by Nissa Leder
“Ew.”
Kaz shrugs with a chuckle. “So, what do you say? Want to help keep me distracted? I know the perfect place we can take our food.”
“As long as there’s no more talk of my brother’s love life.”
“Deal.”
After Kaz grabs himself food to bring, we walk down the hallway.
“Where are we going?” I ask.
“Aren’t you the impatient one?” He glances at me with a grin.
When we get to the end of the hallway, we climb up four flights of stairs to the fifth floor.
Kaz pauses in front of a door with a solar system etched into its wood. He closes his eyes and a skeleton key appears in his empty hand.
“The third key,” I say, the excitement in me growing. “I was starting to think you’d never follow through and show me where it leads.”
He sticks the key into the lock and waits for the click then opens the door.
We step into a dome-shaped room with glass walls that showcase a view of the area behind the academy and the stars all above. A huge U-shaped sectional and ottoman sit in the middle of the room and a row of telescopes line the far side.
“This is…amazing.” I stare up into the night sky.
“I saved the best for last,” Kaz says. “There’s a larger observatory on the other side of the Wicklow for all the students, but this one is just for those of us with the key to get inside.”
“The view is ridiculous.”
Snow blankets the large area behind the academy. Past that, the thick forest spreads as far as I can see, white powder coating the leaves like a picturesque wonderland.
We get comfortable on the sectional and dig into our food.
After a few bites, Kaz says, “Tenebri.” The light reflecting off of the bright snow disappears as a wave of darkness floats over the ground like a thick fog. The only thing in view now is the twinkling night sky above, more spectacular than I’ve ever seen before.
Stars I never knew existed now appear, and the once solid-color sky now holds different tones of blue.
I enjoy my lasagna as I take in the beauty above me.
When we finish our food, we lie onto the sectional in opposite directions with our heads barely touching.
“Even after being here for more than three months, it still feels surreal sometimes,” I say. “But the more I use my magic, the more devastating the idea of not having it becomes.” I think of Lexi and how distraught she was. If I can’t be in the top half of the class at the end of the year, then I don’t know what I’ll do. “I’ve never excelled at anything, really. Magic is the only thing I’ve ever felt good at. It’s the first thing I’ve ever feared losing.”
“I get it. I grew up figuring I’d settle for taking over my dad’s vineyard, even though nothing about it excited me. Then I came to Wicklow and learned about the magical world, and I don’t think I could ever go back to life as an Ordinary.”
“I won’t have a choice if I fail out of the trial.” My bent legs fall to one side.
“I have faith that you’ll pass. But even if you don’t, your grandpa is the President. Surely if there’s a way to take magic from you, there’s a way to someday get it back.”
“I wish I was as confident in myself.”
Since learning about my family’s legacy—from my heroic parents to my famous grandfather—it’s only created a weighted cloud above my head, ready to drop at the first sign of failure. But I’ve never really considered the benefits that come along with it.
Would I be willing to use my family name if it meant keeping magic?
“So, becoming a Protector is your dream now?” I ask.
“Yes. I’d like to be able to use magic for good. I know my dad hates the idea because of what happened to my mom, but in a weird way, it makes me feel closer to her than ever.”
As annoyed as I can get at my parents, I rarely stop and appreciate that I still have them both in my life. “I’m sure he’s just scared of losing you, too.”
Kaz spins onto his stomach. “That’s the ironic thing, though. Ever since I decided to come to Wicklow, he’s pushed me away. Sometimes it feels like by choosing to allow magic into my life, I’ve lost him like I lost my mom.”
“I’m sure with time he’ll come around. You’ll pass Wicklow, get some important job as a Protector, and he’ll regret missing all of this time.” I sit up and turn toward Kaz.
“I hope you’re right.”
“And I hope you’re right about me not failing out of Wicklow my first year.”
“I don’t know about you, but all this emotional talk has me craving some dessert.” Kaz props his chin onto his palm and smiles.
“I mean, I wouldn’t say no to some cheesecake.”
Kaz stands up and reaches out his hand. “I think we better see what treats are there for us to eat in the secret snack room.”
I take his hand and let him pull me up. “It would be criminal not to check it out.”
Kaz’s skin touching mine sends the familiar wave of butterflies through my stomach. But as much as I’m curious how we might be as a couple, I’ve realized that Beck wasn’t wrong.
Having someone like Kaz as my friend is more than I could have hoped for. So, I’ll be careful not to cross any lines that could ruin it.
After spending the rest of the evening with Kaz and then watching a romantic comedy with Olivia in our room—something she wants to do more and more the longer Micah and Tammy have been dating—I let myself sleep in on Saturday.
By the time I wake up at ten, I have to rush to the cafeteria to grab a quick bite to eat then head straight to the gym, which Elaine reserved for our group practice. In less than a week—six days to be exact—is our end of the semester exam.
Every group will be timed while completing the same five challenges. The fastest group will earn the top spot at the end of the year against the slowest team, in a direct battle. We haven’t been told much about the final exam, only that how fast you complete this one directly affects your chances of finishing in the top half of the class and not only keeping your magic, but doubling it.
