Once again, I’m in my white ballgown, watching as my Prince Charming beckons for me from the bottom of the staircase. And once again, I rush toward him only to find myself trapped on a never-ending set of stairs. The lights are dimming, the people are fading, and he’s disappearing as the sound of rolling thunder gets louder and louder. I’m screaming, but I can’t hear myself. There is heat all around me. Flames and flashes illuminate the darkness. I stumble over my dress, tearing the train in two. I lose my footing. I’m falling now.
Down. Down. Down.
My eyes snap open.
A thin beam of light is sneaking past the curtains and illuminating half my bed. I sit up and look at the clock—10:30 a.m. I lean over and see that my phone has a text message from Jensen.
I won’t be in town this weekend. I had an emergency meeting with the Council. If you need anything, call Sadie. Here’s her number. I’ll talk to you soon.
“Great.” I’m curious what he would qualify as an emergency.
I see my mother’s note and pick it up, wondering if that has anything to do with what’s going on. The Formulist book sits next to it on the desk.
My cell phone vibrates, and I look down to see another text, this time from Katie.
How are you feeling this morning? Everything okay?
I look back at the Formulist book.
And then a thought pops into my head.
Don’t do it. Genevieve, don’t do it.
I dial Katie’s number.
“Hey,” I say. “You want to go to the library with me?”
a
It only takes me five minutes to get there, and luckily it’s not too crowded inside. The library isn’t that big of a place, but it was remodeled a couple years ago, so everything is in great condition. The tables are spacious, the furniture is comfy, and the artwork throughout the building gives off an inviting feeling—from art projects done by our local elementary schools, to replicated sculptures and paintings from all sorts of famous artists across history. My favorite is Las Meninas by Diego Velázquez.
I set down my backpack at an empty table near the fiction section, a place I’ve frequented countless times before. My home away from home.
I pull out the Formulist book as Katie arrives.
“Hey.” She sets down her own textbooks on the table. “I’m glad you called me, I was worried about you last night after the movie.”
“I know. I’m sorry I left like that. Did you and Floyd have a good time?”
“We did.” Her cheeks blush. “He asked me out on another date, and this time it’ll just be the two of us.”
“Oh, thank goodness.” I laugh. “But that doesn’t mean we can’t do more double dates in the future.”
“Absolutely.” Her smile widens. “What about you and Jensen?”
I take a deep breath, preparing what I’m about to say to her as I look around to make sure we’re not being overheard.
“Katie, I need to tell you something. And you’re gonna want to make sure you’re seated.”
a
“So…” I say, after I finish telling her about the Voidweavers.
After the initial shock of divulging the secret of the Formulists and Banewind to Katie, it only took her a few minutes to regain composure so I could catch her up on everything else. Besides a few gasps, cries, and moments where I felt she might lose consciousness, she appeared to handle everything fairly well as I brought her up to speed on the rollercoaster that was now my life.
“What do you think?”
Her mouth gaping open is answer enough for me.
“Genevieve.” The color to her face is finally starting to return. “Genevieve, what the hell?”
“I know. I really didn’t believe it at first, either. But,” I pull my mother’s note from my backpack and hand it to her, “this was the note Scythe gave me yesterday at the theater. And here are the pictures from the funeral.” I slide them across the table. “I’m so sorry I’ve been acting weird the last couple days. I wanted to tell you sooner, but I didn’t even have my own head wrapped around any of it.” I sigh. “And now, with realizing my dad might know about it, and that I could have some uncle out there in Banewind,” I slap my hand against the Formulist book, “let alone this thing Jensen gave me,” I bite my lip, “I just…I couldn’t keep it from you any longer. You’re my best friend. We tell each other everything.”
Katie scans the photos, flipping through them with the same look of disbelief I’m sure I had when I found them.
She takes off her glasses and rubs her eyes, shaking her head.
“I…” She closes her eyes and inhales. “I can’t believe you’ve been dealing with all this on your own.” She puts her glasses back on and reaches across the table to grab my hands. “Genevieve, I am so happy that you told me. You have nothing to apologize for.” She pulls back and opens the Formulist book, paging through the text. “This is…I don’t even have a word to describe what I’m feeling.”
“Inconceivable?”
“Extraordinary! To know that another world exists? That magic is real? Genevieve, this is the stuff you and I have dreamed of since we were children. All those fairytale slumber parties, the midnight book releases, the trips to Disney World.” She catches her breath. “It’s all real!”
