But the four new students looked worried, including Sera. As humans, they were taught early when you bled, it was usually associated with pain.
I hopped down from the stage and came to stand in the center of the room. “Delilah, please step forward.” She was small in stature, probably under five feet. Snow and I found her a few weeks ago, hiding under a bridge in Rock Springs, Wyoming. Her knees quaked as she came forward. She was a vampire, which automatically meant she belonged in the vampire house, but when it came to studies, it was good to verify. Since the originals were created with all seven magics, their own magic included, that meant a vampire usually had one magic that was stronger than the others, but sometimes more than one could shine through. “It’s going to be fine. I promise.”
She nodded, but I could tell she didn’t believe me. Not that I blamed her. Trust was earned and we didn’t know each other very well.
“Hold out your hand, palm facing up.”
She swallowed, so loud I heard it, but she did as I said.
I reached into the pocket of my cobalt maxi dress and took out the obsidian orb. It was a curious object pulsating with magical properties. For all I knew, Abernathy created it, but when I pressed him for answers, he wouldn’t give them. Typical dragon, didn’t like sharing. “See this?”
“Uh-huh,” Delilah said, and her voice trembled.
“All that will happen is the orb will leave my hand and move to hover above yours. Please don’t move, and the magic within can get a handle on yours.”
She looked at me and blinked. “I will hold still, Miss Croswell,” she finally said.
I spoke the words to the spell quietly to the orb before releasing it. The orb floated from me and stopped when it drifted over to Delilah. She flinched at its nearness but didn’t move. After several seconds, a small trail of blood came out of Delilah’s palm, passing through the orb, where it lingered a few moments as though tasting her blood. When it finished, the black orb changed to silver.
“Delilah’s strongest power comes from the vampires,” I said, smiling happily. As I spoke, it changed to green. “And your secondary power comes from fairies.” Fairy magic had to do with emotions, and those who were influenced by fairy magic were especially kind and good.
Those with similar magics hooted and clapped.
“Did it hurt?” I asked quietly, studying her liquid brown eyes.
“Not at all,” she replied, her features no longer scared, but relieved. “Thank you.”
“Very good. You may go sit down with the other vampires.” I took the orb and waited until she sat. “Robbie, please come up,” I said.
Robbie was less nervous since the process obviously didn’t hurt Delilah. Once the orb tasted his blood, it was discovered his power came from elves. Another great magic.
Sook-Yin followed the boy. She was a small Asian-American girl with bright caramel eyes and straight black hair that rested at her chin. The orb revealed her power came from the elves as well. It didn’t surprise me. For all their talk of keeping their bloodlines pure, there sure were a lot of humans with elven magic.
Finally, it was Sera’s turn. “Don’t you already know where my magic comes from?” she asked, more nervous than the others.
“I believe so, but we will see.” I whispered the spell and watched the orb do its thing.
Her blood changed the orb to brown, which meant her strongest magic came from trolls, just as I suspected.
“Sera’s magic comes from the trolls,” I said knowingly, but stopped because the orb turned gold. Her secondary magic came from dragons. “And apparently, there is dragon magic in your blood as well …” The orb changed to another color and I let my words die off, glancing back at Snow. The students cheered, excited she had dragon magic. As they did, the orb changed color again. This time to Indigo. Unicorn magic. A first. No other student had unicorn blood.
Snow was shocked as were the other teachers, I could tell, but they worked to keep their faces serene. I looked at Sera. “Very good. You may be seated.”
“What did the final color represent?” she asked, her eyes filled with intensity.
“Unicorn,” I said, biting the inside of my cheek to keep from saying more.
“Oooh. Thanks.” Sera gave me a puzzled expression before heading back to her chair.
I returned to my seat, still in shock. She was the first supernatural I knew of who possessed three magics.
