by Valia Lind
"You will figure it out when the time comes." He walks back over to his side of the desk and takes a seat. "Maybe you are ready to write another spell for the academy?"
The question takes me completely by surprise because after all we've discussed, me writing another spell is not on top of the list of things we were going to do. Finding another way is the plan here, considering we have no idea what another story spell casting can do to the school and the students.
"I'm still doing research," I reply carefully, "It's important to get everything right, if it's going to work."
"I suppose you are right," Headmaster Marković leans back in his chair, linking his fingers together over his chest. "Well, I just wanted to check in and to say thank you. You have done a good job."
"Thank you, Headmaster Marković."
Just like that, I'm being dismissed. He motions to the door, before glancing down at the papers in front of him again and I stand immediately, ready to get out of the room. Absently, I wonder where the rest of the Elders are, or the staff that I expected to be present. Maybe I'm overthinking everything. It's not the first time, and it most certainly won't be the last. The room is leaving a bad taste in my mouth. I'm just ready to be back in my dorm.
With a quick look at the headmaster, I slip out the door.
11
When I step out of the headmaster's office, the feeling of unease doesn't leave. I should be so ecstatic about everyone being healed and my friends being awake again, but something just doesn't feel right. Before I can think too much of it, I hear arguing and my head snaps up at the sound. I'd know that voice anywhere.
"I'm doing what's right," Aiden says, his voice calm, but with a touch of power in it. He's every bit the alpha, as he towers over Natalie. The girl isn't small either, and she holds her own. After all, she's an alpha too. They're off to the side, but even at this distance, I can feel the frustration around them. A few students have stopped to watch, but they're steering at a wide berth.
Neither of them have seen me yet, as I'm mostly hidden by the archway separating the hallway from headmaster's waiting area. My heart beats faster as I study Aiden. There's still a little paleness to his skin, but the color is returning. He doesn't seem worse for the wear and I'm thankful. The sickness could've turned out completely different for everyone. But Aiden looks just how I'm used to seeing him. Tight dark shirt over his biceps, hair falling into his eyes in disarray, his body tense with anticipation.
"You're doing what you want," Natalie's words interrupt my gawking. Owen is leaning against the wall behind Aiden, but his eyes are trained on Natalie. He doesn't seem to be liking whatever she's saying.
"Nat, it's not fair to the pack, and you know it."
I try not to cringe at the nickname, at the familiarity between these two, but I'm only a teenage girl. The pang of jealously comes before I can stop it.
"You think this is better? You're not being rational."
"No, you're not being rational. You're acting on feelings and that's not how an alpha operates." The words are delivered with a punch, loud enough that even I hear every word.
"Oh and you're not," Natalie stares at Aiden for a long moment before she says something else that I can't hear. With the distance between us, I can't quite make out the look in Aiden's eyes, but he doesn't seem happy with her.
"You're going to regret this," she announces, before she spins on her high heels, and marches in the opposite direction. Immediately, I hug the wall in front of me, afraid that Aiden will look over and see me. There may be a small part of me that's ready to face him, but not the main part. I'm still confused by my own responses to him. It's irrational to think that he would've come to me the moment he woke up. He has responsibilities I can't even imagine. But the uncertainty I feel towards him hasn't diminished just because I've admitted to myself how I feel about him.
I don't have time to deal with my dumb feelings right now. With the sickness situation taken care of, at least for now, I have to focus on my dad. There has to be a way for me to find him and I'm going to put all of my energy into that. I know the headmaster said to keep working on story spell casting, but I'm not taking this school anywhere until I get my dad. I can't afford to spend that amount of magic right now. If that makes me selfish, then that's what I am. This is the safest place for everyone right now and until that changes, I have to shift my focus. I can't wait any longer.
Moving away from the wall, I peek around the corner but the shifters are gone. Breathing out a sigh of relief, I head for the stairs. Jade is probably already in the room, waiting for me. We haven't really had any proper time to catch up. I'm sure she has many questions.
As I make my way back to the room, I'm amazed by how different the academy feels. It seems that most people are still staying in their rooms, but there's a buzz of conversation behind close doors and it makes me smile. It was quiet, but I didn't realize how much more of a life this building gets with the students in it. I love this school, and I should appreciate it more often. And now I'm getting sappy because it's the best way to keep myself from falling into other kinds of feelings I shouldn't be thinking about right now.
"Maddie!" Jade exclaims, jumping off the bed and rushing to me. "I know I've already hugged you and you've probably been hugged a lot but I just wanted to say thank you. You saved us. I don't know how you did it, but you did. So thank you."
"That's the thing, Jade," I say, as Jade pulls away, "I don't know if I did."
"What do you mean?"
We walk over to my bed, climbing on top of the covers, as Jade grabs one of my pillows to hug to her chest. The motion is so Jade that it brings moisture to my eye. It's like we haven't skipped a beat, even though it was almost two weeks since she got sick.
"First, how are you? How are you feeling?" I ask instead, not because I want to steer the conversation, but because I'm genuinely curious.
She sighs, "I'm so tired! That's where everyone went. Well, besides Ben. I'm not sure where he went. But it's crazy that I'm this tired after sleeping for so long."
