Page 1 of Forbidden Magic
1
Prologue
Beauty is vain. Beauty is dangerous. The kind of beauty I found at Dark Falls Academy is deadly.
I came here with a head full of dreams and an iron-clad resolve to be the best mortal student the school had ever seen. It wasn’t much of a reach since mortals used to be forbidden entry.
When I realized it was more of a battleground than a school, I wore shorts under my pleated skirt and wrapped chain mail around my heart. I did everything right, until I did everything wrong.
Hebested me. He played the long game and bid his time, and I forgot we were playing.
That’s on me.
Here I am, on the same dark path I explored on my first day, running.
Not running to class or running away from a creepy werewolf. Running for my life.
Because I discovered his secret.
The red and black plaid is burnt to a crisp, my thighs tainted with charcoal streaks.
I’m at the edge of the cliff, a salty breeze coming in from the sea. Dark waves crash against the rocks below. Their stormy roils sound like thunderous applause to my demise.
I could jump and take my chances, but he’s got wings.
He prowls up the path. His pale skin catches the moonlight, and the uneven thumps in my chest terrify me more than the cold glint burning in his eyes.
Sickening tingles scatter across my neck as I hold his soul-baring stare.
His gaze softens for a split second. “Kneel, Fire Girl.”
I lift my chin in defiance. “Never.” The coastal wind beats my hair forward, the long dark strands undulating like snakes at the edge of my vision.
Despite my bravado, he’s won. There’s no fire left in me, and I might have drawn my last breath.
I’m completely at his mercy.
2
Fatherly Wisdom
“Got everything, Munchkin?” Dad asks from the bottom of the stairs.
“Yep. I’m ready.” I haul my black leather suitcase down, the weight throwing me off balance. All of my earthly and unearthly possessions are in this bag. It’s been enchanted to fit my needs, but the spell mostly helped with space.
A soft grin blooms on my father’s thin lips, his gray hair sticking in all directions. “I wonder why I even ask. You’ve been packed for a month.”
I smile back and deposit the piece of luggage next to my purse. “It’s heavy.”
“Copper cauldrons aren’t exactly easy to carry.” He ushers me over to the kitchen where a fluffy pancake with cherry eyes and a banana smile is waiting for me.
My mouth waters. I perch myself on the chair, one leg folded beneath me.
Dad hands me the metal can of maple syrup before sitting next to me. “Well, since it’s our last family breakfast until you lose all interest in your old dad, I figured we’d chat a bit. About what will be expected of you.”
I press a hand to my mouth and swallow. “I know. No getting into trouble. No breaking the rules. This is a sensitive time for us witches, and I need to be worthy of the privilege. You made it your life’s work to get us back into the Academy, I’m not about to ruin that for you by getting killed on my first day.”
Dad’s eyes darken. “Don’t joke about that. Never talk lightly about your life, Munchkin. Especially around immortals.”
