by Nissa Leder
Everything that’s happened today is too much to process. Somehow, we’ve both found ourselves trapped in webs too sticky to escape.
“What did you do?”
He sniffles and takes three long breaths, finally calm enough to talk normally. “They made me prop the stage door open. They said they just wanted to scare everyone there. It was just supposed to be Jake and some of the other Mystic leaders. Not dark Sorcerers.”
Beck helped them, which means if anyone finds out, he’ll be held accountable. “Does anyone else know? Did anyone see?”
He shakes his head. “No, I don’t think so.”
If anyone rats out Beck, they’ll bring suspicion onto themselves. “No one else can know.”
“But…grandpa died because of me, Wren.” His lip quivers, but he holds it together.
“No, he died because other people attacked. There’s no bringing him back. You getting blamed for this whole thing will not help anyone,” I say, firmly.
He nods. “What do we do now?”
“We stay strong.” I take his hand and squeeze.
News of the attack spreads through school like dandelions in grass.
I can’t even walk down the hallway without looks of sympathy or whispering.
The Protectors blame the dark Sorcerers, with no leads as to who aided in the attack. I check on Beck three times a day, bringing him food and waiting until he eats at least half of it before leaving. Each day, a little more of Callum’s energy returns, but it’s going to be at least a couple of weeks before he’s back to normal. Although he refuses at first, I finally convince him to spend Christmas break at my house.
Three days after the attack, we’re boarding the boat from Wicklow back to Long Island.
Callum still has a slight limp, but his full coloring has returned. “You sure your parents won’t mind?”
“They probably won’t even be home,” I say. “After the…assassination—” It’s still hard for me to accept. I had my doubts about Lucas’s intention as Sorcery President, but knowing I’ll never see or talk to him again is still surreal. “—they’re going to be even busier with work.”
We sit on a bench on the bow end of the ship, silent as we watch the water move beneath the weight of the boat. I glance to my right and see Elaine sitting next to Beck, her hand covering his on her thigh.
The recent events haven’t changed all the hurt he caused her, but Elaine has been there for him anyway. I wish she knew the lengths he went to protect her, but telling her would only put her at more risk.
I managed to pass all of my final exams, but I’ve had no desire to celebrate.
In a few weeks, I’ll be back at Wicklow, starting my fourth semester. With everything that’s happened—and now owing my dark Sorcerer grandma two favors—I have no clue what the future holds.
But I’m ready to face it.
Whatever comes my way, I’ll do what I must to keep everyone I love safe.
Thank you for reading!
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Also by Nissa Leder
Whims of Fae
Two Princes of Summer
Prisoner of Darkness
Whims of Fate
A Dark Eternity
A Cursed Reign
Queen of Dark and Light
Whims of Witches
The Fae Hunter’s Daughter
The Shadow Coven
The Solitary Queen (Coming August 2020)
Curse of the Veil
When Souls Linger
Curse of the Veil
The Soul Crossing
Guardians of Elysium
The Infernal Sacrament
Brotherhood of Shadows
