By the time blood-orange light spilled into the banquet hall, I had a feeling we were nearly ready. Everyone was still running around, but they were organizing themselves and their groups into their proper positions and completing their assigned tasks. No one had a wink of sleep, but Penelope’s potion truly worked wonders because the room was packed with energy, and I felt a surge of pride coursing through my veins as I continued to ensure everyone was doing their parts.
As I was marveling at the weapons on Akira’s table and admiring her vigor while she continued to hand out different blades and swords, someone tapped me on the shoulder. I whipped around, and I found Morgana smiling at me with a prideful glint glittering in her sky-blue eyes.
“What’s the update?” I asked. “I know you’re dying to tell me.”
“So,” the bookish brunette began, “Penelope and I were noting down the most efficient attack spells we could use against elders, and I conjured up a full list… I think we’re ready to give them a go, but I’d feel more comfortable if Professor Vanessa were here to help us. She is the master of hexes and spells, after all.”
At that moment, it just occurred to me I hadn’t seen Vanessa for hours now. Perhaps she was busy caring for her mother, but still, Morgana had a valid point. I needed to find her and bring her here because there was no way to complete the rest of our preparations and training without her. She was one of the most powerful women in this academy, and we needed her at full force.
“I’ll go and find her,” I said before I squeezed Morgana’s shoulder. “Well done, by the way.”
“Thank you, master,” she replied with a small blush.
“I’ll be right back.” I nodded.
As I was heading down the hall and past the bustling Wiccas, Faye and Evanora came sweeping into the room, and they both stopped in their tracks as soon as they spotted me. A group of women stood behind them, and they all looked absolutely exhausted. Dark, bruise colored circles were stamped under their eyes, and their complexions were pallid and sallow.
“Faye,” I breathed as I looked at the redhead, “I’m sorry, I meant to join you on the dragon ride. How did it go?”
“Splendid,” Evanora replied instead. “The students seemed to have perfected the art of dragon-riding… of course, we had to stop when they were nearly collapsing from exhaustion. It’s been a long night.”
“Don’t worry about that,” I said, “Penelope came up with a brew which will completely restore your energy and strength. Find her, and she’ll help you out.”
“Wait, where are you going?” Faye asked as she furrowed her red eyebrows.
“I need to find Vanessa,” I answered. “I’ll be back, though, don’t worry.”
“Satan,” Evanora sighed before she tossed back her frizzy, unkempt pink hair. “Whatever this concoction is, it better work.”
“It will,” I assured her, “look around you, everyone is on the top of their game. Now, really, I have to go, but I’ll be right back.”
I brushed past the two women and then sprinted through the banquet doors and down the corridors. A few witches were hanging up traps and other set-ups as I passed by them, and by the time I reached Theodora’s office door, it was already half-open, and I could hear whispers inside.
Before I dared to knock or just barge in, I pressed my ear against the small opening and strained to listen.
“My dear,” I heard Theodora whisper, “you really should be with the others. I need updates.”
“But, Mother,” Vanessa argued, “I’ve never seen you like this… how can I leave you in such a state?”
“You’ve done enough,” the headmistress responded in a weak voice. “You should return to the banquet hall, they need you. You’ve been here all night.”
“But--” Vanessa tried to argue, but I’d heard enough.
“She’s right,” I said as I strolled inside. “We need you, Vanessa. Now.”
Vanessa whipped her head around so fast, I thought she would snap her swan-like neck in two. Her pale blue eyes narrowed sharply in my direction, and her exhausted face curled up into a deep scowl.
Theodora was still splayed out on the sofa, with a towel on her head and sweat dripping down her pallid, sickly face. Vanessa was kneeling by her side, and she was clutching onto her mother’s hand.
“First of all,” the short-tempered professor growled. “It’s ‘Professor” to you, and secondly--”
“Secondly,” Theodora interrupted, “trivial details do not matter right now. Go with Cole, and please, just follow his lead. I know it’s not the way things are normally done, but I trust him.”
“But, Mother--” Vanessa huffed with wide blue eyes.
