Page 86 of Savage Hope

“Not only does it represent the unconscious mind, but it enhances our abilities, allowing us to protect ourselves and others where necessary,” Bryony answers for me. I spin to meet her stare and silently thank her.

“Thank you, Bryony, but I recall asking Polaris,” Juniper says, turning toward the board at the front of the class as she pushes her glasses up the bridge of her nose.

The thick air stretches around the room as Bryony remains as quiet as I do.

Dammit.

I don’t want her to get the cold shoulder for trying to help me. I need to say something, anything, but before I can figure out a single word, Juniper proceeds. “Sand is one of themost used ingredients in any spell, potion, or enchantment. It is recommended that a witch always carries a small pouch wherever they go. Who here holds one?”

Her gaze rakes over the room and I glance behind me to watch every other student lift a small velvet pouch, each a varying color. The only people not holding a pouch are the three of us seated up front.

She offers a reassuring smile to Danica and Helena, but it drops off as her eyes meet mine. Leaning back in my seat, I feel even more out of my depth than usual. This has become a hostile and tense environment, one I haven’t created. It almost feels like I’m clambering to safety, but every step comes with a slip on the uneven terrain and I find myself right back at the starting line.

Wordlessly, she moves behind her desk, retrieving three small purple pouches, offering us one each as she breezes past.

“Keep them on you at all times. I haven’t been made aware that any of you have lifted your sigils, but it’s important to follow certain practices immediately so you can make it a habit for when the time comes.”

Is that it? Is that why she’s mad? Because of the sigil?

That can’t be the case; Danica and Helena are as magicless as I am.

I roll the small pouch in my hand, warmth spreading down my fingertips. I squeeze them tight around my first witchy talisman, something that indicates who I am meant to be, and I pray it will offer me a glimmer of what my future holds. The flex of my hand has my other hand diving into my pocket, pressing the familiar metal against my palm until I can feel the outline of the entire face against my skin.

I take a deep breath and try to ignore my worries just as the bell rings, bringing the class to an end.

Chairs scrape against the floor as Juniper dismisses everyone, and I rise from my seat, only to feel a hand press against my shoulder a moment later.

“Stay behind, Polaris,” Professor Juniper advises, releasing her hold as she circles around her desk, watching everyone leave. Bryony hovers by the door, her eyebrows gathered with concern, but I shake my head, encouraging her to go on without me. She’s already received backlash over my inadequacy; she doesn’t need to make it worse.

The air is palpable as the final person leaves. She mutters a string of words under her breath and flicks her hand, making the door click shut behind them before she drops into her seat, lacing her fingers together as she stares at me. A second ticks into another, and another, until minutes extend in the air as I brace for the impending doom she’s ready to throw at me.

“I believe you declined your invite from the Renegade coven.”

Ah, there it is.

The second I understand is the exact moment I find my backbone.

“You believe correct.” My voice is firmer than I expect, but I lean into it, taking strength from myself.

“Please help me understand why you would turn down such a prestigious offer.” She sighs, leaning back in her seat as her hands fall lax in her lap.

“Was it an offer, or was it a forced invasion of my privacy to see if I would suit them?” I ask, and she cocks a brow at me.

When I know what I’m defending myself for, I won’t back down. Not even now.

“The Renegade coven is the most?—”

“I know what they are. I also know what they’re willing to do to complete their coven. It’s not something I’m interested in,and if that’s how other covens operate, I won’t be joining them either.”

She scoffs. “You turned down the Renegades. Who do you think is going to invite you now?”

Her words are pained with a hint of despair, but I shrug.

“You’re forgetting that there was once a time you didn’t know about this life. All I know is how I have been treated, and being overlooked and my words dismissed is not something I take lightly. Not when it’s expected that I commit myself to them for as long as I live. Not when that could be a mere few months or all of eternity. I will not lower my standards for anyone, not even the most elite.”

Her eyes bore into mine, searching for answers she’s unwilling to ask questions about.

“You’re going to regret this, Polaris.”

---