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“So that’s why Nocturne Academy is located in Frostproof,” Emma finished for them. “And thank goodness or Kaitlyn and I would have been stuck at Frostproof High!”
I was interested in the history of the school and why it happened to be here, but I wanted to go back to something else we had talked about.
“So this Edict,” I said, frowning. “What did you guys mean when you said it keeps Others of different species from mixing? I mean, they all take classes together, right?”
“We’re not talking about going to classes together,” Avery said dryly. “The Edict keeps Others of different species from mixing romantically. That means no Drakes playing kissy-face with Faes and no Nocturnes doing the nasty with Sisters.” He wagged one finger back and forth. “Dating and cohabitation among dissimilar Others is strictly a no-no. A place for everyone and everyone in their place—that’s the idea and the Edict makes sure it stays that way.”
“But how?” I asked, puzzled. “I mean, how does it work? How does it keep Others of different species from dating?”
Avery shrugged. “It just does. Mainly by keeping them from even being attracted to each other. Of course, the magic is over a century old now and some people say it’s breaking down, but it won’t matter even if it does.”
“What? Why not?” I asked.
“Well because, newbie—the precedent has been set,” Avery explained patiently. “Even if the spell cast by Corinne and the Windermere Coven dissolves completely, Others still won’t mix with each other because by now it’s considered completely taboo. I mean, think of it this way—my father would rather I bring home a warlock or even a male Norm as my date than if I brought home say…a female Fae. And let me tell you…” He narrowed his eyes for emphasis. “That is saying something. He does not like the idea that I bat for the other team—not that we’ve ever really discussed it—but he has a pretty clear idea.”
“So he’d rather you be gay with a male witch or Norm than straight and have a thing for a different kind of Other?” I said, sorting it out.
“Yes. Even though he is the biggest homophobe that ever walked the Goddess’s green earth.” Avery nodded emphatically. “And that’s how ingrained the idea that Others don’t mix has become since the Windermere Coven cast that damn spell.”
I shook my head. “But why? I mean, why would my great-great-grandmother and her coven want to cast a spell like the Edict anyway?”
“I think it’s because many of Others mixed marriages result in sterility,” Kaitlyn said. “Maybe she was afraid the different species of Others would die out all together if they were allowed to mix. And they’re already outnumbered by us Norms so that would be bad.”
“Or maybe it was because when two Others of different species bind their hearts together, they double their powers,” Avery offered. “Or so it’s said, anyway.”
“I guess if you got enough of those kind of, uh, ‘power couples’ together, it could disrupt the balance of the current establishment,” I said, thoughtfully.
Avery nodded. “Possibly. But because of the Edict—and its lasting effects—we modern Others will never know.” He pouted. “Which means I’m never going to date one of those hunky Drakes on our football team.”
Emma snorted. “Like you were going to anyway. Those guys are as straight as they come—plus they’re all testosterone-crazy jerks.”
Remembering Sanchez and his friends in my English class, I had to agree with her.
“But they’re muscular jerks,” Avery said wistfully. “Ah well, what can you do?”
“Stay away from them,” Kaitlyn said emphatically. “They’re nasty when you get too close. Drakes have terrible personalities because their dragons are always really close to the surface—it’s like they have ‘roid rage all the time,” she explained to me.
“Yeah,” Emma agreed and yawned hugely. Glancing at her watch, she made a face. “Guys, I have got to get to bed. Tomorrow is one of my long days.”
“Long days?” I asked, frowning.
“Oh, I have to do all my classes and then I leave and go work a shift at the I Scream,” Emma explained. “I work until about ten and then I still have to come back to campus and do all my homework. It makes for a really long day.”
“I bet,” I said sympathetically. “If you don’t mind me asking, why do you do it?”
“It’s the only way my mom and I can make ends meet,” Emma said a bit stiffly. “My dad was never really in the picture—he left when I was born. So it’s just me and my mom and the landlord just raised the rent on our crappy apartment.” She made a face. “So I’m actually trying to work more shifts lately.”
“Sorry,” I said. “That’s rough.” I couldn’t help thinking that I was lucky in a way. Even though Aunt Dellie couldn’t afford to pay my tuition and had to get me into the Academy on scholarship, she at least owned her home and had a pretty secure income from all the classes that she taught.