“That’s an order,” Theodora cut her off in a sharp tone. “Do not argue. Go with him and prepare the students.”
“Yes, Headmistress,” Vanessa finally responded with her eyes downcast.
Vanessa gently pulled herself up from the carpet and then pushed past me as she headed out the door. I was about to follow her, but Headmistress Theodora’s voice stopped me from moving another inch.
“Cole,” she croaked.
“Yes, Headmistress?” I said in a gentle tone.
I was about to approach her side, but then she weakly raised her hand up into the air to stop me from taking another step.
“This won’t take long,” she whispered. “I know I’ve been weakened before, but this vision took a heavier toll on me than most. I want you to do whatever you must to protect the school. When I regain my strength, I will join you… but for now, the fate of Scholomance is in your hands. Do you understand?”
“Yes,” I said after I swallowed hard, “I promise I won’t let you down.”
“Thank you,” she sighed before she closed her eyes. “Now, go, you cannot afford to miss another second.”
“Yes, Headmistress,” I answered with a small bow.
I flashed her one last concerned glance before I swept out of the office and closed the door. Vanessa was waiting for me at the very end of the hall, and I noticed she was wearing a different dress from the one I last saw her in. She was garbed in a sensible, plain black gown with no embellishments or accessories, her hair was up in a simple bun, and her face was free from any makeup.
The harsh professor glared at me as I neared her, but before she could spin on her heels and march away from me, I grabbed her arm and turned her to meet my unwavering stare.
“Look,” I said as gently as possible, “I know you fucking hate every moment of this, but we have greater things to concern ourselves with. This is only temporary, and soon, things will return to normal.”
“You say that as if we’ve already won,” she answered with a perfectly arched eyebrow. “Tell me… have your powers of premonition exceeded to the point where you can see the future as clear as day?”
“No,” I sighed. “But what I can tell you is we have a school of witches who are willing to fight with everything they have to ensure our survival. You know this is true, and it would be a hell of a lot easier if you would just listen to your mother.”
Vanessa’s furious blue eyes gradually softened before she looked down at her feet and then rubbed at her temples.
“Yes, I know,” she replied. “This is just new to me, and I know you are capable of remarkable things, but rest assured, I will be with you every step of the way. You’re still a student, no matter what Theodora says, and I will not let you fuck this up.”
“Fine,” I sighed. “Then how about we return to the banquet hall and continue preparing? The witches need you, and we both know you’re one of the most powerful women roaming the halls of Scholomance.”
Vanessa’s pale lips curled up into a small, gloat-filled smile before she swept around and then held her head up high. “I know.”
I chuckled under my breath and then followed the stubborn professor down the corridors and into the banquet hall. When we stepped past the threshold, though, Vanessa grabbed my arm and pulled me to her side.
“Now,” she whispered. “Tell me exactly where we are in terms of preparation.”
“Well,” I began, “Faye and Evanora took the best soul class students to practice more dragon riding, and they were out all night. Vesta found some armor that she has been handing out to the witches, and Akira has been gathering weapons from the armory, because, in times of battle, wands aren’t always enough. Oh, Nyx managed to develop a powerful drug we can set up near the front doors… and Penelope and Morgana have been scribbling down incantations from the ancient texts of spells and hexes. I know you taught us the three most important ones, but we figured the more we know, the better.”
For a long moment, Vanessa regarded me with a cold glare, but then her face broke into a small smile.
“Sounds like things are actually going accordingly,” she drawled. “Now, I think the next step is to catch up with Miss Morgana and Miss Penelope. I’ll see what they’ve collected, and then we can take the best students in my class and practice.”
“My thoughts exactly,” I agreed, and I was relieved she was finally regaining her strength and determination to see this through. “I’ll join you.”
“Alright.” She nodded.
The two of us headed down the hall to where Penelope and Morgana were still whispering and scribbling down notes, but they didn’t even look up until I placed a hand on the table. Then both their heads shot up in surprise, and then they flashed me relieved smiles.
“Master,” Morgana breathed, and then her pale blue eyes landed on Vanessa. “Professor… we’ve just about finished.”
