Page 202 of Magical Mission
“Thank you.”
She looked to Celeste and Skye, giving them the same easy, disarming smile she’d given dozens of students in their first moments at the Academy. The kind that made you feel seen. Safe.
“I’ve been meaning to bring someone with me to try out the new lavender-coconut pastries,” she said brightly. “And the bookstore just got a fresh shipment of puzzles.”
Skye perked up immediately. “Puzzlesandpastries? I’m in. And by the way.” She tapped her belly. “You were right.”
Nova smiled and nodded. “So, I’d heard. Congratulations.”
“Thank you.”
Celeste looked skeptical. “Wait. You’re a friend of my mom’s?”
“The best kind,” Nova said without missing a beat. “The kind with snacks.”
Celeste laughed. “I love this place.”
I leaned in close to Nova. “Just keep them away from anything that glows. Or hums. Or rearranges itself when you’re not looking.”
“Got it,” she said. “I’ll keep them in the safe corners of town. And keep her curious streak distracted.” She nodded at Celeste.
I turned to my daughter, heart clenching.
“I need to run back to the cottage for something,” I lied. “I won’t be long.”
Celeste tilted her head. “Want us to come?”
“No,” I said quickly. “Go enjoy the morning. I’ll meet you at Nova’s later.”
She narrowed her eyes, that same suspicious glint I’d seen since she was six and caught me sneaking ice cream before dinner.
But she let it go.
For now.
I kissed her temple. Hugged Skye a little too tightly.
Then I turned to Keegan.
“I can’t ignore the call,” I said.
“I know.”
“Will you come with me?”
He nodded once. “Always.”
Nova gathered the girls with such easy charm that by the time Keegan and I ducked behind the bookshop and disappeared into the woods, I could still hear Celeste’s laughter drifting on the breeze.
But the warmth in my mark was no longer just a flicker.
It was a beckoning flame.
And something was waiting on the other side.
The second I stepped onto the Academy grounds, the air changed.
It was more than the usual tug of enchantment or the way the wind always seemed to carry whispers here. This was something deeper, older. A hum in the soles of my boots. A pulse in the stone walkways. Like the building itself was exhaling, orwaiting.
