Page 5 of The Cursed Fae

Though I tried to hide my alarm, I clearly failed. Did everyone at the school already know all about me?

“You have nothing to be ashamed about,” Chancellor Keene was quick to add. “That is why colleges like Arcane University are so important. We teach you to use and control your abilities, thus preventing spontaneous outpourings of magic.”

Schools like Arcane University? There were other fae colleges?

The chancellor opened his top desk drawer and removed two sheets of paper, handing one to me and one to Morgan. “This is your class schedule. You will notice your general, core classes meet 2-3 times per week, while your practical magic instruction is every weekday. I have arranged a private tutor to work one-on-one with you until you have learned the basics.”

Not until I held the class schedule in my hands did I truly appreciate that this was happening. I was a student at a magic college. My old life was over. My human life. Arcane Landing was my home. This wasn't just another weekend visit.

“Do you have questions, Winter?” Chancellor Keene asked in a tone that suggested the inquiry only had one right answer.

“No, sir,” I said.

“Wonderful. My door is always open.” He winked at me. “We are delighted to have both you and your mother back in the fold. She was quite active in the community before leaving, and I hope she will be again. You as well, when the time comes.”

His words reinforced Mom's lecture from the car. If I embraced Arcane Landing, I could be happy there. I could be a part of something for the first time in my life.

“Have a good day, Winter.” The chancellor gave me a dismissive wave.

Morgan and I stood to leave just as the office doors banged open. Tina Keene was white as a sheet. Tears pooled in her gray eyes. “Ewan found a body in Gemini Forest.” Her watery gaze went to Morgan. “It's Missy. She's dead.”

Chapter two

I See Snarky People

The school launched into lockdown mode. Chancellor Keene canceled classes and sent students to their dorm rooms until further notice, without explaining his decision.

My mother arrived not long after Tina. She exchanged glances with the chancellor, then grabbed my hand and dragged me from the office before I could ask questions.

Faculty rushed toward the chancellor's office, the two of us moving against the tide like salmon. Students whispered in the hallways, speculating on the reason for the day off. Over the buzzing inside my head, I heard one name repeated: Missy.

“Mom?” I tugged on her hand to get her attention.

She slowed and met my eyes over her shoulder.

“Who's Missy?”

My mother's green gaze darted along the corridor. Pursing her lips, she headed down an empty hallway and into a study lounge.

“What's going on?” I demanded, unable to suppress the note of fear in my voice.

Instead of answering me, she muttered something under her breath. The feel of water magic washed over me, cool and familiar, and the knot in my stomach loosened.

“Soundproof spell?” I guessed.

She gestured to an oversized sofa. “Sit, Winter.”

“Please, just tell me. What is going on?”

Her sigh sounded tired. “A student named Melissa Derringer disappeared last week, just before the start of term. A shifter found her body this morning in Gemini Forest on the northern border of Arcane Landing.”

My heart leapt into my throat. Another wave of magic swept across my skin, slowing my pulse and quieting the thundering in my ears. “How did she die?”

Mom shook her head. “We don't know yet.”

“Vampires?”

“There's no reason to think that.” She placed her hands on my shoulders and squeezed. “No reason at all.”

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