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More gasps and cries of anguish rang out around me. Still new to this world, I had no clue about curses, but I could hear the pain in her voice. “From what we have learned so far, the protection spell that was placed on the academy many, many years ago, is slowly being lifted. The forest is more alive than ever before– teaming to steal our students and allow the curse of the thorns to destroy everything we have built. I understand you all must have questions, and we will do our best to respond to those, but please, be patient with us as we navigate through this. All courses today are canceled. We ask that you remain vigilant and let us know if you see or hear anything that could potentially be dangerous.”
At the nod of her head, the unassessably was over and a few students began to stand, glancing around nervously as they were unsure of what to do next.
Without classes, I knew that there was only one thing I could do– head to the library and research everything I could about spells, supernatural creatures, the forest, and more importantly-- my family name.
Candi was busy talking to another student who I recognized from one of my English classes. While she was busy, I felt a strange sensation tear through me. As I turned in my seat, I caught a glimpse of Ason sitting in the far back corner of the auditorium, shrouded in darkness like a plague. His steely gaze made me uncomfortable. When our eyes met, he quickly turned his attention to outside of the room as he jumped out of his seat and made a mad dash for the exit.
Huffing, I stood, refusing to allow Anson once again to put me in a bad mood. I couldn’t let him affect me
“Hey, I want to go to the library. I haven’t been inside yet and I think I need to study up on a few things. I have no idea what’s going on,” I said to Candi, as she knelt down and began picking up her items.
Most of the students had filed out of the auditorium and those that remained were either nervously talking with professors or quietly chatting in friend groups.
Sensing my unease, Candi offered a smile. “Sure, let’s go. I think it could do both of us some good to be in a quiet place.”
As we left the auditorium, I couldn’t help but wonder what else would happen before the curse of the thorns was lifted.
Chapter 7
Candiopenedthelarge,wooden door that led inside of the expansive library. I couldn’t believe that I hadn't been inside this place before now. I mean-- I’ve been busy, but back home, I practically lived in libraries. It was where I hid out during lunch while in school and the place I went to on the weekends when I just needed to escape into another world.
“Wow, this place is incredible,” I mused, my eyes taking in my surroundings.
Sharp lines and a high ceiling welcomed me inside, and I gasped as I saw a large mosaic that was painted on the ceiling. It appeared to be of the academy and contained the school colors and what looked like all of the supernatural creatures that inhabited its walls.
We made our way down stone-carved steps that led deeper into the library. Shelves lined the walls and rows upon rows expanded as far as the eye could see through the center of the space. Each one appeared to be made of oak and reached high into the air above our heads. Candles are placed sporadically throughout the library letting off a dim, flickering light that provides a warm and inviting atmosphere. Desperately, I wanted to grab a mystery or adventure book and curl up onto one of the plush, velvet couches near the windows, but I knew I needed to find books that contained information about this place. I guess I was on a search for an entirely different type of adventure.
Candi led me over to a space where large tables sat in a circle. I could feel the abundant knowledge that filled the books and bled into the bricks and stone of this place.
“What did you have in mind?” Candi asks, taking a seat in a leather chair she pulled out from the table.
“Honestly, I have no idea. I think that first I want to research my family– the Halliwell Witches. I learned in class yesterday that one of my ancestors helped save a student here many years ago. However, I still need to uncover the magic and what all of this could mean for me.”
As I rambled on, Candi placed her finger to her lips and began looking around. “I think I have some ideas,” she said, snapping her fingers.
Without warning, a soft green smoke swirled in front of me as two books appeared out of thin air.
“What just happened?” I asked, clearly in shock.
Giggling, Candi grabbed the books and placed them on the table in front of me. I had seen my mom do magic only a handful of times in my life. It was strictly forbidden for Witches to perform magic in front of others who were not supernaturals. Since I hadn’t gained my powers yet, she rarely exposed her skills to me. Watching Candi create magic was amazing.
“Well, I learned how to call on items in my Elements of Magic course last year. Since I am a second-year student, my magic is a little bit more…advanced,” she said.
“Why didn’t you tell me?” I asked, placing my hand on the leather-bound cover of the book closest to me.
The title of the book read: Casting Magic and the History of Powers.
“Well, you are new to the academy. I didn’t want to startle or overwhelm you. I can only do a few things right now, but my magic will grow. I think these books might help you. The one you have right now,” she said, indicating to the book I was currently looking at, “offers information about families who have gone to the academy. You can read through the powers they hold.” I admired the book as she explained. Next, she reached for the other book that was still levitating in the air. “This one talks about the Curse of the Thorns and provides the timeline of how and when the curse was created.”
Opening the books, I was met with yellow pages and thin material, old and worn from years of use. As I began reading, my eyes grew wide. Reading aloud, I shared the information with Candi. “Over a hundred years ago, a rogue witch began practicing dark magic. She wanted to lead a new coven and no one would follow her. She made a potion,” I stated, turning to the page to where an illustration of a strange looking bottle appeared. It had a large bottom half and a thin tube at the top. A dark blue liquid seemed to fill the inside. “The potion created a spell that locked all of the evil creatures the witch spelled inside the forest, curing the thorns so that anyone who dared enter the woods would be cursed to remain there forever.”I stopped reading, shock filling me. Candi stood next to me, reading over the page along with me. “The curse is said to only last one hundred years. In order to end the curse, someone must find the potion that is hidden inside the forest. The potion has to be destroyed in a fire.”
On the next page, a map of the forest laid out the land that no one had dared to enter for a very long time. Examining the area, I noticed that inside the forest there was a large area of trees that had the words shifter territory written in black script. Beyond the trees, there was a large body of water that seemed to flow into a marsh area with swamps. Something inside of me sparked to life and beads of sweat formed along my brow.
I had seen this forest before.
I had been inside this forest before.
Gasping, I threw my hands over my mouth to stifle the scream I wanted to unleash. This was the same forest I had seen in my nightmares. The very one that I had been trapped inside of.
