This is work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, businesses, companies, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

Copyright© Avery Song , 2019

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Format: Avery S.

CONTENTS

Acknowledgement

BLURB

1.  Winter Break Fun

2.  Christmas Feels And Gift Of Hope

3.  Semester Two

4.  Facing The Truth

5.  Seeing Double And Just Be Happy

6.  Study Buddies

7.  Gift Of A Samurai

8.  Football And Ice Cream For Two

9.  You’re Far Too Precious To Me

10.  Final Exam Of Trust Or Deceit

COMING SOON

ABOUT AVERY SONG

Also By Avery Song

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Thank you for purchasing WITCHLING ACADEMY- SEMESTER TWO!

Thank you to all my amazing supporters for being awesome and encouraging me to write every day.

Special thanks to my amazing Mom for blessing me with the gift to write and supporting me in all aspects. I pray to continue making you proud as I strive towards success.

Finally, I thank God for giving me the strength to achieve my goals. Without Him, I would be nothing.

AVERY SONG

BLURB:

First Semester sparked something different inside me. Now it’s time to find out whether Semester Two will transform that spark into something good…or bad.

I, Brianne Marie Harlow, never imagined I’d befriend the Notorious Four, let alone enjoy the holidays with them. And now that I’ve gotten to learn a little bit about each of them and how they see the world, I want to creep out of my innocent shell and explore things that never crossed my mind.

Like dating, for example.

It’s a new year and a new semester, and I’m finally beginning to feel comfortable with my newfound levels of confidence. I’m learning new things at school, and the guys are teaching me life lessons, helping me become less naive — but without the judgment anyone else would have shown me.

However, not all is well outside of my little circle. The rumors and lies continue to grow, and it turns out they’re a lot more painful when they come from the person you once considered your best friend. Not all hope is lost, but with the shadow people making another appearance and putting someone dear to me at risk, I’ll have to toughen up and recruit the guys to track the culprit down.

My goals for this semester are simple enough: pass our physical exams, identify the people who are after my gift, and if I’m lucky, snag another kiss from one of the guys.

Or maybe even all four of them.

1

WINTER BREAK FUN

“Jingle Bells! Jingle Bells! Jingle all the—”

“Whee!!” I shrieked in joy, giggles escaping me like I was having a laughing fit.

“You two are going to fall by spinning so fast,” Kaito groaned.

“Let them,” Jax said. “They’ve got to learn the hard way.”

“Nothing hard about having fun,” Connor declared. “We should try.”

“No,” Jax grumbled.

“Pass,” Kaito replied.

I laughed and stared at Finnick’s shining blue eyes, seeing the mesmerizing joy in them. His cheeks were flushed, and his green hair was all over the place from our spinning.

“Come join!” I cheered as we continued to twirl in a fast circle on the skating rink in Jax’s backyard.

“No,” Kaito and Jax said together. Connor chuckled.

“I’ll join.”

“What?” Jax and Kaito said together.

Finnick slowed us down until we came to a stop, but I was totally dizzy, and that made me giggle hysterically.

“So dizzy!”

“Did you give her alcohol or something without her sister seeing?” Connor asked as he approached us with his unicorn pink skates.

Yes. Baby pink skates with tiny white unicorns on them.

Finnick grinned innocently as he tried not to lose his balance.

“That depends if you’re going to tell or not,” Finnick replied.

“You did,” Connor confirmed.

“I never said anything,” Finnick argued.

“You don’t have to, and we both know that.” Connor skated to me, his hands lightly resting on my hips to stop me from slipping on my ass.

I looked over my shoulder to grin at him.

“Hello!”

“Hi, Brianne.” His smile was just as pleasing as Finnick’s. “You’re extra happy today. It’s nice to see.”

“I’m beyond happy,” I rejoiced. “Who would have thought Jax’s parents would let us all stay over for the holidays?! Even my sister gets to stay!”

