Page 53 of Elmwood Inclusive Magic Academy
“And we’re so proud that you gave it a shot,” Lydia adds.
“And unfortunately, circumstances have changed.” Astrid rises from the desk and strides over to me. She puts her hands on my shoulders. “Magdalena, you’re free. You don’t have to attend Elmwood Academy anymore. You can go back home.”
I gap at her, unable to speak. Pan slides off my shoulder in shock, hitting the ground with a dull thud.
Lydia chimes in, “You can enjoy the rest of your gap year in Cherry Creek, and then start at John Johnson College next autumn!Exactlywhat you wanted.”
“Exactly what I…” I shake my head, and push Astrid away. My irritation bubbles into full-blown anger as I process this new information. Pan jumps back onto my shoulder, trying to calm me down, but I shoo him away. My cheeks burn red.
“Youmademe come here, and now you just want me to leave!? Howdareyou! I just got settled, I made friends, I…”
“Made more than friends?” Astrid asks quietly.
Of course. Lydia must have told her.
I fume with betrayal. “And what if I did? That’s none of your business! I’m finally…happyhere, ok? And now you want me to leave? It’s not fair, you can’t just dictate my life like this! Mywholelife, you’ve been telling me what to do!”
“We’ve been protecting you, love,” Lydia says, lines of worry etching her face.
Astrid appears less concerned. She towers above me at her full height (which I’m convinced is somehow magically enhanced).
“Magdalena,” she says. “The magical world is dangerous, and current events are putting the academy in a difficult position. We’ve been doing our best to shield you from it, but you have to listen to us now. You’re too young to understand everything that’s happening. You need to go home for your own safety.”
“I won’t,” I tell her, surprised at my own assertiveness. “Whatever you’re scared of,don’tbe.”
I turn to Lydia, who seems like the weaker link this time.
“You’ve seen it, my magic is strong and I can take care of myself. And I have…friends who are strong too…”
“The shifter from the Arundel wolf pack?” Astrid raises an eyebrow. “Magdalena, that relationship won’t protect you. If anything, it draws you into unnecessary conflict.”
“Oh my goddess, you’resodramatic…”
“Andyou’reso headstrong,” Astrid retorts, her deep red lips curling into a frown. “If you’re going to be part of this world, you have to take it seriously.”
“Iamtaking it seriously!” I shout. “You’re the ones who have always kept me out of the magical world! If you wanted me to learn about my magical ancestry so badly, why did you wait until now? I know was scared after the…incident…but you didn’t eventryto get me involved in any witchcraft. I never even knew anyother witches! I mean, I know we’re supposed to be solitary, but everyone keeps talking about how you’re both these incredible, famous witches. Why didn’t I know about any of this?”
A snooty cough comes from the door. My mothers and I spin around to see June, poking her stupid blond head through the door.
“Sorry to interrupt,” she says, clearly not sorry at all, given the delighted look on her face. Great, now she’s seen me yelling at both of my moms. “Principal Vyas asked to see Vice-Principal Hall.”
“Can it wait?” Lydia asks, wearily.
“It seems very urgent,” June says. Her mouse familiar squeaks in emphasis from the pocket of her shirt.
“All right, I’ll be back as soon as I can,” Lydia says to Astrid and I. She shuts the door firmly behind her so that nobody else can intervene.
“Magdalena,” Astrid says, her tone softer. “We never meant to cut you off from anything. It’s difficult to explain…”
“Cut me off…” I turn away from her, realization settling in. “It was you…”
“What are you talking about?”
There’s a horrible, sinking feeling in my stomach as I put the pieces together. Everything that Hallie said in the library hits me suddenly.
“Youwere the one who bound my magic!” I spin around, my eyes wide. “You were trying to keep me safe by restricting me from my powers! Hallie was right…but when I came here, I must have been able to break free from it…”
“Magdalena,” Astrid sighs, moving closer to me.
