Page 28 of The Holy Academy of Witches

“I don’t -”

“Or any love potions?” I kept my face perfectly calm, a look I had become known for, a look I was feared for. Everyone was quiet as Marsha’s cheeks filled with colour.

Silva turned to her friend, “what is she talking about?”

“I… I…” Marsha stammered, panic crossing her face. She looked to me, her eyes wild, “she’s making it up!” She deflected.

“Please, don’t be ridiculous Marcy. I’m many things but a liar is not one of them.”

“I… my name is Marsha.”

I let a slow smile form on my face as Silva narrowed her eyes at her friend. Apparently even she wasn’t approving of that particular brand of dark magic.

“That’s all you have to say?! You bloody idiot!” They continued to bicker as I turned in my chair, my gaze refocused on the Lake.

“Worth it…” Dorcas smirked.

“Did she actually do those things?” Gemma asked in quiet disbelief.

“Unfortunately, yes.”

I watched Cillian standing on the platform with the blonde boy. They weren’t talking and there was a distance between them which suggested they weren’t friends, though considering the identity of the other boys, it would suggest the blonde boy was also one of Cillian’s room mates. Marcus and Nick chatted easily with both, though they were still in the row boat with their headteacher.

As Marsha and Silva’s argument grew more heated, Cillian looked across the lake with annoyance. Spotting me, he raised an eyebrow in question. I replied with a jerk of my head in Gemma and Dorcas’ direction, accompanied with a shrug. He raised his hand, miming for me to call him later. Nodding in reply, I looked over to see Silva and Marsha glaring at me.

“That’s it, I’m leaving!” Silva snapped. She stood, angrily dissipating her chair and gathering her belongings. Marsha followed, head down, as they stormed off towards the Academy.

Fifteen

Adeline

After the run in with Marsha and Silva at the lake, I went back to the Academy to help my mother with a few jobs. She usually had me collecting supplies or doing odd bits of filing around the classrooms on a weekend when the Academy was less busy. I called Cillian on my way back from returning a book to the library.

“Hey,” his deep voice answered.

“Hi.”

“What were you up to?” He asked, referring to my presence at the lake.

“Oh, you know me, just making people’s lives a living nightmare.” He chuckled. “I’m glad you wanted me to call actually. There’s something I wanted to discuss with you.”

“That sounds ominous, should I be concerned?”

“Always… but in this instance I don’t think so, though I do want to ask you in person.”

“Can we meet later this afternoon?” he asked with a sigh, “I was just heading to the gym.”

“Wonderful. Text me when you’re done.” I replied before ending the call. My mother would tell me that not saying a formal goodbye was improper phone etiquette.

As I returned to my dorm, I idly wondered what Cillian could possibly say when I asked him about Sage. There was definitely more than meets the eye with her.

I sat at my desk, opening my laptop. Beginning with my emails, I skimmed through until I saw one from Dr Calderwood, my contact at the government’s research facility.

Dear Dr. Lannister,

Thank you for your recent report. Your findings were quite intriguing. My colleagues and I were quite enthralled with your ideas. Perhaps a working lunch at the University would be beneficial to discuss our group efforts?

I have attached our latest tests for you to look over. I’m hoping you may have some thoughts on the protective bind used.

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