Page 30 of Goody Magic Academy: Year Three

A laugh bubbled up from deep within me, equal parts joy and disbelief. I felt free, yes, but more than that, I felt powerful—incredibly, unexpectedly powerful. It was as if a door had been flung open inside me, revealing a vast reservoir of magic I never knew I possessed.

“Is this really me?” I whispered, both thrilled and slightly terrified by the implications. The air around me hummed inresponse, singing of possibilities I was only just beginning to comprehend.

I looked up at Rose, then at Jaxon. “It worked,” I breathed, a smile breaking across my face. “It really worked!”

The room seemed to collectively exhale, the tension draining away. Jaxon’s eyes shone with pride and something deeper, while Rose beamed at me. Even those who had doubted looked pleased by the successful demonstration.

For the first time in what felt like ages, hope blossomed in my chest. Maybe, just maybe, we had a chance after all!

Rose rubbed my arm. It was warm and comforting. “Remember,” she said, her voice was low and steady, “when you wear these bracelets, you won’t be able to use your magic, but it’s only temporary, to fool the others. You can break the spell at any time, but they won’t know that.”

I exhaled slowly, still feeling danger circling me like vultures. “Okay,” I murmured uncertainly. I wanted to make sure I still had control over the bracelets and mumbled the spell again. The bracelets fell onto the ground.

The headmaster’s voice cut through the air, sharp and authoritative. “Simon is expecting Peyton in less than an hour. I suggest you head out to Ravenwood Estate. We don’t want them to know that you came to Red Rose Academy, so Ethan has procured a car for you.”

My gaze darted to Jaxon, seeking his reassurance in this moment of uncertainty. What I saw made my breath catch in my throat. His eyes truly captivated me—deep, dark pools that looked like they held entire galaxies within them. They blazed with an intensity that made my skin prickle, a potent mixture of fierceness and unwavering protectiveness directed solely at me.

A lock of his blondish-brown hair had fallen across his forehead, softening his otherwise warrior-like appearance. This small, vulnerable detail contrasting against his overall powerfulpresence—his broad shoulders and strong jaw—made my heart flutter in my chest like a trapped butterfly, its wings beating frantically against my ribcage.

Jaxon’s gave me a slight nod, almost imperceptible, but in that small gesture, I saw his utter faith in me, his unwavering promise to stand by my side no matter what came next.

The warmth of his belief in me was violently at odds with the cold dread pooling in my stomach, but I swallowed hard, trying to summon even a fraction of the courage I saw reflected in Jaxon’s eyes.

“Well, I guess I’m ready,” I said, the words tasting like ash in my mouth. They felt hollow, a lie I was telling myself as much as anyone else.

Suddenly, Twyla was there, her arms wrapping around me in a fierce embrace. The scent of fresh daisies from her crown enveloped me, reminding me of simpler times. “I still can’t believe this is happening, Peyton,” she whispered, her voice thick with emotion. “Be careful.”

I squeezed her back, trying to memorize how safe I felt in her arms. When we parted, my eyes stung with unshed tears.

Kamaron stepped forward, his hug warm and brotherly. As he pulled back, a mischievous glint appeared in his eyes. “You’ve got this, Peyton—oh, hey, you need this,” he said, grinning. “Why don’t secrets ever get auctioned?” I shook my head. “Because they always go for more than they’re worth!”

Jaxon snorted and rolled his eyes, but I caught a hint of a grin tugging at his lips. Despite everything, I felt a smile spread across my face. Kamaron’s joke was beyond terrible, but it was still a balm to my frayed nerves, a touch of normalcy in this surreal moment.

Finn stepped forward, closing the distance between us. His warm hands landed on my shoulders, his grip firm and grounding, an anchor in the storm of my doubts. I inhaledsharply, catching the scents of pine and earth that always clung to him, remembering all the times he’d been there for me.

“Don’t be afraid to shift, Peyton,” Finn said, his voice low and urgent. His eyes, the color of sun-dappled leaves, burned with an intensity that made my breath hitch. “Even if it means you burn that place down. Do whatever you have to do to protect yourself.”

A rippling sensation moved through me, equal parts thrill and terror. Finn had always pushed me to embrace my power. His unwavering belief in me made something fierce and primal stir in my chest.

I didn’t like the idea of burning down Ravenwood Estate. That wasn’t the goal—finding the Dragon Nexus was. But Finn’s protective fervor warmed me all the same.

Rose squeezed my hand, her fingers intertwining with my own. “You’ll be fine, Peyton,” she assured me, her voice steady and calm. “You’re strong.”

Valentin put his hand on my shoulder. His touch was light compared to Finn’s. “Find the Dragon Nexus, then call in the cavalry. Don’t focus your attention on what goes on in there. It’s not a good place, Peyton. Be careful.”

His words deflated some of bravery I had finally managed to muster, and my breathing quickened, shallow and rapid.

The reality of what I was about to do lit a fire in my belly. I really was walking into Dante’s Inferno.

Chapter

Sixteen

Rose’s fingers trembled slightly as she picked up the bracelets from the floor. The soft clink of metal against metal sent a shiver down my spine. “I know you probably don’t want to,” she said, eying me nervously, “but I think you should wear these while you’re driving in the car.”

My gut clenched, a wave of nausea rolling through me at the thought of wearing those cold, restricting bands during the drive. It made everything feel suddenly, terrifyingly real, and I could almost taste the bitter tang of fear in the back of my throat. But I knew this had to look authentic. The charade of Jaxon and I as enemies had to be executed flawlessly.

“You’re right. Put them on,” I mumbled, the words feeling like sandpaper in my mouth. My hands shook as I extended them toward Rose.

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