“Illuminana,” I whispered.
The entire cauldron caught on fire, and we took a small step back as a little puff of smoke erupted from the mixture. The room smelled like roses and blood, and when the smoke dispersed, there was a dusky pink brew simmering inside the cauldron.
“Well done!” The professor clapped. Then she retrieved her wand and aimed it at the cauldron. “Oratio.”
Suddenly, the liquid seeped into the air and then drifted into a set of vials hovering near the open cabinet. There were nine in total, and two of the bottles flew toward Penelope and me. We reached out and grabbed the warm containers, and then Evanora turned to smile at us.
“Well, go back to your desks!” she urged.
We nodded, and once we returned to our seats, Evanora swirled her skirts and carefully eyed each of us.
“Before you pour the potion into your familiar’s mouth, you must carefully recite the incantation, ‘multitudinem excrescere,’ which means, grow into greatness,” she explained. “It won’t hurt them… just be sure to recite each word slowly and carefully. If you don’t, then you will manage to hurt them… or possibly kill them, so be careful.”
I swallowed hard and looked at the potion in my hand. I then looked down at Alexander and took in a long, deep breath before he hopped a little closer to me.
I trust you, Cole, he said. Even if I give you shit for it.
“Thanks, buddy.” I grinned. “Are you ready?”
Bring it on, he replied and puffed out his little chest.
As he opened his mouth, I muttered the spell as slowly and as carefully as possible, and then I poured the liquid down his throat.
When he drank the last drop, his body began to convulse and change, and my mouth fell open when his transformation began.
I never expected what happened next.
Chapter 14
As I stared down at my familiar, my mouth dropped open in shock and awe.
Alexander was no longer a plump, feisty little rabbit, but instead, he had morphed into a four-foot-long, black and brown wolverine with protruding fangs and razor-sharp black claws. I’d seen images of the notorious animal in the Book of Beasts, but it was clear at first glance that Alexander was no ordinary wolverine. He had small, leathery-black wings that flapped open as soon as he realized they were there, and he then turned to look up at me with the same, ruby-red eyes.
Holy shit, Cole, he said. Look at me! I’m a fucking beast! With wings!
“Hell, yeah, you are.” I grinned. “You look fucking awesome.”
A wave of pride washed over me as I stared down at him. Now, he was stronger, larger, and could fly, but as I looked up from Alexander and then at the other witches, I realized no one else had fed their brew to their familiars.
Evanora must have realized the same thing because she clucked her tongue and then placed her hands on her hips as she looked at the women.
“Well, what in hell’s name are you waiting for?” she spat. “Feed them the potions! Unless you want them to remain the same during the final game. It’s entirely up to you.”
My coven stared at me with wide eyes before each one took a deep breath and then fed the brew to their own animals. As each witch uttered the spell, I watched closely to see what would happen next, and the room echoed with animalistic cries as each creature began to morph into something new or more advanced.
Morgana’s familiar was the first to start evolving. The moment Silvia drank the pink potion, her little body convulsed and began to transform. The bookworm’s bottom lip trembled as she stared down at her raccoon, but then a small smile twitched at the corner of her mouth as Silvia’s fur began to turn jet black. The raccoon’s eyes also shifted to a bright yellow, and her body grew lengthier and more substantial until finally, she became a small black bear with sharp teeth and large paws.
Morgana gasped when she realized it had worked, and her smile was so wide I wondered if her cheeks hurt.
“You look amazing, Silvia,” she cooed, and the black bear gave a small roar as she shook herself.
“Well done, Miss Morgana.” Evanora grinned. “Now, let’s see about the others.”
The rest of the witches watched as their own familiars began to grow and evolve as well. Faye’s ferret grew longer, and her white fur turned a shade lighter as it gleamed like snow under the dim light of the classroom. Her small, round teeth were now sharp daggers, and her eyes were bright as gold coins.
“Whoa,” Faye breathed. “Lily, you look gorgeous and dangerous.”
