“Cole?” Theodora’s soothing voice called out to me. “Cole, can you hear me?”
It took all my willpower to force my eyes open, and when I did, I saw Theodora, Penelope’s team, and the rest of my coven staring down at me. Their eyes were filled with panic and concern, but then quickly turned to relief as I smiled weakly at them.
“Hey,” I muttered. “W-What happened?”
“The burning building came crashing down on the king and his men,” Penelope was the first to answer. “Thanks to you, and your kick-ass premonition skills.”
“I remember that,” I grunted as I tried to sit up, and when I looked around, I noticed we were back in the dungeons. The room still stank of piss, shit, and blood, and it made my stomach churn. “But what happened afterwards?”
“We were shadow ported out of there before the entire city could come after us,” Morgana explained in a soft tone. “You passed out right when it happened.”
“How did you manage to spread the fire so fast?” Penelope asked, and her brown eyes glinted with fascination. “I never knew it was possible to control multiple objects and elements at the same time.”
“It usually isn’t,” Morgana pointed out. “Right, Headmistress?”
Theodora was looking down at me with a mixture of concern and amazement written across her beautiful face. I assumed she’d seen the whole thing in her mind, and she was searching for some kind of explanation.
“Cole,” she finally said, “Morgana is correct. What you did was very noble for the magical races, but it could have killed you. You were controlling fire, stone, wind, and water all at once… it’s a Satanic miracle you weren’t killed in the process.”
“Well, we’re still alive and in one piece,” I answered, “and that’s all that matters, isn’t it?”
“Just barely,” Theodora responded as she helped me to my feet. “What you did was bordering on reckless, but there have been ancient witches with your ability to control multiple elements… it’s not as if it’s never been done before.”
“Ah, is that so?” I grinned weakly.
When I was steady on my feet, I reached into my pocket and then curled my fingers around the cold stone before I gently pulled it out. I studied it under the dim candlelight and let it sparkle for a moment before I handed it to the headmistress.
“Here you are,” I said as I placed the precious Defero into her hands. “Do I dare ask why you needed a second stone?”
Theodora smiled as she held the vibrant red stone, but rather than study the precious artifact, she quickly tucked it into her dress pocket and flashed us a small smile.
“All will be revealed in good time, Cole,” she cooed. “Now, if I were you, I’d get some rest or perhaps some food. You’ve had quite an adventure, and it’s dinner time now at Scholomance… time passes more quickly in the other realms, you know.”
I knew she was right, and I should go back to my room and get some sleep, but now that I was back at the academy, I couldn’t rest. My mind was a frenzied mess, and I knew the only way for me to feel calmer was by studying. I couldn’t just wait for the next class to start. I had to feel productive.
“I think I’ll be heading down into the abandoned cellar,” I replied. “I’d like to read more about my special premonition skills… that way, I'll feel better prepared for the final game.”
“It’s your choice.” Theodora shrugged. “But don’t forget to take care of yourself.”
“Will do.” I nodded firmly.
“Well, let’s get out of here, shall we?” Theodora said before she snapped her fingers.
In the next moment, we were all covered in a thick cloud of purple smoke, and when the mist evaporated, we were back inside Theodora’s office.
“I’m not trying to be rude, Headmistress,” Beatrix said after a moment, “but why couldn’t you have done that before we entered the dungeons?”
“Because I’m not here for your shadow porting convenience,” Theodora tutted. “Now, off with you. I have work to do.”
We slowly left the headmistress’ office, and a part of me wondered how many more stones she would need before she told me who she was trying to summon from the tethered worlds. I knew there was no point waiting around to ask her in private because when Theodora wanted you to know something, it would always be on her own terms.
“So, that was a fucking adventure,” Penelope said once we were back in the corridors. She rubbed at her grime-covered face and then sighed at us. “Look, I admire you for wanting to study, but I think I’m going to bed for the next ten years.”
“Me, too,” Beatrix added. “I feel like my head is going to tear open.”