“You’re making it sound nicer than it is. Slumber parties and Disney trips didn’t encompass the Voidweavers trying to destroy the world.” I frown. “They didn’t involve the Void King killing my mother.”
“I know. You’re right. I’m sorry. But what I’m saying is that of course I believe you. And of course I’m here to help you in whatever way you need.”
“Thank you.” I’m on the brink of tears.
To have such a best friend as her, someone I can depend on no matter what, who always has my back, who understands me for who I really am…
“I love you so much.”
“And I love you, too.” She squeezes my hand again. “So what now?”
“I don’t know.” I clear my throat, brushing away the moisture from the corner of my eyes. “There’s not really any plan.” I glance at the Formulist book.
“The woman you saw at the mall…Ilona, right?”
“Mhm.”
“She didn’t give you any guidance on what to do next?”
“No.” I sigh, pulling out the talisman she gave me. “I didn’t even tell Jensen about her, with everything else on my mind.” I hand Katie the coin with the Blazing Vision’s eye staring back at me. “I was just going to spend some time reading the Formulist book, and touch base with Jensen and Sadie after the weekend.”
“Hmm.” Katie examines the metal object, turning it over in her fingers, before handing it back. “Well, how can I help?”
“I don’t think I have enough mental stamina to learn anything more about the Formulists at the moment.” I slide the book to her. “Would you like to look through this over the weekend? Jensen didn’t seem too optimistic that there’d be anything in it to help us immediately. But of course, we need to learn more about Banewind’s history.” I sigh. “I just want a couple days to collect myself.”
“Absolutely!” Her eyes gleam with excitement. “You don’t think he’d mind if I borrow it?”
I laugh. “Well, he doesn’t even know I told you, so I’m not sure how he’ll feel about that. But that can wait. Like I said, he isn’t even in town right now.”
“So he went back to Banewind? To meet with the Council of the Formulists?”
I shrug. “I guess so. He didn’t specify.”
“Well, I’d be more than honored to read this. I’ll let you know if I find out anything interesting.”
“Perfect. I think I’m going to go home and take a nap. I need it.”
We sit there in silence for a few minutes, before leaving, and I think about how nice it is to have someone I can just be alone with, comfortably, without having to speak.
Everyone could use a Katie in her life.
I don’t know what I’d do without her.
a
The remainder of the weekend passes innocently enough. I go to bed early and wake up late the next morning. I take most of the day to finish my homework assignments, a task I find challenging as my mind constantly attempts to redirect me back to the Formulists.
I spend Sunday evening in front of the TV with my family. Danny is playing videos games, and my dad is busy getting his class’s syllabus ready for the start of his school next week.
I still don’t want to bring this up to him. Not yet, anyway.
The next morning, I again pick Katie up from her house. As she approaches the car, I see her carrying the Formulist book.
“Hey.” I’m eyeing the large text. “How’s it going?”
“I can’t stop reading this.” Katie rubs her fingers against the golden letters, and I see several sticky notes peeking from the pages. “It’s absolutely fascinating.”
“Have you learned anything more?” I pull out of the driveway. “Is…my mother mentioned in it?”
“Not directly, no. They do have a section on the Holy Guardians, but it mostly just talks about the centuries of work they’ve done to protect Banewind.” Katie laughs. “Your ancestors must have been really, really cool, Jeannie. Especially if they were descendants of this goddess Lura.”
“Too bad I never knew about them until now.” I groan. “What about the Binding Spell?”
“No. But I do think I know what kind of magic it’s referring to. There’s another group of Formulists known as the Jintüroo, who are able to manipulate the earth with their powers. Actually, the history suggests that they’re one of the oldest groups in Banewind, perhaps the people that were living there before the connection to our world was even created.” Katie has the book open in her lap, and is scouring various passages. “According to the book, The Jintüroo are masters of manipulating earth and its natural elements. They are thought to be responsible for numerous catastrophic events throughout Banewind. From earthquakes to eruptions to avalanches, the magnitude of their powers knows no limits. As well as with the ability to create, form, and bind, the Jintüroo are a fierce and formidable group that prefer the seclusion and isolation of their destitute home in the far west of the Wastelands.”
“Wastelands?” I say.
