no clue what was going on.
A moment later, the bell tower awakened with the deep tones of the swinging bell vibrating throughout the grounds.
"Terrace?" Piper whispered. "I didn't know an academy meeting was planned for today."
I listened to the bell tolling and said, "There wasn't."
Noah tucked the large, leather-bound book away in a sea of other historical texts. He pushed it onto the shelf, flush with the other bindings as if helping it to remain inconspicuous. My curiosity rose as I studied the strange letters and symbols on the worn binding. I'd never noticed that particular spellbook before.
The bell continued to gong intermittently through the manor, shooting our nerves to full attention. Unscheduled terrace meetings always meant news. And rarely the good kind.
Piper pushed us through the massive study doors and with both arms, pulled them shut with a bang.
"We need to come back here after Terrace," she whispered. "There's something you need to see."
Just as the words left her mouth, we turned and smacked straight into The Big Three.
Josie stood with her hands on her hips, while Lauren and Clayton bookended her.
Clayton held his typical rigid posture, standing tall, studying me for any info about the unexpected Terrace meeting.
I shrugged my shoulders slightly, and he nodded.
Then his eyes moved to Noah's and remained fixed there. His lips pressed to the side in a half-smirk. As I turned to check Noah, my eyes narrowed in confusion as I caught him glaring at Clayton.
Josie's foot tapped with excessive energy as the bell continued to gong.
"Something of interest in the study?" she asked.
It didn't take psychic powers of perception to know that we were up to something. Our nervous energy bounced off the walls.
"Books," Piper stated. "Lots and lots of books." And with a flutter of her lids, she stepped past them toward the stairs. "Shan't be late for Terrace," she sang.
A smile pressed across my face as I followed her. Noah stayed two steps behind, and as he passed Clayton, I could swear he bumped shoulders with him.
Bounding down the stairs, we headed straight to the back of the house and flew outside. The wide terrace was already filled with students, some sitting on the stone-tiled decking, while others leaned against the ornate balustrade. The surrounding row of bulbous white columns, topped by a carved rail, cordoned us off within the confines of the terrace, offering a perfect meeting space.
We gathered at the backside overlooking the courtyard and leaned against the ornamental railing. Mid-afternoon shadows cast over us from the height of the manor, creating a serious atmosphere.
Surveying the students, I searched for Asher in the group of newbies, and thanks to his mop of copper hair, found him instantly. His deep brown eyes, like those of a loyal puppy, met mine, and he waved. Just as I was about to wave back, my eyes shot to the deep purple of Clayton's jacket and watched as he brought Hattie over to the group. He settled her in next to Asher, and she sat cross-legged with a gentle look of contentment.
Annoyance immediately ate at me, as I wondered if I should have been assisting as well.
Of course, he was her mentor, so it made sense that he was helping her, but still.
Either way, it looked like Nurse Greta had fixed her up, so that was a relief.
"Okay, quiet, please," Ms. Harrison started, waving her hands over the group to attempt to gain order. "Quiet." She raised her voice louder.
The esteemed teaching staff, standing on either side of the terrace steps, assisted her in quieting us with their hands.
Ms. Harrison then continued. "Students, please welcome Chancellor Kelly to our terrace gathering."
Voices fell silent as Chancellor Kelly stepped through the enormous floor-to-ceiling glass doors and took her place on the top step. Her unexpected visit commanded our full attention.
She wore a sharp black suit with a long, straight jacket, accentuating her tall, lean form. Her heavy medallion hung at her chest, commanding full respect and attention. She surveyed every face with precision as we waited for her to speak.
"Thank you for gathering under such short notice," she began. "I have news that must be shared to keep order within the house." She paused, scanning the group again. "It has been brought to my attention that Hazeldene House has come under close scrutiny from the town officials. There has always been history of contention around our educational philosophy by those who don't understand our practices, and once again, they are searching for an opportunity to shut us down."
Murmurs rose within the students as eyes widened.
I kept my undivided attention on Chancellor Kelly, waiting for the other shoe to drop.
"This is nothing new to
Hazeldene. We have faced powerful adversity before. Our ancestors suffered greatly from the closed minds of the majority. We must continue our resistance against their aggressive harassment, and celebrate our differences, staying strong to the truth of who we are."
