Your School

Chapter Twelve: Preparations | Part 4

A prickling of magic surged through the dining hall, followed by Professor Bavarren’s voice. “Good afternoon, students. I hope you’re enjoying your lunch period. I am pleased to announce that Headmistress Azirenne has returned from her duties at the palace. I will be stepping down as acting headmaster and handing the reigns back to her, effective immediately. Enjoy the rest of your day, and best of luck to all senior students departing for the Magic Competency exam this evening.”

The students remained quiet as if waiting for the headmistress to address them. Instead, Azirenne scanned the hall with scrupulous eyes before marching up one of the main aisles. As she approached, it became clear her piercing gaze was fixed on them.

No, on Thirtyx.

His stomach flipped. She was here, his friends were leaving, and this time, not even a Twins-given miracle would bring them back early to bail him out of whatever she had in store.

Azirenne paused beside them, and Thirtyx exercised every ounce of willpower to keep from flinching away. Conversations around them hesitantly restarted, their participants unburdened by the predatory twist to the headmistress’ smile. 

Her gaze flashed suddenly to the prince and princess, and her expression shifted just as quickly from malice to fabricated warmth. “Mr. Grimmary. Miss Grimmary. Your father sends his best regards. He wanted me to wish you luck on your Competency exam. I know you’ve received nothing but the best training at my school, so I feel confident you will make us—and the kingdom—very proud.”

Rhea, true to form, had the boldness to ask, “How in the Twins’ name is it still your school?”

The headmistress feigned surprise. “Whyever wouldn’t it be? I thought I was clear that my duties at the palace were temporary. It’s a shame I couldn’t accomplish more, but you two needn’t worry about such matters during your Competency exam. No, you shouldn’t fret about anything happening back at the palace or here at the school while you’re gone.”

Her eyes swiveled toward Thirtyx during the final part of her sentence, and his blood ran cold.

“Anyway, I’m off to settle in. Have a safe trip, you two. I’ll keep a close eye on everything while you’re in Ambervale.”

Her gaze lingered on Thirtyx as she stalked away.

Benn clenched both fists and pounded them against the table. “Pfah, how did she manage that?”

“What a fantastic question.” Rhea was already reaching for her bag. “You know, I think I forgot to pack a few things. Might spend the free period in my room.”

Benn straightened. “Actually, now that you mention it, me too. Thirtyx, we’ll see you later. Seerla, did you want to walk down to the gates with us after class?”

Seerla forced a regretful smile into her highly suspicious expression. “Dexy has some internship work for me this afternoon… but good luck this weekend, you guys. I…” She glanced at Thirtyx so quickly he barely caught it. “I’ll hold down the fort here.”

Both twins gave her grateful nods before leaving the table.

Seerla reclaimed her fork and pretended to pick at the remains of her lunch, all while heaving a sigh that left her looking deflated. “What are those two up to? You know, don’t you?”

“I have a good guess. But trust me, it’s best if you’re not involved.” Thirtyx didn’t believe his chest couldn’t get any tighter, but at the thought of Seerla being tortured for the same information he held—the knowledge of how the Twins could commune with Grimmary at the drop of a hat—his heart felt like it might implode under the pressure.

“I believe that,” Seerla muttered. “Just… please tell me they aren’t going to confront Azirenne or something dumb like that.”

“No—Twins no. Especially not right before their Comp.” He looked toward the door, not after his friends but after the headmistress. Was she lurking just beyond, waiting to snatch him as soon as he left? Or would she bide her time until the twins were off campus?

“Hey.” Thirtyx jumped at the sensation of Seerla’s hand on his. It picked at his odd hunger, teasing him with the suggestion of how incredible it might feel to turn his own hand over and clasp her fingers… no. They had far more important matters to attend to.

“We’ll figure this out,” Seerla continued. “And speaking of Comps, ours is in two weeks. The library should be pretty quiet with all the magic students about to leave, and you could probably use a distraction.”

Thirtyx simply nodded and started packing up. Between the stress of Azirenne’s return, the fear of the impending weekend, and the whirlwind of emotions that accompanied Seerla’s proximity, he wasn’t sure what his voice would do.