“Just like me,” Vesta giggled as Faye playfully nudged her.
Akira’s Komodo dragon turned a deeper shade of blue, and his scales developed into various colors as his body grew in length and size. His stringy arms became more muscular, and small wings began to protrude from his multi-colored back. “Sweet baby Satan,” Akira breathed. “Damien, you look like you’re ready to fuck some shit up.”
Finally, Vesta’s small chevrotain began to grow as well, and then its fawn-like head slowly began to morph into a demonic serpent’s head. The lavender-skinned witch lightly gasped as Ursula’s body began to slim down, and then her golden-brown fur turned into ivory, shimmering scales. Now, we were all staring at a long, beautiful ivory and silver scaled snake that was at least six feet long.
“How lovely,” Vesta cooed as her serpent began to slither around the elvish witch’s slender arms. “You look glorious, my dear. Delightfully elegant and sinister. ”
I grinned and then turned to look at the other group’s evolved familiars. Penelope’s small panda had grown to twice its original size, and its teeth were like giant fangs that jutted from its snout. Beatrix’s antelope had turned into a small, muscular horse, which almost reminded me of a miniature centaur. The twins, who each had a short, colorful panther to match the random streak in their dark hair, hadn’t grown by that much, but still, they were a relatively threatening size, and I was sure with more practice, they could evolve even further.
“Now!” Evanora clapped and grinned. “Isn’t this exciting?”
Everyone nodded as they studied their newly evolved familiars and then began chatting in excitement. Evanora allowed us a minute to take in the electrifying change, but then she snapped her fingers to grab our attention.
Judging by the eager look on her beautiful face, we weren’t even close to finishing our private lesson. In fact, something told me this was just the beginning.
“All right,” the pink-haired professor said as she waved her hands, “I know you’re all thrilled by the change, but our lesson is far from over. We have a lot more to do, but before that, I want you to hold on to your familiar before I shadow port us out of here.”
No one questioned her as we grabbed our familiars, and then a second later, we were wrapped up in a massive cloud of purple smoke. I tightly held on to Alexander, even though it was far more difficult now that he was much heavier and bulkier. My stomach did flips and turns as Evanora sent us to only Satan knows where, and my familiar flailed his new wings.
Shittttt, he yelled in my head, and if I wasn’t busy trying not to lose my breakfast, I’d laugh at him.
When the spinning sensation came to a stop, I fell into wet grass, and Alexander landed with a painful thump on my chest. He stared down at me with annoyed red eyes and then shook his head.
“Fuck,” I grunted. “Satan, you’re much heavier now, Alexander.”
Sorry, Cole, he chuckled. I guess I don’t know my own strength yet… do you think Silvia noticed, though? She’s looking fine as hell.
“I’m sure she noticed,” I mumbled as I gently pushed him off me.
As I sat up and looked around, I spotted the others, and each witch had landed flat on her back with her familiar close by. Evanora was the only one on her feet, and she sighed impatiently as the purple smoke cleared.
“Up, up, up,” she urged as she waved away the wisps of plum-colored fog and placed her hands on her wide hips. “We need to practice! We don’t have all
bloody day.”
We slowly stood on our feet, and then I took a quick look around. We were just outside of a gray, deep-green hedged maze that was covered with a thick, foggy mist. It reminded me of the maze we had to face during the preschool finals, but something felt different about this place. It almost felt artificial, and when I looked at the others, I could sense they were thinking the same thing.
“Professor,” Morgana said as Silvia wandered around her feet, “where are we? If you don’t mind me asking.”
“Oh, I don’t mind at all,” Evanora said in a sweet tone, “I actually designed this place specifically for your practice session. There is no name for this realm. It was just an abandoned field with deadly creatures, so I figured it would be the perfect place for a test run. I built the maze myself, and it’s probably one of my best creations yet.”
“Wait, we’re going to bond with our familiars by wandering through a deadly maze?” Ivy asked with furrowed eyebrows. “I don’t get it.”