The others grinned at my exclamation. I was sure they would agree that the last couple of days had been magical. Christmas was only a few short days away, and the Notorious Four and I were spending our Christmas and New Year’s break here at Jax’s home.

After doing amazing on our exams, we’d assumed that after packing the things we needed, we’d all return home and maybe squeeze in a visit for a day or two.

Who would have thought us visiting Jax’s place after our exams and sharing our results to his parents would reward us with the invite to stay over for the entire holiday?

Since our dating scheme, my parents had actually been keeping in touch with Jax’s. My dad shared views with Jax’s father when it came to politics and the increase in magic technology. It seemed they also liked the same football team and all things sports. As for our mothers, I didn’t know his mom was into baking. Apparently, it had once been a serious hobby for her, and she’d won awards in cake competitions. She’d stopped out of the blue, and after my mom had surprised her with special homemade muffins, they seemed to connect.

Anyway, our parents got along, which helped Jax’s mother relax. She personally invited us to stay, saying that the house was far too big and that it could use some laughter and holiday cheer over the next two weeks.

My sister, Starlight, and Kaito’s sister, Katsume, were also invited. From what my sister had told me last night, Katsume was now assigned to assist her with some of the new cases at Witchling Star Agency.

Long story short, my sister not only landed herself a new partner, but ended up with a full team due to whatever case they were now working on. She wasn’t thrilled, but she seemed to be taking it a lot better than I expected. She may not return to the Starlight from before, but I did notice she’d gotten a little nicer when interacting with others like Katsume.

I hadn’t told her, but I was secretly happy she had a team again. It may not have been her thing because of what had happened in the past, but deep down, I had a feeling it would help her feel less lonely.

I’d surely feel alone if I was in her position.

With all of us spending time together this holiday season, I’d been trying not to think about Elijah. We weren’t friends anymore, which I’d made clear in our last conversation, but the holidays reminded me of all the times he’d chill at my place during this time of year.

I wondered what he’d do this year. In the past, it had always been the same; his mother worked throughout the holidays while his father drank even more than usual.

Logically, I shouldn’t pity him. He’d been influenced by all the talk at school and hadn’t bothered to defend me when I’d needed it.

He contributed to some of the shit-talking as well, but in his eyes, I was the problem. Not him, ‘the victim’ who was being impacted by my behavior.

I didn’t like admitting it to myself, but his words still stung. The conversation would pop into my mind during quiet moments and I’d end up fighting back tears at the memory.

We weren’t friends anymore.

Was it hard for other people to move on from friendships like it was for me? Secretly, I wished it was easier, like a mere click, click, delete, only in my mind.

I couldn’t erase the memories we shared, and the strong crush I’d had on him before starting Witchling Academy was beginning to fade.

His painful words sank deeper into the place I kept all the other memories I hated thinking about.

With how active we’d been these few days, it wasn’t something I’d lingered on for long, but I did hope he’d have a good holiday.

Spiritually wish him well. That’s the least I could do. Not as a friend, but another individual trying to adapt to the new change in their life dynamic.

“To think Jax’s mom was down for the campfire in winter idea still blows my mind,” Finnick commented. “It’s going to be so much fun!”

Kaito and Jax skated to us, while Connor moved to face me.

“Your hat is falling off, Bri.” He took off my turquoise hat entirely, patting my head like I was a kitten.

“Why are you petting me?” I giggled.

“Don’t know. Always wondered what it would be like. Also gives me a chance to check out the gold in your hair. It’s legit,” Connor replied.

“Oh, I wanna see,” Finnick exclaimed, skating to my left side. “Wow. You can really see it with the sun shining on it like that.”

“Let’s see,” Kaito said, and sure enough, he was on my left side, leaving me to assume Jax was behind, the four of them inspecting my orange locks.

“You would never be able to see it this distinctly without the light,” Kaito admitted.

“I wish it was stronger. Looks cool,” Connor noted.

“Not as cool as red would be! We should give Brianne temporary red highlights. It’ll match her nickname,” Finnick suggested.

