I looked down at the sweet-smelling brew and then took a small, tentative sip. It tasted absolutely divine, and it was cold as it seeped down my throat. Before I could take another sip, though, something strange started to happen. Everything suddenly became blurry, and the last thing I saw before the world went black was Theodora’s beautiful face smiling down on me.
Chapter 18
When I finally came to, I jerked myself upward and then looked around. I was in a room I’d never seen before, and a part of me wondered if I was still asleep and dreaming. The walls were painted light, lilac purple, and several stained-glass windows were plastered along the right side of the room. I was still fully dressed, and it took me a moment to realize I was sitting on top of a grand, canopy bed with towering, wooden hand-carved bed posts and a sheer lavender canopy that was draped over the master bed. There was a striking, black and red crystal chandelier hanging above me, and it cast specks of glowing ruby lights all around the room. A majestic gold and rug carpet covered the sleek, dark wooden floor, and there were towers of books in every corner of the room. The entire bedroom smelled of spiced incense and wilting roses, and it felt as if I were stuck in some kind of living dream. My heart was beating like a drum as I tried to remember how the hell I gotten here, but the last thing I remembered was Theodora offering me a drink in her office.
“Ah, you’re finally awake,” Theodora’s voice purred.
I swerved my neck and spotted the headmistress standing by a closed wooden door with a porcelain teacup in her hands and wearing a semi-sheer white nightgown. I couldn’t help but stare at her wide, creamy hips and the arcs of her full voluptuous breasts. The outline of her small waist made it look like she was wearing a corset, and her bright eyes twinkled as she stared long and hard at me.
She might as well be completely naked.
I also noticed her dark hair, which was usually pulled up into a demure bun, spilled over her shoulders like a chocolate waterfall. Her cheeks and lips were rosy, and her ivory skin was glowing like white wine. Her sky-blue eyes stared right into mine as she took a few steps closer toward the bed, and I could feel the blood rushing down to my cock as she sauntered even closer.
“Err, uh, Headmistress,” I spluttered. “With all due respect… what the hell is going on? Where am I?”
“You fell into a deep, calming sleep,” she replied in a saccharine tone. “I thought it would be best to bring you into my private chambers to rest for the night. Today is the big day, after all… I wanted you to be as refreshed as possible.”
“Fuck!” I gasped as I sat up a little straighter. “What time is it? I should go to my coven--”
“They’ll be fine for a few more minutes,” she cooed before she took a seat on the bed next to me, and I couldn’t help but notice how intoxicating she smelled, like wildflowers and sweet, ripe berries. “You should drink this tea. It will help you wake up.”
After I stared at the yellow tinted tea, I raised a skeptical eyebrow in her direction, and she gently laughed.
“I promise it won’t knock you out,” she laughed. “Just drink it, and I swear it will help you to wake up.”
I nodded and took the cup from her delicate hands. Then I tentatively sipped the brew, and the bitter taste of lemon and ginger overwhelmed my taste buds. I coughed, wiped my lips, and before I could offer her the half-filled cup, she gently shoved it back in my direction.
“Drink it all,” she ordered. “Trust me.”
Without arguing, I forced myself to drink the entire cup, and when I was finished, I shook my head and then looked at the headmistress. She was undoubtedly beautiful, and now that I was really looking at her, I realized she looked more like Vanessa’s sister, rather than her mother.
“Are you ready, Cole?” she asked in a soft voice.
“As ready as I’ll ever be,” I sighed.
“Fantastic,” Theodora said before she set the teacup aside. “I’ll send you to your room, then.”
Before I could respond, she flicked her wrist, and I was wrapped up in a blanket of thick, purple smoke. When the wisps of mist vanished, I was back inside my bedroom, but before I even had a chance to look around, Alexander flew right by my head and nearly knocked me over.
“Hey!” I exclaimed. “Watch it, man.”
Where the hell were you? he demanded. I was worried sick.
“I was asleep in the headmistress’ chambers,” I replied.
