Page 128 of The Holy Academy of Witches

Regards,

Headmistress Alva.

“This is really serious…”

“Yes,” I agreed. “It is.”

“What time is it now?” Sage asked.

“Quarter to Seven.”

“Wow… not much notice.”

“That’s my mother.” I said absently as I looked back out of the window. Students rushed back along the glittering path to their respective buildings.

“Do you think… Do you think the boys campus also has a curfew? Oh Gods what if Cillian has a gig and I…” she clutched at her wrist.

“Sage…” I said softly, “You’re not in debt to him any more.”

“Oh…” she looked down at the star, “I… I forgot.”

I pulled my phone out and dialled Cillian’s number, “What are you doing?” Sage asked.

“Calling Cillian.”

“I thought you said -“

“I still want to know… Cillian, have you heard?”

Sage traced the lines of her now permanent mark as Cillian filled me in on the news that yes, they too had been placed under curfew.

“- And then Theo had a temper tantrum like some kind of errant child.” Cillian said with a sigh. I stilled, back straightening. Sage glanced up at the change in my posture.

“What do you mean?”

“Something about no one keeping him in a cage or something. I stopped listening, frankly he needs to attend therapy instead of beating the nearest…”

“ - he has.” I interrupted, “where is he?” I asked. Sage frowned at my question and crawled across the bed closer to the phone.

“Adeline?” Cillian’s voice grew serious as he sensed my rising panic.

“Cillian, where is Theo?”

“Theo? What do you mean where’s Theo? Adeline…” Sage pressed herself closer to my side trying to listen through the phone. I made to move out of her reach to better hear Cillian but she pried the phone from my hand and walked swiftly to the other side of the room.

“Cillian, it’s me. Where’s my brother?” I watched as Sage paced the room looking increasingly stressed as she asked rushed questions.

“Cillian and some guy called Nick are going to look for him on their campus.” Sage declared as she ended the call, handing me back my phone. “If they don’t find him I’m going to go meet them to look.” She pulled at her curls.

Did she know he was fighting again? Did she ever know about his fighting? I bit the inside of my cheek as I fought against the conflicting emotions going through me.

“Do you know where to find him?” I asked.

“Not really. I know he runs, besides that… he hasn’t really spoken to me the last few months and even before then he was kinda keeping his private life… well, private. Cillian said he only left about ten to fifteen minutes ago but if he made it to the edge of campus he could have apparated anywhere… I’ve got some ideas. He likes music and football so he most likely goes to a local sports bar… that’s what he did at home.”

I nodded. “You should go now, slip out before the curfew begins. I can check some places.”

“Really? I mean thank you, but I know you’re not my brother’s biggest fan… Especially with the curfew…”

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