Page 55 of Goody Magic Academy: Year Three

The brief feeling of triumph faded, replaced by another wave of guilt. “But I couldn’t save Raven.” The admission tasted bitter in my mouth. “My father told me to go get help, that I couldn’t fight them alone.”

I buried my face in my shaking hands, shame and self-loathing threatening to consume me. “All of this is my fault. I abandoned them.”

Finn’s footsteps echoed in the suddenly too-quiet room as he made his way to the door. “I’ll go tell the others what happened,” he murmured. “Lucien, Raven’s mate, is nearly out of his mind.” The door closed with a soft click, leaving me alone with Kamaron and my overwhelming guilt.

Kamaron’s innocent voice cut through my escalating spiral of self-recrimination. “Why do you think it’s your fault?”

“Because I gave her the Nexus!” The words ripped from my throat, raw and anguished. “She said she would let Jaxon go if I did, but the bitch lied.” I gnashed my teeth. “She fucking lied.”

Kamaron took my hands in his gently. “Listen to me,” he urged, his voice low and intense. “You did exactly what any of us would have done. No one will blame you.”

“How can you say that?” I choked out, panic rising in my chest. “How can I face anyone out there, especially…oh my god…Lucien’s going to kill me.”

Kamaron’s gaze held mine, steady and unwavering. “No, he won’t,” he insisted. “Don’t you see, Peyton? You were the one who escaped. Not Raven Acosta. You.” His voice was filled with awe. “You’re much more powerful than you think you are.”

I frowned, not sure I believed him.

His grip tightened. “Think about it. You helped Finn and I shift. You helped us learn how to fly and wield our dragons. And now you’re going to help us defeat the high priestess. All you have to do is believe in yourself.” He lowered his voice. “Like Jaxon believed in you.”

At the mention of Jaxon’s name, a vice closed around my heart. The pain of loss was still raw and immediate. But alongside it, something else unfurled within me now—a warmth that spread through my chest, pushing back against the cold grip of despair.

My love for Jaxon surged forth, filling every corner of my soul. It was a bittersweet ache, at once painful and profoundly comforting. And in that moment, I had a moment of clarity as bright as the morning sun.

I knew what would defeat the high priestess. Not hate, nor revenge. Those were her weapons. No, our strength came from something far more powerful that she could never truly understand or harness.

Love.

It coursed through me, a wellspring of strength I hadn’t ever known I possessed. Love for Jaxon, love for my friends, love for the world we were fighting to protect. It radiated outward, chasing away all the lingering shadows of doubt and fear.

For the first time since my harrowing escape, a glimmer of real hope was flickering and taking hold inside me. Armed with this font of love and determination, I knew we would stand a good chance.

I met Kamaron’s gaze levelly. The time for wallowing in guilt and self-pity was over. Now was the time to stand tall and fight, to honor Jaxon’s memory and everything we held dear.

I drew a deep breath, allowing it to fill my lungs and straighten my spine. Fear and doubt still lingered, but now they were counterbalanced by steely resolve.

I very deliberately squared my shoulders, physically embodying the mental shift taking place within me. I felt like I was shedding an old skin, leaving behind the cowering, broken version of myself.

“Tell the others,” I said, my words ringing with newfound determination, “that it’s time to fight.” The declaration hung in the air, a battle cry and a promise rolled into one.

Kamaron’s arms wrapped around me, pulling me into a tight embrace. The physical contact was a reminder that I wasn’t alone in this fight. His chest rose and fell against mine, our heartbeats syncing in a silent rhythm of solidarity and friendship.

“I will,” he murmured, his voice a mix of pride and fierce determination. “And we’ll win.” The conviction in his tone was contagious, bolstering my own resolve.

Kamaron’s eyes met mine, bright with a combination of hope and awe. “You’re our secret weapon,” he continued, a hint of a smile playing at the corners of his mouth. “One the high priestess has sorely underestimated.”

His words sent a shiver down my spine, not of fear, but of renewed hope. The high priestess, despite all her dark power, had made a critical error. In pushing me to my limits, she had unwittingly forged me into something stronger and more resilient than before.

The truth of Kamaron’s words settled over my bones like armor. I was no longer just a pawn in the high priestess’ games. I was a force to be reckoned with, fueled by love, determination, and a magic that ran deeper than she could possibly fathom.

As Kamaron’s embrace loosened, I stood a little taller, my chin lifted to face the challenges ahead. The room that had felt like a prison of guilt and despair was now charged with energy and potential, and I was ready to burst into action.

As he turned to leave he paused, a familiar glint appearing in his eye. I could sense him searching for a way to lighten the mood, if only for a moment.

“Hey, Peyton,” he said, his tone becoming more playful. “What do you call a dragon who loves to gossip?”

I let out a small sigh, recognizing the telltale setup for one of Kamaron’s famously awful dad jokes. “I don’t know, Kamaron. What?”

“A blabbermouth flame-thrower!” He delivered the punchline with an exaggerated wink, looking inordinately pleased with himself.

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