by Valia Lind
28
The next morning I'm at the headmaster's office before the sun even rises. Even Miss Cindy isn't at her desk yet.
"Miss Hawthorne, to what do I owe this pleasure?" Headmaster Marković greets me as he walks up to his office doors.
"What do you know about story spell casting?"
The man in front of me has never shown even one glimpse of surprise in the almost two years I've known him. Until now. His eyebrow twitches just enough that I know I said something he wasn't expecting to hear. I've barely registered his surprise before he masks it.
"I am not sure..."
"Please, with all due respect," I interrupt, before he can deliver whatever practiced excuse he has up his sleeve. "Don't hide the truth. I think this can really help us. I even wrote out the opening lines."
That stops him cold. This time, he doesn't even try to hide his surprise.
"You wrote out the beginning of a story spell?"
"Yes. It just came to me."
There's a tense pause, and it's like everything around us has gone completely still. I'm afraid to breathe too loudly as I wait for Headmaster Marković to speak. He studies me for another moment before he reaches for his door and unlocks it, motioning me inside.
The lights come on automatically, magic or modern amenities, I'm not sure. He heads for the drink cart on the other side of the office, pouring himself a cup of tea. Even from the distance, I can see the water is steaming hot, and once again I'm amazed at the magic of this place.
"May I ask how you found out about story spell casting?" Headmaster Marković asks after taking a tentative sip of his tea. He turns to me, watching me as he waits for an answer. Then, as if remembering my presence, he motions to the cart, and I shake my head.
"I'm okay, thank you."
He heads back to his desk as I try to find a way to explain to him my discovery. Already the magic of the library is preventing me from uttering any of yesterday's events. But headmaster doesn't push me, as if he knows I'm struggling.
"I have come across some information," I say, and the words taste true on my tongue. "When I decided to put the information to practice, there was no hesitation in my magic. It just happened."
He stays silent for a moment longer, taking a few sips of his tea, mulling over my words. I didn't exactly provide much to work with but maybe it's enough. Finally, he places the cup on a saucer and leans back in his chair.
"Story spell casting is an old practice, older than you can imagine," he begins, his eyes on something in the distance, as if he's remembering that very time as a firsthand participant. "Not everyone is gifted with the power of storytelling that is required of such spells. Many feared the intensity of the magic that came with those castings. Since it was so unique, it was just as feared as the Ancients. Back then, people spoke of the Ancient evil. Not as much as they could have, considering the protective spells were already in place. But more so than they do now. Story spell casting was one of the ancient arts, and those who did not understand it, feared it so."
"What happened?"
"Story casting was banned. Those who practiced it were dubbed evil worshipers, those who possessed dark magic. Chaos ensued and so, story casting became obsolete. At least, in the magic world."
"What do you mean?"
"The non-magical society has kept records of magic for as long as we have been on this earth. Some may have no knowledge of such things. But others have created their own societies to help us keep the records straight. To us, these are treasured texts."
I don't interrupt again, letting the headmaster find his own pace and his own words. I'm getting slightly impatient, when he speaks up again.
"Have you ever read the story of Beowulf?"
"Of course. We studied it in English class."
"What you studied was an ancient story spell, one that tells a tale of a mighty warrior, but also teaches the ways of casting."
"He was magical?"
"He was. Many of those whom you have read about were magical. Or had magical help. At one time, the world knew of supernaturals and lived in peace with them."
Headmaster's words stop whatever questions have sprung to mind. Living side by side with humans with nothing to hide? It's a concept I cannot wrap my mind around. Even though I come from a town that is very understanding and has broken through a lot of the prejudice within our magical community, it still doesn't seem possible.
"But how?"
"I wish I could give you a plausible explanation. But in all honesty, that kind of a unity is foreign even to me." He takes another swig of his tea, his eyes focused on something over my head. "For as long as I have been the headmaster here, and even when I myself was a student, magical and non-magical communities have warred. They have warred within themselves, and they have warred with each other. When the Ancients roamed the earth, it was not always so."
"Are you saying the Ancients have been awake since their original slumber?" I sit forward, leaning my hands on the desk. This is a completely new piece of information to me as I have been led to believe this is the first time they have risen up.
"They have. Not to this extent." Headmaster focuses on me once more. "I am telling you this, Miss Hawthorne, because I believe you have the drive to find the answers we so desperately seek. You have also clearly been granted access to areas of this school I myself am not privy too. But I ask you, please, keep this knowledge to yourself. It will only lead to mass panic."
He watches me steadily, waiting for me to agree, and I do so because I understand panic all too well. We still have no idea who they have on the inside, or how to protect this school from a full assault from the Ancients. There is no doubt in my mind it is coming. It's not like we can tell them to go away.
The idea sparks before I can fully form it, and I sit up straighter. Headmaster Marković notices my sudden intensity but doesn't ask, waiting on me to share.
"What if I wrote a story casting spell for the school?" I ask, not sure where exactly I'm going with this, but I know it's right the moment I speak the words. As I meet Headmaster's eye, I realize he's waiting for me to continue. "There has to be a way to protect this campus once and for all. What if a story casting spell is the spell you've been looking for? It could work, right?"
