Page 46 of The Holy Academy of Witches

“Evening. Are you following me, Saffron?”

“What? I… But you…” She squeaked.

“Relax, I’m joking.” I walked a little with her as she continued toward the library, the path curving towards the lake. The boys sprawling campus glittered across the water. “I just saw you as I was leaving the spa, I’m going back to the dorms.”

“You’ve been at the spa this entire time?!”

“Yes. I guess I needed to meditate more than I anticipated.” I forced a laugh, “anyway, I’ll leave you to it.” As I began to walk away I turned back, Sage still standing in the same place, “Oh, Cillian said to say hello.” She spluttered, her face burning hotter than the sun. It really was a sight. “Bye!” I called over my shoulder.

I fought a laugh as I walked back towards the dorms, the lake sparkling at my side. Although, it wasn’t the only thing sparkling. I paused, squinting as my eyes adjusted to the darkness. I wandered off the path towards the edge of the lake. My heart stuttered as I realised what it was. Another letter. The magic sphere around it glowing in the night.

Reaching out tentatively, my fingertips brushed up against the magic, the feeling of it the same as before. It was from him.

Running girl,

So maybe you’re not a big texter? My last note got your attention so I figured I’d try again. I know, pathetic aren’t I? Oh well.

I got the sense that you were feeling pretty alone that day and let’s be honest you’d been crying your eyes out. I may be way off base here, maybe it was something really stupid and small that isn’t even on your mind any more, but I got the feeling it was more than that… I’m pretty good at that kind of thing.

Anyway, I’ve had some times… A lot of times actually, where I’ve felt completely alone, even in a room full of people and I figured you’d maybe get that? It’d be cool to talk to someone who gets it y’know…

If you don’t like texting we can stick to letters? It’s kinda weird and my penmanship sucks but it’s also sorta cool. I feel like I’m in an old war film writing letters back home.

P.s. I saw you here the other day when I was swimming so took a chance you’d come here again.

T.

As I entered the dorm I hid the envelope amongst my books, throwing my shoulders back in an effort to look my usual confident self. His letter had shaken me, dug at a crack in my usually-perfect facade. How had he seen through me so thoroughly in the few seconds we stood facing one another on that path? I thought of his face, the details blurring in my mind. I remembered he was handsome, more than handsome… his eyes were the same midnight blue the lake had been this evening. His hair- a dark blonde, curling slightly and unkempt in a way which I hadn’t hated.

“Hi Adeline,” Gemma called from the kitchen. She stirred a pot on the stove, her blonde hair glowing like a halo under the kitchen’s spotlights.

“Good evening,” I placed my books and bag on the table, shrugging out of my coat.

“I’ve made Spaghetti Bolognese, do you want some?” She asked, still stirring.

“Yes actually, I’m starving… Thank you.” I thought of the letter stuffed between the pages of my potions textbook as I watched Gemma. “Where is everyone?” I asked, in an effort to strike up conversation.

“Dorcas has snuck off into town and Lillian has stupidly gone with her. So it’s just me and you.” She answered, passing me a plate.

“What are your plans for the evening?” I asked politely, as I twirled the spaghetti on my fork.

“Probably Biggle’s assignment. Where have you been?”

“The spa for some treatments and meditation.”

“Are you still tutoring that American?” She asked, the false innocence in her voice instantly getting my back up.

“…Yes.” I answered.

“What’s she like?”

“Chatty.”

“I wonder what her parents do to be able to afford to move here… I bet they’re quite high up in society.” She didn’t dare make eye contact as she pried, concentrating hard on her plate.

I bristled uncomfortably, “She hasn’t mentioned it, I don’t think. Not that I’d remember if she had.”

“I bet she’s trying to climb the social ladder already. Trying to be Miss Popular. I wonder who she knows in England…”

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