“Same here,” the twins answered in unison.
“Don’t worry, you’ll get used to it,” Morgana said as she gently nudged the orange-haired witch.
“Used to what?” Penelope asked with pinched eyebrows.
“Oh, you know.” The bookworm shrugged lightly. “Risking your life for the sake of the academy. It’s a difficult job, but someone has to do it.”
“Err,” Penelope drawled and frowned. “Sure… whatever you say. I’ll see you all in the next class.”
The other Scholomance team turned around, but Penelope stopped in her tracks and then slowly spun back to face me. A deep, crimson blush crept up her neck, and then she looked down at her feet.
“Look,” she said in a bashful tone, “I know I kept doubting you back there, but you really impressed me--I-I mean, us. I’m sorry I constantly questioned you throughout the journey because, in the end, you saved us all. Not to mention you spared all those women from a lifetime of servitude. So, I guess what I’m trying to say is… is--”
“Thank you?” I smirked.
“Yeah,” she sighed. “Thank you for everything.”
“You’re welcome,” I replied in a soft voice.
The bright-haired witch stared into my eyes for a long moment and then smiled, but when she realized how long she’d been staring at me, she blushed an even deeper shade of red, shook her head, and turned on her heels. The others followed her, and when they disappeared down a corner, I turned to look at my own coven.
“You know you don’t need to join me if you’d rather rest,” I said as I studied the coven. They all had red-rimmed eyes, messy hair, and dirt-covered faces, and I knew they were fucking exhausted. “You’ve done more than enough back there.”
“No way, Cole,” Akira sighed. “Do you really think we’re going to sit back while you bust your ass studying alone? No way in hell. We’re coming with you.”
“I’d never pass up an opportunity to study, anyway,” Morgana replied with a half-smile. “Even if I was on the verge of death… it would be my final wish to open a book and read.”
“I wholeheartedly believe that.” Akira shuddered. “Nerd.”
I chuckled at the two stubborn witches and then glanced at the mesmerizing Vesta.
“You did a fantastic job back there,” I praised. “You didn’t even flinch when he put a meaty finger on you.”
“Why, thank you, Cole,” she purred. “Being beautiful does have its advantages, I must admit… but sometimes, I feel being so irresistibly gorgeous can be tiresome.”
“Oh, I bet,” Faye playfully scoffed.
The others laughed, and I nodded in gratitude before we headed toward the study hall. As we marched past the portraits with their judgmental eyes and deep scowls, I thought I could feel someone or something lurking behind us, but when I whipped around, I only saw my coven. The halls were empty, but I could have sworn on my life that I sensed another presence approaching us.
Was I losing my fucking mind?
“Do you feel that?” I asked the others, just to be sure.
“Feel what?” Faye arched a red eyebrow.
“I feel like someone is following us,” I answered in a faint voice.
I studied the hallway once more and then looked back at my women. They all stared around the corridor, but they couldn’t spot anything or anyone, either.
What the hell was going on?
“Let’s keep going,” I grunted. “Maybe it was all in my head.”
We pushed onward, toward the study hall, and for a while, I couldn’t hear or sense anything. Everyone was either in the banquet hall or in their rooms, so it would be strange to bump into anyone at this time of evening. So, I shook my head, tried to put it out of my mind, and just focused on getting inside the cellar.
When we finally reached the study hall and then slipped inside, the unwelcoming feeling crept up my spine again. I could sense someone standing directly behind us, and it felt as if their cold fingers were reaching for the back of my neck, and when I whipped around, I spotted someone standing behind one of the bookcases. It was definitely a man, and I caught a glimpse of his pale hair and waxy skin. He was wearing a standard white suit, and his deep purple eyes widened when he realized he’d been spotted.
“Lex?” I asked with a raised eyebrow. “Were you following us?”
It took all my willpower not to let my anger slip into my tone. Theodora still wanted us to get along, and if that’s what she wanted, I’d oblige.
