Page 50 of The Holy Academy of Witches

I did a few air jabs from the ground and laughed, “Sure thing, boss man.”

He rolled his eyes one final time before disappearing into the thicket. Yanking out a few strands of my own, I rolled up his bundle before burying them behind the line of salt that had sunk into the ground. Singing the current Muses tune that was stuck in my head, I imagined Theo. His stubborn broken soul, my mirror. The wards hissed and glowed as his magic was added to mine. I strengthened the deterrent and privacy wards with no small amount of glee, we were going to beat the odds, win this title, and I was going to relish the look on Cillian’s stupidly pretty face.

Twenty-Six

Adeline

Mystery girl,

That’s fine, this isn’t easy for me either. Guys aren’t exactly well known for talking about feelings and getting deep with people.

That’s a pretty easy first question little runner, my name is Teddy… and what should I call you? Though, I am enjoying coming up with different names for you in my head. The few times I’ve seen you have all been from far away so It’s hard to put a face to a name… Annie? Amelia? Antoinette?

P.s. parchment would actually be hilarious.

T.

His reply had come a few days after my own. I snorted at the name Antoinette. One thing was certain, I would definitely be writing my response on parchment using a quill and an inkwell.

I conjured exactly that, a quill - its feather black and oily - the feather of a Raven, and a pot of ink.

Teddy,

How did you guess?! It is indeed Antoinette!

The few times you’ve seen me huh?

Do you know I almost called you a stalker in my last letter… perhaps I was right? Haha.

My name is…

Quill in hand, I paused. If I told him my name he would know who I was. Everyone knew who I was, if not for the fact my mother was the headmistress of the witches academy, then for the rumours which were always rife. My reputation usually preceded me, especially at the boys’ Academy. It drove Cillian to insanity. For once in my life I had the opportunity to not be Adeline Alva.

A sharp pang of grief pierced my chest as I wrote a name I hadn’t been called in a long time. A time when I was truly happy.

My name is Addie.

Ax

I sealed the letter in an envelope, whispering a spell as I did. Repelling anyone who wasn’t Teddy from so much as looking at it.

Teddy… finally a name to a face.

I shoved the envelope in my bag as I walked from the library, my next destination the gym. I glanced at my watch, the gold hands showing I had enough time to fit in a few lengths in the pool before my next class.

I wasn’t particularly excited to be training for The Run again, but it was expected of me to participate and there would be no question over whether I would qualify in the trials. I’m sure my mother would fix the results if she needed to but stubbornness and pride wouldn’t allow me to stoop to that. I would earn my spot through hard work just like everyone else, even if I didn’t particularly care to join in for my own enjoyment.

I stopped by the lake, taking the envelope from my bag. I folded it into the shape of a small paper boat. After adding a water repellent charm, I placed it onto the lake’s surface. It bobbed in the water, the charm doing its job perfectly. Channelling my intentions for its recipient, I sent it on its way sailing across the lake. A trail of magic sparkling behind. Nodding to myself, I continued on the path towards the spa and gym buildings.

As I reached the gym - a low building built into the side of a grassy hill, its modern interior at odds with the rest of the Academy - I noticed Professor Hershaw standing near the entrance. Pausing, I greeted her, “Good afternoon, Professor Hershaw”.

“Oh Adeline! Hello,” She answered, warmly. “How are you?”

“Fine, thank you.”

“Nice to see you making use of our fantastic facilities, for the trials perhaps?”

“Yes, I thought I’d do a spot of swimming before this afternoon’s lesson with Professor Qadir.”

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