“You make it seem as though you weren’t the one who came up with the nickname,” Jax sighed. “Brianne looks perfect with her orange hair.”

“With—”

“With hints of gold,” the four of them said in unison.

I gave them a shy smirk, extremely pleased that they remembered my usual correction. To be surrounded by them made me acknowledge just how lucky I was.

I’d unexpectedly entered their lives, from entering my dorm room without knocking to spell traveling right into Jax’s arms. The Notorious Four were so uniquely different from one another, and yet, as a whole, they balanced each other like a true team.

Now I was in the middle of it all, and it felt…well, it felt right.

Was this why Elijah hadn’t wanted me to be around them? Did he somehow foresee me fitting right in? Or maybe he was afraid of being on his own. For us to drift to new groups of friends and leave each other behind.

Isn’t that what happened anyway?

“Aww. Look, Katsume. My sister’s having a lovely fivesome.”

“Ugh. They’re just fawning over your sister’s hair or something stupid.”

We all glanced over to see Starlight and Katsume, the two of them wearing skates and gliding onto the rink.

“I’m sure they suddenly noticed the gold in my little sister’s hair,” Starlight acknowledged.

“Boys always notice the details a year late. It’s pretty obvious. I can see the highlights from here,” Katsume complained.

“Sis!” Kaito groaned. “Stop insulting us.”

“Oh, hush. You’re just upset that we’re right. Go back to your fivesome shenanigans.”

“Fivesome…shenanigans?” I asked, looking around them. “Um, what does that impl—”

“I’ll be happy to explain to you, sis.” Starlight skated over to me, but Connor moved to stand in front of me.

“You’re thinking of something completely different than what we were doing.”

“Move aside, psychic. Someone’s got to break down Bri’s innocent walls, and it won’t be any of you unless it’s in the bedroom,” she teased.

“Bedroom?” I was getting more lost by the second. “Breaking my innocent walls. Walls are innocent?”

Finnick snickered, covering his mouth while Kaito gave me a sweet grin. “Bri, you are definitely one of a kind.”

“Don’t worry, Red. We’ll keep your purity safe!” Finnick declared.

“That shouldn’t be some type of duty.” Jax shook his head.

“Guess it’s better than hearing him sing off-key.” Connor shrugged.

“Hey! I do not sing off key,” Finnick defended.

“Pretty off.” Kaito chuckled.

“That hurts my male pride, Kaito! Take it back or I’ll steal your katana,” Finnick whined.

Kaito only grinned, looking like he’d accepted a challenge. “I dare you to try.”

“No one wants to lose a hand this holiday season, thanks,” Connor stated.

“You don’t have any confidence in me,” Finnick grumbled, crossing his arms over his chest as he began to skate around Kaito. “All I need to do is th-AH!”

Finnick attempted to reach for the katana that was strapped onto the side of Kaito’s thick black sweats, but Kaito diverted his assault by grabbing his wrist and twisting it while pointing his free hand to his neck like he was about to karate chop him.

We all gawked in amazement before I began to clap.

“That was so cool!” I cheered. “Do it again.”

The others began to clap as well, and Finnick rolled his eyes. “You aren’t supposed to promote violence!”

“Except when it’s mixed with stupidity,” Starlight hummed, moving to skate around them. “At least you have people who support you in all things.”

“That doesn’t make me feel any better!” Finnick countered.

Starlight laughed and ended up next to me. With a quick pat on my head, she leaned in and whispered.

“Looks like you all are getting along. I still need to give you a sister-to-sister talk before you dive between the sheets.”

“D-dive,” I stuttered, blushing at her sentence. “I’m not going to ask what that means. From the way you said it, it sounds wrong.”

“It’s totally wrong,” Connor confirmed.

“Mind reader. Stop ruining my fun.” Starlight pointed to him accusingly. “Or I’ll tell Bri who you like,” she sweetly declared.

Connor blinked and shrugged. “I like Brianne.”

We all zoned our attention on him, but it had no effect on his calm expression.

