Page 157 of Blood & Betrayals

“I was… attacked,” I say, glancing at Aqua.

She nods, stepping forward. “Wild magic, headmaster. In the form of carnivorous fog.” She shrugs animatedly. “I heard her scream.”

“You’re dismissed,” the headmaster says abruptly. “Well done for your quick thinking,” he adds. I wouldn’t say there iswarmth in his voice, but there is definitely a tone of relief that he didn’t lose two of his students in one day.

Aqua nods, and I feel her look at me before she leaves his office. I turn to follow, unsure what else I can add, given I was being consumed by the carnivorous fog and unable to see or hear when it was happening.

“Not you, Miss Tuatha De Daanan.” He clears his throat. “I apologize.”

Confusion furrows my brow. “Sir?”

“I was unfair earlier. I have looked in the face of death many times, and I have learned to compartmentalize. It is a skill that needs to be honed.”

I blink, stunned at his apology.

“I should have sealed the door so you could not follow this morning. I know you have a penchant for being where you are not supposed to be.” He gestures to one of his chairs and waits for me to sit down before looking over my wounds. “Wild magic?”

“Apparently, sir. But I’m not convinced.”

He nods, his expression tight as he waves his hand over a particularly deep wound on my leg. “Why were you so deep in the forest?”

I push away the memories and swallow down the lump of emotion. “I needed space.”

His eyes turn hard. “You are aware someone is toying with you?”

“Yes, sir,” I say, looking away.

“Why do you do that?” He waits until I lock my gaze with his. “Pretend to be meek. Is it because that’s what you believe others expect?”

“I’m never what people expect.” Or what they want.

“Hm.” He looks back at my wounds. “Wild magic will take longer to heal. I have a salve, but it will only help with the pain.”

“So you think it was wild magic, sir?”

“I think that wild magic has the potential to be controlled. So, yes, I do believe it was wild magic. However, I don’t believe it was a random attack.” I nod. “Did the necklace alert you to the danger?” he asks.

I nod. “Yes, but too late, sir.”

“Hmm,” he says but doesn’t pursue it. “Shall I summon Miss Legosi or Mister Morningstar?”

“My phone. I must have dropped it.” I look around as if it will suddenly appear.

The headmaster holds out his hand, and my phone appears on his palm. It’s cracked and a little worse for wear, but it’s still working. I unlock it and see all the missed calls and texts.

I’m about to call Connor when I look at the headmaster. “Does everyone know? About?—”

“Lucia,” he finishes. “No. Only Miss Legosi, myself, you, and the authorities. Though I assume the students have guessed something is going on.” He looks at my many cuts. “While you won’t be able to hide these, I would appreciate your discretion.”

I nod.

“The authorities are going to want to speak with you. They very well might wipe your mind after. I have been very strict about them speaking to students without my presence, but with a second murder, I will lose some control over the situation.”

I frown. “Surely, the news of her murder will need to be circulated. I need to remember, sir.”

“You are underestimating their authority. They are not bound by mortal laws. If they want something to be secret, they will do whatever it takes to ensure that happens.” He tilts his head. “Why would you want to remember what you saw?”

“She deserves to be remembered. Plus, I need to know what’s coming if they are after me. No detail is too small, right, sir?”

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