Coco stood. “The original seven may be gone, but their magic lives on in us! At the Seven Magics Academy, we will teach you what it means to eat, sleep, and breathe your magic. Whether you have the heart of a fairy or the soul of a dragon; whether you have the speed of a vampire or the strength of a troll; whether you have the sight of an elf or the ability to transform as the locanis, you belong here, and we are honored to have you with us.”
The room exploded with cheering and clapping. I understood why. The academy was a place where most of these kids would finally feel accepted.
Ms. Redding said a few more words to the student body, telling them about the rules as well as how the year would go. While she talked, I mulled over what just happened with Sera. Could Abernathy’s orb be on the fritz? It was highly unlikely.
Coco finished, excusing the students from the ballroom, telling them to meet in their homeroom classes in an hour. From there, the kids would be given a schedule suited to their particular magic and that would be their tract for the time they remained at the school.
When the kids were all out, Snow excused the worker vampires as well, leaving just the fifteen of us.
“Did I see that right?” Snow asked, her gaze meeting mine. “She has dragon and unicorn magic as well as troll?”
Kenmei spoke. “It isn’t as unusual as one might think.” He clasped his hands together lightly. “It just means she’s able to conduct all three magics more completely than most. Many humans haven’t or aren’t willing to open their chakras. As you know, there are seven of them on the body and each correlates to a degree with the seven magics. Sera is probably more self-aware than most, which allows her more access to the magics within.
“But unicorn magic?” I asked, flabbergasted.
Kenmei and Snow shared a look before Snow spoke. “At the moment, that isn’t important.” She turned to Sierra. “It looks like you have a student who might be gifted in the ability of healing. That’s exciting,” she said.
Sierra wasn’t as thrilled as I thought she should be. “Very good, my queen. I look forward to instructing her.”
Chapter 8
For the next forty-five minutes, we prepared the schedules for the new students as well as adjusted some of the upper level kids’ classes.
It would be a great year, I decided, making my way over to my homeroom class. As I went, memories of my dream of the man as well as my visit with Quilla kept me distracted. My so-called fairy godmother seemed almost too crazy to be real.
At the door to my class, I put all of that aside. Taking a deep breath, I plastered a smile on my face and went in, walking past the desks and to the front of the class. Students talked excitedly and I soaked in their enthusiasm.
We were on the second floor. Our first year using the castle as the academy, I spruced up each room according to my mood. In this room I turned the walls into magical movie screens. On them, moments in supernatural history played out. The one now was Titan’s Battle—a war between the elves and the trolls over a mountain used to study, experiment on, and explore supernatural creatures.
On the back wall played the scene where a black unicorn known as Envy died. The original, Silindra, kneeled beside her. I knew the story because Snow told me. I wanted the students to feel like they were a part of history, allowing them to see first-hand that magic wasn’t all it was cracked up to be. It was also dangerous and deadly.
“Ovangery,” I whispered, and the moments froze, becoming like murals instead.
A few students whined but faced me. “Good morning,” I said, giving them
my brightest smile.
Some moved to their seats.
“Welcome to a new year at the Seven Magics Academy,” I said by way of introduction. “If you haven’t already, please find a place to sit.” I went over to the large wooden desk at the front of the class and picked up a piece of chalk with the flick of my wrist. It floated next to the board, waiting for me to tell it what to do.
The trailing students quickly obeyed. Their focus trained on me. Except for Sera. She and one of the other students, Heather, were in a heated conversation.
I cleared my throat and Sera stopped talking, an almost cruel smile on her lips. Heather’s hands trembled. Whatever went on between them, I would figure it out after class. Heather was a bright student who always looked out for the underdog, which made me wonder what happened to upset her so much. “Throughout the year, you will learn how to use your magic. The other teachers and I will do more than just teach, we will guide you so by the time you leave the academy, you will know how to better handle the supernatural parts of yourself. You’ll be able to do magic and be a thriving member of wherever you decide to live. By raise of hands, who knows how to use their magic?”
Several students sent their hands into the air, including Sera. Interesting. She only found out magic existed by accident. “Sera, you know how to use your magic?” I arched one brow.
