by ERIN BEDFORD
Just as I was about to give up, the ball of light in my mind’s eye flared at me. I cocked my head to the side as if trying to listen to it. It was trying to tell me something just like the amulet had.
Suddenly, I knew what to do.
My hand still on the amulet, I reached out with my mind and grasped a hold of my magic, coaxing it to move through me and into the stone. If it didn’t have enough power to grant my wish, then I’d have to lend it some of mine. I fed it my magic until the amulet grew so warm that it stung my hand, but I didn’t let it go.
Power pulsated in my hand, waiting for me to give it a direction. My other hand still sat on Delilah’s leathery skin, so it was easy enough to redirect the magic through me and into her. My eyes were screwed tightly shut, concentrating on giving her the magic and pushing all my intentions into it. I couldn’t see if it was working or not.
Someone gasped, but I didn’t stop. I kept pushing the magic into her until I felt lightheaded myself. The hand beneath mine stirred and then turned over to clasp mine, tightly.
“Max,” a voice said in my ear, but it sounded so far off. “You can stop now, Max.”
I couldn’t bring myself to answer or to stop. It was like I had opened a hole in myself and I couldn’t plug it back up. I could feel every piece of myself leaking away, making me weaker and tired.
“Max, you have to let go.” Those were the last words I heard before everything went black.
Chapter 25
My head hurt, and my mouth felt like I’d been rolling a cotton ball around in my mouth. I groaned and shifted in bed.
Wait, bed? I blinked my eyes opened and then immediately shut them. Too bright. Way too bright.
“Miss Norman,” the headmaster’s voice came from my left side.
“Am I dead?” I asked, hissing as I tried to sit up. My body ached all over, and I gave up trying to get up.
“No, you are very much alive as is my daughter, thanks to you.”
My eyes shot open, and I blinked against the light to look at him. “Delilah’s alive? I did it?”
Headmaster Swordson inclined his head. “She is.”
When he told me I had won the competition, I had a hard time believing him. Now with him in front of me telling me I had saved his daughter’s life, I didn’t doubt him for a second. But still, it was remarkable.
“I’m happy I could help.” A thought came to mind, and before I could lose my nerve, I asked, “About the contest. I only won because of my grandparents, didn’t I?”
Folding his hands in front of him, the headmaster cleared his throat. “It is unfortunate to say your parentage did get brought up during the deliberations. However, your heritage was actually a point against you. It was only by your inspiring speech that you were able to claim your victory.”
“Really?” I squeaked in surprise.
“Yes, it might behoove you to know that not everyone adores the elite like our Miss Craftsman may have you believe. There are several, who in fact, envy and despise those like you who have all the wealth and influence and would love to see you fail.” He took a deep breath and then continued, “However, even if it hadn’t been the case, your actions today. Putting a complete stranger’s well being above your own? You showed great strength of character. You are more than worthy of the scholarship.”
I nodded, still not quite happy about winning.
Headmaster Swordson shifted before me. “Several people are waiting to see you. I should let them come in.”
“Yeah, sure. I’m sure my mom is just freaking out.”
“And many others.” He smiled.
“By the way,” I asked, glancing around the room that was not mine. “Where am I?”
Turning the doorknob, he answered, “The infirmary, Miss Norman.”
Before he completely left, several people pushed past him into the room. The first person to approach me had no qualms about jumping on the bed with a squeal.
“Oh, my god, Max!” Trina screamed, hugging me tightly. “Don’t do that to me! I thought you died.”
“Love you too, Trina.” I winced, patting her on the back. “Can’t breathe.”
“Oh, sorry.” She released me promptly and jumped off the bed, allowing my guys to come into my line of vision.
“Hey,” Ian smiled, kneeling by the bed. “There’s my girl. You scared me there for a minute.” He brushed my hair away from my face, his fingers lingering on my cheek.
“Sorry,” I placed my hand on top of his, leaning into his touch. “I didn’t realize it would take so much out of me.”
“That’s because of the amount of magic you used.” Dale pushed his glasses up his nose, leaning against the end of the bed. “Many practitioners have suffered from overuse. You’ll regain your abilities in a few days.”
It was then that I realized the ball of light in my head was more like a dim flicker. Huh. Guess I was completely tapped out.
“It’s remarkable what you did.” Paul sat down on the bed next to me. “I’m sure the headmaster is grateful.”
“More than grateful,” Aidan added in, seeming a bit put off by the whole thing. Was he mad? I tried to meet his eyes, but he looked away.
“Don’t mind him, he’s been pissy all day.” Ian waved Aidan off. “Big guy doesn’t do helpless well.”
“Aw, I’m sorry. I really didn’t mean to make you worry.” My eyes burned with emotion, not knowing what to do to make him feel better.
“Alright guys!” Trina clapped her hands together. “We saw her, she’s alive. Now I think she needs some rest.”
My stomach growled loudly.
Trina giggled and winked. “And maybe some food. Let’s go. Out.” She whipped her hand in the air, ordering the guys around quite easily.
Ian kissed me, followed by his brother, and then Dale, leaving with Trina. Aidan hovered behind, and I held my hand out to him.
“I didn’t see,” he said softly, pain in his face.
“It’s okay, big guy, you can’t see everything.” I kissed the back of his hand, pressing it to my face. “Thank you for being here.”
Nodding but not saying anything more, Aidan gave my hand a squeeze before heading for the door.
The next person that came in thankfully was my mom. I sat up in bed as she came in her arms open wide to hug me. She gathered me up in her arms, pressing me tightly to her. I inhaled deeply, breathing her in.
“How are you feeling, honey?” she pulled back and smoothed my hair away from my face.
“Surprisingly sore and starving.”
“Well, let me get you something.” She started to stand, but I stopped her.
“The guys are already on it.” I chuckled. “In fact, they are probably bringing enough food for an army so stick around. You can help me eat it.”
Laughing, my mom shifted next to me. “I’m glad you have found someone to care for you here, even if it’s several someones. You need some happiness in your life.”
“I have that already.”
“You know what I mean.” She smiled softly.
“Yeah, I do. They’re great though.” I mused, my heart warming as I thought about them.
“Well, it has to be hard.”
“What?”
“Juggling four guys.”
I snorted. “Not really.” She gave me a pointed look. “Okay, so it’s a bit complicated. A lot of refereeing. Hurt feelings and such. Don’t even get me starts on figuring out where all the penises go. It’s just—”
“Okay, okay. I get it. You can stop.”
Laughing at her horrified expression, I stopped. Didn’t want to give my mom a heart attack twice in one day. Regardless of my near-death experience, I’d secured my magical future – at least for next year – and have gotten even closer to the guys. I couldn’t have asked for a better end to my first year of at Winchester Academy. Plus, I saved someone’s life. What could be better than that?
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