Wait, what? he shrieked, and he swerved through the air to come back and hover in front of my face. What happened? Tell me every sexy detail.
“Nothing like that happened,” I chuckled. “Now stop chattering, I have to get ready.”
“Speaking of which, your tournament outfit is ready for you, sir,” Cordelia’s voice echoed. “It’s in the usual place.”
“Ah, thank you,” I said as I headed over to the blue velvet chair.
As Cordelia promised, there was a new, neatly pressed outfit folded on the seat, and as I began to dress, I realized just how different this outfit was compared to the others I’d donned in the past. Instead of a plain white-collar shirt, there was a sleek, black button-down top with a deep forest-green collar and leather cuffs. The Scholomance crest was sewn into the breast pocket, and it looked like something a prince would wear. The trousers were different as well, and instead of black wool, I slipped on a pair of black leather pants with a soft interior and plenty of room to hide extra weapons. I tucked my shirt into the waistband and strode over to my desk and pulled out my crafted dagger before I tucked it into my pants. I then slid into my standard leather boots and swept a black Scholomance cloak over my shoulders. The interior was made of green, luminous silk, which matched my shirt’s collar, and there was another crest sewn into the cloak as well.
As soon as I was dressed, I marched over to the sea glass mirror to take a look at myself.
My ebony hair was swept over my pale blue eyes, and I quickly brushed back the stubborn strands and tucked them behind my ears. My pale skin was almost glowing, the same way Theodora’s had shone this morning, and there was a tint of red in my cheeks and lips. Whatever she gave me, it was rejuvenating my insides and my physical attributes as well. I felt like a god as I looked at my reflection, but I also reminded myself not to get too cocky.
Who knew what tricks were waiting for us in the final game?
Looking sharp as a knife, Cole, Alexander commented, and his voice broke me out of my trance. All your women are going to flood their panties when they see you. Are you ready to kick some ass?
“You bet,” I chuckled as I took one final look in the mirror. “Let’s go see if the others are ready as well.”
I opened the door, and Alexander flew down to the common room and situated himself on the fireplace mantlepiece. As soon as I stepped down the stairwell, I was hit with an intoxicating aroma of different breakfast options, and when I glanced at the cluttered coffee table, I knew Cordelia had truly outdone herself this time. I spotted mugs of spiced coffee, cups of freshly squeezed wild fruit juice, fairy-wing cakes, pumpkin pancakes, griffin eggs, newt biscuits, and even an assortment of rainbow-colored mystical muffins and a bowl of red berries.
“Thank you, Cordelia,” I gushed before I took a seat and poured myself some coffee. “This is amazing. You’re amazing.”
“I just wanted to help as much as I could,” Cordelia replied, and I could practically hear her blushing. “I’m so glad you approve of it, sir.”
“Oh, what a lovely set up,” I heard Vesta’s elegant voice echo from behind me. “It’s positively perfect.”
When I turned around, I spotted my coven, and a small smile broke across my face. They were all dressed the same, but just as sexy, nonetheless. Each witch wore an emerald-colored mini skirt with knee-high black leather boots, and an ebony, button-down silk blouse. They didn’t button their shirts all the way up to their collarbones, and the cusps of their perfect breasts were visible through the gaps of their tops. Aside from Akira, they all had the
ir long hair pulled up into a sensible bun, and their naturally gorgeous faces were free from any makeup.
“Come and join me.” I gestured toward the hearty breakfast. “There’s plenty to share.”
“Yes, master,” they replied in unison.
The sweet-smelling women all took their seats and then began to dig into their food, and I ate slowly and watched each witch as they enjoyed their breakfasts. I was worried about the final game, but I knew I’d have to set any concerns aside.
For me, it wasn’t really about winning. It was more about surviving, and now that we’d grown closer, I refused to let anything happen to Penelope or Beatrix. This meant the last game was going to be the most difficult one of all, and not only because it was premonition based, but because I would have my hands full watching over the other two witches.
But soon, they would both be mine, and it would no longer be an issue. I just had to be patient.
