Page 6 of Drawn in Blood
Killian raised a brow as he elbowed Fen in the ribs, almost making him topple out of his chair. Ember shot them both a glare as they began to whisper amongst themselves, but before she could reach over and smack both over the back of the head, a loud voice rang out from the front of the hall.
“Please take your seats,” Professor Moran announced, as she smoothed the sleeves of her blouse. Instead of a slicked back bun this year, tight coils formed a golden-brown halo around her head. Her dark green dress flowed around her ankles as she moved across the stage, and a hush fell over the crowd.
“We are very happy to begin what I’m sure will be another wonderful school year at Heksheim. In front of you, you’ll find your syllabus for the year. Please find a safe place to keep it, as replacements will not be able to be made until tomorrow afternoon.” Her eyes drifted to Ember’s table, where Killian sank in his seat and looked anywhere but the front of the room.
“I told you she would remember!” Fen whispered loudly. “Your sticking charms are worthless mate.”
Ember laughed as she rolled her eyes.
Professor Moran cleared her throat as she continued, “Due to the disappearances this summer, the school board and Chief Thornsten have seen fit to heavily reinforce the wards surrounding the forest, as well as the school. While this area is normally off limits to students anyway, I heavily encourage each and every one of you to stay as far from the Dark Forest as possible.” Her eyes traveled across the sea of students, and her expression softened to that of a worried parent. “Your safety is of the utmost importance to every adult in this school, but you must meet us halfway by following the rules we have put in place. I assure you, Chief Thornsten only has each of your best interests in mind.”
Ember felt her chest grow heavy as she thought back to the end of her first year. She knew all too well what could happen in that forest, but she also knew that sometimes the worst kind of villains hid in plain sight. Her chest tightened as she thought about Rowan, and a lump grew in her throat as she bit the inside of her cheek. Professor Moran’s calm voice broke her from her thoughts, and the stern woman folded her hands in front of her with a soft smile.
“For those of you beginning your first year, welcome to Heksheim.” Her smile grew as her eyes traveled across the room. “And for those of you returning, welcome home.”
The room began to empty as students made their way to class, quietly whispering about what had transpired over the summer. Ember slung her bag over her shoulder and turned to follow her friends out of the room when Professor Moran’s voice broke from behind her.
“Miss Lothbrok?” she said, as she walked her way. “I would like to see you in my office this afternoon when you have a moment.”
Ember’s heart leapt into her throat. “Um, yes, of course, Professor,” she replied quietly. “Is everything alright?” Her heartbeat quickened, and her mind began to run a mile a minute as she went through every possible scenario that would require her presence in the dean’s office.
Did something happen to the Kitts? Or Maeve? No, of course not, then she would’ve asked for Fen to come to.
“Perfectly fine,” the Dean replied with a warm smile. “We’ll discuss more this afternoon, best get to class.” And she turned to walk away, checking her watch as she went.
Ember felt dread grow in her stomach as she jogged to catch up with the boys. Killian was leaning lazily against the wall, one foot holding his weight while the other was pressed against the wall, eyes skimming his syllabus. Fen had his hands stuffed inhis pockets, forcing a smile as Odette talked to him in her sing-song voice. Killian was the first to notice Ember as she exited the hall and walked quickly in their direction.
“Already getting into trouble, and we haven’t even made it to class.” He smirked as he pushed himself off the wall. “That must be a new record, Starshine.”
Ember rolled her eyes as Fen’s head turned to her.
“Everything okay, Em?” he asked, as he furrowed his brow.
Ember smiled softly at her foster brother. His protectiveness of her was endearing, even if they were the same age.
“Professor Moran just needs to see me this afternoon,” she shrugged. “I’m sure it’s nothing.” Though she wanted desperately to believe it, the ball of anxiety that was steadily building in her stomach told her otherwise.
Zoomancy had quickly becomeher favorite class during her first year, and Professor Bjorn her favorite teacher. Not only did she find all the fantastical creatures fascinating, but it was a passion she shared with her father. It was something that connected her to him. It was a steady reminder that she wasn’t alone, that she came from somewhere and didn’t just appear out of thin air. The closer she got with the Kitts, the further she felt she was pulled from her parents, and that thought scared her. So this class, his journal, his ring, it kept her connected to them, to him.
It kept him close. It kept him real.
Ember followed Fen and Killian into the classroom and took their normal seats toward the back, the boys sitting at the table behind her. After sitting in her seat, Odette followed and satbeside her. This had become a more regular occurrence at the end of their first year. At first, it irritated Ember when Odette seemed to be trying to squeeze herself into Rowan’s place, like it was a spot that needed to be filled, but after a few days, Ember could tell that wasn’t the case. Odette needed a friend just as much as she did.
“Good morning, young Vala!” Professor Bjorn boomed, as he walked down the spiraling staircase at the front of the room, giant paws padding across the lush grass on the floor. “And welcome to the first day of your second year. This year is an important one with your exams, almost as important as fourth year will be, so I expect you all to be prepared to work and study hard.”
Ember’s heart soared as she pulled out her second year Zoomancy book, her mind already racing about what they were going to learn this year. She was looking forward to a year of nothing but studying in the library, reading in front of the fire at night with the Kitts, and spending her afternoons and weekends flying with Killian and Fen.
A year of peace.
“For the first quarter,” the Professor began, “we’re going to focus on the magical creatures that live in the forest surrounding the school. Not every creature that lives in the forest is bad, but as you know, there are some that are not what most would deem safe.”
“How many evil creatures are there in the forest, do you suppose?” a small girl toward the front asked, hand waving wildly in the air.
Professor Bjorn turned toward the girl and tilted his head while he leaned against the desk. “I don’t recall saying anything about ‘evil’ creatures, Miss Hawthorne.”
Lydia Hawthorne dropped her arm quickly while she furrowed her brow.
“But what about the Cu Sidhe?” a boy toward the back asked, as he crossed his arms over his chest.