Or at least, I’d try. I still didn’t trust Lex or any other fucking warlock, though.
“Ah,” the blond male said as he shoved his hands into his pockets. “I guess I’m caught, huh?”
“Yeah, you fucking are,” Akira sneered. “What the hell do you think you’re doing here?”
“You shouldn’t even be in this part of the castle,” Vesta added as she narrowed her silver eyes. “Why can’t you stay in your own quarters?”
“They have a point,” I said in a dangerously low voice.
“Easy there.” Lex raised his hands in defense, grinned, and then took a small step back. “I was just trying to locate the study hall, and I followed you. No one else was around, and I needed to grab a few books.”
“Well, congratulations, you’ve found it,” Faye growled. “Now, fuck off.”
Before I could contribute any more to the conversation, I thought I could hear someone inside my head. It felt like a nail being drilled into my skull, and I had to fight off the urge to flinch from the grating pain.
Satan, I was so close. How did they hear me? I used the silencing spell…
It was Lex’s voice inside my head, and I studied him closely as he shoved his hands back into his pockets and looked at each one of us. Then his pale face broke into a cool smile before he took another small step back.
“Forgive me, ladies… and you, of course, Cole,” he drawled as he backed away. “I’ll just be returning to my section of the castle, then. I know when I’m not welcomed.”
Fuck. Maybe next time… I’ll be more careful.
“I think that would be best,” I answered with a firm nod.
I tried to home in on his concluding thoughts, but the harder I focused, the more it felt as if my skull was going to split in two. My body and head were still sore from our latest task, and I knew pushing myself even further would just send me to the infirmary.
As soon as the warlock was out of sight, I turned to look at my coven. They were all glowering and had their arms crossed over their chests.
“Fucker,” Akira sneered. “He was totally up to something.”
“Yeah,” I muttered. “The bastard was stalking us… he even used some kind of silencing spell to not give himself away.”
“Wait, how do you know that?” Morgana asked with an arched eyebrow.
“I heard him,” I answered. “His voice echoed in my head, just like Akira’s did during class.”
“Oh, Satan,” Vesta breathed dramatically. “Do you think he knows about the secret room?”
“I can’t say for certain,” I replied. “All I know is he was looking for something and trying using us to get to it. Maybe Ravana told him to spy on us.”
“It wouldn’t shock me,” Morgana said as she chewed on her lower lip, “but is winning the final game really that important to them? Even the Vipera women haven’t shown any signs of desperation… in fact, I’ve barely seen them since the last game.”
“Do you think they’re also hiding something?” Vesta inquired as she tilted her beautiful head to the side. “One can’t be too careful.”
“Maybe they’re just trying to prepare for the game as much as possible?” Faye responded. “We should consider each possibility.”
“I think this is about more than just the game,” I answered, and a sinking feeling formed in the pit of my stomach. “Come on, we’re not going to get anywhere by just spouting out theories. We’ve got studying to do.”
So, we headed toward the back of the study hall, and when we were in front of the special bookcase that led down to the secret passageway, I looked around and made sure I couldn’t feel anyone’s presence surrounding us.
When I thought the coast was clear, I yanked back the two books, and then the bookcase moved aside to let us through. We slipped down the stairwell, and when we reached the bottom step, I slowly approached the covered portrait. Then I stared at the hidden painting, sucked in a sharp breath, and waited a moment before I pulled the fabric off the frame.
But once again, the mysterious woman was not inside the painting.
“Looks like she’s still shy,” Vesta whispered as she placed a gentle hand on my back, and I caught a whiff of her rose and wildflower perfume. “I’m sorry, Cole.”
“It’s fine,” I sighed before I covered the empty painting back up.