“Let me see what you’ve come up with,” Vanessa said in a surprisingly gentle voice.
“Here,” Penelope said as she thrust the parchment into Vanessa’s pale hands. “We’ve collected the ones we think would be the most efficient and quick to teach, but of course, we do not possess the same background as you, Professor… so, we left it up to you to decide which ones could be taught in a short amount of time.”
“I see,” Vanessa muttered as her eyes quickly scanned the list. “This is great work, ladies, considering how the first class I taught didn’t offer much substance.”
“Thank you, Professor,” the two witches answered simultaneously.
“Now,” Vanessa said as her eyes wandered around the room, “I’d better summon the best of the best… which, of course, includes you three. Let me gather everyone’s attention before I sweep them out of this room.”
We all nodded as Vanessa rolled up the parchment and tucked it underneath her arm. Then she strolled gracefully to the front of the banquet hall and regarded the diligent room.
“Attention!” she called out.
At once, everyone stopped what they were doing and then turned to look at Vanessa with wide eyes and tight lips.
“I carry with me a list of ancient attack spells beyond anyone’s level, but if learned properly, they will give us a great advantage,” the dark-haired professor explained. “For those of you who I deem the most advanced in my hexes and curses classes, you will be summoned, and we will engage in a quick, but hopefully successful, lesson. If you are not selected, do not be disheartened. Remain here and continue with your vigorous work with the other professors.”
The room echoed their agreements as Vanessa snapped her fingers, and then a cloud of purple smoke took over the entire place. I could feel my body swerving through the air, and when I landed in a dark, dank space, I knew exactly where we were. The room was frigid and dimly lit, and there were barred prison doors with wooden portcullises to protect whatever lurked inside the cells around us, but I could still hear growling echoing from behind the confinements.
“The forbidden dungeons,” I heard Akira mutter next to me.
“Yes,” I answered. “Perfect.”
The rest of my coven rushed to my side, along with Beatrix and Nyx, and we all stood together in a line while Vanessa ushered the selected students to move away from the prison cells. There were only about a hundred students, and the room was large enough to fit us all inside, even though it was a relatively tight squeeze.
“Now,” Vanessa said once everyone was settled, and she glanced down at the parchment in her hands, “Miss Penelope and Miss Morgana did a marvelous job collecting a series of ancient spells to use for attacking and defending. The first spell we will be learning is called the ‘dissulto’ hex. It is similar to volant, but far more powerful. As with any spell, it can be energy-draining and can backfire if not uttered properly, but I have faith in you. You’re my best students, so do not let me down. Now… Cole and Akira, would you two like to come up here and be the first to demonstrate?”
I turned to look at the short-haired witch, and a smile was creeping across her face.
“Hell, yeah, I would,” she blurted out. “Err…I mean, yes, Professor, it would be my pleasure.”
“Perfect,” Vanessa drawled, “not that you had a choice, but anyway, please stand before whichever cell you choose.”
Akira and I exchanged firm nods before we strolled in front of two wooden doors, situated side by side. Then I rolled up my sleeves, pulled out my wand, and narrowed my eyes sharply at the cell in front of me.
“Are you ready?” I muttered without turning to look at the ebony-eyed witch.
“Fuck, yeah,” she answered.
We rolled back our shoulders and raised our wands in front of us, and I took in a deep, calming breath before I opened my mind to the darkness. Then I willed myself to use all my strength, both mental and physical, to overcome whatever was behind those doors. I knew I could use my premonition skills to peer behind the door and prepare myself ahead of time, but for now, I solely wanted to practice using this ancient hex.
“Ready?” Vanessa asked the two of us.
“Yes,” we responded.
The wooden doors quickly lifted open, and then, in a blink of an eye, two canine-like creatures with ruby-red eyes and naked mole-like skin came rushing toward us. They had tinted, blood-stained teeth and thick, greenish mucus colored drool seeping from the corners of their broken, chapped lips.
“Dissulto!” we both screamed at the same time.
