Page 20 of A Storm of Fire and Ice

“And use the library to see what else we can find,” Gwyneira said.

“You mean, bring this rogue Cosmic Enchanted to the academy’s doorstep?” Headmaster Moira retorted with astonishment.

“You’re the only Cosmic Enchanted,” I rebutted. “You said so yourself. We don’t stand a chance without your help.”

“This is probably the best place to face Obsidia and prevent casualties,” Brontes remarked. “Class is not session for another week, and nearly all the students have returned home.”

“That’s true,” Fannar agreed. “It’s like a ghost town right now.”

Headmaster Moira’s eyes softened as she considered our request, and after a moment of contemplation, she nodded solemnly. “I understand your concerns, and while I would prefer not to bring the fight to Haven Academy, it seems we have no other choice. You may stay.”

A collective sigh of relief escaped us, and some of the tension gradually dissipated from the room. Gratitude swelled in my chest, and I knew that my friends felt the same way.

An overwhelming sense of relief washed over me, and I noticed a similar look of gratitude on Gwyneira’s face as she clutched Brontes’s hand tightly. As much as we were venturing into the unknown, it was comforting to know that we had each other—and now, the support of someone as powerful as Headmaster Moira.

“As long as you’re here, I’ll do everything in my power to keep you all safe. We’ll face Obsidia together.”

“Thank you, Headmaster,” Gwyneira whispered, her earlier apprehension replaced by a glimmer of hope.

“We are grateful for your support and hospitality.” Brontes inclined his head respectfully. “The Storm Kingdom is in your debt.”

“We’ll do all we can to lessen the danger posed to the academy,” Fannar promised.

“Yes, of course,” Headmaster Moira waved a hand as if already dismissing the danger. “As for accommodations, I have some empty dorm rooms where you can stay. Gwyneira, there’s a vacant space in the girls’ dormitory, and Brontes, you can take one in the boys’ dormitory.”

“Actually,” I interjected, seizing the opportunity, “Gwyneira can stay in my room. My roommate went home for winter break, so there’s plenty of space.”

“Very well,” Headmaster Moira agreed, her gaze softening for a brief moment before returning to its usual sternness. “But do ensure that you both get the rest you need. We’ll need all our strength and wits about us in the coming days.”

“Yes, ma’am!” we chorused.

As we left the headmaster’s office, the door creaking shut behind us, I leaned in conspiratorially.

“Listen, you two can both stay in my room,” I whispered, my eyes dancing with mischief.

“Helena!” Gwyneira gasped, her cheeks turning a lovely shade of pink.

“Relax, it’ll be fine!” I winked. “I’ve been sleeping in Fannar’s room almost every night for a long time now, but we won’t tell Moira that.” I grinned at Fannar, who looked both amused and exasperated.

Brontes chuckled. “I was going to say that it’s been a long time since either Gwyneira and I slept apart from each other.”

Gwyneira hesitated for a moment before finally relenting, offering me a small, grateful smile. “Yes, thank you.”

“No problem! I trust you two to behave yourselves.” I winked at the both of them.

“Gross!” Fannar exclaimed. “She’s my little sister!”

“What?! I didn’t say anything!”

We all laughed as we made our way to the dorms.

It was so weird to be walking through the Academy without all the students. I’d become so used to being shoulder to shoulder with plum blazers that the corridors looked a hundred feet wide with only the four of us in them. The usual hustle and bustle of Haven Academy had been replaced by a desolate stillness.

According to the headmaster, there were supposedly a handful of other strays like us, but we rarely crossed paths with them. The dining hall was also eerily quiet, only the distant clatter of pots and pans echoing through the vast space as Frankie the chef gremlin worked his literal culinary magic.

We sat together at a long table, its polished wooden surface gleaming beneath the harsh glow of the florescent lights overhead. The worn dining chairs creaked under our weight, each one telling its own story of past conversations.

“Kinda strange to see this place so empty, huh?” I mused, twirling a forkful of spaghetti around my fork.

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