He wasn’t serious, right?

“I am serious,” he answered my thought. “I like Brianne, sweets, reading, and unicorns. Got a problem?”

We remained silent until Starlight put her hands on her hips. “Honesty goes a long way,” she reasoned. “Still weird when someone’s so upfront. Hmm. All right! I approve of you dating my sister.”

“Starlight,” I whined, knowing she wasn’t going to let this go.

“Anyone else going to confess their love? Say it now or forever hold your peace,” she proudly announced, raising her hands like she was on a stage, offering me for auction.

“Bri’s dating me. Guess that applies,” Jax stated, slipping an arm around me from behind and hugging me close.

I flushed at his comment. “That sounds horrible.”

“Jax just doesn’t want to admit how madly in love he is with Brianne,” Connor revealed.

“S-stop making up bullshit!” Jax replied. I moved just slightly, shifting my stance in his hooked arm to see his face grow red.

“Hey, Jax. Your ears are red again,” I playfully teased. He only got redder, and he let go of me to cross his arms over his chest.

“They aren’t!”

“They’re clearly red,” Finnick drawled.

“No, they aren’t!” Jax argued.

“Damn. He’s going to turn purple at this rate,” Kaito concluded, letting go of Finnick as the two of them smirked.

“He’s thinking about how embarrassing this is and how he wants to look cool in front of Bria—” Connor began, but Jax’s hair began to turn golden orange.

“Shut up!”

“Oh, snap!” the three of them said. “Run away!”

Jax was chasing after the three of them in seconds flat, leaving me with my fascinated sister and Katsume, who looked unbothered.

“Watch him melt the ice. It would be pretty intriguing to watch,” Starlight concluded.

Katsume shook her head. “You shouldn’t even be teasing them. You’re supposed to be an adult.”

“Where’s the fun in that?” Starlight flicked some of her hair. “We do that at work. Live a little.”

“That sounds officially awkward coming from you,” Katsume remarked and slipped her hand out of her pocket to retrieve something.

“Hey, sis. Isn’t that your phone?” I asked, noticing Katsume was definitely holding onto a phone that was identical to my Starlight’s.

“No, that’s just…” Starlight trailed off, reaching into her pocket. Her eyes went wide and she looked to Katsume, who merely grinned.

“Figured I’d see if you’re as swift as you claim to be. I wonder if I should text message you know w—”

“I will crucify you if you dare!” Starlight screamed, leaving my side to race after Katsume, who laughed evilly and began skating away.

“Come try and catch me! Let’s see if all the chocolate cake you ate this afternoon is going to weigh you down!”

“You BIT—”

Hands covered my ears, muting out whatever Starlight was about to say. I looked up to see Finnick’s playful grin.

He didn’t move his hands until a minute passed.

“What was that for?”

“I’m protecting your innocent ears.” He winked.

“Ugh,” I huffed. “My sister swears at home, you know?”

“Nah, I think you’re secretly proud of me for protecting your innocent walls from those thirsty confessors over there.”

“Thirsty confessors?” I looked over to Jax and Connor, who were looking our way.

“Stop confusing her with your dirty jargon.” Kaito skated back to us, directing his statement to Finnick, who winked and hugged me.

“Red! Let’s go back to spinning before Katsume or Starlight somehow melt the rink,” he offered.

“All right.” I reached for Finnick’s hand and looked at Kaito’s.

“Hey, Red. Can you call your two lovers over here?” Finnick requested.

“Huh? Sure.” I smirked and looked back to Connor and Jax.

“Guys! Come spin with us.”

“I don’t want to,” Jax complained.

“I’ll hold your hand if you do,” I offered.

He was skating back to me in a second, while a grinning Connor followed.

“You gotta hold my hand, Kaito,” Finnick announced.

“Why do I feel you planned this?” Kaito wondered suspiciously.

“Planned what?” Finnick smirked and squeezed my hand gently. I looked at him and smiled brightly.

“Finnick just wants us all to have fun.”