Twin flashes of vibrant red light spurted out from both our wands and then nearly knocked us off our feet. My body grew cold and numb, but I shoved the sensation deep into the pit of my stomach and forced myself to remain upright.
My light hit the naked-skinned canine right in between its malicious scarlet eyes, and it went soaring back into the cell. It hit its head so hard against the stone wall, black tinted blood trickled down the wall, and it slumped to the floor, limp and still.
A wave of relief and pride coursed through my body, but when I turned to look at Akira, my face and heart fell.
She must have missed the beast by a couple of inches because the creature was still coming toward her. Akira jerked backward, and her dark eyes went wide as saucers before she nearly fell on her ass. The beast was about to lunge right for her throat, but before it could tear her apart, she regained her balance and then aimed her wand at the creature, mid-air.
“Dissulto!” she screamed again.
This time, the light hit the beast right in the stomach, and it jolted backward and then smacked its body against the icy floor. When it was clear it was not going anywhere, Akira jumped up and punched her fist into the air.
“Fuck, yeah!” she squealed. “That was too fucking close.”
“Indeed,” Professor Vanessa sighed. “Still, well done… next up.”
Pairs of witches stepped up and performed the same spell until each Wicca seemed to ace it to perfection. It took us hours to learn at least five other attack and defense spells, and by the time we were done, I had a feeling the sun was setting.
“I think it’s time for a break,” I whispered to Vanessa after Faye and Vesta had their turn practicing an ancient version of the spell ‘novis.’ “We need to eat and see how others are doing.”
“I suppose you’re right.” Vanessa nodded. “Alright, everyone, well done. Let’s retire to the banquet hall.”
The dark-haired professor snapped her fingers, and we were transported back into the massive hall. As I predicted, the sun was setting, and the entire banquet hall was washed in a vibrant orange glow. Students who were not selected for the advanced hexes and spells were helping the professors with other tasks, and when we returned, everyone’s eyes landed on us.
“I think it’s time for a filling dinner,” Vanessa bellowed as she clapped her hands. “It is much deserved.”
In the next moment, the tables were all covered with exquisite plates of various dishes, and a delicious array of aromas filled the stale air. I spotted roasted quails, ducks, swans, and griffins and pitchers of pumpkin juice and wild berry teas. There was also an abundant supply of side dishes such as mashed squash, fresh greens, pixie pudding, and towering lemon and fairy cakes.
Witches immediately began to dig in, and I sat down at a nearby table with my coven and Nyx, Beatrix and the twins.
“Do you think we’re truly ready, master?” Vesta purred as she plucked a berry from her plate.
“I think we’re about there,” I answered while I looked at the others.
“I can barely eat,” Morgana pouted as she stared down at her full plate. “My stomach is in knots, especially after that lesson.”
“Why?” Akira asked with a raised black eyebrow. “You kicked ass.”
“It was just so unorthodox of a lesson,” the bookish brunette replied, “I’m not great with change… I miss being in the classroom, having textbooks to study at night, and you know… not concerning myself with the possibility of imminent death.”
“You just have to bear in mind that things will return to normal, Morgana,” I reminded her. “This is not permanent.”
“I know, master,” she sighed. “It’s just… overwhelming.”
“We’re all overwhelmed,” Penelope said in a soft tone, “but look at all we’ve accomplished today! Did you ever imagine we’d be scrolling through ancient hexes to help out a professor before the eve of battle? I never would have.”
Morgana smiled softly and then took a small bite of toast. “You’re right. I’ll be fine. Thank you, master, Penelope.”
“Are you sure?” Nyx questioned as she leaned toward the bookworm. “If you’re still feeling tense, I have an excellent pipe in my room--”
“Don’t even think about it, horn-head,” Akira snapped, “there isn’t even wine on the table tonight. We need to keep clear heads.”
“I guess so.” Nyx shrugged. “But I’ve got some stuff that will help you eat.”
“I’ll think about it.” Morgana shrugged. “Thanks for the offer.”
“I’m always willing to share,” Nyx said as she winked at the other girl and then took a big bite out of a hunk of meat.
