by Logan Jacobs
If it was anything like Blood Magic, I knew I would be faced with a set of new challenges, but I was ready to take them on.
In fact, I silently vowed to ace the next class, just as I had aced this one. More importantly, I couldn’t wait to see the look on the other witches’ faces when I beat them at their own game.
It was a delicious notion, one that I could already taste.
Chapter 7
The next morning, I woke up feeling refreshed and ready to conquer the day.
I slowly crept out of my bed and stretched. My stomach growled, and I wondered why there was never any breakfast served around here.
“God, I’m starving,” I whispered to myself.
“How about some eggs and a muffin?” asked a shrill voice that echoed through my room.
I flinched and looked around.
“Cordelia?” I questioned with a nervous little chuckle. “Is that you?”
“Yes, sir,” the voice responded.
“Uh … are you always watching me?”
“Yes, sir,” she repeated. “Mistress Theodora has entrusted me to keep an eye on you, two eyes in fact, so I’m always around when you need me.”
“Yeah, about that,” I muttered as I rubbed the back of my neck. “How about I just call out for you when I need you?”
The idea that this old woman was continually watching me undress, sleep, and study made me feel extremely uncomfortable.
“But the headmistress said I must always--” she started to say, but I cut her off.
“What if I order you to stop watching me and wait until I summon you?” I replied with a raised brow. “Deal?”
“As you wish, sir,” Cordelia sighed. “Do you still want breakfast?”
“Sure.” I nodded.
A plate of eggs and a blueberry muffin suddenly appeared on my desk. The room instantly smelled of butter, and my stomach growled loudly at the sight.
“Thank you, Cordelia,” I said. “That will be all for now.”
“Yes, sir.”
I waited for a minute and briefly wondered if she was really gone, but there was no sure way to tell, so I shrugged it off and ate my delicious breakfast. As soon as I was done, the plate evaporated, and I dressed in my clean uniform that had been neatly folded in the armchair. I glanced at my reflection in the mirror and swept my dark hair out of my eyes. Then I smiled to myself, grabbed my copy of the Book of Beasts and my new bone dagger, and finally headed for the door.
As confusing and muddling as it was to be here in this goddamn academy, with no explanation as to how I got here, I realized I was excited about my next class.
Premonition.
I was ready to take on a new challenge and beat these witches. I’d schooled them in the Blood Magic course, but they were still underestimating me. I’d show them, though, that I was prepared for any goddamn challenge they sent my way.
I read my book as I walked down the crowded hallway. Even though it had nothing to do with my next class, I used each and every opportunity to study.
The more knowledge I retained, the better.
While I continued to read, I accidentally collided with someone. We both went flying backward, and I heard something heavy fall to the floor.
“Hey!” a familiar voice yelled. “Watch where you’re going.”
It was Vesta.
The green-haired witch had dropped her book, and her silver eyes were filled with fury and disdain as I bent down to pick it up for her.
I briefly studied the cover before handing the tome back. The binding was a deep, sapphire blue and had golden writing on the cover. I didn’t get a chance to read it, though, because she snatched it out of my hands.
“Thanks,” she muttered.
“No problem.” I nodded, and I gave her the once over.
Today, the lavender-skinned witch had left three buttons on her shirt open, and I could see a trace of her light pink bra peeking through. Thick black liner was swiped on the top of her silver-gray eyes, and it gave her an even more sultry and exotic look. There were also a few braids woven into her sea-green hair, and she was practically glowing.
“What?” she snapped as a deep, plum blush crept across her cheeks.
“Nothing,” I chuckled. Then I smiled and gestured for her to go on ahead. “After you.”
Vesta huffed, threw her nose up in the air, and walked ahead of me, and I followed her past Blood Magic and into a new classroom.
I immediately noticed this room was similar to our previous class. Black walls, a shiny black marble floor, and three long desks filled the space. There was another armoire in here, but not as large as the one inside the Blood Magic classroom. Another small, oval window also sat high above us, but just like most windows in the castle, it was practically impossible to look out of. All I could make out were wisps of silver clouds and droplets of heavy rain beating against the glass.
The room was empty, and I watched as Vesta took a seat in the very last desk at the back. Clearly, that was her way of saying she had no desire to sit next to me.
I shook my head and chuckled. When would they just accept the fact I wasn’t going anywhere? I knew this game we were all playing was going to be a long one, but I had the stamina to keep up and excel.
These women had no idea who they were messing with and what I was willing to do to succeed.
I sat down at a desk close to the door and continued to read my book in silence. After about five minutes of undisturbed reading, I felt someone watching me from the doorway, and when I pulled my eyes away from my book and looked up, I saw Akira staring at me. She appeared flustered and confused before she realized I noticed her stare. Then she scrunched up her pierced nose in faux disgust, tossed back her raven-black bob, and strutted to the back of the room, near Vesta.
“There is no way I’m sitting next to him again,” Akira said, loud enough for me to hear. “Satan knows one class was enough.”