When all of our group is there, Elaine huddles us all together. “I know that I started out a little crazy when we were first grouped together, but I’ve seen how hard everyone has been working.” She glances at Garrett, whose earned the award for most improved by far. “And I have full faith that we’re going to kick ass later this week.” Now she looks at me.
Ever since I hexed Bianca, Elaine’s been nicer to me than she’s been since our friendship fell apart in ninth grade. Actually, she’s seemed happier than I’ve ever seen her, despite all the stress we’ve been under in our classes as the exam draws nearer.
“Unless any of you object, I think this should be our last practice,” Elaine says.
Natalia and Van both stare at each other, surprised. Garrett nods. And I say, “I figured you’d want us to practice every day.”
Seriously, what has gotten into her?
“Classes are going to be intense this week, and I don’t want us to over do it.” She folds her hands in front of her stomach. “But let’s make the most of today.”
We split into two groups to practice our dueling skills. Elaine and I, the strongest of the five, spar against each other.
She makes the first move, creating a wave of water and sending it toward my feet.
I jump to avoid the attack. Before landing, I guide the water around me. When my shoes are back on the ground, I swirl the water into a small hurricane that I shoot back toward Elaine.
She creates a wall of air that the hurricane bounces off of, ricocheting back at me.
I reshape the hurricane into a puddle then the water disappears.
When I look back at Elaine, her arm is extended with her palm facing me—a sign of an immobilizing spell.
I dive to the right, avoiding the spell.
My shoulder hits the ground hard. I wince as I use my other arm to push myself back to my feet.
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We spend the next five minutes, fending off each other’s attacks, until finally, we call it a draw.
“You’re not too bad,” I tell Elaine, as we head over to see how the others are doing.
“Right back at ya.”
Garrett has three holes in his pants, and Van’s hair is aimed toward the ceiling, most likely after being electrocuted.
Natalia looks bored. “The boys couldn’t handle my awesomeness.” She winks at Van. They seem stronger than ever as a couple, which is a huge relief. It’s still a long way until the end of the year, but right now our biggest concern is making it through the upcoming semester exam.
We switch gears now and study notes from our Magical History class and then Potions and Herbs. Elaine pulls out two huge piles of index cards. We sit around in a circle and pass the cards around and quiz each other. After an hour of rapid Q&A, we call it a day.
“We’ve got this,” Elaine says.
“We’re gonna head to dinner early before the rush, if anyone wants to join.” Natalia takes Van’s hand.
“I’m starving,” Garrett says in his usual quiet voice.
“Elaine and Wren?”
“I’m down,” I say.
“Sure.” Elaine finishes stacking the notecards and sticks them into her bag.
When we get to the dining hall, we all load our plates with tacos and chips and salsa then sit down.
“Does anyone think that Professor Van Dale and Thornburn are dating?” Natalia asks as she scoops salsa onto a chip.
“What?” Elaine laughs.
“A few weeks ago, Professor Van Dale started having fresh flowers on her desk every day,” Natalia says. “And Thornburn has been much less determined to make us puke in Combat lately.”
“Now that you mention it, I saw Professor Van Dale leaving the gym before Combat last week,” I say. “I didn’t think much of it, but it makes sense.”
“Love is the surest way to turn someone as prickly as Thornburn into a puppy.” Natalia gives Van a flirty smirk.
“I wouldn’t consider him a puppy.” Elaine picks up a chip and breaks it into two. “And not everyone loses themself when they date someone.”
“I don’t know, love has a way of softening even the hardest of souls.” Natalia leans her head on Van’s shoulder.
As they stare at each other, the rest of us go quiet.
“I’m getting dessert.” I hop up to avoid the awkwardness that has suddenly swept over the table.
I’m happy for Natalia and Van—and if what Natalia says is true, Thornburn and Professor Van Dale, too—but all the talk of love has me suddenly in my own head.
I’ve never been in love, and sometimes I wonder if I ever will be. The idea of being fully committed to one person long enough to love them sounds impossible.
“Can’t decide?” someone asks me as I stare at the dessert table.
“Um…” I pull myself from my thoughts and notice Sebastian standing right next to me. “There are a lot of options.”
“Wicklow never disappoints when it comes to food. Especially dessert.” He scoops himself up a piece of pie and two Christmas tree-shaped cookies.
“I’m surprised you don’t have food delivered straight to your room. Surely some of your groupies would love the chance to earn their way into the Mystics.”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about. The Mystics are a secret society.” He takes a bite of a cookie.
“The secretest of secrets,” I joke.
Sebastian swallows the food in his mouth. “What do you say about a date?”
The sudden change of subject takes me off guard. “It’s going to be a busy week this week. Preparing for the magic trial exam and all.”
“What better reason than to have some fun to take your mind off of the pressure? Spend the afternoon with me tomorrow, and I’ll have you back to your room at a decent time for a good night’s sleep.”
Maybe it was all the talk of love, or maybe because I’ve felt guilty since learning from Dean Waters that there’s a lot I don’t know about Sebastian, but what will a few hours hurt? “Okay, fine. One date.”
“I’ll pick you up at your room tomorrow at one.”
“See you then.”
