Page 27 of Goody Magic Academy: Year Three

Twyla’s gaze dropped to the floor, her fingers fidgeting with the hem of her shirt. “You really think Jaxon can protect you in that place?”

“I do. With all my heart.” I clasped her hands again, feeling the clamminess of her palms against mine.

Twyla slowly rose from the bed, her movements stiff and reluctant. “Okay, I’ll let them know you’ll be down in a few minutes. Rose has something for you.”

I frowned, a knot of apprehension tightening in my gut. “What?” I wasn’t sure I was ready for any more surprises.

She hesitated, shifting her weight from one foot to the other. “You’ll see. Oh, and Costin provided you with some fresh clothes. They’re in the bathroom.”

Strange. She was obviously close with the headmaster, referring to him by his first name, but I didn’t think I’d ever be comfortable doing that. There was something ominous about him, and I planned to keep my distance.

I forced myself out of bed and into the bathroom. A pair of blue jeans and a black T-shirt were folded on the toilet. There were even black undergarments, too. My stomach was tied in knots as I quickly showered and got dressed, ready to be sold. Ididn’t know if I’d ever wear jeans or a black T-shirt again after this.

My fingers trembled as I sectioned my hair, fumbling with the strands. I braided it in my signature style, the familiar motions offering some small comfort. The soft swish of hair sliding through my fingers filled the quiet bathroom. Twyla and I hadn’t expected to stay the night and so hadn’t brought any makeup with us, so I was going au naturel—bare-faced and vulnerable.

I leaned closer to the mirror, scrutinizing my reflection. My freckles stood out starkly against my skin, which had taken on an unhealthy pallor. A cold sweat broke out across my forehead as a fresh wave of fear washed over me. The harsh fluorescent light of the bathroom cast unflattering shadows, accentuating the dark circles under my eyes.

I stood in front of the bathroom door, my hand hovering over the knob. My heart pounded in my ribcage, each beat a painful reminder of what awaited me. The temptation to lock the door and hide in the shower, curled up in a protective ball on the cool tiles, was nearly overwhelming.

I shook my head, dislodging the cowardly thoughts. So many people——Mom, Finn, Kamaron, Twyla, even Jaxon—were depending on me. Their expectations could have crushed my straining shoulders, trying to push me to the ground, but I was stronger than that. I braced my shoulders and held my chin high.

With a sudden burst of determination, I wrenched the door open. My heart was pounding so hard I could feel it in my throat as I hurried out of the room. Fear nipped at my heels, urging me forward. If I hesitated, I knew I’d never go through with it.

The carpet muffled my footsteps as I made my way down the hallway.

Just put one foot in front of the other.

Right. Left. Right. Left.

I stumbled slightly, catching myself against the wall before stopping in the open dining room doorway. Like last night, everyone sat at the dining room table, their faces lined with concern and apprehension.

Everyone was there—except for Jaxon.

The smell of coffee and toast hanging in the air was a jarring normalcy. My gaze locked onto Rose, then zeroed in on the two silver bracelets in front of her. Ice flooded my veins as recognition hit. They were exactly like the ones the high priestess had put on me.

My fingers twitched involuntarily, phantom pain ghosting across my wrists. Everyone stared at me, as if waiting for me to freak out.

And they’d be right.

Memories assaulted me—of pain, horror, and anger… My stomach roiled. I wasn’t going to go through that again.

Never.

I backed up wordlessly, shaking my head, my legs trembling beneath me. It was bad enough I was going to be sold. I wouldn’t wear those bracelets too.

Panic clawed at my chest, my breathing turning rapid and shallow.

I turned to run but Jaxon clasped my arms, suddenly behind me. “It’s not what you think.”

I twisted in his grip, terror lending me strength as I struggled against him. He was going to let Rose bind my magic.

“No!” I cried out, my voice raw with fear and anger. “Don’t. Put. Those. On. Me. Again.”

Jaxon’s grip tightened as I thrashed wildly, his fingers pressing into my cheeks. His eyes, dark and intense, bore into mine. “Peyton, please. Listen to me.” The urgency in his low voice sent a shiver down my spine but did nothing to dispelmy panic. Memories of past pain flooded back, choking me with terror. I hissed and snarled, raking my nails across his arms, leaving angry red streaks. He didn’t flinch.

“Let go of me!” I spat, glaring at Jaxon. “You said you would protect me! How is this protecting me?” His familiar smell, usually a comfort, suddenly felt suffocating. I turned my furious gaze to Rose, who stood nearby with the binding bracelets. “Don’t you dare bind my magic!”

Rose’s chair screeched against the floor as she leapt up, startled by my outburst. She rushed over, her hands outstretched in a placating gesture.

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