“Hmm, that’s too bad,” I said with a grin, and when I turned to look at her, she was sitting with her arms folded, like she was silently daring me to continue. “You’d probably learn a thing or two.”
Akira scoffed and then reached into the satchel she’d been carrying. She pulled out a book and slammed it down on the desk, and I laughed and turned back around. I could hear the two witches whispering feverishly to each other, and even though I was focused on my own shit, I still strained to listen to whatever it was they were saying.
I couldn’t help it, I was curious.
As I pretended to read, I couldn’t make out any clear words except for “library” and “test.” The two witches said these words more than once, but everything else was just mumbling. Eventually, I gave up, shook my head, and turned my attention back to my book.
The more I studied, the better.
While I buried my nose in my book, the classroom started to slowly fill up, and the only one who wasn’t here yet, besides the professor, was Morgana.
I smiled to myself and imagined how pissed off the long-haired brunette would be once she realized she had to sit next to me for the rest of this class.
I closed my book and patiently waited, since the look on her face would be priceless. A few minutes later, she ran through the door with her shirt buttons only halfway done, and her dark hair was completely disheveled. Her sky-blue gaze landed on me, and as I predicted, she groaned.
“Shit,” Morgana muttered before she dropped into the seat beside me. “I guess I’m stuck with you.”
“So it would seem.” I smirked.
She sighed and pulled out her textbook.
“What the hell happened to you, Morgana?” Faye asked from the desk behind us.
“Bad dreams,” Morgana grumbled.
“Was Cole in it?” Faye joked.
“If I were, then it would have been a wet dream,” I said as I turned to face the redhead.
Her freckled face turned a shade of crimson, and she cast her golden-green eyes down at the book in front of her.
>
“Disgusting,” Faye muttered.
I tried not to laugh as she turned an even darker shade of red, and her long lashes fluttered as she pretended to read.
I bit back a smirk before turning back around, and then something else caught my eye.
“You missed a few buttons,” I whispered to Morgana.
“What?” she snapped.
I pointed to her shirt, and the blue-eyed brunette quickly looked down to see all her buttons done incorrectly. Just like Faye, she blushed and discreetly started to fix them without meeting my eyes.
“Thanks,” she mumbled.
“No worries,” I replied in a relaxed tone.
Soon, Headmistress Theodora arrived at the door and flashed us all a smile. She was wearing a deep, plum-colored gown with black and red lace on the sleeves and skirt. Her dark hair was pinned up with a bone, and she wore black leather gloves, even though it was quite warm in here with the candlelight chandelier hanging above us.
“Good morning, class.” She grinned. “I hope everyone is well-rested and ready to begin our first Premonition course.”
“Yes, Headmistress Theodora,” everyone replied in unison.
I nodded, and she turned her attention toward me. Then she smiled and tilted her head to the side.
“Ah, Cole,” Theodora drawled, “don’t think I’ve forgotten about you.”
I was confused for a moment until she headed toward her large, mahogany desk and pulled open a drawer. She retrieved a copy of the dark blue textbook that everyone had opened on their desks and blew the dust off it.
“This is my personal copy,” she said before she handed it to me. “I had it when I was a young witch studying in preschool, and all I ask is that you take good care of it for me.”
“Of course.” I nodded. “Thank you.”
“You can thank me by studying hard.” The headmistress cocked an eyebrow at me before she looked at the other girls. “This class will certainly push all your limits. It is not for the faint of heart … and when I say that, I am directing it at everyone here.”
Everyone nodded, and their expressions grew even more severe.
“Now, please open your textbooks to page seven-hundred-and-twenty-two,” Theodora instructed.
As I opened the book, I briefly wondered why we never began on the first page, but then I realized it was probably because everyone knew the history and introduction to these classes. There was no point in wasting time going over material everyone else knew when these classes were already so damn short.
It was hard being the only one in here with no idea what to expect, but I knew that would all change once I did the reading. I was already halfway done with the Book of Beasts, and I retained all the information because deep down, I was determined to succeed. Even if it meant reading this heavy book from start to finish, I’d study until my eyes bled, so long as it meant I succeeded in this class and the exam.
“Now, everyone take a moment to read the first passage,” Theodora said.
I glanced down and read the first paragraph. The illustrations within this book were particularly beautiful but terrifying at the same time. There was a sketch of the human skeleton, with the skin melting off. Its bulging and melting eyes were filled with alarm, and I couldn’t help but admire the picture.
But then I realized I had to study the labels, so I stopped marveling at the illustration, and I started to look at the markings. Instead of just labeling the actual bones in the human body, the labels indicated which bone symbolized what. For example, the mandible symbolized wealth and prosperity, but bones like the femur and radius represented ominous and foreboding readings. Cracked and discolored bones implied a significant number of things, and it was necessary to remember the differences.
“Now, Vesta,” Theodora called out, “can you explain to everyone the importance of this class? Why do we study premonition in the first place?”
I knew she was only asking this question for my benefit. The rest of the witches probably had extensive knowledge regarding the history of premonition, and this question was most likely grating on Vesta and everyone else’s nerves.
