went to class like nothing strange or weird had happened the night before. I mean, Ace and I had nearly escaped death and Electra had caught us sneaking out. A Tracker chased us back to the Academy, but I was supposed to act as though nothing had happened. I would have to talk to Finn at some point, and I dreaded that.
After I returned to my room, Ace had told me to remain silent. Apparently, the school didn’t want to scare the other students. The professors and guards were still devising a plan and had steady eyes on the Trackers who, as Electra had pointed out, were camped near the Academy. Only now, I had to pretend as though I hadn’t almost been killed by the same people responsible for my parent’s death.
Sure, I could do that.
Not!
While we were supposed to continue on like nothing had happened, it wasn’t hard to miss the additional security walking the halls. Everyone was also a little more somber, paying careful attention to their surroundings and making sure they were never alone. It was like there was some unspoken fear that no one dared to mention or say aloud.
I spotted Lisa. She was watching the guards along with me.
“So, this is out of the ordinary?” I asked, watching as Electra waltzed into the classroom.
“Yes, there hasn’t been a murder on campus or a Trackers sighting in many, many years. I just hate that this is how you are introduced to this place. Plus, you are stuck with Ace. That guy gives me the creeps. He never socializes,” she said, shrugging her shoulders.
“He’s not so bad,” I said, hoping I wasn’t blushing. Just thinking of Ace gave me a tingling sensation that felt like butterflies were dancing all around my stomach. “Being here has definitely been an experience,” I said. I didn’t dare tell them about Ace thinking we were mates or that he had kissed me. I wasn’t sure what I was going to do about either him or Finn right now.
“Ok, students. Let’s get started with today’s lesson,” Electra announced, commanding the attention of everyone in the room. She had such a regal air about her; it was easy to see why she was the leader of this Academy. “Today, you will begin learning how to beckon your powers. Each coven will be introduced to one spell. It is especially important today that we ensure all young Witches can cast one protection spell,” she stated.
She was talking to the Witches in the class and for a brief moment, I felt jealous. I wished I could perform spells like they could. But, I would just have to use the powers I was given.
“Fairies, you will be learning to sprout your wings today so you can fly. One of your greatest gifts is the ability to fly. Not only can it be fun, but practical when faced with danger. You can easily fly yourselves or someone else out of harm’s way if needed. And, those who hold the strongest power, can even spark fire, too,” she said, winking toward me.
I knew she meant because of the Trackers sighing, but, again, no one wanted to discuss that. Part of me hated that we were supposed to pretend like it never happened. However, I didn’t dwell too much on that idea because Electra had my full attention today. If I were going to go back in the woods again with Ace, I would surely need to know how to protect myself in case…
I didn’t want to think about that. But, I couldn’t hide the smirk that crept on my face. Electra saw me use my fire when I burned the Tracker. However, she hadn’t brought it up yet. Was she waiting for me to show everyone?
Electra began making her way down the aisles and I realized our time was up. Now was my chance to show everyone my true powers. I didn’t want to be a show-off, but I was proud of the magical gift I was given. And, if it could help me end the Trackers, I would gladly perform for them.
As Electra neared me, I allowed my wings to sprout and I closed my eyes, calling on my magic. I heard gasps from other students as I began to float effortlessly off the ground. Opening my eyes, I smiled as I focused on a paper sitting on my desk. I shot a tiny spark from my hands toward the paper and watched it ignite in flames.
Another student nearby rushed over and stomped the fire out of the paper. But everyone else was mesmerized and shocked by what I was doing.
“Brie, you are powerful,” Lisa sighed. “Woodsong Academy has given you the power of fire to help you fight our enemies. This is amazing.”
Everyone began to clap and cheer and I slowly made my way back down. It felt good to see everyone proud of me. I just hoped I could make my parents proud, too.