Chapter 3
When I came to, it took a minute to adjust to my new surroundings. Everything felt eerily similar and strange at the same time, yet also completely different. I knew I was in the halls of Scholomance, but everything was modeled in reverse. The gritty black walls were replaced with ivory stone, and small diamonds and gems were embedded in between the cracks. What’s more, the ghastly but beautiful paintings of former Wiccas were swapped with portraits of angelic-looking women with glowing skin and piercing eyes. Their brightly-hued orbs stared right through me as I traced my fingers along their golden frames, and as they followed my every move, vicious shivers ran down my spine.
When I pulled away, my attention turned toward the other side of the corridor. Our beautiful, stained glass windows, which bore the history of the Scholomance Wiccas, were switched to open, arched frames to reveal a vast blue sky with thick white clouds roaming through the cool, sweet-smelling air. Giant doves and other unusual birds flew past, and the sound of their high-pitched chirping and cooing echoed all around me.
“What the actual fuck is going on?” I muttered as I looked around.
There were no candles inside these whitewashed corridors, and when I looked down at the floor, the frosty marble was so sleek, I could see the confused expression plastered across my face.
“Hurry!” I heard a familiar voice giggle. “Our master is waiting! We can’t be late!”
When I spun around, I saw Vesta and Akira holding hands as they floated down the corridor toward me. They were dressed in fairy-like white gowns with sheer fabric, gold trimming, and flowing sleeves. Both women looked so incredibly different, and my jaw quickly dropped from the shock and confusion of it all. Akira’s short dark hair was now long and pale, and her purple lips were tinted a rosy pink. Vesta’s beautiful lavender skin was now white as milk, and her elvish features were completely absent and substituted with elder characteristics. Both women wore crowns of pale roses, and long, cross pendants dangled from their necks. They were barefoot and giggling, and they practically skipped down the corridor like two young girls wandering through the woods for the first time.
“Hey!” I raised my hands. “Stop, I command you… Vesta, Akira?”
Instead of obeying my command, the two women looked right past my face and didn’t even bother to slow down when their noses were practically touching mine. Before I could utter another word, they drifted right through me, like I was a ghost, and headed toward a pair of wide marble doors. As they pranced and sung a sweet lullaby, the doors slowly swung open, and what I saw next nearly took my breath away.
There, in the distance, I saw myself, dressed in a pale silk robe, seated on a golden throne, and surrounded by glittering jewels and other precious relics. It didn’t take long for me to recognize this room as the banquet hall since everything was the same except for the white walls and painted floral ceiling, but I could barely take in the new surroundings because I was too focused on this other version of myself. Not only was I wearing a robe like an elder, but I also had a giant pair of golden wings attached to my back as well as a shimmering crown on my head. Countless gorgeous women swarmed around my throne, and they carried large platters of food and poured substantial goblets of wine as they continued to serve and obey me like I was their holy king.
As my eyes scanned the room, I finally spotted my coven in the vast sea of beautiful women. Morgana appeared to be reading something to me, while Akira and Vesta took turns massaging my shoulders and feet. Meanwhile, Penelope and Nyx were serving me different goblets of wine, while Circe and Faye were on their knees as they stared up at me with love-filled eyes. It took me a moment to absorb in my new surroundings, since the other women looked different as well. Morgana’s long brown hair was tinted a fair shade of gold, and Penelope and Faye’s bright-orange and red hair were muted into a deep-auburn, while Nyx’s sapphire-blue skin was now milky-white and her hair was a light shade of robin-egg blue. And Circe looked the same aside from her eyes which were now a lighter shade of green with orb shaped pupils. There were so many women at my beck and call, I even spotted Professor Vanessa garbed in a transparent white dress that showed her erect nipples and the cleft between her legs, and she fiercely nudged another woman aside as she tried to serve me a platter of golden grapes.
“What the hell is this?” I hissed to myself. “This isn’t the Scholomance I long for… I need to get the fuck out of here…”
Marvelous, isn’t it? asked the woman from my dreams, but deep down, I knew it wasn’t truly her. Isn’t this what you’ve always wanted? Well, of course, it is… it’s what every man could ever dream of.
“What the hell is going on?” I demanded in a sharp tone. “I want out. Get me the fuck out of here.”
But why? the mysterious voice purred inside my head. This is you… as the master of Scholomance… why would you want to leave?
“This isn’t Scholomance,” I growled. “Whatever the fuck this is… it isn’t my academy… and you are not the woman from my dreams. She would never show me something so… blasphemous. It’s not what I want, and I demand to return to reality.”