But I didn’t give a shit. As long as I was here, they would have to tolerate it.
“Premonition has been a necessary skill since the dawn of time, and it helped witches predict future attacks from elder gods and mortal villages,” Vesta recited in a stoic voice. “Bone readings, tarot cards, dream interpretation, visions, and foresight are all major components of the class … but not everyone can gain access to all components of premonition.”
“Very good,” Theodora remarked. “Now, premonition requires patience, observation, and insight. It is not for the faint of heart, and I hope you all realize this.”
Everyone nodded in response, and I raised my hand.
“Yes, Cole?” she asked.
“How will premonition come into use during the final exam?” I questioned.
The witches snickered, but I didn’t give a fuck. If my life was going to be on the line, then I had every right to ask it.
“That’s a fair question,” Theodora replied with her voice slightly elevated, “so there really is no need for childish giggling.”
The women immediately stopped their laughter, and when I glanced at Morgana, she was slightly flushed from embarrassment.
“Apologies, Headmistress,” Vesta said in a small voice.
“Yes, we meant no disrespect,” Faye added.
Sweeny scoffed, and Theodora’s blue eyes flashed with fury.
“Do you have something to say, Sweeny?” the professor demanded.
“No, Headmistress,” the scarred witch muttered.
“That’s what I thought,” Theodora replied.
The headmistress’ eyes then softened, and she turned her attention back to me.
“To answer your question, Cole, premonition will be used to test your ability to sense danger before it approaches, but that’s all I can give you for now,” she answered.
While her response might have been vague, it was still better than nothing.
“Thank you, Headmistress,” I intoned.
“Now, we will first start off with a little bone throwing,” she said as she turned back to the lesson at hand.
Theodora twirled her skirts behind her and marched over to the armoire. She unlocked it with a key that hung around her neck, retrieved a jar, and then locked it back up with a swift turn of the key.
I observed her as she carried the massive, translucent jar back to her desk. It wasn’t only filled with bones, but from what I could see, there were also shells, wood, and charms inside.
I glanced back to my book, and when I flipped the page, I saw an entire section regarding plants, wood, and other objects that could be included in a reading.
Damn … I had a lot of studying to do.
I snapped my head back up and watched as the headmistress gently dumped a handful of the contents onto her empty desk. She closed her eyes for a long moment and then, when she finally opened them, she smiled at each and every one of us.
“Would anyone like to take a shot at it?” she asked in a playful tone.
Morgana leaned forward out of her seat and squinted her blue eyes, and her skirt lifted high enough for me to see how her sexy, crimson laced panties hugged her perfect ass.
I heard Vesta and Akira giggling softly behind us, but if Morgana heard them laughing, she clearly didn’t care that her ass was on full display right now.
“I see a … broken shell on the right corner and a couple pieces of skull,” the brunette said slowly. “It seems like they are greenish in color, though.”
“Excellent observation,” the headmistress replied. “Can you tell us what a greenish tint indicates?”
“It can mean progress or challenges?” Morgana responded quietly, as if she wasn’t entirely sure of her answer.
I glanced down at my book, and luckily, my eyes landed on the bone color indication. I scanned the paragraph quickly and raised
my hand.
“Yes, Cole?” Theodora nodded in my direction.
“Doesn’t it mean growth?” I asked.
“Excellent, Cole,” Theodora said with a grin. “Sorry, Morgana, you were very close.”
Morgana forced herself to smile in response, but I could feel her fuming as she lowered herself into the chair beside me.
“Fucking fuck,” the brunette whispered under her breath as she gave me a sideways glance.
If she could strangle me here, she probably would have.
“Now, bone reading can mean something different to everyone,” Theodora explained in a clear and loud voice. “Sometimes, the pieces will say nothing at all, and that’s okay. What I want everyone to do now is study a small reading. I will come to you all, one by one.”
She dumped the contents back into the jar and then approached me first.
“Cole, I want you to rattle the jar to wake up the pieces,” she instructed, “then gently take a handful out of the jar and toss them on the desk, just as I did.”
I nodded and took the jar from her, and I could feel everyone’s eyes on me as I shook the jar. I had no idea what I was doing, I was just winging it.
But then something strange happened.
As I lifted the lid of the jar, a strange tingle went straight up my arm. I grabbed a fistful of the jar’s contents and tossed the bones, shells, and wood onto my desk. Then I stared at them for a good minute. I could feel each piece radiating energy, and I tried to focus on what exactly they were saying to me.
I focused as hard as I could, but it just wasn’t clear.
“You can’t sense exactly what they’re saying, can you?” Theodora asked, but not in a patronizing way. “It’s alright, that was the point.”
“But I can feel … something,” I replied.
“Good, that’s a start.” She nodded. “The point I’m trying to make to each and every one of you is that bone reading requires great mental strength. So, Cole, what I want you to do is close your eyes, clear your mind, and enter an alternate state. Feel the evil spirits descending upon you before you open your eyes again.”
I had no choice but to do as she asked. It was strange closing my eyes and just meditating in front of everyone like she instructed, but there was no other choice.