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Why was that a good thing? What was wrong with being a shifter? I wasn’t even positive of what a shifter was. I’d assumed that was like a werewolf, but what did I know? Another question that would have to wait.
“Good. You will tell everyone that you are a witch, and you have exhibited an affinity for Earth and Water.” He waited for me to agree, and I gave another small nod.
“Since we are escorting you, people may ask what your relation is to myself and my wife and daughter. You will tell them we are sponsoring you. We’ve done that occasionally over the years, so it won’t raise any suspicions. We usually pick out students based on their needs and potential. Leave it at that and allow them to draw their own conclusions.”
So I’m some charity case to them? Perfect.
“Finally, obey the rules. Don’t draw attention to yourself. Do well in your classes, and live up to the reputation our legacy has earned.”
“Respect, integrity, propriety, intelligence, and excellence,” his wife recited.
I nodded, and they both stood.
“It’s time,” he said, and I jumped to my feet.
“What about my questions?” I pressed.
“You may ask on the plane.” He waved me off before offering his elbow to his wife and striding across the room to a door I hadn’t noticed. It opened, revealing a uniformed woman that greeted them by name.
“Mr. and Mrs. Stone. Always a pleasure.” She grinned and walked with them on the tarmac.
“Come on.” Masie grabbed one suitcase, and I took the other. “Just a few more hours.” She mumbled the words under her breath, and I almost laughed. I wasn’t the only one dreading being in a confined space with those people.
Soon, I’d be at the academy. Alone and burdened with more secrets.
Chapter 5
The private jet was small with four reclining chairs on either side that faced each other with small tables between each set. They were just as comfortable as the one I’d occupied in the lounge. I sat across from Masie with her parents on the other side of the narrow aisle. I already had three tiny braids in the bottom section of my hair, and I had a feeling I’d end up with a dozen by the time we made it to the school.
It was a thirty minute flight, which made this whole experience seem even more ridiculous and unnecessary than before. We could have easily taken a car and had time to talk, but the couple didn’t seem the type to do something so plebeian.
“What’s a shifter, exactly?” I broke the silence with the only question I couldn’t suppress.
All eyes were on me. I could feel the shock from Masie’s parents but didn’t turn to them. I didn’t want to hear the answer from them. I wanted the only person I trusted for the truth.
Masie’s shoulders dropped. “There’s so much you don’t know.” Her eyes searched mine, an unspoken apology in them. “Shifters are a supernatural species. You’ve heard of werewolves?” I nodded, and she continued, “Some of the stories are close to the truth, but the biggest difference is that not all shifters are the same. There’s more variety than just wolves.”
I narrowed my eyes. “Like other animals?”
“Exactly, there are several apex predators like bears, lions, other big cats, wolverines, snakes. But there are also some you might not think of like birds, and small creatures like ferrets, rats, or lizards.”
“Those are the ones you have to watch out for,” her dad added. “It’s easy to notice a bear or lion. But you could be walking around thinking you’re alone, and a hawk is watching you. Or you might be in your dorm, and a mouse is hiding in the wall listening to you.”
I cringed. I didn’t want anyone spying on me. What if there was a creepy boy that snuck into my room? “What? That’s terrifying and wrong. How do you stop that?”
“You’ll learn basic spells to protect you or reveal shifters,” Masie assured me. “You just have to remember that not everything you see is what you expect and to expect the unexpected.”
That was scary and slightly unhelpful advice. How can I expect the unexpected when I know next to nothing about this school and this whole new world?
“It’s best to assume you’re never alone. Someone can always listen or watch.” Her dad made my stomach sink.
“That’s awful.” I crossed my arms over my chest as if that could protect me from their words.
“Oh, don’t worry. You’ll have a witch roommate to help you, and the others will help you get to their level,” Masie’s mom added.
How was she so sure anyone would help me?
“Witches take care of their own,” she said proudly, unknowingly answering my question.