Eighteen
I spend the rest of the afternoon wavering on canceling the date or going through with it.
I’d be lying to myself if I pretended Sebastian doesn’t intrigue me. At first, our casual banter was nothing more than sporadic entertainment. His interest in me was flattering, but I pegged him as the kind of guy determined to get a girl to like him before becoming quickly bored and moving onto something else as soon as his interest wanes.
Which, truthfully, might be the case. But his perseverance has worn me down, and Dean Waters’ revelation that he’s been through a lot has me both curious and regretting judging him so harshly at the beginning.
With the end of semester exam five days away, my anxiety is on high alert. Brief moments of confidence flicker in a sea of doubt as questions plague me. Why did I agree to participate? What if I completely suck and let not only myself down, but my entire group? What if somehow I do well on this exam but tank at the end of the year?
Clearly, a few hours of distraction is exactly what I need.
So, ten minutes before Sebastian is supposed to pick me up in my room, I make my final decision to go through with the date, leaving me rushing to find something to wear.
With no idea what’s on the agenda, I pull on a pair of skinny jeans, slip on a Wicklow t-shirt I bought in the school store last week, and put on some boots. I leave my curly hair down, but I stick a scrunchie around my wrist in case I want to tie it up later.
A few minutes later, Sebastian shows up in an equally casual outfit with a coat in his hand, and my nerves calm. But only a little. Despite his laid-back attire, he’s as handsome and confident as ever. I’ve never noticed how long his eyelashes are until now, making his eyes stand out with a piercing effect.
“You ready?” he asks with a smile.
“Where are we going?” I swallow my nervousness the best I can.
Why I am so anxious? I went on plenty of dates in high school and never let them worry me like this. Maybe it’s because I’m out of the dating practice. Since coming to Wicklow over three months ago, my one and only date with Kaz ended up going nowhere, and until Sebastian, I haven’t been asked out.
Although being single and focused on school for so long is a major change from the high school Wren, it’s been nice.
“Guess you’ll just have to wait a little bit longer to see for yourself,” Sebastian says. “But you’re going to want to bring a jacket.”
I grab a coat and my cell phone, which I stick in my back pocket, then we leave my room.
“I don’t even get a small hint?” I ask as we walk side-by-side through the hallway.
“We’re taking a little field trip.”
“Away from Wicklow?” The only time I’ve left the academy was when I went to lunch in Coast Harbor.
“Just a little bit.” Sebastian reaches down and takes my hand into his. “A little mini-adventure.”
My fingers curl around his.
It’s a small gesture, but my heartbeat flaps harder.
I’ve missed feeling like this. The warmth of a gentle touch. The curiosity of getting to know someone better. The tingle of a first kiss.
Although technically, Sebastian and I have already kissed. But it was a ruse, not a real first kiss, even if it was amazing.
As we walk down the stairway to the main floor, we pass a couple of other freshmen girls, who both notice our locked hands.
When we make it to the bottom, Sebastian says, “Let the rumors begin.”
“Is that the point of this date?” I turn and glance at him playfully. “You plan to seduce the President’s granddaughter in front of everyone to have even more people envy you?”
He squeezes my hand. “I’m not sure which part of the question to comment on
first. The fact that you think everyone envies me, or that you think you’re so special that dating you is something to be jealous about.”
I didn’t really think about how it could make me look conceited. “Everyone is obsessed with getting your approval for that silly secret society, so if they don’t envy you, they at least want your attention. And well, people can be fickle. Dating me isn’t the prize. It’s connecting with Lucas.”
“Lucas, huh? You’re on a first name basis with your grandpa?”
“I’d never spoken to him until I came here, so suddenly thinking of him as the grandfather of the year is too much. Calling him Mr. President seemed too weird since, technically, he’s blood. So I went with Lucas, which come to find out, is what my dad called him and he always hated it.”
“So, naturally, that made it even more perfect.”
“Naturally.”
Sebastian leads us out Wicklow’s back door to the field where the bonfire was held. The once grassy area is now a perfect sheet of snow, like icing on an untouched cake.
“We’re walking through that?” I suddenly regret my choice of footwear. My boots are cute, but not something to trudge through snow in.
“Walking on it, to be exact.”
When we walk down the stairs and step into the snow, our feet don’t sink. Instead, we move on top of the snow as if it were ice.
I consider asking how this is possible, but I already know the answer: magic. Although sometimes Wicklow seems like an Ordinary school, it’s enchanted with spells everywhere.
As we cross the sea of snow, I spell my jacket with the incantation Olivia used before the bonfire and slip it on. Sebastian does the same. But as soon as we’re both in our coats, our hands lock again.
When we make it to the edge of the open field, I slow. “Are we going into the forest?”
I remember the howl I heard when Kaz and I were sitting out here alone during the bonfire.
“Just a little way.”
“Is it… safe?”
Sebastian stops a step ahead and turns back to me. “Wren Jacobsen, are you scared? I never thought you were someone opposed to a little adventure.”
I take my free hand and stick it on my waist. “I was just asking.” Totally a lie. A part of me is afraid. Why, I’m not sure. I’ve always enjoyed a little adrenaline rush.
