Page 80 of Forbidden Magic
“What? How?” I ask, surprised at the sureness in her tone.
She wiggles her brows. “We know someone who might be willing to help. I’ve heard Oz could get us into Fairy.”
Lydia shifts from foot to foot. “I really don’t think…”
Olson punches his palm. “Let’s do it. Let’s show them we won’t take their crap without fighting back.”
When we get to Winter Hall, Mr. Brady is deep in conversion with Mr. Oz.
The two teachers together are a sight to see, their weekend clothes and relaxed behavior giving me hope that our pleas will be heard.
Allie explains our situation to them both.
“I don’t know, guys. It’s a new rule, but a rule nonetheless,” Mr. Brady says, rubbing his jaw.
Oz pats his back. “Come on, Jack. It sounds pretty harmless with the right precautions. I used to love these parties when I was a student. I bet the Faes just left the mortals out of it to spite them.” He fumbles in his desk. “Take salt with you and wear these.” He hands us charms made to look like necklaces.
We each wrap the cherry wood jewelry around our necks.
Oz wheels a large rectangular-shaped object in from the back. It’s covered with a black velvet sheet, and my heart hammers as he unveils it.
The gold frame of the mirror shimmers under the candlelight. The glass reflects a version of us that’s so appealing and beautiful that I don’t dare look directly at my face.
Me. As a Fae. What a scary visual.
“A Fairy portal,” Olson gasps.
I arch a brow. According to Dad, only a few select sorcerers are allowed to keep one.
Oz smiles. “It’ll take us where you need to go. As long as you’re wearing the necklaces, you’ll be safe. Just come back with the others when you’re ready. They might not have agreed to take you there, but they won’t be able to prevent your return.” His gaze latches on to mine. “And be safe.”
I nod, barreling though the glass first.
Cold bites into my flesh, the magic sinking deep into my pores. A thin film of ice forms on my skin, and before I know it, I’m in Fairy.
The otherworldly landscape is blinding in its treacherous beauty. Colors fill the space and textures come to life in a way that my brain takes a minute to process. Red is bloody, pink is sweet, blue is poignant. The tree’s bark comes alive with wrinkles that seem to dance to an unheard tune. Purple and gold leaves waft in the wind and fill me with a sense of wonder I immediately squash down.
My face can’t betray me.
This is enemy territory, and I’m here to make a point, not fangirl over the view.
Olson is right behind me, Allie following behind him.
The light reverberating off the white sand of the pristine beach is blinding. I squint and hold a hand over my forehead, letting my pupils adjust. When I spot Cole and Flynn in their bathing suits, I swallow hard and force my eyes not to stray past their chins.
This is going to be a very hot day.
The blonde Fae’s gaze slides over us before he jumps off the rock he’s sitting on, his carefree smile slapped off his face by the sight of us. He barrels closer and points the end of his white sunglasses at me. “You guys aren’t allowed here.”
My heart is racing. Sweat sticks to my palms as Cole twists around to look at me. The taste of his kiss fizzes over my lips, a bittersweet memory dipped in powdered sugar and venom. I lift my chin, walking in front of the others up the sandy path, and concentrate on Flynn. “It’s Fairy, not your backyard. You don’t hold claim to a whole realm.”
Flynn brings a hand to his chest. “Me? No. But we have a prince with us. Technically, his father owns all of Fairy.”
I dug my heels in the sand and swat his comment away with the back of my hand. “Fine. Banish us back to the Academy if you’re that scared that we’re going to win your silly little game.”
Cole chucks out a dark laugh, but he doesn’t move from his spot. Jessa is sprawled on his lap, and his cold eyes don’t spare me more than a glance.
It makes me doubt that Saturday night was real.