“You know I do.” She crossed her arms, leaning back in her chair.
I shook my head. “I know you have magic, but I haven’t seen you use it.”
Sera looked confused. “But that’s how you found me, right? I did magic on the jerk who tried to hurt me and on your friend.” She was pleased with herself.
“You chucked your magic without knowledge, like throwing a rock; you didn’t use it. There was zero control.” I paused, allowing her to let that information sink in. “The academy will teach you to understand the power in your possession and you will learn to use it instead of letting the magic use you.”
Her hands balled into fists, but she nodded.
“Good.”
The rest of homeroom went off without incident and at the end I sent the students off to their first class. Heather was still in her seat when the others left. When it was just the two of us, she came over to my desk, her eyes down. I busied myself with paperwork, allowing her time to collect her thoughts.
“Miss Croswell?” she finally asked.
“What is it, Heather?”
She glanced over at the door.
With a thought, I closed it. “We can talk in private. Does this have to do with whatever you and Sera were talking about earlier?”
She nodded.
I used my magic to bring a seat over. “Tell me about it.”
“It’s just…” She went over and sat, dropping her bag on the floor.
Pushing aside my paperwork, I focused on her and waited.
“I’m—it’s just—uh, this is hard.” She glanced down at her hands.
“It’s okay, Heather. You know you can trust me.” I was beginning to worry. What could she possibly need to tell me that had her so flustered?
“I’m transgender,” she finally blurted, her features contorted with pain.
“Oh?” That was the last thing I expected her to say.
Now that she started, she couldn’t seem to stop. “Yeah, so I was born Robert, but when I was around ten or eleven, I started having these feelings that I was a girl. I even had dreams—night and day—of myself as female. I think it was my magic working within me back then because they were so real.” She paused and looked at me.
“Go on,” I said, determined to be supportive. This girl was braver than most to be willing to talk about this.
“Being in the foster care system, I was forced to wear boy clothes and keep my hair short, but when I turned fifteen, I ran away and then you and Professor Pops found me.” She smiled. “It was my chance to be who I wanted to be, which is a girl, so I told you I was a girl and that my name is Heather. Since the academy doesn’t have records and do things like the human realm, it was easy.” A cloud descended over her features. “Except Sera somehow knows and she’s threatened to tell our other roommates.” Tears filled her eyes. “I know I wasn’t honest and that was wrong, but I love it here. For the first time in my life, I feel right and like I belong.” She glanced at the chalkboard, tears causing her eyes to glisten. “I understand there needs to be consequences and I’ll accept whatever punishment you give me, just please don’t send me away.”
My pulse raced as I considered her words. First and foremost, I couldn’t imagine what her life must be like. Feeling she was one way while those around her called her something else. But I also needed to consider the other students. While I knew Heather wouldn’t do anything awful to her roommates (nothing had happened in the last two years), her body was still that of a boy, and if anyone else found out we were allowing coed dorm rooms, things might get a bit sketchy fast. It was also obvious Heather telling me was hard and that her feelings were tender. Treading carefully, I tucked my hands in my lap. “Heather, thank you for telling me. You did the right thing.” I considered my next words. “I get that you feel like a girl and I would never take that away from you. At the same time, you have boy parts, correct?”
She swallowed and nodded.
“For that reason, I will need to speak with Ms. Redding and the queen to decide the best way would be to handle this situation. You are an honor student and your past actions speak highly of the kind of person you are so whatever comes of this, know I think you’re amazing and want what’s best for you and all of the students.”
A single tear streaked down her cheek. “I don’t know why I’m so wrong.” She buried her face in her hands, sobbing uncontrollably.
My heart broke. I got out of my seat and went to her, wrapping an arm around her shoulders. After a while, I spoke. “Look at me.”
She wiped at her eyes, mascara smearing down her face.
