Page 115 of Bonds of Magic
“I’m trying,” I told her. “Release.Release!”
I was shouting it now, my hands moving in midair as I tried to send it to her. But the light kept zooming around the room, leaving singe marks everywhere it touched. It came hurtling back towards me, and I tried to catch it, but it swerved away at the last second. Meredith shrieked and ducked just before it hit her in the face, and when she straightened, there was smoke coming off her hair.
I felt trapped by the magic, likeitwas controllingme. What would happen if it touched someone who couldn’t get out of the way fast enough? Would it hurt them? Would it kill them? Fuck, was I cursed to always be a danger to everyone else at Vesperwood?
Kazansky called, “Cory, I’m going to take it from you. Brace yourself.To me.”
“Brace for wh—” I began, but the rest of the question was sucked out of my mouth, along with my breath.
It felt like my insides were trying to escape my body, my heart and lungs and intestines turning themselves inside out. It felt like someone had shoved me inside a washing machine and set it to spin on high. I fell forward, bracing myself on a desk as thelight sped towards Kazansky. Right before it reached her, its size diminished back to that of a soccer ball, and when she caught it in her hands, it winked out.
I was still gasping for air as the other students began to crawl out from under the desks they’d used for shelter, like airplane passengers coming out of crash positions. Everyone looked at me with misgiving and disbelief. Well, everyone except Ash. He grinned like this was the best show he’d seen in ages.
“Well,” Kazansky said, dusting off her hands. “That certainly was exciting.”
I wanted to sink through the floor, and did my best to remain unnoticed for the rest of class, but when the bell rang, she called my name.
“Cory, stay behind a moment. I’d like to speak with you.”
My heart sank. Her classroom was in shambles, posters and models knocked askew, desks burnt, and a particularly large chunk of chalkboard just a smoldering crater. Was I going to get kicked out?
Felix gave me another encouraging smile, and Ash promised they’d save a seat for me in Environmental Magic, and then they were gone, leaving me alone with Kazansky.
I slunk to the front of the room. If I’d had a tail, it would have curled between my legs. The thought of a tail reminded me of the demon in my dreams, which made me shiver. This was not my morning.
“I’m sorry,” I said when I reached Kazansky’s desk. “I didn’t mean to—I mean, obviously I wasn’t trying to do that. I know Iput people in danger. Whatever punishment you think I deserve—”
“Cory, Cory, stop.” She held up a hand. “I didn’t call you over here to reprimand you.”
My brow creased. “You didn’t?”
“No.” She laughed. “Sure, things got a little out of hand today, but I actually take that as a good sign. You’re able to handle an incredible amount of power for a witch with so little experience.”
“I wouldn’t exactly say I handled it.”
“That will come with time.” She gave me a direct look. “Have you thought about which Havens you’ll be applying to?”
“Um. Maybe History? Or Harmony?” Those were the ones Felix and Ash were applying to. I wasn’t sure if I still needed the cover story the dean had arranged, but I added, “Or Horizon, I guess.”
Kazansky’s eyebrows rose. “Horizon? Do you think you belong there?”
I shrugged. “I’m not sure, exactly. But Dean Mansur thought it might be a good fit.”
“Hmm.” She tapped a finger against her lips. “Well, I’m sure he has his reasons. But I’d encourage you to think about applying to Hex, too.”
“Hex?” I blinked. “Why?”
“Cory, a lot of havens would be glad to count a witch of your power—if not finesse—among their ranks. Not just Hex. Harvest and Hearth too, or Heal, if you have an interest.” She smiled conspiratorially. “But I’m on the interview committeefor Hex, and I can promise your application would get serious consideration if you applied.”
“Oh.” I couldn’t imagine applying to Hex. Not given what I knew about their feelings towards paranormal students. Kazansky herself had never seemed prejudiced, but I still didn’t think I should say that out loud. “Um, thanks?”
“Think about it.” She stood up and patted my shoulder. “You’ve got a bright future ahead of you.”
***
Bright future or no, I still had to get through the rest of the day. I couldn’t quite shake the hangover from this morning’s dream, and after my display in Spellwork, I felt like everyone was staring at me. And then there was combat to get through.
I walked in with Ash and Felix, and stood slightly behind them in line as Noah explained the day’s exercises. I wished I were invisible. I was so embarrassed about my behavior last night, but still mad at the same time. Why did he have to push at my sore spots?