“One of the territories in Banewind. But do you hear that? The ability to bind?” Katie squeals. “I think we’re on to something.”
“Yeah, that sounds possible. Anything else?”
I know I’m getting my hopes up, but I just wish there was something in the book that mentioned my mother, uncle, or anything else that might answer some of my questions.
Katie shrugs. “There’s tons of stuff in here, including lots of passages already highlighted, and some notes scribbled in the margins. But nothing pertinent to what you’re looking for, I don’t think. But don’t worry. We still have tons of time to digest this.”
“Right.” Not sure if I believe that. “We’ll just keep looking.”
When I arrive at school, Katie runs off to the library before class to keep reading, while I head to my locker. I take off the lock and pull open the door. A note flutters down to the floor.
My heart skips a beat as I unfold it to read its contents.
Genevieve,
Meet me at your car.
—Scythe
I turn around, half-expecting him to be standing there waiting for me, as a shiver runs down my spine.
What could he have to tell you, Genevieve?
“Crap.” I think about the last time I saw Scythe…the note he gave me.
I take out my phone and call Jensen.
Straight to voicemail.
Genevieve, think! You’re a smart girl.
I could go tell Sadie about this and see what she says, but my guess is that she won’t want me to meet him. And although we think Scythe is dangerous, he hasn’t hurt me. And he did give me my mother’s note.
I could also text Katie and tell her what’s going on. But then I might be putting her in danger. It’s probably bad enough I told her about the Formulists.
You’re at school. Even if he were going to hurt you, he wouldn’t do it here, would he?
But I don’t know that for sure. It’s a gamble…and a high-risk one. But could the benefit outweigh it?
Crap.
Crap. Crap. Crap!
I take a deep breath and head for the parking lot. As I approach my car, I see Scythe standing next to the passenger door. A smile widens across his face when he sees me.
“I wasn’t sure that would work.” He grins.
“What do you want?” I fold my hands across my chest. “I have to get going to class.”
He chuckles. “You’re cute when you’re trying to be all tough.”
My face flushes. I stand there, my gaze locked on him. His black silky hair is tussled by the wind.
“Where did you get that note from my mother?” I still keep my distance.
He frowns. “I can’t tell you that. Sorry.” He steps towards me. “But I can assure you that it was from someone who cares about your mother.” He shifts on his feet. “What if I told you that she isn’t dead?”
My stomach flips upside down.
“That’s not funny.” My voice cracks. “That is not funny.”
“I agree, it’s not.” His face is expressionless. “And it’s even less funny that you don’t know about it already.”
“My mother is dead,” I hiss. “Has been for years.” I feel tears welting up.
I was not expecting to have this conversation. How twisted can this boy be?
He sighs and shakes his head. “The truth isn’t always what it seems. You know that.”
“Get away from me.” I back up. “Get away from me and leave me alone!” I turn back towards the school.
“Wait!” Scythe’s voice recoils through my ears. “Here.” He reaches into his pocket and pulls out a golden pendant. “Do you recognize this?”
I hesitate before stepping forward and reaching out to grab the necklace he’s extending to me.
“This was my mother’s.” I gasp and turn the spherical pendant over.
There are three sapphires embedded into the gold.
“How do you have this?” I look him in the eyes. “Who gave this to you?”
“I told you, I can’t say. I promised I wouldn’t. But isn’t that enough to show you I’m not one of the bad guys?”
We stand there in silence. In the distance, I hear the bell sound for first period.
He looks at me with his piercing blue eyes once more before turning away toward the surrounding woods.
“I’ll be at the cemetery at eleven o’clock tonight, waiting for you. I’ll show you I’m not wrong.” He pauses and looks back over his shoulder at me. “I’ll wait for one hour.”
I open my mouth to say something, but no words come out.
“Just get to class, Genevieve,” he calls from the forest’s edge.
a
“Genevieve, you’re late,” Sadie says, as I enter the classroom.
I must still look shaken, because I see worry splash across her face.
“Are you okay, dear?”
“I’m fine.” I take my seat next to Katie. “I’m sorry for being late. It won’t happen again.”
I can feel Katie looking at me, but I don’t return the gaze. I just want to sit here alone in my own thoughts. But I can’t think. I’m numb. Lost in…nothing.
The bell to end first period rings.
“Genevieve, a word?” Sadie calls, as I’m about to leave the classroom.
