Page 282 of Fated to be Enemies

My eyes narrowed. “Maybe, but for now, we should go downstairs before Maddox has a panic attack.”

It felt good to brush my teeth and be back in my own clothes, a black top with frills and a high-waisted dark-green skirt that stopped just below my thighs. I brushed my hair back, but it was too wild.

When I reached the kitchen, I breathed in the smell of fresh coffee.

Maddox and Felix stood side-by-side, weary-eyed. Naomi’s hair stuck out at different angles, her curls crooked in places. Craig looked like he’d been dragged from a lake.

“Good, you’re all here.” Maddox’s hardened stare landed on me. “Finally. What took you so long?”

Viktor’s gaze found mine, then trailed along my body as he undressed me with his bedroom eyes. I glanced down, realizing my outfit might not have been the best choice, considering what had happened last night. I could practically feel Naomi’s stare burning into me.

He continued. “Magicians, you will be leaving this morning with Felix. We thank you for your help.”

I heard a meow behind us and saw Benji run in, looking for the bowl of food I’d forgotten to put out.

“Due to the new security measures, the call festival has been canceled.”

Relief flooded me. I wasn’t ready anyway.

Maddox continued. “Anyone willing to put their name forward can today, with me.” He gave me a look. “The same goes to you four, with Felix.” He nodded toward Naomi and the others. I couldn’t help but notice she was standing with her back toward Craig. “Before we all depart, who will be putting their names forward in my coven?” He looked at me, smiling. “Elle?”

I was about to decline. Without Viktor in the running, I didn’t need to.

“I will.” Viktor’s voice splashed shock through me.

“Are you sure?” Maddox hesitated. “You need to pass completely, and you haven’t touched on the grade two curses.”

“I’m sure.”

“You will need to wait three years when you fail,” he explained.

“If I fail,” Viktor said, correcting him. “I’ll be formally putting my name forward.”

My mouth parted. That liar. He’d told me he wouldn’t. He was trying to steal my spot, and he knew how much I had riding on it.

A lump formed in my throat as Maddox wrote Viktor’s name on the official parchment. He looked at me. “I assume you will be too.”

“Yes.” I managed to say, my voice croaking. I cleared my throat. Naomi wouldn’t even look at me, and Craig looked sheepishly at the ground.

Naomi and Craig put their names forward, and the two others were told they’d become apprentices from students if Naomi and Craig passed.

“We’ll be off then.” Felix hovered around Maddox for an extra moment.

Maddox gave him a smile, then turned and left. He was known for being cold the morning after. Why did I think Felix would be any different?

“See you,” Maddox said.

“Nai,” I called as she reached the back door.

She looked back over her shoulder, tears in her eyes. “Don’t speak to me again.”

I watched after her, slack-jawed. It was a good thing Craig left when he had, because I wanted to punch him for doing this. How could she seriously think I had anything to do with Craig’s move on me? I’d never shown interest in him, although he seemed to think different.

Once they were out of the magic barrier, I closed the back door.

Maddox chewed on his bottom lip. “You both have four days to prepare for the test.”

“Four days?” I gasped, wide-eyed. “Edmund isn’t even back and?—”

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