But I am the woman who’s always been by your side, the woman responded in a gentle voice. All I want is what’s best for you, my dear Cole. Haven’t I always been here to guide you down the right path? When have I ever led you astray? You’ve always trusted me… so let me guide you to greatness. Let this be your future!
“You’re not her,” I grunted. “Fuck off… I don’t need shit from you.”
Not until you’ve seen it all, Cole. What if I told you there’s more? Not only could you rule all of Scholomance, but you could become a king as well. You would have domain over all the realms… with my guidance, you’d be more than a master. You’d be a god.
As I stared at this version of myself, I knew I hated what I saw. It didn’t matter if I was surrounded by gold, women, and all the jewels in the world. The sight made me sick to my stomach because, to me, I looked like a fool playing a false elder god. This was not who I was or what I fought for, and I knew deep in my Satan-worshipping soul that I would always long for the darkness.
“I’m not an idiot,” I snapped. “Did you think you could drag me into this vision you’ve conjured up, and I would just abide by your wishes? I don’t know who the fuck you think you are, but I’m not so easily swayed.”
Oh, we’ll see about that, she tittered.
Before I could say another word, the view before me vanished as quickly as a bolt of lightning, and I found myself on the outskirts of another palace. This castle was even grander than Scholomance, and the towers were so tall, they reached the clouds and surpassed the heavens. Giant white serpens flew around the fortress, and they looked like pairs of majestic swans soaring through the sky in perfect, harmonious circles.
Isn’t it beautiful? the mysterious woman sighed. Only the greatest elder kings and gods live here…
The castle was made from white stone, and each brick was perfect and equal in shape and size. The windows were grand, open arches, and I could hear laughter and soft music playing from within. Winged white horses roamed around the rose gardens and emerald-green mazes that surrounded the entire palace, but the sight only made disgust roil inside my gut.
“Let me guess,” I sneered as I stared upon the majestic fortress. “This could all be mine as well?”
But of course, the woman’s voice purred. Riches, women, land. What more could you possibly ask for?
“I’m not betraying my faith, my coven, or Theodora,” I said through gritted teeth.
But what if Theodora bowed to you? her voice resounded inside my head. Could you imagine it? How delicious would it be if she obeyed your every whim and desire, instead of the other way around?
“Everything I do for Theodora is for the fate of Scholomance and my fellow Wiccas,” I answered. “I choose to listen to her because I trust her.”
You may trust her, but didn’t they all treat you so terribly when you first arrived? They hated your guts and acted as if you were a ragged dog. Why continue to cherish and protect them when you could have so much more?
“I’ve already chosen my path,” I growled. “When will you get it through your thick head?”
Perhaps I could tempt you with another offer? she insisted. What if I told you that a beautiful, lonely queen now lives behind these walls… and she’s on the hunt for a handsome, robust king? Someone who could match her in both strength and mind?
Before I could respond, the majestic castle slowly faded from view, and in seconds, I found myself in the middle of a grand hall with a checkered marble floor and snow-white walls. An enormous gold and diamond chandelier dangled from an arched ceiling, and the light from the ornament shone against the walls like specks of starlight. The ceiling was at least a hundred feet from the floor, and rose-pink clouds were painted across the entire plafond, but what truly caught my attention was the beautiful woman seated upon a silver and gem-adorned throne.
The elder queen was dressed in a flowing, lavender gown with roses sewn onto the shimmering, sheer fabric. She wore no shoes, but she did embellish herself with stacks of silver bracelets, diamond rings, and star-bright earrings. Her cascading, wavy hair was a mix between gold and brown, and her eyes were tinted silver-green like the clearest waters of the ocean. Her skin was so flawless it could have been carved from the most precious porcelain or the rarest marble. For a moment, I thought she could see me, but then I remembered how Akira and Vesta walked right through me like I was a phantom lost in between worlds.
Lovely, isn’t she? the woman’s voice hummed inside my head. I can tell by your silence that you desire her. Look at her… she has all the riches she could want, yet why does this queen seem so miserable?
It was true. The elder woman was breathtakingly beautiful, but she seemed lost. Her eyes were glassy, and her lower lip trembled like she was on the verge of crying her eyes out.
But I was no fool, and I needed to escape.
Now.
“You think I could be fooled by mere beauty?” I scoffed. “She’s an elder, and there’s only one thing an elder craves.”