Katie stands at the door for me, but I motion for her to go on. I bite my lip as I walk over to Sadie’s desk.
She waits for everyone to clear out of the room.
“Are you okay? Jensen told me what happened with Scythe. And the note from your mother.” She pushes her blonde hair back behind her ears. “How are you feeling?”
“I’m not sure. Sadie, do you think my mother could still be alive?”
“What? Genevieve, what on earth makes you ask that?”
“The note Scythe left. Maybe it was a clue.” I have my one hand in my jean pocket, and can feel the necklace cold against my skin.
Sadie sighs. “I don’t know Scythe’s motive behind giving you that note. But if your mother were still alive…” she smiles weakly, “…well, I would like to think she would have let me know. Somehow, anyway.”
“Did you know she had a brother?”
Sadie looks away. “I did. He was a good man. His name was Felyx. But eventually he and your mother lost touch.” She sighs. “It happens, even with the best of families.”
The bell for the next period rings.
“Oh, shoot. I’m sorry I’ve kept you from being on time. Jensen should be back tonight. In the meantime, if you need anything, please let me know.”
“Thanks, Sadie.” I turn to leave the room, but pause at the door. “Sadie?” I look back at her. “Are you really even a teacher? Or did you and Jensen just do all this as a cover up to look out for me?”
“Oh, Genevieve.” She laughs. “I guess that’s a fair question. Yes, I am an instructor at the Academy, back in Banewind. Did Jensen mention our school to you?”
“Kinda.”
“The Formulists’ Institution of Academia and Educational Pursuit, or the Academy, is a prestigious school located in Banewind’s capital city, Quam’Naldon. Most children attend the Academy through their younger years, usually completing their studies by the age of eighteen. After that, they continue on to more advanced studies or trade skills if they wish. There’s a plethora of options to choose from.”
“What do you teach?”
“I’m an instructor in Ice Magic, as well as Beast Elementology. I’m sure it won’t surprise you to hear there are tons of different creatures that inhabit our world, and I’ve always been fond of animals, so I made my passion into a career.”
“I guess that overlays with biology.”
Sadie smiles. “My sister, Roselia—Jensen’s mother—is director of the Biological, Magical, and Behavioral Department at the Academy. It was her idea to have Jensen and I come here to protect you while things were getting sorted out with the Voidweavers. It’s much easier for the director of a department to finagle my absence than anyone else’s.” She glances at the clock. “Okay, you really must be off to class. Here.” She takes her pen and scribbles it across a piece of paper. “An excuse for your tardiness. Have a good day, Miss DeWinter.”
Once I leave the room, I put the excuse slip into my pocket and feel the pendant of my mother’s necklace. I pull it out and place it around my neck, realizing that I still know nothing about Banewind.
a
When I arrive home, I sequester myself in my room, trying to focus on my homework. I watch the clock slowly tick by as I decide on what to do about Scythe. My head is still pounding, so I skip dinner and take some Tylenol. Maybe if I lie down for a little bit, I’ll feel better.
I dream about my mother. I see her face smiling at me. Hear her bright voice and her charming laugh. She looks so happy.
And then she’s terrified.
She’s trapped inside a coffin. She can’t breathe. I watch her choking, gasping for air. Her eyes roll back, and foam rises out of her mouth. She convulses. The wooden box around her is growing tighter and tighter. I hear her scream. Louder. Louder. Louder!
I snap my eyes open, springing up in bed. The clock reads quarter to eleven.
“Screw this.” I throw on my purple hoodie and pull out my phone to dial Jensen’s number. Please pick up. Please pick up.
“Genevieve?” His warm voice greets me.
I breathe a sigh of relief. “I’m so happy you answered.”
“I literally just got back. What’s wrong? Are you okay?”
“I need you to come pick me up. But no questions until we’re together.”
“Now?”
“Yes. I’m at my house. My family is asleep, and I don’t want to risk waking them up by starting my car.”
“Okay, I’m on my way. See you soon.”
I tiptoe through the darkened house. When I reach the kitchen, I see a flashlight sitting in the nearby cubby and decide to take it. I shove it into my hoodie pocket and disappear outside.
A few minutes later, Jensen pulls onto the street. I look back at my house before getting into the Jeep. An odd feeling hangs in the air, filling me with uncertainty.
And then we’re driving through the starlit night.