“Hey, Cole,” Faye spoke up before she scooped up a spoonful of mashed pumpkins, “do you want to join me for another dragon ride with Professor Evanora and some other students?”
“Sure,” I answered as I looked around the table. “Is anyone else interested?”
“No, thank you,” Vesta refused in a soft voice before she tossed back her luminous green hair. “I think I want to make sure the armor fits everyone snuggly… and I might add a few more embellishments here and there.”
“Because gems and pretty diamonds will keep us from getting killed,” Akira grunted under her breath, but then Morgana gently nudged her in the ribs.
“I think that’s a great idea, Vesta,” I said as I looked into her silver eyes, and then I gazed around the table once more. “You sure none of you want to come along?”
“I should be making more smoke traps,” Nyx said with a lazy shrug.
“And I’d like to make an inventory of the weapons we have,” Akira added after she swallowed a mouthful of meat. “Do you think there’s a spell we could place on them to make them even more powerful?”
“I could look,” Morgana offered with wide, eager blue eyes.
“I’ll help,” Penelope responded in a perky voice.
“Well, then,” I said with a small chuckle, “I suppose it’s just us, Faye.”
“Sounds like a plan,” the redhead responded with a broad grin.
I nodded in agreement, and when we finished our plates, Faye and I strolled over the professors’ table, and Evanora was already getting on her feet.
“Still up for an evening ride?” The pink-haired professor grinned.
“Yes, Professor.” Faye smiled politely. “Cole would like to join us this time, too.”
“Perfect.” Evanora nodded.
“Are you sure that’s wise, Evanora?” Vanessa asked, and her brow furrowed severely over her sharp blue eyes. “Shouldn’t we be resting and staying within the confinements of the castle, especially when its near nightfall?”
“One quick trip won’t hurt,” Evanora said with a dismissive wave of her hand before she regarded the room and then whistled so she had everyone’s attention. “Listen, if there’s anyone who’d like to accompany us on a dragon ride, please gather in a group.”
A wave of excitement filled the air, and at least a hundred students stood up from their place and rushed toward Evanora. Faye and I exchanged excited glances with one another, and when we shadow ported out of the castle and landed in the grand fields, the sight of the magnificent emerald beasts took my breath away.
“Shit,” I sighed. “Every time I see them… a part of me still can’t believe we’ve tamed them.”
“Same here,” Faye giggled as she bounced on the balls of her feet. “Come on, the sun is about to set, and that’s the best time to fly.”
As witches began to mount their dragons, I quickly spotted the largest of the herd, and the moment his glowing eyes met mine, he lowered his elongated, shimmering jade scaled neck as if he were bowing to me. I repeated the gesture and then carefully climbed up onto his back by carefully wedging my boot between his massive scales.
“Is everyone ready?” Evanora cried out, and she couldn’t contain her excited grin. “Let’s go!”
The professor’s dragon took off into the sky, and we all followed suit. Adrenaline coursed through my veins, and my stomach dropped as soon as we took off from the ground and soared into the orange and red-hued sky. Sharp wind swept past my face, and as we passed through the clouds, I took in a deep breath.
For a moment, everything seemed calm and peaceful. I was exactly where I needed to be, and I felt invincible. We soared up and down, and I could see the broad smiles on the other witches’ faces as they also sped through the clouds and past the glowing sun. I knew they felt free and wild, and as my dragon flew faster through the air and glided past the orange setting sun, I closed my eyes and breathed in this intoxicating moment.
But then, something seemed to pierce my chest, and I winced from the sudden pain and nearly fell over. I grabbed onto the dragon’s hide for support, but still, my entire body convulsed like I was about to collapse. My head and heart were throbbing, and an echoing, familiar voice suddenly seeped into my mind.
Cole, whispered the woman from my visions. They’re coming. Now!
My mouth went dry, and when I opened my eyes, an arrow flew right past my ear, followed by a piercing scream. When I spun my head around, I saw a witch falling from her dragon and down to her death. Other high-pitched screams followed, and my blood turned ice cold.
Theodora’s vision had been wrong.
The elders and their army were already here.