“They block it, yes. To help with that, you’d also have to avoid anything that could trigger a magickal reaction, like crystals or Tarot cards, spell books, incantations, anything like that. And Miss Milan?”
I lean back against the red sandstone and cross my arms, waiting for the worst part, the part I know is coming next.
“You’ll be completely cut off from anyone you’ve ever known,” he says. “Permanently. You will never be able to speak to your friends again. Even now, with your so-called death undoubtedly reported to the media, you must be careful. But going into hiding at this level would be even more dangerous.”
“So that’s it, then? Enroll at the Academy or disappear off the map?”
Not sure why I was still hoping for a better option. Some last-minute escape route, complete with me getting my old life back and a perfectly happy ending.
“Orreturn to prison and explain your mysterious resurrection, though I wouldn’t recommend it.” He tries for a smile, but it misses the mark. “People are funny about witches returning from the dead. Damnedest thing, really.”
When I don’t say anything, his smile dims, his face turning somber once again. “The choice may be unpleasant, Miss Milan, but itisa choice, and it has to be yours. As much as I’d love to tell you what to do, I can’t. Not in this matter.”
He holds my gaze a moment, and I swear I see the spark of a challenge there.Huh.Makes me wonder which matters he thinks hecantell me what to do.
I close my eyes, my only escape from his penetrating gaze. Starting over in a new place doesn’t sound so bad—maybe I could finally see the ocean, or New York City, or a snowstorm. And muting my magick? It’s not like I’ve got much to lose on that front anyway.
What’s he’s offering… Isn’t that what my parents always wanted for me? A normal life? I could go to college—regular college. Meet a regular guy. Get a regular job.
Leave Jessa.
My heart aches at the thought.
But even if ghosting my best friend wasn’t a prerequisite, it doesn’t feel right. Maybe my parents wanted me to have a normal life, but if Mom were here now, facing this same dilemma, she’dneverjust turn her back—not with all those lives at stake. If she thought for a minute her predictions could help, she’d do everything in her power to make sure everyone understood them. That they could prepare for what was coming, and fight to protect their own.
Didn’t she try to do just that?
Back then, no one believed her. But now, I have a chance to change that. To save lives and make the Academy elites understand how rare and special Mom’s gift really was. How rare and specialshewas.
Enrolling might go against every principle I’ve been taught to uphold, every promise I’ve ever made.
But I know without a doubt what my answer will be. I knew it the moment he said the words back at the prison:I want you to enroll at Arcana Academy. To study your craft. To fully embody your Tarot magick, as you were meant to…
I open my eyes. Dr. Devane is watching me closely, his expression hopeful.
“If you enroll,” he says, “I promise I will do everything in my power to keep you safe, to protect you, should the need arise.”
Oh, the need is arising, Doc. Maybe not the need you’re thinking of, but a need just the same…
Anyway, moving on…
“IfI enroll at the Academy—and right now, that’s still anif—I would like my own room,” I say, deciding to see how far I can push this. The man did shoot me, after all, even if it was just an illusion. I think I deserve a little pampering after an ordeal like that. “And I’ll need more clothes, obviously.”
“Hmm. You don’t like Lala’s jeans?” he teases, his eyes turning playful as he scans me head to toe.
“Likethem? I’ve gotten more intimate with these jeans today than I have with a man in the last year.”
Devane’s jaw drops.
Oh, hell. I just said that out loud, didn’t I?
“I mean…” I let out a nervous laugh and kick at the dirt, wondering if I can magick it to open up and swallow me whole.
Alas, I’m still standing here.
And Devane is still watching me, that damn sexy eyebrow arched like an invitation.
But then he shakes his head, our flirty spark dying before it can even catch fire, and says, “Clothing won’t be an issue. There are plenty of shops on campus, and your stipend will cover anything you need. As for the accommodations, most first-years share a room or suite with one or two other students. It helps with socialization and studying, and—”
