Page 83 of Validus Vale Academy 1
—Your power is growing—Ludo’s thoughts rumble into my mind.
“Visual Telepathy? Is that cognitive scrying?” Alexis murmurs. I hope he’s not expecting an answer because I’ve no idea what he’s talking about. He switches his gaze to me, sharp and assessing. “So what did you learn from the thoughts of DeVille?” He gives me an encouraging look.
“On the day they all disappeared,” I say, “the twins went to see Johnny, so Donovan could tell him he quit the Fateball team. Maximus was in the room too. After the twins’ announcement, Maximus said, and I’m paraphrasing because I can’t remember exactly, but something like, ‘I’ve something wild to show you before you go’, and then he mentioned ‘under the laundry’.”
“Theo, that’s amazing. A proper lead. I’ve got blueprints for the school in my office; we can look at those. See what’s in that area.” Alexis goes to stand, but Ludo puts up a hand.
—Tunnels—
I tilt my head to one side. “Tunnels?”
—Beneath the laundromat, a tunnel—
When I’ve repeated this to Alexis, I give Ludo a smile. “Can you show us?”
—Yes—
“Shall we go now?” I ask.
Alexis and Ludo exchange a look. “Why don’t we take a minute?” Alexis says. “It’s been an emotional morning for you. You look wiped, Theo. Have you eaten yet?”
A sneaky tear pushes past my eyelashes and makes its way down my face. Both Ludo and Alexis spot the tear before I can wipe it away.
—Nymph is sad—
“Theo?” Alexis drags his thumb across my cheek, wiping it away.
“I’m OK, it’s just this morning that has been a lot, but I won’t let that stop us now. We’ve got to go see what’s in those tunnels.”
“But first you need to eat something,” Alexis says firmly. “Your pulse is too rapid, and you’re clammy, and your pupils are enlarged. You’re either in shock or having a blood sugar crisis.” He frowns as he studies me.
—Yes, Nymph—Feed then rest—
A ridiculous warmth blooms in my chest. I know I shouldn’t revel in their concern, my heart is already promised to the twins, but Gods, I fucking feeling cared for. Since Mum and Dad, the only time I’ve felt this cossetted was the six magical weeks last year.
“Give me ten minutes to wash my face, then I’ll head to the cafeteria.” My gaze flicks between their two concerned faces. “And you both are welcome to join me, if you need proof of my food intake.”
“I may take you up on that, pulu,” Alexis says, as he and Ludo exit.
—Lock the door behind us—
After doing what Ludo asked, I get to my feet and feel a wave of lightheadedness. Thoughts circle like a whirlpool in my head: Mum and Dad, innate magic, increased power, birth parents, Wes and Donovan. Ludo and Alexis.
Is telepathy from my true family line? I’m coming around to the idea that it’s innate magic, and that’s scary as hell. So I guess I need to learn about my genealogy.Howto find out about my origins is another question altogether. Maybe Aunt Nancy knows the whole story?
After I’ve changed my snotty and damp tank top and splashed water over my face, I grab my tablet and type out an email.
Subject: Majorly Important Question
Hi Aunt Nancy,
I hope you're doing well, and wedding plans are coming along smoothly. I'm writing to you because something really big came up here at VV, and I'm honestly still reeling. My school file says I’m adopted. Did you know this? I’m not mad if you did, I just want to put all the pieces together because my life now feels like a huge mystery.
I’d be so grateful to get any info about my birth parents. Maybe you could look through any old boxes of Mum’s stuff you have and let me know if you find anything that might shed some light?
Thanks so much, I really appreciate it.
Love Theo.
