“It’s Professor Viola and…” The door swings open, revealing my brother on the other side. “Hugo.”
My brother’s eyes land on mine, confusion lingering across his features as he glances between the bed and me, but I wave him off as I scurry toward him, wrapping my arms around his middle as he pulls me into his warm embrace.
“What are you doing out of bed, Vee?” he mumbles into my hair, and I sigh.
“Trying not to lose my mind,” I admit, and he scoffs.
I lean back, and he does the same, shifting his hands to my arms as he peers down at me.
“You’re looking a little better,” he mumbles as I take a second to look him over too.
“The same can’t be said about you,” I admit, earning a scoff from someone behind me as my brother rolls his eyes.
His hair is messy, his eyes lined with restlessness, while his eyelids hang at half-mast. The man is tired, and his crumpled clothes look like they’ve seen better days.
“How about we all head home. The medical center is a little overkill now if I’m honest,” I state, rocking back on my heels as I blink up at him, offering my best smile as he sighs.
“Vee,” he starts, and I already know there’s rejection on his tongue, but movement over his shoulder catches my attention as a woman stands in the threshold of my doorway.
I drop my hands from my brother as I peer to my left, curious about the new arrival, but when Hugo sees where my attention has gone, he spins on the spot, standing protectively between the new arrival and me.
“Hugo?” I whisper in confusion as Baron shifts by the door, offering another layer of defense between us, and it makes my back stiffen.
The lady clears her throat, offering me a calm and warm smile. “Ivy, I’m glad to see you’re awake. I hear your memory hasn’t quite returned yet, but I’m more than happy to reintroduce myself. My name is Professor Viola, and I’m the head of Neverbound Academy.”
I gape in surprise as I nod in understanding before guilt quickly twists in my gut. Clearing my throat, I run my hands over the hospital-issued gown I’m wearing. “I’m sorry, I don’t remember,” I admit, trying to shake off the shame that immediately floods my veins. “But I appreciate you taking the time and effort to come and visit me. It means a lot.”
“It doesn’t,” Hugo interjects, and I balk at his words as I glare at him.
“Hugo,” I warn, and he shakes his head, but before he can speak, Professor Viola takes another step into the room, waving her hand dismissively.
“It’s okay, Ivy. Your brother is concerned for you, but it’s my job to know and understand everyone’s powers here at Neverbound Academy, and with that comes the role of ensuring I put the right people in the right places.”
I stare at her blankly. “I don’t know what that means.” An air of unease ripples over me, and I instinctively reach for my brother, curling my fingers into the back of his t-shirt.
“It means she wants to exploit you,” Baron states from his position by the door, and Viola immediately shakes her head.
“I don’t want to exploit you,” she insists, turning back to me. “I want to make sure you’re recovering well and discuss your abilities. Your power is beyond notable. It’s impossible for us to deny it. You will be a great asset to this academy, the entire kingdom, and our council.”
“We’re not discussing the council right now,” Hugo bites, hands coiling into fists at his sides, and Viola sighs.
“When will we be discussing it then, Hugo? I’ve waited?—”
“When she’s ready,” Archer answers, and my pulse quickens.
“And when might that be?” Professor Viola returns, her attention slipping to the man currently occupying my bed.
I follow her line of sight just in time to see him shrug. “Whenever she says so.”
Her lips pinch as she glances back at me, the tension thickening in the air as she clears her throat. “I’m pleased to see you doing well, Ivy. I look forward to you returning to classes.” Her gaze shifts to my brother. “Challenging power is always encouraged at Neverbound Academy and throughout the entirety of the Fifth Kingdom, but remember your place, Mr. Hayworth.”
The warning is clear as she spins on her heels and darts for the door, taking some of the tension with her, but there’s still an air of trepidation in her wake.
My brother’s shoulders sag with relief as he dips his head, while Baron kicks the door shut from his seat, enclosing the six of us as I try to wrap my head around what on earth just happened.
Hugo inhales slowly, before exhaling and turning to face me. The smile on his face is genuine, catching me off guard as he looks me over once more. “How are you feeling this morning? Any improvements?”
“Not that I’m aware of,” I admit, a hint of defeat in my tone.