That answers that. Ben probably went to find Aiden. Just the though of the alpha sends my head spinning, I really need to focus.
"I think it's normal. I'm always tired after being sick."
"Makes sense," Jade shrugs, "the whole school is basically taking a nap right now. But I had to wait for you to come back. Now tell me what you mean!"
I smile at her insistence, because I missed this. I missed her. She's a little like Harper in that sense. Her energy is exciting and tiring at the same time.
"Honestly, Jade, I'm not sure," I begin, trying to figure out how I'm going to put these fears into words. "Something just feels off. When I was talking to the headmaster, he still didn't seem like himself. I can't put my finger on it, but," I take a deep breath and then dive in. I tell her as much as I can about what I've found out and about what I've done. She listens, only asking occasional questions, but I can tell she's bursting. When I finish, she sits quietly for a second, before she explodes.
"You and Aiden kissed? You think you have a soulmate connection? That's the craziest thing I've heard—“
"Jade—“
"And the truest. It seriously makes so much sense!" I was going to interrupt again, but her words stop me.
"Wait, what to do you mean?"
"Exactly what I said. You guys make so much sense I thought you'd both burst if something didn't happen soon. And then Natalie came along. Which now that I mention it, how is that going to work out? It doesn't matter, I mean--" she shakes her head but her words have extinguished the flame of hope that ignited.
"No, you're right. It won't work out. There's Natalie. He has a duty to her."
"From that argument you heard, maybe he's changing that contract."
Sliding off the bed, I get to my feet. The energy inside of me is a nervous mess. For this to be actually true would be my greatest desire. But if these last few months have taught me anything is that we don't always get what
we want. Sometimes that's okay and sometimes it'll break our hearts. Either way, it's not healthy for me to dwell on this. I have another item to check off my list.
"Listen, Jade, you're not going to like what I have to say next, but it's what needs to happen."
My friend perks up immediately, leaning forward. I do a mental checklist to see how many shifters reside on our floor, but I don't think anyone is close enough to overhear. Either way, I perch on the bed, lowering my voice.
"I'm leaving. In the next few days. My dad is out there and there's no one else that can go and find him. I had no idea on how I could, but then the headmaster mentioned something that has given me an idea."
"Maddie," Jade reaches over, placing her hand over mine, "I want to try and talk you out of it, but I know better. How can I help?"
Grinning, I squeeze her hand, as my heart feels lighter. A part of me was a bit nervous she would try to talk me out of it. I'm still not sure when I decided this is my next course of action, but maybe I did just now. After I saw that my friend is okay. Or maybe I'm just running. It doesn't matter. Now that I have an idea, I have to follow through with it.
"I have to get down to the—“ the dumb spell is still preventing me from telling anyone about the library, so I improvise. "books. And do some research to make sure my idea will hold up. After that, I'll let you know."
She nods, accepting this as is and this time, I'm the one who reaches out to hug her. She's the closest thing I have to a sister here. Nothing can replace Bri and Harper, but having someone beside you who has your back? That's something as special as magic.
Just then a knock sounds on the door and I jump up to answer. When I see Liam, my face splits with my grin and I throw myself at him. He catches me easily, lifting me from my feet. But then I feel it. An awareness that is acutely specific to one shifter. However, when I glance over Liam's shoulder, there's no one there. Even though I could've sworn someone was just a second ago.
Liam places me back on the floor and steps back.
"Not bad for day's work," he comments, looking into my room and I turn to see Jade give him a little wave. Which he returns.
"I think maybe you should come in," Jade says, getting up and walking to her side of the room. "Maddie here has much to tell you."
Then, she grabs some toiletries and heads for the bathroom.
"What does the mean by that?" Liam asks, and I sigh deeply. He's not going to like this.
12
“Are you out of your freaking mind?” He exclaims for the fifth or sixth time. Jade has returned from taking a shower and is now lying on her bed, enjoying the show. Liam is pacing, while I stay seated, giving him time to digest.
"No amount of shouting or logic will talk me out of it," I reply calmly, and he throws such a glare my way, it sends a shiver up my spine. He looks very fae right now, and very dangerous.
"Mads,"
"I can't just sit here, Liam. I've sat here for long enough. He might not even...he might not—“ I can't make myself finish that sentence, but I don't need to. Liam understands. He takes a step forward, reaching for me, but I don't need his pity.
"I'm doing this. You can help, or you can get out of my way. I had a bit of an epiphany at the pond. I'm done feeling sorry for myself and I'm definitely done being this weakling. I have to try, Liam."
"Okay, okay," the fae replies, throwing his hands up in the air. "Did you practice that speech?"
"No, but it's a good one, don't you think? I might have to use it again." I grab his arm, pulling him to sit beside me on the bed. "We'll have to find a way to sneak out without the queen finding out."
"Mads, you know everyone will know you're gone the moment you leave."
"Then we'll figure out a way that can buy us some time." I pause for a moment, a little afraid to ask, but needing to know. "Will you come with me?"
"Really, Mads. Do you even have to ask?" Liam bumps me with his shoulder and the simple gesture and the sincerity of his words makes me feel better instantly.
