Page 23 of Oleander
I’m manifesting it.
When I make it to the administration office, I push through the wide oak doors and find Ember exactly where she was the other day.
“Do you live here or something?” I ask with a smirk.
Ember narrows her eyes, ignoring me and using that droll monotone of hers. “Can I help you?”
“Yes!” I say brightly, showing all my teeth and hoping the positive energy annoys her even more. “I have an appointment with Headmaster Goulding. Skyler Fairfield.”
She rolls her eyes when I tell her my name like we haven’t met before. “Have a seat, and he’ll be with you shortly.”
The robotic voice makes me eager to push her even more. “Do you have water or coffee while I wait? Snacks?” Ember blinks slowly, staring me down yet completely ignoring me at the same time. “Guess that’s a no,” I mumble, taking a seat and waiting for the headmaster to call for me.
Before my impatience kicks in too badly, the old man finally emerges from the long, dark hallway behind Ember’s desk.
“Mr. Fairfield. Follow me, please.”
I pop up, eager to get on his good side. “Good morning, sir,” I say respectfully, following after him. He doesn’t answer, only walks slowly in front of me with his hands clasped behind his back. His beige robe is accented with red and gold jewels and elaborate embroidery. The long fabric drags on the stone floor behind him, and I try not to let his quiet, all-knowing demeanor intimidate me or the fact that Ander warned me he’s a Fire Fae. It feels as if he’s from another time, and I suppose he is. I can only imagine what he thinks ofmygeneration.
We finally reach a metal door, only it’s more like a wall since there’s no handle or hinges. I watch, completely fascinated, as Headmaster Goulding lifts a hand and presses it to the wall. Gold-hued magic pulses out of his palm, and the metal around it liquifies, parting for us like a molten curtain.
“Holy shit,” I gasp, following him through. I spin around to watch the wall become solid again, shocked to see it with my own two eyes. The tornado I created almost feels like a dream at this point, or more like a nightmare.
But this magic isreal.
Realizing I just cursed in front of the headmaster, I immediately apologize and throw in a compliment for good measure. “Sorry. That was really cool and impressive.”
He once again ignores me as if I’m an annoying gnat buzzing around him and continues on until we reach a cozy study full of dusty old books. A fireplace I could stand inside takes up one side of the room, with two chairs and a small table set in front. This isn’t what I expected. I thought there would be a desk. Him on one side, me on the other. But no. This is more personal, and I’m hoping that means I have a chance to get these cuffs off.
“Have a seat.” I plop into the comfortable wingback chair while Headmaster Goulding sits down elegantly. He raises apalm, and a roaring fire erupts in the fireplace. I’m once again amazed by his casual use of magic.
“Whoa.” The flames captivate me as I stare into them. The fire begins to morph into shapes resembling animals, people, and all sorts of things. Either I’m going crazy, or the old man is trying to hypnotize me. I blink rapidly and shake my head, clearing the strange fog from my brain.
When I glance to the side, Goulding is staring at me with an odd sort of sparkle in his eyes.
Was he playing some sort of trick on me?
I decide it’s best to get down to business. But I’m also impatient and impulsive. “I need these off,” I insist, holding up my wrists.
Shit. I didn't evenask.
Luckily, the headmaster only smirks. “I see. Do explain.”
“I never had a chance. One strike and I was out—instantly shackled after my first time went wrong. I had no idea that I was Fae or that this crazy-ass supernatural world even existed.”
I’m getting worked up. I need to calm down and compose myself before I say something I’ll regret.
“How can I learn to control something if I’m never given the opportunity?” I ask with a better attitude.
“It’s protocol. A level-five magic release in the Mortal Realm is an extremely serious offense. Even by accident, Mr. Fairfield.”
I swallow thickly at the headmaster's words. “Am I in trouble?” I thought I was coming here to get these things off my wrists, not be punished more.
“No, of course not.” He stands from his chair, brushing off invisible lint from his immaculate robe. “Let’s see what you’ve got, shall we?”
“Right now?” I squeak, breaking out in a nervous sweat.
I wasn’t ready right now!
