Page 259 of Castings & Curses

She was not the only one. I looked up and saw everyone had joined us and were listening intently—to me. The only one who’d ever done anything like that had been Arlo, and one could argue that was to get in my pants. Not that I minded. I liked the man best when he was getting into my pants.

Where was I?

Oh, yeah.

“It’s not your fault, Maia. The entire magical world looks at us like we’re theJolly Green Giantof witches and wizards everywhere.”

“Kinda like how fire witches became the candle makers,” Tana added with a sneer.

“Exactly like that. In fact, I have a theory,” I began, my voice low.

“Well. Tell us already,” Maia said, and I laughed.

She was definitely the brainier of the bunch of us, but I was learning to accept the fact I did not have to fit any mold. None of us did. That was the beautiful thing about being us.

“Elemental witches and wizards have been told, mainly by the Council of Covens, which is run by Headmistress Armstrong, what it is we are meant to do ever since the last battle of the Second Witch Wars—right? Everyone agree?”

At their nods, I continued with my theory. Explaining what I believed, and what I needed help with. It was a long, winding road, but I think I finally had everything laid out once the questions started.

“Oh my gawd, she’s right,” Rio blurted. “I knew nothing about magic except what I was told about the evil curse haunting my family, but when I came here, it was all cut and dry. Like stayed with like. Elementals with their own because that was who they were likely to wind up with when they graduated and moved on to covens.”

“That’s right. Only, I think it iswrong,” I said, shaking my head. “We know now that there was a coven of mixed elementals, the Mobilis Coven.”

“I mean, yeah. They were badass. It’s why we call ourselves the Novus Mobilis Coven, right? I mean, we kind of proved we can work together just by living together, right?” Tana added.

“Well, that and all the times we’ve saved each other’s asses,” Rio said.

“Truth,” Enid murmured. “I’ve been doing research on Westwood. It used to be a place for all magical creatures to come and learn, but after the first Witch Wars, it changed. Other creatures were no longer welcomed as students, and it became a place for witches and wizards only. When WWII happened, Westwood Academy changed again.”

“Yes,” Enok said, nodding his head. “It became focused on elementals. On reining them in and controlling them,” he stated ominously.

“But how can that be? This entire school represents the five covens. Even the buildings. Why do all that if they didn’t believe in elementals?” Maia asked.

“I think he’s right,” I replied. “Look, as far as we were told, the main mansion is connected to the other towers through five corridors representing each of the 5 elemental covens.”

“Five?” Enid asked.

“Yes. As far as we know, but honestly, I would not put anything past the Council. They have already hidden the Mobilis Coven from us, who knows if there are others?”

“What are the five?” Enid added, her lavender eyes wide.

“The Cumatilis Coven is for water magic,” Rio said.

“Caelum is for air,” Maia added.

“The Incendo Coven is for fire witches and wizards,” Tana stated.

“And Tellus is earth,” I replied.

“What’s the fifth?” Mabe asked.

“The Somnior Coven,” I whispered, eyes wide.

“Somnior?” Enid asked.

“It was the coven for spirit witches. They are extinct, I am afraid,” Enok said, frowning. “I’ve been searching for more information on the sigils for the five covens and came across this. I think you should all see it.”

I leaned forward as Enok opened an old leather-bound book. It was enormous, taking up most of the table. As he turned the pages carefully, I had to stifle the urge to sneeze. The words appeared to be in Latin, inscribed in gold ink. It was beautiful, but I could not read it.

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