“Listen,” I said as I set my empty plate aside, “I need you all to help me out with something.”
“What is it, Cole?” Vesta hummed before she picked a small berry from the porcelain bowl and lightly sucked on the tip with her full, pink lips.
“I need you to help me watch over Penelope and Beatrix,” I explained. “They aren’t under the protection of the blood pact, but my intent is to bring them into our coven soon.”
“Of course,” Morgana breathed as she leaned forward, and I could practically see her nipples down her blouse. “We’ll do whatever we can to protect them, master.”
“She’s right,” Faye added, and her gold-green eyes shone with determination. “You can count on us.”
“Absolutely.” Akira nodded.
“Good girls,” I sighed before I leaned back into the sofa.
I knew I couldn’t get comfortable for long, but I still briefly closed my eyes and then took in a long, steady breath before I looked back at each stunning witch.
“Are we ready to fucking do this?” I finally asked.
“Yes, master,” my women answered in unison.
Again, I marveled at my brilliant and gorgeous coven. They all had full, confident smiles spread across their faces, their skin glowed with excitement, and I couldn’t help but grin at their poise and determination to see this game through to the very end. I then chuckled as all their familiars came crawling or slithering down the stairwell from their bedrooms.
Vesta’s silver and ivory snake slithered up her body and loosely curled herself around the elf’s slender, lavender neck. Her bright, green eyes bored into mine before she flicked her bright pink tongue in the air and hissed.
“Don’t worry, Ursula,” Vesta purred. “You’ll be fine… we’re in this together, my love.”
I then looked down at Akira’s bulky Komodo dragon as he wrapped his tail around the black-eyed witch’s ankle. He puffed up his chest, sneered, and then batted his small wings when he met Alexander’s eyes.
Akira looked between the two of them and laughed. “Looks like they’re proud of their new wings. Damien just sprouted them last night after we talked for hours.”
“Well done.” I grinned. “Bonding has officially paid off.”
I averted my eyes away from the small dragon and turned my attention toward Faye’s oversized ferret with shimmering white fur. The creature was restless, and it hopped around in circles over everyone’s feet as if it were chasing an invisible mouse.
“Lily, you need to calm the fuck down,” Faye sighed as she rolled her golden-green eyes. “Save that energy for the game.”
I chuckled at the energetic little beast, and then my eyes landed on Morgana’s black bear. The poor creature had three perfectly lined scars across her stomach, but it didn’t even faze the strong-willed familiar. She stood tall and proud by Morgana’s side, and it was clear to me that Silvia possessed the bookworm’s strength and willpower, and a surge of pride flooded through my body as I looked at the unstoppable pair.
Alexander flew toward me, and before I could suggest we leave, there was a hard knock on the door, and Vanessa strolled right in. She was wearing a blood-red gown with a deep, plunging neckline, and a pearl choker. Her straight hair was up in a sleek, dark ponytail, and her eyes were painted with a smoky black shadow.
Penelope and Beatrix were standing behind her with their familiars, and their faces were white-washed. Their lips were also pale and trembling as they quietly waited for Vanessa to say something, and I knew they were trying their absolute hardest to put on brave faces. The fear in their eyes was clearly there, and as soon as I met their gaze, I smiled reassuringly at the pair.
“Don’t worry,” I mouthed. “I’ll watch over you.”
They both smiled softly at me, and Vanessa didn’t even seem to notice as she stared around the room and then sighed.
“Theodora thought it would be best if we all walked down to the banquet hall together,” she explained in a curt tone. “Are you ready?”
“Yes, Professor,” we all responded.
“Good, follow me,” she snapped before she whipped her skirt around and strode out of the common room with her head held high.
We obediently followed our short-tempered professor down the halls, and it was eerily quiet as we walked through the empty corridors. I knew everyone was impatiently awaiting our arrival, and as soon as we got closer to the wide, wooden doors, my heart began to beat a little bit faster.