And what is that? the woman demanded in a sharp tone. Do you think you know everything there is to know about us? I wouldn’t be so quick to judge, Cole. I think you could find true happiness here. Just let go of the world you cling so desperately to and open your mind to something entirely different.
Hot rage coursed through my body as this woman continued to taunt me. I knew deep in my heart that she was not the woman from my dreams. This stranger may have sounded just like my inner guardian, but there was veiled venom behind each word she sputtered, and I’d be damned if I fell for her tricks.
“I’m not falling for your words,” I sneered. “No matter how sweet you attempt to make them sound. Now… I command you to leave. This is my mind, and I refuse to let you take over my head any longer.”
My, my, my, her voice chuckled as it grew darker and deeper, and right then and there, I knew for certain this wasn’t the woman from my dreams. You truly are a difficult one to sway, Cole… but don’t worry, I’ll be back soon.
Before I could answer, the stunning hall and its elder queen quickly vanished from view, and soon, I could feel myself drifting into another world as the woman’s cackling echoed through my mind. The world went black once more, and everything became still and cold as stone.
When I finally came to, I was lying on the frigid floor, and Madame Soulton had her wand pointed right in between my eyes. Her blonde eyebrows were furrowed, and her lips were puckered as she looked deeply into my eyes, and a part of me thanked Satan she didn’t stun me, or worse.
“Cole?” she whispered as her snake-green eyes studied every inch of my body. “What happened to you? For a moment… I feared you might turn rabid.”
“No… I’m still sane,” I grunted as I struggled to sit up. I debated telling her the truth about my vision but swiftly decided against it. If I were to tell anyone about what had just occurred, it would either be Theodora or my coven. “I-I suppose the excitement of everything just got to my head… but I swear, I’m fine.”
“Are you sure you’re well enough to see Vanessa?” the blonde Wicca demanded as she tucked her wand into her skirts. “If you’re not able to, then perhaps you should return to your quarters.”
“No,” I replied in a firm voice. “I’m alright.”
The head of the High Court swallowed hard before she gently shrugged her shoulders and then opened the door. The first thing I saw was Vanessa, asleep in a grand, ebony silk bed with tall mahogany wooden posts. Her dark hair was splattered across the pillow, and her face was paler than usual, though it bore her familiar scowl.
Before I stepped any closer, I took a quick moment to study her bedroom, and I immediately noticed how it perfectly matched her dark personality and attire. All the walls were painted midnight black, and the floors were covered with thick, crimson-patterned rugs. There was a crackling fire brewing in a grand, golden hearth to the right, and to the left, there were rows and rows of books situated on a massive golden bookcase. Vanessa’s loyal wolf familiar was curled into a ball on the foot of her bed, and the animal carefully studied the two of us as we stood at the threshold. Then the professor finally opened her eyes and saw the two of us, and her face twisted with confusion and impatience.
“With all due respect, Madame Soulton,” the dark-haired professor coughed as she struggled to sit up and cover herself with the sheets. “I would have preferred if you knocked… I could have been indecent.”
“Apologies, Vanessa,” the blonde woman answered with a small nod. “I didn’t want to bother you, considering your current state. However, we’ve run into a slight problem--”
“What is he doing here?” Vanessa interjected in a sharp tone, and her ice-blue eyes glared daggers at me. “I’m sure whatever it is, it doesn’t require Mr. Cole’s presence… this is all very inappropriate, you know. I’m not in a position to speak with students.”
“I’m here to tell you we have a severe problem,” I said before Madame Soulton could reply. “The minds of Wiccas have been infiltrated, and tonight, I’m afraid we lost a few women… clearly, the elders have made their move, and now, it’s time we made ours.”
“What?” Vanessa snapped as she sat up even higher. “What the hell are you talking about?”
“I’m talking about the fact that the elders are using their powers to take over the minds of Scholomance students,” I began. “There was a bloodbath in the banquet hall when we turned against each other, and I believe Headmistress Theodora should be informed… immediately. However, Madame Soulton thinks we should wait until morning.”
I didn’t think it was possible, but Vanessa’s face quickly turned two shades paler than it already was. Her penetrating blue eyes darted between Madame Soulton and me, and I could practically see the frantic thoughts in her head as they bounced back and forth like a bee trapped inside a goblet.
“Cole is right,” Vanessa finally muttered. “As much as it pains me to admit… we need Headmistress Theodora back. Right now.”
“She asked not to be disturbed--” Madame Soulton began until I spun around to face her.