“Well, obviously,” another familiar voice said from behind the group. “How else do you expect to improve your bonds?”
When I whipped around, I was surprised to see Vanessa standing behind us, dressed in a long, deep-red gown and black leather gloves. Her long, dark, straight hair was loose and hung like a silky curtain over her shoulders. She had a small smile plastered on her gorgeous, porcelain face, and I knew she was excited about this next lesson.
Which only meant it was going to be as dangerous as hell. The professor did love a good challenge.
“Ah, Vanessa,” Evanora cooed. “There you are.”
We all exchanged confused looks with one another, and then the two professors rolled their eyes.
“Satan, did you think you came here to sight-see?” Vanessa huffed as her lip curled up into a sneer. “Bonding with your familiars was the first step, but we need to challenge you as well. Now, everyone, please pay close attention to Professor Evanora… unless you want your familiar to die a horribly painful death.”
I could see the color drain from several witches’ faces as they slowly turned their attention back to Professor Evanora, and a sinking feeling crept into the pit of my stomach as the pink-haired professor’s face curled up into a mischievous smile.
“Yes.” Evanora nodded. “Vanessa does have a point. You must pay close attention to what I’m about to tell you… is everyone listening?”
“Yes, Professor,” we answered in unison.
“Stupendous,” she replied with a naughty glint in her green eyes. “Now, you will all remain here for this special task while your familiars enter the maze… or rather, should I say, your bodies will remain here while you enter the maze with your familiar as a vessel. The objective of today’s lesson is to make it to the end of the labyrinth while using your new bodies to defeat creatures that may come in your path. You may still use your premonition skills to detect danger, but the point really is to see how well you can control your familiar’s new body. Work with your animal and help each other along the way… and I hope to see you all at the end of the lesson. It won’t be an easy task, but it will be a piece of lemon cake compared to the final game.”
“Err, Professor,” Morgana said in a faint voice. “Please do not take this the wrong way, but why is Professor Vanessa with us? Will this count as a blood magic grade as well?”
To everyone’s shock, Vanessa actually smiled and then shook her head.
“No, Miss Morgana,” she chuckled. “I’m just here to make the lesson a little more challenging for you. I’ll be controlling the weather and other small obstacles from here. Do not fret, though, I have faith in you all.”
We all nodded slowly and then turned to look at the maze. It was covered entirely in a thick, creamy fog, and I silently prayed to Satan that Alexander had improved eyesight. There was no way I’d be able to see through the mist, even with an illuminana spell.
“Is everyone ready?” Evanora asked, and it was clear she was unable to contain her excitement by her sparkling green eyes and wide grin.
“Yes, Professor,” we all mumbled.
I could tell by the sound of their voices that the witches were far from ready, but what choice did we have?
“Excellent,” the green-eyed professor giggled. “Now, bond with your familiar and run into the maze! Or gallop… fly… whatever, you get the point. Do not bother waiting for each other, this is more of an independent trial.”
I took in a deep breath and then looked down at my new and improved Alexander.
“Are you ready for this?” I asked as I cocked an eyebrow at him.
Let’s do this shit, he answered as he threw back his shoulders. I’m fucking ready.
So, I lowered myself down to Alexander’s level and then placed my hand on his head.
“Me, too,” I whispered. “Corporis nexum.”
Again, I felt as if my consciousness was being sucked right into Alexander’s body, and when the view of the world changed, I knew I was inside Alexander’s new wolverine form. This body felt healthy and strong, even if I was lower to the ground and smaller. This was definitely different compared to being inside a rabbit’s body. My vision was sharper, and so was my sense of smell and hearing. I flapped my wings and then tried to fly toward the maze, but it was more difficult than I thought it would be. Perhaps Alexander wasn’t used to flying just yet, and obviously, neither was I.
Let’s run, Alexander said. Come on, charge in.
If you say so, I replied.
