by Nissa Leder
“I’ve never… oh wait, I have.” She giggles. “I’ve never had a younger sister?” She glances at me hopefully.
I keep my index finger raised, but I know celebrating will be premature.
“I’ve never had a grandpa that’s the Sorcery President,” Bianca says then purses her lips in my direction.
My index finger bends down into a fist. “Looks like I lose.”
“Shucks.” Bianca snaps her fingers. “What should your dare be?”
“I’m sure you’ll think of something clever.” I won’t let her scare me. Whatever the dare is, I’ll do it without complaint to take away as much of her satisfaction as I can.
“How about she has to break into Thornburn’s office and bring back one of the knives hanging on his wall,” the girl on my left says.
“That could work,” Bianca says. “After a long drink of the truth serum, so if she gets caught, she’ll have no choice but to tell the truth. Does everyone agree?” Everyone but Olivia nods. “A majority vote will do. That’s your dare, Wren.”
“Perfect.”
Bianca lifts the bottle of truth serum and pops off the cork again. “I think a three-second drink should do. Straight there, straight back.”
I stand up and take it from her. I resist the urge to pucker my face as the liquid swims past my tastebuds.
“You can have one more drink when you return to confirm that the knife you bring back is really one of Thornburn’s,” Bianca adds before I turn and exit the room to get this stupid dare over with.
Thirteen
I can do this. We learned an unlocking spell two weeks ago, which should be enough to get into Thornburn’s office. Unless he has a protective charm guarding it too. Then I’m screwed.
I’ll worry about that if it happens. Otherwise, I need to hurry before someone sees me and asks me what I’m doing.
When I’m halfway down the hallway to the stairs, the music fades. I pass someone in a doctor’s costume covered in fake blood headed back to the party, reminding me of my costume. I consider going to my room to change, but remember the straight there part Bianca added.
Whatever, if no one sees me, then what I’m wearing won’t matter.
I hurry down the stairs and speed walk to the gym. Thankfully, no one else is around. The gym is unlocked, which is the quickest way to his office. My heels click against the hard floor and echo through the big room. Not very subtle, but since I’m alone, it doesn’t matter.
Except when I make it to the far end of the room from the door that leads outside, I hear a male voice.
I slip my heels off and run quietly behind a stack of boxes in the corner.
“How do they even know that it will work?” the unfamiliar voice says, this time closer.
“They haven’t told me anything they haven’t told you,” a female voice says. “I don’t know if you realize this, but they aren’t exactly people who like to answer questions.”
“Well they should,” the guy says. “We’re the ones doing all their dirty work.”
Whatever they’re talking about, I don’t think it’s something they want to be overheard. Which means things won’t end well if they find me.
My pulse pounds in my head as I try to keep my breathing as quiet as I can.
“If we do as they say, they’ll give us some.”
“What if we take it all for ourselves?”
“Then they’ll find us and kill us,” the girl says with a sigh. “Don’t be an idiot. This will all pay off soon. Now we can’t talk about this again. Got it?”
“Yeah, yeah.”
I wait a few minutes before leaving the cover of the boxes and walk as fast as I can to Thornburn’s office. I want to get this stupid dare over with before I end up in a serious situation.
When I try to open the door, it’s locked as I expected.
I whisper, “Reserare,” and hear the click.
I’m relieved there is no charm preventing me from using a simple unlocking spell, but more than anything, I’m anxious to get out of here.
I switch on the light.
A dark-stained, wooden desk sits in the middle of the room, with a stack of books and papers spread across it. Underneath is a crimson-colored wool rug that covers most of the tile floor.
Pictures of Ordinary football players cover the largest wall, which reminds me that Thornburn grew up in the human world like I did.
Displayed on mounts on the far wall are daggers and swords of all sizes. I grab the smallest one, which is at least eight inches long. I hold it by its golden hilt, careful not to slice myself with the blade, and exit the office.
Praying that whoever I heard in the gym is long gone, I head back the way I came, only pausing to check the hallway before walking down it.
When I make it to the main staircase in the center of the academy, someone rounds the corner from the foyer and collides into me.
The dagger slips from my hand and crashes to the ground.
When I step back, I realize it’s Sebastian staring down at me.
“Well, what do we have here? The devil herself? ” He stares me down and back up, stopping at the horns on my head. “Much sexier than I imagined. And much more female.”
I bend down and grab the dagger. “I have to get back to the party I’m attending.”
“Oh, right. That freshman thing. I heard about that,” Sebastian says. “You seem a little lost for a party that’s in the freshman wing of the academy.”
“I had…” As I’m trying to come up with something to say, I remember the truth serum. I try to lie and say I just wanted to go for a walk, but my mouth won’t form the words.
Sebastian gently tilts my face to him and meets my eyes. “You’ve had Revilaresum.”
I try to deny it, but I don’t even know what that is, so my lips won’t move.
“It leaves the drinker with a green shimmer in their irises.” Sebastian glances at the dagger. “And why do you have a dagger from Thornburn’s office?”
I clamp my mouth shut, but the urge to answer him swells in my chest until I can’t help but blurt, “I was dared to steal it.” I cover my mouth, freaked out by my sudden omission. “Why did I just tell you that?”