“Look… I understand you’re the head of the High Court,” I snarled, “but what the hell is wrong with you? We need Theodora here, right now! We both know she needs to return to Scholomance, and she wouldn’t give a damn about being disturbed.”
“Excuse me?” Madame Soulton snapped with fierce eyes. “How dare you speak to me in such a manner--”
“He has a point,” a terse and familiar voice interjected from behind us, and when I spun around, I was surprised to see all the professors and the rest of the High Court women standing behind us. When Professor Olivia took a small step forward, her silver eyebrows furrowed as she studied Madame Soulton from head to toe. “Madame, I understand you want to take care of the situation on your own… but with all due respect, the Headmistress should be here. This is her school after all, and we all agree she would be most displeased if we waited a moment longer.”
“You all seem to be forgetting that I am the head of the High Court--” Madame Soulton began in a tight voice.
“Regardless,” a redheaded woman of the High Court interrupted. “She needs to be here. Right now. We normally would never go against your word, Madame, but these are dire and unprecedented times.”
I could almost feel the furious fumes radiating off Madame Soulton’s slender body, but when she exhaled and turned back to me, I knew she finally saw reason.
“Fine,” she said. “I’ll summon her… but the rest of you should keep yourselves busy in the meantime. I’d rather Theodora not have to look upon her mutilated students as soon as she arrives. Understood?”
“Yes, Madame,” the women answered in unison.
Madame Soulton firmly nodded in my direction before she snapped her fingers and vanished in a cloud of purple smoke. When she was gone, the other women all turned to look at one another before they slowly regarded me.
“Cole, perhaps you should go to your room?” Professor Crimson suggested with twinkling, red eyes. “You can speak with Headmistress Theodora in the morning.”
“I’d rather wait for her here,” I replied with my chin raised. “If that’s alright with Professor Vanessa, of course.”
All eyes quickly turned to the ill-tempered Vanessa, and when I studied the drained professor, it was almost impossible to read her expression. Her face was as blank as a sheet of fresh parchment, and her eyes were vacant, but finally, she weakly shrugged and stared coldly in my direction.
“It’s fine by me,” she answered in a faint voice. “Please, ladies… go and take care of the banquet hall. Madame Soulton was right… the last thing Theodora would want to see is a banquet hall stained with her students’ blood. Especially when we were meant to be celebrating a victory.”
“Of course, Vanessa,” Professor Luna responded before she reached for the doorknob and slowly closed the door.
When we were finally alone, the air was thick with tense silence, and I stared long and hard at Vanessa before I slowly approached the bed. Her wolf glared right at me with bright eyes, and a low growl resonated in her chest as I drew even closer, but I didn’t falter, and that seemed to agitate her even more.
“Shhhh, Isobel,” Vanessa purred. “It’s alright, my love… he may be a man, but he means no harm.”
Her familiar studied me again before she slowly lowered her head, closed her bright eyes, and seemed to fall asleep.
As I took a seat next to the loyal beast, I gently started to pet her head, and her large ears twitched as she softly rumbled in her sleep.
“She may be protective, but she still likes you,” Vanessa commented in a flat voice. “I have no idea why, though.”
“Well, at least she does,” I lightly joked as I stared into Vanessa’s pastel-blue eyes. “In all seriousness, though… how are you feeling, Professor?”
“How does it look like I’m feeling, Cole?” the impatient Wicca snapped as she pulled the covers tightly across her chest. “First, I was possessed, and now this? I feel like there’s never a moment to breathe… it seems that with each passing moon, the elders grow thirstier for Wicca blood.”
“I understand,” I replied in a soft voice, “but you know that together, we can defeat anything, right?”
“With Satan by our side,” Vanessa sighed after a long moment. “I believe so.”
“Then stay strong,” I chuckled. “You’re one of the toughest women I know… and soon, you’ll be fighting by our side once more. I’m sure of it.”
After that impromptu compliment, I half-expected Vanessa to tell me to go to hell, or at least to get out of her room, but to my surprise, she blushed a deep shade of crimson and looked down at her hands.
“Thank you,” she muttered before her blue eyes flicked up to meet mine. “Cole, I--”
Before she could finish her train of thought, there was a gentle knock, and when we both looked toward the door, Theodora stood at the threshold and stared at the two of us with a small smile on her face.
“I’m back,” she seethed as she folded her hands neatly in front of her. “Now, let’s plan our revenge against those sons of elder bitches, shall we?”