"It could," Headmaster replies slowly, mulling over his next words, "But it is incredibly risky. Story casting has not been practiced for generations. There are rules upon rules."
"But I think it's worth the risk. Don't you?" He meets my eye again and I'm ready for it. Something in me is refusing to back down. "If the lives of all these students are on the line, shouldn't you do whatever it takes to protect them? And I'm not saying you haven't," I hurry on to add when his eyes flash for a second. I don't want to make him mad, but I truly believe in what I'm saying. I have no idea where this is coming from, but I trust it. I trust myself. "This could be our shot."
"You make a valid point, Miss Hawthorne," Headmaster Marković finally says, and I feel like I'm out of breath just from waiting for him to speak. "I will bring it before the council, and we will go from there."
"That is all I ask." I smile, feeling better for it. A part of me feels like I've finally done something to help. I can't seem to save my dad, but maybe I can do something for the school. For my friends and those I care about. Standing to go, Headmaster Marković stops me when he calls my name.
"Story casting is no joke," he says, looking me straight in the eye as he stands behind his desk. "Your ancestors carry the magic within them, and so it seems, do you. That is the only reason I can see the truth has been revealed to you. But Miss Hawthorne, beware. It is not something that is to be taken lightly."
"Understood," I reply, reaching for the doorknob. "Thank you."
I don't wait for him to say anything else or offer any other warnings. It's not like I think I've suddenly developed some superpowers that will solve all our problems. But it also doesn't mean I'm just going to sit on this knowledge. Like he said, those b
ooks told me the truth for a reason. I can't let my ancestors down.
The whole day has gone by as a blur. I'm itching to get back to the library, but I promised Jade that we would have a picnic in the meadow before the weather turns completely to winter. My friends need this shred of normalcy, and I'm not about to deny them that.
"Do you think things will ever go back to normal?" Jade asks, leaning over Noel to grab a bag of chips. It's the usual crew out here, Vera and Christy are present too. But we're not the only ones who are desperate for normalcy because there are a few other groups out and about around us. While the weather is still dark and gloomy, it's a little lighter than it's been.
"I don't know, Jade," I reply honestly, watching two girls and two guys throw a football around. "This may be our new normal for a while."
It's not what they want to hear, but it is the truth. We can't pretend our lives haven't been flipped upside down and the place that was supposed to be our salvation has become a target.
"Can you please stop being depressing?" Christy whines from the other side of the blanket. She's just as dramatic and over the top as usual, and I chuckle. "Let's play a game! I know Noel brought cards."
"That I did." He pulls out a few decks without hesitation, and I smile. It's crazy how you may know someone for such a short time and yet claim them as your own. Unwillingly, my mind drifts to Aiden. A part of me has begun thinking of him as exactly that, and while it wasn't smart, it's not something I could've controlled. Or maybe I should've. It would help to have my sisters here to navigate the madness of boys, but at least I have my girls. And Noel. I do feel like I can talk to him about this as well. Even though I think our next conversation should be about him finally making his move on Jade. He'll be pining forever if he doesn't step up.
I'm still thinking about my two best friends when I feel a prickle at the back of my neck. The rest of the group begins to argue about what game they want to play, but I'm no longer listening. Something is coming, or maybe it's already here. I can feel it like a rumbling under my feet. As I study those around me, I realize the shifters are out and about as well. I didn't notice them earlier, besides the regular patrols, but now I see they're everywhere. My eyes land on Owen first before I find Ben. There's no happy go lucky expression on his face. He's all business, and that makes me that much more worried.
A sudden shriek pierces the near silence, and I twist around to try and find the source of it. Rain drops from the sky as if being spilled from buckets, soaking us in mere seconds.
"What's happening?" Vera shouts, and even this close to her, it's difficult to make out the words as a full-blown storm descends on us in seconds. Jumping to my feet, I squint through the sheet of water, calling on my magic at the same time. But nothing happens. It's like my magic is being blocked.
"I can't stop it!"
"What?"
People are running in every direction, but the main building is too far, and the storm is becoming stronger by the second.
"We have to go!" I scream, trying to be heard over the pouring rain. The storm continues to rage, making it difficult to see five feet ahead. I wave my arms, trying to get everyone's attention. There's only one place we can go.
"Come on!"
With Jade close on my heels, I race toward the building I spent most of my afternoons in. Others seem to pick up on our intention, and they turn toward the building as well.
Chaos bombards us on every side, but I don't slow down. When Jade slips beside me, I grab her before she can faceplant, pulling her after me. Ben and Owen are suddenly by our side and then Aiden is there as well. The wind howls, nearly sweeping me off my feet and trying to push me in the opposite direction. I grip Jade's hand and beg for my magic to do something, but it merely reaches a foot in front of me before I feel resistance.
The house outline can be seen through the rain but barely. Others are rushing in, stumbling over each other as they try to get out of the storm. We burst through the doors as one, pushing past all the people. Aiden, Ben, and Owen are the last ones inside, barricading the door behind them.
