Page 123 of The Holy Academy of Witches

“For us, I guess.”

“It means that I know what we’re looking for next.”

“Which is?” Theo probed.

I looked at Sage, “I’ll tell you later.”

“Oh great! Not like we helped you get here or anything! Can you believe this?” He said turning to Cillian, who shrugged in response.

“I already know what the annunciation and visitation is.” He replied.

“What?! Why does everyone know but me!”

“Hey!” Sage said, “I don’t know!”

“Yeah well, you’re gonna find out later.” Theo retorted.

“Try reading a book now and again.” I said without looking at him. Instead I focused on the decayed statue of Mary. “Sage, do you have the book?”

“Yep!” She looked at Theo warily as she reached in her bag.

“Seriously?”

“Sorry! This has been a strictly me and Adeline thing for so long…” she looked at me and I nodded for her to go ahead. Sage pulled the directory, still disguised as the Holy Bible, out and came to stand by my side. Cillian’s eyebrows rose at the title of the book.

“The irony isn’t lost on me.” I remarked as I waved away the illusion revealing the true identity of the book in her hands.

“How doyouknow what it is?” Theo said childishly to Cillian.

“Adeline and I enjoy debating religion.” He replied.

Me and Sage shared a look and I had to duck my head to hide my laughter. Sage opened the book and we both stared at the blank page next to the previous riddle. With bated breath we watched as absolutely nothing happened.

“Perhaps we need to feed it our magic or blood again?” Sage pondered.

“Blood?” Cillian asked in surprise. Theo made a scoffing sound from beside Sage and it took every bone in my body not to glare at him.

“Perhaps,” I answered. Overhead, clouds parted allowing the waning moonlight to shine through the shards of coloured glass above. Reds and oranges danced over the statue, blues and purples shimmering over the pages of the directory. Wordlessly we watched as writing began to appear on the page. Sage squeaked beside me as Theo swore quietly. “Fascinating,” Cillian’s breath hit the side of my face as he leaned in.

Amongst the trees she waits serene,

A maiden of faith, the light unseen.

A new beginning from the past,

A willing vessel unsurpassed.

“Well that’s vague.” Theo said.

“Yep, they’ve all been like that.” Sage replied.

“Well!” I snapped the book shut, “that’s all we needed you for… no offence.” I said to Cillian.

He laughed and shook his head. “You’ll take it from here, I suppose?” He asked, already knowing the answer.

“Yep. Thanks for your help though.” I said, squeezing his hand.

“Always happy to help.” He drew me into a hug, though I was under the distinct impression his gaze was most definitely not on me. When I pulled away Sage was hugging her brother while they spoke in hushed tones. It ended after Theo rubbed at the back of his neck, shrugging in a defeated way. I made a mental note to ask her what they were talking about when we got back.

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