Before I bolted into the maze, I took a quick glance around. No one else had run into the maze yet, and I figured I might as well be the first one to take charge, so I kicked back clouds of dirt before I bolted inside the maze and through the fog. I was running so fast, and blood was quickly coursing through my body as I gasped for air, but the sensation was incredible. I could feel my muscles burning as I kicked myself forward, and I felt like I could take on anything.
This is fucking amazing! I laughed.
No shit! Alexander agreed. What a fucking upgrade! I’m a badass beast now!
I pushed myself onward, and then we finally came across two different routes. I sniffed the air, and I couldn’t detect any other animals or creatures in my path. So, I huddled against a bush and closed my new eyes before I decided which way to take.
What are you doing? Alexander asked.
Making sure we’re heading into a predator-free route, I responded. Now, let me focus, so we don’t die.
Whatever you say, boss, he replied.
I narrowed my eyes again and homed in on my surroundings, and I could feel hot blood pumping through my body as I steadied my breathing and focused on the maze.
Then I said the incantation in my mind.
It took me a moment, but then my vision expanded beyond what I could see before me, and I quickly sensed something lurking on the left path. I sniffed at the air and then shook my wolverine head.
There’s something hiding on the left path, I explained. Let’s take a right.
You lead the way, Cole, my familiar drawled. I’m just here for a fun time.
I made a sharp turn to the right and continued to run ahead. The mist was growing thinner, and for a second, I thought this was going to be a piece of lemon cake, just like Evanora had said. Where was the fucking challenge? I was having a fun time, and so was Alexander, but as soon as a thick drop of rain hit the tip of my nose, I realized I’d spoken too soon. Another droplet fell, and then an entire shower of rain was pouring down on us.
Vanessa, I grumbled, of course.
Hot, but crazy, Alexander sighed, but it doesn’t matter, we can still do this.
The rain made it more challenging to navigate, and soon, the bloody droplets turned into a red hail. I tried to dodge the heavy icy stones as they rained down on me, but it was growing increasingly difficult, especially when a strong gust of wind picked up and nearly threw me back.
Satan, Alexander grunted. She’s trying to kill us!
Calm down, I
snickered. She’s just trying to make this as challenging as possible.
Well, it’s fucking working, he grumbled.
Stop complaining, I retorted, I need to focus.
Fine, but don’t say I didn’t warn you.
I started to run through the hail and push past the strong gust of wind, but it was nearly impossible to see or sense any danger. As I bolted through the intricate maze, I thought I heard something caw above me. It was almost impossible to hear with the sudden booms of thunder as well as the sound of ice pellets hitting the ground, but I could have sworn something was hovering directly above us. I tried to wedge myself in between the bushes and then stopped to catch my breath and listen.
Did you hear that? I asked.
I thought I did, Alexander replied, but I can’t be sure.
As I poked my head out of the brush, I looked around and then above me. I thought the coast was clear, but then something flashed before my eyes. It was a creature with enormous wings, and it swept down and tried to grab me with its extended claws. I swerved my head and then swatted at the blur, and when I looked up, I saw a massive bird with mean, green eyes staring down at me. It was a mixture between a hawk and a vulture, and I’d never seen such a bird before, but it didn’t matter.
The point was the beast was hungry, and it was determined to have me as its next meal.
Look out! Alexander cried.
I see it, I grunted.
The beastly bird swooped down again and then tried to scratch me with one of its massive claws, but I managed to duck and bat at one of its wings with my paw. It cawed angrily when it realized I was going to fight back and not hide behind the bushes, and I flashed my fangs with a snarl.
This fucker was going to die before I let him touch Alexander.
We can do it, Cole, Alexander cheered on. Let’s kill it!
Once again, the giant bird tried to swoop down on me, but I bolted toward another bush, and my opponent circled around me before it came soaring back down for another try. It was a persistent motherfucker, and I knew I’d have to kill it quickly before something else came for us.
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