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I walk back to them, where they are lying on the muddy shore, naked and pale, streaked with mud and blood. So human. It could backfire, of course, I think as I kneel beside Ashton, run my hand over his tousled black hair, dislodging a leaf. Or not fire at all, as it were. But when you’ve been given a weapon in a fight, you have to try and use it.
I go from boy to boy, stroke their hair, move the blade close, collect what I want, and on to the next until I’m done.
The small crowd heaves behind me like a swollen river, waiting to break its banks. The temporary heads of the magical races are standing stiffly, waiting for me to give the word so they can carry their scions away.
I nod at them and they let their gangs sweep in, lifting the boys in their arms, covering them with jackets as they themselves walk out to convince the teachers to turn around and go. It won’t be easy. But I’m tired, as if that little heart-synchronization trick I somehow executed has drained me.
Before they can do anything more than that, though, a harsh voice calls out for them to halt.
God, what now?
It’s the Headmaster, Mr. Evenstar, a tall, middle-aged man with broad shoulders and gray hair swept back, a clean-shaven face, and an aura of dark magic. A demon, perhaps. Under Ophelia’s spell, too, from what I’ve gathered.
He comes striding in, taking control of the situation. “What is going on here?” he demands, marching through the parting students like Moses through a proverbial red sea, heading to where the boys are being lifted. “What happened?”
Nobody speaks.
I’m still clutching the switchblade. “An accident.” I step forward.
“Accident?” He turns to me. “I was told there were beasts flying in the air and running on the ground.”
“Probably an eagle,” I say.
Vanessa chokes—probably on laughter. I hope it’s laughter.
“An eagle?” the Headmaster mutters. “Are you pulling my leg, Miss Apollinari?”
“Eagles can lift entire sheep,” I say.
“So a monster eagle lifted Mr. Ramsden and what, dropped him into the lake?”
“It would seem like it.”
“And more animals carried the other scions of the four Houses here for a reunion?”
“It does look suspicious,” I agree. “Someone must be using magic.”
Vanessa huffs something under her breath.
“I mean, you were told that these four boys were also shot at with arrows, right?” I say. “It’s obvious someone has it out for them.”
He gives me a long look. “Arrows? When did that happen?”
“A couple of weeks ago. They need to be protected, sir. Someone is after them.”
“What are you doing?” Vanessa hisses at me.
Honestly, I don’t know. If the Headmaster is controlled by Ophelia, then surely he’ll shut me up. It’s a big risk. Then again, I haven’t accused Ophelia, so maybe it’s no skin off her back to let me talk about shooters nobody can find and animals invading the Academy grounds.
“I wasn’t told about any of this,” he growls, eyes flashing black, a hint of his demonic heritage showing through the human façade. “Are the boys all right?”
“Sir.” Anala steps forward. “They’re badly shaken and cold. Permission to take them to their rooms?”
“Take them,” he says gruffly after a moment. “And send the paramedic in to see them. I will need to speak to them afterward. Get the story from them. Who else saw these animals? I will need statements so that I can bring in the pest control and have them eliminated. We can’t take risks with our students’ lives.” He turns around, talking as much to the teachers as to us students. “If anyone sights any big animal on Academy grounds, I must be informed immediately. Birds of prey, wolves, a panther, too, I’m told? This is a safe place for learning. Nobody should fear for their lives.”
Except for magic, I think, and selfish grabs for power. Except for enchantments and for never knowing who is under a spell.
“Here.” I hold the switchblade out to Vanessa as the boys are bundled up once more and the Headmaster joins the teachers to talk in low voices. “Thank you.”