When we were just outside the banquet hall entrance, Vanessa spun around and looked at each of us. She forced herself to smile, but it seemed like a painful and awkward endeavor for the bitchy professor.
“May Satan be with you all,” she began as she lowered her eyes. “I will ask the unholy spirits for your safe return.”
“Thank you, Professor,” Vesta purred. “We deeply appreciate your thoughts and prayers.”
Vanessa nodded gravely in return, and before she pushed the doors apart, she took in a deep breath, and I noticed her shoulders were shaking. Finally, with steady hands, she opened the doors, and as soon as they were parted, a thunderous round of applause echoed throughout the expanded banquet hall.
We marched into the hall in a tight line, and I led the group to the front of the room where the other teams and the headmistress were waiting. Theodora was dressed in a long, black and white checkered gown with a low neckline, and she was wearing a pearl necklace similar to Vanessa’s. Her dark hair was up in its usual bun, and she smiled brightly at us as we slowly made our way toward them.
As we passed the crowd, I spotted the twins, Ivy and Iris, standing by the sidelines, and they were waving and cheering as we passed them by. There was no trace of resentment on their matching faces, and I briefly wondered if they were relieved to not be a part of the final tournament.
I turned my attention back to the front of the room, but I couldn’t help but feel a pair of eyes burning into me as I led my team onward, and when I discreetly looked around, I quickly located the source. It was Headmaster Ravana, and he was standing behind his warlock team. His beady, rat-like eyes were fixated on me, and his slimy mouth curled up into a small smile as he subtly nodded in my direction. The longer I stared at him, the more I wished Theodora would have kicked him out of the academy before the game, but her orders were absolute, and I had no say in the matter.
So, instead, I quickly studied the other two teams as we took our places in front of the roaring sea of students.
Lex stood tall and proud in front of his team and then smiled when he turned to meet my eyes. The Mors students were all dressed in white tuxedos, and their hair was slicked back. They all stood like a row of obedient toy soldiers behind Lex, and their faces were devoid of any emotion, even as their counterparts cheered them on and screamed their names. They had their own familiars at their feet, and I noticed a ferocious-looking, small white lion stood by Lex’s side.
As I stood there among the teams, I glanced at the Vipera women and tried to read them. I’d scarcely seen them during our training period, and they w
ere all posed in the same fashion. They were wearing navy-blue skirts and white button-down blouses with knee-high boots, and their long hair was pulled back. They refused to look at our team as we stood next to Theodora, but I thought I saw the blue-skinned Nyx flash a discreet look in my direction. Her familiar had evolved from the last time I saw it, and now it was a fiery red falcon that was perched obediently on her shoulder.
Finally, Theodora raised her hands into the air, and the entire room grew silent at once. It was almost unnerving how quiet the room felt, and for a moment, I thought I could hear my coven’s hearts beating like a chorus of drums behind me.
“Welcome!” Theodora echoed. “The final game will begin shortly, but before we send off our brave students, let us give them one more round of applause for their bravery and fellowship!”
The students all cheered and wildly clapped, and then Theodora raised her hands once more.
“And now, may the final game commence!”
Chapter 19
A giant cloud of deep purple smoke engulfed all the team members and their familiars, and soon the entire banquet hall vanished from view as we were sucked from Scholomance and tossed through only Satan knows where. As we viciously spun through various realms, my body felt like it was tumbling and swirling through a vortex, and it made my stomach do violent flips and jumps as we were thrown through different worlds. This was the roughest trip we’d ever taken via shadow transportation, and I wondered if the feeling of plummeting and spinning would ever come to an end.
By the time the ferocious sensation came to an abrupt halt, we all landed on a hard, stone floor. Everything was pitch black, the air was ice cold, and there was a long moment of silence before everyone started to groan.
“Is everyone alright?” I grunted as I tried to sit up.
“Yes,” I heard Vesta’s light voice echo in the darkness, “but that was a terrible trip. One of the worst, in fact.”
“No shit,” Akira’s harsh voice boomed. “Was Theodora trying to kill us through shadow porting?”
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