“Revilaresum not only prevents you from lying, but it also makes you answer any direct question you’re asked that you know the answer to.” He grins.
“Oh, well on that note, I need to be going.” As I turn toward the stairs, I hear a door shut down the far end of the hall, right where Dean Waters’ office is.
If she catches me with the knife, I’ll be in huge trouble.
The alcohol in my stomach bubbles like lava as panic heats my veins.
Sebastian glances toward the noise, pins me against the wall, and presses his mouth to mine. His lips are warm as they move against mine, and I don’t resist. My tongue traces his lower lip as I lean closer to him.
One of his hands cradles my head as the other takes the hilt of the dagger and pulls it from my grip.
I reach up onto my tiptoes as his tongue twists with mine, and I almost forget this kiss is just for show.
A clearing of the throat causes Sebastian’s mouth to pull from mine. As he steps away, he whispers, “labrum cincinno,” then carefully slips the dagger behind me as if he’s only resting his hand on my back.
Dean Waters stares at us in jeans and a sweatshirt, a huge change from the normal pants suit she’s worn any time I’ve seen her. “I’m not sure this is the best place for private affairs. What has you both here this late?”
Dread causes my heart to race. The truth serum won’t let me lie, and even worse, it’s going to make me answer. The urge to respond reverberates through me, but when I open my mouth, nothing comes out.
“Wren and I were just on our way to get some fresh air in the courtyard, but we got a little distracted.” Sebastian looks and me and smirks.
Whatever spell he whispered must be keeping me from talking.
“Well, canoodling in the hallway is frowned upon here at
Wicklow, so please take your distraction elsewhere.”
Canoodling? What kind of word is that?
“We are very sorry,” Sebastian says.
I nod, praying his excuse is enough to send her on her way.
“Have a good night, you two.” Dean Waters gives a nod before heading up the staircase.
When she’s out of sight, Sebastian says, “labrum reserare.”
The muscles in my jaw relax. “What was that?”
“A temporary muting spell.” He brings the dagger in front of him. “I can’t undo the effects of the Revilaresum, but I figured I’d at least be able to keep you from ratting yourself out.” His blond hair falls into his face, bright against his tan skin. “As a repayment for my favor, you can answer me three questions.” He looks at the dagger.
“I…” If I want the dagger, I have no choice but to play his little game. “Fine.”
“What did you think of me the first time you saw me?”
“That you looked like a stereotypical surfer boy but acted like an arrogant prep.” That answer was easy enough.
I expect him to be mad, but all he does is chuckle. “Fair enough. And what did you think of our kiss?”
My throat tightens as I try to resist answering. I don’t want to admit what I felt, but since I can’t fight it, I answer, “It was nice.” I want to leave it at that, but the tension grows tighter. “The best kiss I’ve had in a while.”
This earns a cocky grin. “What’s your biggest fear?” I had expected him to gloat before asking the last question, which I definitely didn’t think would be so serious.
“To be alone.” The answer comes out without much thought. I’ve never stopped to think about what I’m most afraid of, but I know my answer is true.
Sebastian’s gaze holds mine as if he’s looking for some deep secret within my soul. He extends the dagger. “You better get back and finish your dare.”
“Thank you for saving me,” I say as I grab the hilt.
Not wanting to wait around and get caught by someone else, I hurry up the stairs and back to the party.
Fourteen
November comes as the weeks start to blur together.
Only a few months ago, I had no clue magic even existed. And now I’m learning new spells all the time.
Not only am I learning them, but I’m actually pretty good, at least at incantations and defensive spells. Most of my Incantations class all laugh behind Professor Belrose’s back after class. She insists that practicing magic is a spiritual endeavor and always assigns meditation as homework.
While the rest of the class makes fun of her teaching methods, I’ve embraced them. At first, it was because I didn’t know that her beliefs weren’t common in the Sorcery world, but now it’s because they really do work. There have only been two times I wasn’t the first to master a spell in class, one when I missed almost the whole week with the Sorcerer Flu, and the other was after a bad morning where Bianca and I almost blew up the Potions and Herbs room by both putting in the same ingredient. Needless to say, that class is my least favorite. Not because I don’t see the value, but because I’m stuck with Bianca as my partner.
I hold my own in the rest of my classes, and somehow Elaine and I have managed to remain amicable in our group practice sessions. Natalia and Van are still together, and their tension with Elaine has simmered for the time being.
Soon, it’s the weekend before Thanksgiving, and I’m back on the boat, watching Wicklow Academy grow smaller in the distance.
“An entire week away from seeing Micah and Tammy and their gross PDA,” Olivia says next to me. “Hallelujah.”
Their makeout session on the dance floor wasn’t just drunken fun. Turns out, they both liked each other and the next day started dating.
“How’ve you been doing with all that?” I ask.
I’ve been careful not to mention it too much. It’s bad enough she has to see them together all around the school and in their group practices. The last thing she needs is me reminding her about it all when she finally gets some space.