“You are not wrong,” I said fiercely. “You’re different, but definitely not wrong. Got it?” I went back to my seat, writing a note for her next teacher. Heather was going to be late.
“Okay,” she whispered, meeting my eyes.
“Let me talk to the instructors and when I have an answer, I’ll let you know quickly.” Ache filled me at the pain and anguish she must be going through.
“Can’t you use magic to change my body into a girl?” She sounded desperate, placing her hand over mine.
“There is magic that can make you look different. They are called glamours. But the spell is only temporary. They can’t help you long term.” In my own studies, I came across a story or two of supernaturals changing their form. I would look in to the possibility, but I didn’t want to get her hopes up. “Get to class and when I have information, I’ll let you know,” I said, handing her the note.
She picked up her backpack and wiped her face as she stood. It was a mess. “Thank you, Miss Croswell.”
“Sure,” I said, standing too. “And one more thing?”
Heather looked at me, hopeful.
“Your makeup. Want me to fix it?”
She sighed. “Yes, please.” She swallowed. “Maybe you could fix me too. If I didn’t feel like a girl, then everything would be fine. I would be normal.” Unshed tears pressed against her lids.
“Normal is overrated,” I said, my voice hoarse with emotion. “I’ll do all I can to work this out, and quickly. Try not to worry.” I spoke the words to the spell I used on Snow all the time. Within moments, Heather’s makeup was fresh. “There. Now off you go.”
“Yes, Miss Croswell.”
Chapter 9
After classes, I sought out Snow, telling her about Heather. She agreed it was a tough situation and promised to speak with Professor Pops, Coco, and Kenmei. She had an idea.
I understood some of what Heather was going through. I was feeling a little like I didn’t belong as well. The words my fairy godmother said about the Croswells had me worried I wasn’t w
ho I always thought I was, either. I needed to hear from my mom that everything was fine.
Using magic, I popped into the human realm and into the house I shared with my parents. My dad was out of town and my mom wasn’t home. I waited up for her until midnight before leaving a note in the kitchen and falling asleep in my old room. I dreamed again of the man. When I woke, I was still hazy from the dream, but I showered, dressed, and applied some makeup. Presentable, my mother would say. I walked downstairs to the smell of coffee, cinnamon, and bacon. My three favorite foods. I wore a mauve maxi dress covered in flowers and my favorite ankle boots. Appropriate school attire. I needed to hurry so I wouldn’t be late for classes.
Mom was seated at the breakfast bar, looking perfect, as usual. Her dyed blonde hair was done up in a twist. Makeup fresh. She wore a buttery satin, short-sleeved blouse, tan skirt, and nude heels.
“Hi, Mom.” I leaned in and kissed her on the cheek. She put a piece of grapefruit in her mouth and smiled, then gave me a once over with her hazel eyes. “What time did you finally get in last night?” I asked, sitting beside her.
“I’m not sure,” she said, evasively. I thought I detected a hint of guilt. “Your note said you needed to talk. What’s up?”
“I wanted to ask you about our history.”
“Oh?” She scooped up another piece of grapefruit before making a point of rolling her eyes. She went over to the oven and took out a pan filled with enough bacon for seven. With tongs, she took two pieces from the pan and put them on a plate, then set a muffin next to them and brought it over to me. She slid the plate in front of me.
“Everything with us is normal?” I asked, knowing that wasn’t the right word, but unsure how to bring up what I needed to discuss.
“Why would you want to be normal? You aren’t. Witch or not, you’re a Croswell. We don’t do normal.” Her face lit up with a false smile as she nodded, asking me with her eyes to agree.
Quilla’s words pummeled inside my head. I was a Croswell, wasn’t I? My aunt possessed magic. She gave me The Eye of Abernathy. We had to be related, right? The thoughts tumbled around in my mind. Sure, all families had secrets. But if I was adopted, well that was a pretty big secret.
Deadly Witch: Cinderella Reimagined with Witches and Angels (Seven Magics Academy Book 4) Page 4