Everyone nodded in agreement, prepared to defend Hazeldene with all they had, while I continued to hold my focus on her. Waiting.
"However," she added.
Okay, here it comes.
"I have sensed something new among us. Something unexpected." She moved her eyes across the student body. "At first, I thought it was typical of our growth and the new levels reached in your abilities. But it is more than that, students."
Ms. Harrison held her eyes on Chancellor Kelly without blinking. If I wasn't mistaken, I was sure she wasn't breathing either. She hung on her every word with tense anticipation that could shatter at any moment.
Chancellor Kelly glanced at Ms. Harrison with a nod, and then said, "I believe Housemaster Reed is attempting to make contact."
Gasps moved across the student body as Ms. Harrison's hands flew over her mouth.
Housemaster Reed was the third in the trifecta of the Higher Order. Chancellor Kelly and Ms. Harrison had been running Hazeldene without her for more than half a year since her disappearance.
The mention of her name shot my adrenaline pumping.
But, at the same time, the mention of her name reminded everyone of my tarnished reputation.
As if in slow motion, every head turned back, and the weight of a hundred eyes smothered me.
My lips pressed together as I closed my eyes against their stares.
I hadn't thought the day could have gotten any worse until that moment.
All I wanted to do was disappear in a puff of smoke.
But instead, all I could do was hope that one day my name would be cleared.
"Attention, students," Chancellor Kelly called out.
Every head shot back to her as she held her hands on her hips. Her eyes narrowed as if attempting to understand what she'd just witnessed. Maybe she hadn't realized the extent of the blame that I carried.
Housemaster Reed was one of my mentors, well, had been one of my mentors until she went missing.
Her empty chair at the head of the dining table was a daily reminder of her absence, making it impossible for anyone to forget.
The students, and probably most of the staff, held me responsible for her disappearance. Saying I'd gone rogue again and she'd had to bail me out. Only she never returned.
No matter how much the story had been grossly twisted and spun, creating me as the villain, it was my curse to bear.
"We must remain on high alert," Chancellor Kelly continued. "For while we attempt to reach Housemaster Reed, other forces are working against us at this volatile time. The town seeks to expose false misconduct within our institution, and I have reason to believe that sinister forces are working within their ranks to sabotage our existence." She pulled her long black coat around her as she stood taller. "We must unite against the forces that seek to challenge us, to ensure we see our way through this battle."
She spoke quietly to Ms. Harrison as if giving instructions.
"With the coming of the trials and the Fire Festival, we must focus our gifts toward this larger goal of preserving Hazeldene House and our coven rituals. Be prepared for more direction in the coming days."
With that, Chancellor Kelly returned through the tall glass doors into Hazeldene, flanked by the most esteemed faculty members; Prof Finneas, the ever-formal historian and keeper of the archives, and Hannah Luna, the resident herbology expert and devout hippie.
The rest of us were left on the terrace to process all that was said.
"Holy shit," Noah whispered.
Piper moved closer as if to shelter me from other students. "Do you think it could be true? If Ms. Reed returns, you'll be cleared of those bull-crap accusations." Her large round eyes bulged even bigger.
My heart grew hopeful for a moment, as I considered the possibility.
If Ms. Reed returned, everyone would know that the stories spread about me had been lies. It would allow me to breathe again.
But then my rational thinking took over, squashing my rising optimism. My reputation had been soured by a powerful source that no one dared question, and it would take more than the hope of Ms. Reed's return to clear it.
"Got any big ideas, Shaye?" Josie's voice shot across the terrace.
It was her moment to remind everyone of her fake stories.
"Maybe head back to the cursed woods and lure some more of us to our demise?" she spat.
My face burned with instant rage as my heart pounded in my chest.
She stopped at nothing, making certain to fuel any uncertainty within the group.
"Those are lies, and you know it, Josie," I spat. "Go ahead and keep spinning the truth to your own advantage. People will see through it, and the truth will come out."
My teeth clenched together as my hands balled into fists. Extreme heat generated within the pressure of my palms, causing me to wince. My breath caught short as I realized my fire power was about to take its own course of action.
With all eyes on us, I felt the pressure of the entire house, but it was only when my eyes caught Asher's that I really choked. I couldn't let him down. His belief in me from the start had been pure and profound, and now, the thought of losing that, before we even had a chance to really begin, devastated me.