I tried not to think about the woman as we headed into the back of the cellar and then began reading book after book. Out of curiosity, I decided to look for more information about Defero stones, but I couldn’t find anything about them. However, I did end up learning more about advanced premonition spells, and Theodora was right. The fact that I used so much of my power to inflict so much chaos at once could have killed me. According to one of the ancient books, witches had died terribly painful deaths during battle when attempting to control more than one element at a time. I knew I’d been reckless with my own life, but it worked out in the end, so I had no regrets.
I’d just needed to keep studying and memorizing ways to control my powers, even if it took me all night to go through these books.
After a couple of hours, my coven fell asleep reading, and I couldn’t blame them. My head was aching from our adventure, and reading under the dim candlelight for hours on end was probably not helping, but I wanted to learn more about my powers. As the words grew blurry, I could feel myself dozing in and out of sleep, and eventually, I let my exhaustion take over and slumped back into a deep sleep.
As soon as darkness fell, I found myself in the middle of the black wood, just outside the castle. I knew I was asleep, but a dangerous warning still crept up my spine and made all my hairs stand on end. As I looked around the ebony forest, a sudden noise echoed in the far-off distance. I strained to listen, and I could have sworn someone was calling my name. Her voice was familiar, and it took me a moment to recognize who it was.
Cole, she whispered. Can you hear me?
It was the woman from the painting. She was calling out to me.
Without further hesitation, I started to run through the forest, and then heavy rain began to fall as I sprinted past the trees and through the thicket. Thorny branches cut my face as I swept through the woods, and soon, the rain turned into blood. The thick, hot red liquid poured into my eyes as I ran, and it was growing more difficult to see where I was going. All I could do was follow the woman’s voice and pray that it would lead me to her.
I had so many questions to ask her, and maybe this was the only way I could.
When I finally came to the edge of the forest, I saw her off in the distance. She was standing in the middle of a green field, and her hair and gown were soaked in blood. The bright moon shone down on her, and when I neared her, she lifted a hand to stop me. I was standing a few feet away from her, but I was longing to come closer. As I tried to edge nearer, though, it felt like a forcefield was pushing me back, and I gritted my teeth as I fought against the sensation.
“Cole,” she echoed, and her familiar blue eyes locked onto mine. “You must tread carefully from here on. There is a great danger lurking within the castle walls.”
“What are you talking about?” I called out. “Who are you? What do you want from me?”
“All your questions will be answered when the time is right,” her voice reverberated, “but for now, you must heed my warning. Do not let your guard down. Those who feign friendship are your true foes.”
“But--” I tried to argue until a sharp wind beat against my body and began pushing me backward.
I tried to fight against the storm, but it was useless. The gust was too strong, and the woman was slowly fading from view. As I tried to reach out to her, her eyes glowed red, and then the entire vision slowly vanished. The field, the woman, the forest, it was all gone in an instant.
“Cole!” I heard my women shouting. “Cole, wake up!”
When I slowly peeled my eyes open, my coven hovered over me with wide eyes and panic-stricken faces. I was slumped against the wall, and when I struggled to sit up, they all took a small step back.
“Satan,” I panted. “Sorry… I just had a nightmare.”
“No shit,” Akira breathed as she brushed a few sweaty strands of hair out of my eyes. “Are you alright? You were yelling in your sleep.”
“I’ll be fine,” I said before I gradually stood up. “We should probably head to class… I’m assuming we slept here all night.”
“Yeah.” Morgana nodded. “I feel like we had a full night of sleep.”
“Do we have time to clean up before class?” Vesta asked before she pulled a cobweb out of her gleaming, green locks of hair. “I’m absolutely filthy.”
“Maybe.” Faye shrugged and fought back a yawn. “Let’s go into the halls and see if people are heading to class.”
We all muttered our agreements before we headed toward the stairwell, but before we left, I felt a strange stir pulling me toward the covered painting. My fingers reached out, and before I knew it, I was touching the tattered fabric again. Before anyone could say a word, I snatched it off the painting and then took a step back.
The witches all gasped in unison and then took a step back, as if they had just seen Satan reincarnated.
The woman had returned, and she was covered in blood, just like in my dream.