"Okay, then we plan. I'm going to see if I can find any clues and—“
"I'll do the same. And we'll go from there."
We share an understanding between us that's unlike anything I've known before. He's got my back as well, and I really am the luckiest person when it comes to friends. I don't appreciate them nearly enough.
"I have to go. But I'll be back first thing tomorrow morning," Liam says, before saying goodbye to Jade, and leaving.
"He's a good one." My friend comments, after the doors close and an announcement for the lockdown comes over the loudspeakers. I was hoping to sneak down to the library, but that will have to wait. Laying back on my bed, I stare at the ceiling.
"He's the best," I reply, because it's true. Jade makes a little noise and then I hear her pull the covers over her head. My lips curl up in a tiny smile, the dream of having her just a few feet away finally a reality. I allow my eyes to close, and an image of all the students come to mind. I still can't believe that the sickness is gone. Even though I have so many questions, I decide that for right now, I'm just going to trust it.
As my body begins to relax for the first time in days, an image of Aiden takes front and center. He's never too far from my thoughts. I'm not sure I'll ever be able to close my eyes and not think of him. He's a part of me, and somehow I'll have to deal with that.
Tomorrow, I make plans. Tomorrow, my reality shifts. Tomorrow, I'll think about him.
But for now, I sleep.
The next morning the school's energy is at its highest. The dining room is filled with students and staff, there's conversation all around us and people are laughing more than ever before. I sit at the table, surrounded by my friends, and for the first time in weeks, I feel like everything will actually be alright.
The feeling is fleeting, but my mind is still cataloguing everything into the memory banks, so that I can look back at this and have the hope in the darkness. Because when I leave this academy to search for my father, there will be nothing but darkness. The moment I go there, I know I can't keep sitting here and enjoying myself. With no classes, it'll be more difficult to sneak over to the library, so I need to do so now.
Scanning the students, I contemplate on how many may be missing. I know some are outside, others in their rooms. There must be others in the greenhouse. But I have to try now, before it becomes harder. Just then, my eyes land on the table by the windows and Natalie. She's already looking in my direction, eyes hard, and I do the only thing I can think of. I incline my head in her direction and smile. She doesn't like that, but she's also not about to jump across the tables and attack me. She wants to though, I can see that in the way she grows rigid in her seat. Owen leans over, saying something to her over her shoulders and she jerks her gaze from me. My eyes shift to the Owen and he gives me a quick smile, as Natalie turns back to the table. So maybe I shouldn't be antagonizing the female alpha, even with all the distance between us. He probably saved my butt just now and I return the smile in thanks.
I also realize that Aiden is not there. Neither is Ben for that matter. Half of the regular pack is missing from the table and I wonder if the headmaster and the Elders are keeping the grounds extra patrolled right now. It would makes sense. But a part of me, that part that I constantly try and ignore, is disappointed that he's not here. This is kind of my one opportunity to be in the same room as him before I leave. But I guess that's just my life right now. I should be thankful. In light of the big picture, it's probably better I don't see him at all.
It's time for me to go anyway. I lean over to Jade, giving her a little tap on her thigh, as we preplanned. Her official job is to cover for me with our friends, and the rest of the school. No one knows of my involvement in the academy's predicament, or the sickness, and it's best we keep it that way.
"Oh Maddie, is your meeting this morning or later?" Jade asks, completely natural in her deliverance. I'm slightly impressed, but I try to appear thoughtful.
"It'
s actually now. That's for the reminder."
Standing quickly, I apologize and say bye to my friends, before walking at a moderate pace toward the doors. No one seems to be paying any particular attention to me and that's what I need. Just before I slip out, I glance back to the shifter's table and find Owen's steady gaze on me. He doesn't do anything, but watch me, yet somehow I think he knows exactly where I'm going.
The hallways are mostly empty as I head toward the greenhouse. I probably should go and see the headmaster, but I kind of don't want to until it's absolutely necessary. I don't think he'll try and stop me, but I'm not taking any unnecessary risks. I have plenty risks to take as it is.
When I reach the hallway leading to the greenhouse, I find it empty. Honestly, I'm a little surprised, but it's my best case scenario, so I shouldn't look gift horse in the mouth. Stepping into the room filled with plants, I do a quick scan and am amazed by the fact that there's no one inside. I walk through the aisles, to still double check. When I finally make it to the corner of the greenhouse, I almost pat myself on the back for not waiting any longer. Then I freeze.
Aiden is leaning against the wall at the far corner, arms crossed over his strong chest, his eyes on me. Sighing, I berate myself for not knowing better. There is no way I could've avoided him forever, and of course he'd be the one to know where to find me. Although, that makes me pause.
"What are you doing here?" I ask, keeping my voice as neutral as possible. He pushes away from the wall, coming farther into the light, and I fight the urge to jump him right here and now.
"I knew you'd have to do research sooner or later."
His voice travels over my skin, igniting every part of me with just a few simple words. Even if I tried, I don't think I could take my eyes off him right now. He looks strong and comforting at the same time, like a safe haven I've been needing. Clenching my hands at my sides, I push past those thoughts and zero in on his words. Which is when it hits me.