"The truth will come out?" Josie repeated my words. "Yeah, the truth that you led Housemaster Reed straight to hell."
With every ounce of energy within me, I channeled my rage to my errant fire power. Squeezing my fists tight, I trapped whatever vengeful flames threatened to escape. Last thing I needed was for my fire element to rage out of control again.
"You don't even know what you're talking about," Noah blasted. "Why don't you just shut up for once, Josie."
She snickered with Lauren as Clayton stood with them, studying my response through his narrowed gaze. As my eyes met his, Josie reached her arm through Clayton's with a territorial smirk. She fluttered her lashes with a flip of her long fawn hair and pulled him away.
My shoulders sank in defeat.
I'd never redeem myself and was foolish to think for a moment that I could.
And as I fell toward my bottomless despair, Asher approached, pulling Hattie along behind him. His eager expression held bright curiosity, and if I hadn't been mistaken, awe.
He blinked his rich brown eyes at me as honesty and trust oozed from them.
"Did she say cursed forest?" he asked with wide, curious eyes.
I couldn't stop the smile that forced its way across my face.
Chapter 5
Asher's wide-eyed intrigue in the story of Ms. Reed's disappearance held full-blown curiosity and zero judgment. He hadn't fallen for any of Josie's blame-crap, and instead wanted to know what had really happened in the woods that day.
"Shaye, is it true?" he asked. "Is the forest really cursed?"
I thought about his question, wondering how to answer it. The curse was something that had been hushed over the years—something that caused guarded whispers among the Higher Order. But it ran through my veins, waking me at night, gnawing at my soul. I couldn't help myself from wanting to know more about it.
And that was the point where I got in over my head.
"Actually, yes, Asher." I decided to break the veil. "There's a curse that hovers over Hazeldene. It hides in the distant forest, festering. Its full power is trapped somehow, suppressed by an unknown force, but it still infiltrates everything we do here."
His eyes widened like I was telling a ghost story. Hattie fidgeted, keeping her eyes averted as if trying not to hear too much.
"The Higher Order try to keep it concealed, but I feel it still growing, like its awakening."
Noah and Piper moved in closer. They hung on every word, searching for details they may have missed in prior tellings.
As our small group huddled tighter, I continued the story.
"Before I went to the forest that day, the day Ms. Reed disappeared," I started. "I'd spent weeks tortured by voices calling to me, searching through a great void. I was sure the voices were screaming my name. Over and over. Every part of me knew there was a connection to my origin—the time of my life before Hazeldene, the one I had no memory of. I just had to explore it."
Asher pulled in closer, staring as my story unfolded.
"So you followed the voices?" he said.
"Yes," I nodded. "But not without discussing it first with my mentor. I told Ms. Reed everything, and she believed every word. At first, I was surprised she didn't think I was crazy, but then she revealed her truth. She had been hearing the voices too and knew something was beginning. Without hesitation, she agreed to go with me."
Hattie glanced up through her shield of messy black hair, and I caught sight of her curious blue eyes. As much as she acted aloof, she was listening intently.
"We ventured to the deep forest, to a place called Hell's Gates. It had been deemed off-limits, but with Ms. Reed with me, I felt it was okay to explore it."
Asher's breath sucked in as the gold flecks in his brown eyes twinkled.
I continued. "As we got closer to the source, the voices grew louder, shouting my name, and I ran toward the cries. Every part of me wanted to know the truth, to understand what had happened to me." Tears sprang to my eyes as I recalled the flood of emotions that crushed me that day. "As I chased the dream, I was torn apart by the promise of family, the love of parents, and then nothing. Their calls blurred into the wind as every emotion became jumbled by the roar of a coming storm."
"And what happened?" Asher pressed.
"In the chaos of the violent gusts, Ms. Reed made a final attempt at contact." I closed my eyes, remembering the moment that I'd tried so hard to forget. "She chanted into the whirling mist with a steady drone that sent strong vibrations through the chaos. And as if the universe responded, it sent a huge shudder of energy that knocked me down. The burst of light blinded me for a moment, and as I cleared my vision, terror shot through me. Ms. Reed was gone."
Mystic Coven: Fire Festival (Supernatural Academy Graduates Book 1) Page 5