"Stand back!" I command, and the boys move as one. I focus on my magic, trying to find my center. Whatever is blocking me outside is not about to win in here. Now that I have a second to concentrate, I let my magic reach out, pushing past the resistance. Already, I can tell my magic alone won't be enough, but there is one other thing I can try. Taking a deep breath, I call on my ancestors to help and guide me, hoping I'm doing the right thing. It's not like my sisters got back to me with a manual. Even so, I feel my magic grow a tad stronger, and I hold onto that.
"Protect, protect, protect," I whisper right as I thrust my hands forward, sending the magic flying. It smacks into the doors and spreads out around us, sealing us inside. The spell drains me instantly, and I stagger on my feet. Aiden moves towards me but stops himself as Ben reaches me first.
"I'm okay." I smile at the shifter, but I think it comes out more like a grimace because he doesn't seem reassured. A growl reaches my ears, and I glance up just in time to watch Aiden march toward me with a determined look on his face. He pushes past everyone, sweeping me off my feet and into his arms. I gasp, wrapping my arms around his neck automatically.
It takes my brain a second to catch up to what's happening, as everyone stands a little shocked around us.
"Umm, put me down," I finally say, finding my words.
"You're dead on your feet, Duchess," he replies, stepping around my friends as he carries me to one of the couches in the next room.
"Aiden."
"Maddie."
He doesn't let go until he's standing over the furniture. But even then, he hesitates. I try not to think about the way he cradles me against his chest or the gentle way he's supporting my body. When I meet his eye, a touch of concern can be found there. It moves straight into my heart and grows as he gently sets me down. His face hovers over mine, his gaze intense. If I move even a fraction of an inch, our noses will brush. It takes all my self-control not to pull him toward me. I think he can see the desire in my eyes and his own flash in response.
Just then, the building shakes from an impact, jarring both of us out of our staring contest. My gaze falls over his shoulder, landing on my friends who have followed us into the room. Jade's eyes are sparkling, and Noel looks a little worried. And also fearful. Actually, they all look scared.
"What is that?" Vera asks, pushing farther into the room and past my open-mouthed best friends.
"The shadow creatures," I reply automatically, orienting myself on the couch. Aiden has moved away as if he's been burned by touching me and is now standing by the opposite wall. "They're trying to get past the spell."
"How do you know?"
"I've seen them in person before. I wasn't sure until just now, when I focused on my magic. They're known to syphon magic, and it's the same kind of resistance I found when I looked."
"This building has the same protection as the main school though, right?" Jade asks, taking a seat beside me.
"It does. But I added something extra."
We're all exhausted. There are students huddled all over, wet and shivering from the cold. This attack took us completely by surprise. And that should be impossible, considering we've been walking on eggshells all semester.
"So, does that mean they can't get in at all?" Christy asks from her position by the door. She looks so small, half covered in dirt, with her arms wrapped around her middle. I want to reach out and comfort her, but all I can offer her are my words.
"Someone would have to physically open the door from in here to penetrate my spell. So even if they bust through the school's magic, we have an extra layer of protection." She nods, and I can see her shoulders drop a little. Vera and Noel both look just as reassured as Christy. The shifters, on the other hand, are still on full alert.
"What happened out there?" I ask, directing my question at Ben. But the moment he opens his mouth, Aiden steps in.
"They've been on the out
skirts of the magical shield for days," he says, crossing his arms in front of him as he leans against the door. "Headmaster called us in a few hours ago to double the patrols. They were planning some kind of spell when the creatures broke through. They started attacking people directly, and you're right, taking their magic. It happened so fast, it's as if they knew exactly where to find them, and the sudden storm provided the cover."
I close my eyes briefly as he speaks, picturing the scene. I was only privy to our part in it, and it happened so quickly, no one had any time to react. If this is the same around the whole campus, the shadow creatures would have a feast.
The spell Aiden is talking about must be the story casting one the headmaster was supposed to present to the council. Everything is happening at once, no wonder we're struggling to stay ahead of the game. We don’t even have time to do proper research.
Just then, another impact shakes the walls around us, and Jade grabs my hand. She's not even hiding the fact that she's terrified. My body feels the drain on my magic, and I feel weaker than I should be. I glance at Aiden who's been watching me this whole time, and I want to ask why he was in the meadow when he could've been stationed anywhere else. But then I notice Christy sliding carefully toward the doors to the hallway.
"Christy?" I call out, and the girl turns right as she steps through the doorway. "Everything okay?"
She gives me the sweetest of smiles before replying, "It will be."
Something doesn't feel right. I untangle my arm from Jade and push to my feet. Somehow Aiden is right beside me in an instant as I wobble, but he doesn't reach for me. However, his presence soothes my nerves, but I'm not about to tell him that. Instead, I push past him and into the hallway.
"Christy," I call out, pausing on the other side of the doorway as the petite girl makes her way slowly down the hallway. "What are you doing?"
She stops right in front of the door to the outside, placing her palm against the wood as if she's feeling the building tremble through her fingertips. Cocking her head so she can look at me over her shoulder, she smiles big and my blood runs cold.