“I’ve accepted it.” Olivia turns away from Wicklow and rests her back against the railing. “But I’m ready for a little break. From seeing them together. From classes. From the constant reminder from teachers that if our group finishes in the bottom half at the end of the year, I’ll lose my magic forever.”
“Tell me about it.” I pull my sweater sleeves down beneath my coat. It’s much colder now than it was at the end of the summer when I first arrived at Wicklow. “I also hear it every week from Elaine. Twice a week now that we’ve doubled our practice sessions.”
When my fingers and nose start to burn from the chill, we head inside one of the rooms for the remainder of the boat ride. Finally, the boat docks and we get off.
Beck and Kaz are waiting outside the black car sent to pick us up. Kaz is spending the entire week break at our house, which might have me excited if it wasn’t for Beck’s stupid request for him not to date me.
Since our conversation at the bonfire, I haven’t even talked to Kaz. We’ve passed each other at the academy and exchanged smiles and waves, but nothing more.
“You can have shotgun.” Beck opens the passenger seat door for me.
“You’re so kind,” I mumble before getting into the car.
Beck and I have barely spoken since he informed me he’d asked Kaz not to date me. He delivered a message from Lucas once, but that’s it.
When we get home and go inside, no one else is home. I’m not surprised. I’m not even disappointed. The older I’ve gotten, the lower my expectations have fallen.
I head straight to my room, where I spend the rest of the day.
Later that evening, Beck finds me and tells me Mom and Dad are home and it’s time for dinner.
When I get to the dining room, everyone is already sitting down.
White plates sit on gold chargers, cloth napkins hold the finest silverware, and a fresh bouquet of flowers fill a glass vase in the middle of the table. Food I know neither of my parents cooked has been put in ceramic bowls to look homemade. Just a typical meal at the Jacobsen’s.
“Wren, you look so grown up.” Mom scoops some mashed potatoes on her plate then passes it to Dad.
Dad dishes himself up potatoes, too. “We’re so excited to hear about your first months at Wicklow.”
I sit in my usual seat across from Beck. “I didn’t realize you cared.”
My brother glares at me. Mom and Dad exchange surprised looks.
“Of course, we do,” Dad says.
“Why did you hide everything from us?” I ask.
I’m sure there would be a better time for this conversation, but I don’t care. I’ve spent the last three months feeling behind everyone else. Most of my classmates know more about my parents than I do. Half the school hates me because of who my family and the other half want to be my friend because of it.
“We wanted you to grow up away from the Sorcery world.” Mom sets her spoon down.
“I showed up on this boat where everyone seemed to know who I was. They knew who you were. I spent eighteen years in this house and had no idea. You know how clueless that made me feel?”
Beck kicks my shoe under the table. “Don’t you think you can discuss this later?”
I clench my fist. “As much as you might think otherwise, you don’t control me. Maybe other people will follow your commands,” I look straight at Kaz, “but I can make my own decisions.”
“I’m sorry if we made things difficult for you,” Dad says. “I grew up with a father prominent in the Sorcery world. I lived my entire life in the public eye, which was there waiting for me to fail so I could be another thing to gossip about. We didn’t want that for you.”
“Is that why you don’t talk to Lucas?” I ask.
Dad raises an eyebrow as the corner of his mouth curves into a half grin. “Is that what you call him?” After I nod, he continues, “I always called him Lucas out of spite. I’d love to ha
ve seen his face the first time you called him that.”
“You might not be happy with the way we raised you, but you’re an adult now and soon you will learn life isn’t black and white.” Mom reaches for the bowl of gravy. “Now, we have a guest and can talk about family affairs later.”
Dad gives me a sympathetic look, but provoking Mom anymore now will only end in drama that I don’t feel like dealing with.
I eat a wheat roll and a few bites of potatoes, then excuse myself back to my room.
A little while later, there’s a knock at my door.
“Can I come in?” Beck asks.
“Sure.” I pause the movie I’m watching and prop myself up against my headboard. “What’s up?”
“Give Mom and Dad a chance to explain before you completely judge them.” He sits on the edge of my bed.
I fold my legs into a criss-cross. “I’m just tired of all the pretending and lies.”
“You know the truth now,” Beck says. “You’re at Wicklow and, from here on out, get to make your own choices.”
“How have you always been so mature?” I ask.
Even when we were kids, Beck always seemed like an adult in a child-sized body. For as long as I can remember, he has thought things through, and I don’t think he’s ever made a decision without first analyzing every possible repercussion.
“I spend half my energy contemplating what might happen in the future, usually expecting the worst-case scenario,” Beck says. “I’m sure it’s saved me from learning some hard lessons, but I’m starting to realize it’s cost me a lot, too.” He takes a deep breath. “I shouldn’t have meddled with you and Kaz. You’re my little sis, and he’s my best friend, and I never want to see either of you hurt. But it wasn’t my place to ask him not to see you. You’re a good person, even if you jump without thinking too often.”
“I get why you’d be worried. It isn’t like I have the greatest record for long relationships.”
“I shouldn’t judge your ability to commit to someone based on what you did in high school. That isn’t fair.”
“Well, no, it isn’t. But I know you’re protective of those you care about,” I say.