Page 10 of Goody Magic Academy: Year Three

As if on cue, Kamaron stepped up to me. His long white hair practically glowed in the darkness, giving him an otherworldly appearance. “You okay?” he asked, his usual jovial tone replaced by something more somber that echoed the concern etched on his face. For once he didn’t have a dad joke ready. I think that more than anything drove home the gravity of our situation for me.

I nodded, hoping I was projecting confidence I certainly didn’t feel. “I’m fine,” I said. Ugh, the words sounded hollow even to me.

Suddenly, someone came up behind me and turned me around gently. I found myself staring into Finn’s dark eyes,usually so warm and inviting, but now cold with suspicion and fear.

“Why did you bring Jaxon?” he demanded, his voice low and intense. “You know he can’t be trusted. He’s a traitor.”

The accusing words hung in the air, heavy and oppressive. All eyes snapped to Jaxon. The hostility crackled in the air, growing more intense by the minute.

I opened my mouth to respond, but no words came out. How could I explain what I barely understood myself? The room felt like it was closing in around me, the walls shrinking as the tension escalated. I could almost hear the dynamite fuse sizzling, counting down to the inevitable explosion.

My heart raced, thudding so loudly I was sure everyone could hear it. Sweat beaded on my forehead as I looked from face to face, seeing only suspicion, fear, and anger reflected back at me.

I finally found my voice, though it came out shakier than I would have liked. “He’s not a traitor,” I said, the words tumbling out in a rush. I swallowed hard, trying to steady myself. “He was under a spell.”

The room fell into a stunned silence. I could see the doubt and confusion warring on my friends’ faces, their eyes darting between me and Jaxon.

I glanced at Valentin, seeking support or confirmation. His face was an unreadable mask, but something in his eyes urged me on. Taking a deep breath, I gestured to Jaxon to continue.

“Your brother Dimitri saved me.” Jaxon squared his shoulders and stared at Valentin, his voice strong as if he didn’t care whether they believed him or not. “He used the Solarite ring in New Orleans. It lessened the grip the high priestess’ spell had on me.”

The mention of the Solarite ring sent a ripple throughout the room. I noticed Rose for the first time and saw recognition flash in her eyes, while the others merely exchanged puzzled looks.

Jaxon shifted uncomfortably beside me, the weight of everyone’s stares clearly bearing down on him. I resisted the urge to reach out and touch his arm, unsure if the gesture would help or hurt.

The silence stretched out, taut as a bowstring. I held my breath, waiting for someone, anyone, to react, knowing that the next few moments would determine whether Jaxon would be seen as our ally or remain branded a traitor

Chapter

Six

Finn folded his arms, his muscles tensing visibly as he glared at Jaxon. “Are you telling us that Dimitri used some kind ofLord of the Ringstype thing to break a spell and free Jaxon?” His voice was heavy with sarcasm and disbelief. “I don’t believe it.”

The anger rolled off him in palpable waves, so intense I could almost see it shimmering in the air around him. Anger and jealousy fueled his red dragon: if he wasn’t careful, he’d shift and lose control of his power. The thought swept down my spine like a cruel icy wind.

I took a deep breath, trying to center myself. Supposedly, I was a black dragon and was able to control the other dragons. Time to put that theory to the test. I wasn’t sure how to do it, but I would go on instinct and trust my dragon.

“This is no time for petty prejudices, Finn,” I said, forcing my voice to remain calm and authoritative. I held his gaze, refusing to back down. “We need to focus.”

I could see the struggle in Finn’s eyes, the battle between his anger toward Jaxon and his respect for me. The tension in the room was thick enough to cut with a knife.

“I believe him,” I continued, my voice growing stronger with each word. “We have to get to New Orleans and retrieve the Dragon Nexus before the high priestess does.”

The mention of the Dragon Nexus sent another ripple through the room. I saw confusion, fear, and curiosity flash across different faces. Finn’s eyes widened slightly, his anger momentarily overshadowed by surprise. Kamaron frowned, his brow furrowing deeply. “How are we all supposed to do that?”

“Shift,” Jaxon said, his voice low and determined. “You all need to shift into your dragons. Then Valentin, Rose and I will ride you. I’m sure you’re all tired of playing cat-and-mouse games with the high priestess, aren’t you?”

My stomach clenched at the thought of shifting, a mix of excitement and fear coursing through me. I stood my ground, silently willing Finn and the others to trust me.

“They’ll find us if we stay here much longer.” Jaxon headed over to the window and peeked out cautiously. “And this time, the high priestess will drag all of you back to her little dungeon.”

Finn shoved him. “And how the hell do you propose we get out of here?”

“I already told you. You’re a dragon.” Jaxon met his hostile stare levelly. “So fly.”

“I can’t shift on demand, you idiot. I’ve only done it once, and that was just because I lost my temper.”

Jaxon cocked his eyebrow. “Like you’re losing your temper right now?”

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