“See?” Finnick nodded his head. “Red understands me.”

“Or is helping you.” Kaito shrugged. “I won’t even argue.”

I giggled, watching Finnick offer his hand to him in a dramatic gesture.

“Will you take my hand, Sir Kaito?”

“Sure. Don’t call me Sir Kaito. Makes me feel old.” Kaito placed his hand in Finnick’s.

“I’m completely happy in this moment. Jax! Take a photo for posterity’s sake! I can blackmail Kaito later.”

“What makes you think I want a photo?” Kaito’s cheeks were slightly red.

“Red wants it,” Connor offered, coming to a stop next to Jax, who pulled his phone out from his pocket.

“I…do?” I arched an eyebrow at him, noticing his grin.

“Yup.”

“I do,” I hesitantly agreed, feeling like Connor was now up to something. “It’s like Connor can read my mind.”

Kaito sighed. “Fine. If Bri wants one,” Kaito muttered. “At least it’ll make her happy.”

“Yeah!” I cheered, moving closer to Finnick for the picture. Taking a quick glance at him, I noticed his cheeks were red and he appeared a little nervous.

“Loosen up, Finnick. It’s just a picture,” I quietly encouraged.

“R-right.” He shyly grinned.

What was he nervous about? Made it seem like he was taking a picture with his all-time crush or something.

“I’m taking it,” Jax announced. “All right done.”

“What?!” Finnick exclaimed. “You didn’t even warn us!”

“I said I was taking it. Be grateful.” Jax put his phone away. “Brianne still has to keep her promise.”

“I wasn’t changing my mind.” I couldn’t help sounding amused. “Why don’t we take a selfie with all of us in it?”

“That’s brilliant,” Finnick cheered.

“Are we staying in this order?” Kaito asked. “And why are we still holding hands?”

“Because you never know when your sister is going to crack the ice. Look! She has her katana out and is trying to stab Starlight.” Finnick pointed to them, our gazes following to see my sister and Katsume having an actual battle on the ice.

“Maybe…we should hurry up,” I suggested. “I really don’t want to fall victim to that. My sister forgets about everyone but her target in battle.”

“Same with my sister.” Kaito exhaled. “Let’s hurry.”

“I’ll take the picture,” Connor declared. “I’ll stand behind Bri, and we’ll all look up.”

“Cool.” Jax skated to me, reaching my left side and hooking his right arm around me.

“Wow. We haven’t had group pictures in a while. I’m printing these,” Finnick stressed. “We’ll frame you a copy, Red.”

“All right!” I grinned happily.

“A nice one first. Three. Two. One,” Connor counted down and we all posed with wide smiles aimed at the lens of his phone.

“Now a random one. I’ll set the timer,” Connor concluded, tapping the button for the automatic countdown, the timer starting at seven.

“Why automatic?” Finnick asked.

“Stop talking before we miss it,” Kaito groaned.

“This is the perfect time to—”

“That’s my butt cheek, not my katana!” Kaito snapped.

“You two are going to miss the—” I didn’t finish, feeling something soft press against not one, but both my cheeks.

Blushing rapidly, I looked to Jax first, who glanced away as if he hadn’t just kissed my cheek. I may have fallen for it if his whole face and ears hadn’t turned burning red in seconds.

I shifted my gaze up to Connor and he gave me a confident smirk, adding a wink that made my heart literally skip not one, but a few beats.

Kissed by two guys?! Not one but actually two. They didn’t just do that…ah, my heart. It’s like I was running in the witchling games. No. That could have been my imagination. Just my mind playing with me. Yes.

“I’ll slice you for grabbing my butt!” Kaito exclaimed.

“Run, run, run I go!” Finnick was skating away.

“It’s not running when you’re skating!” Kaito called out, chasing after him. Finnick laughed.

“You didn’t correct us earlier!”

“Stop trying to be smart!” Kaito countered.

Connor went into the photo gallery on his phone, and before I could interject, he showed both Jax and me the second image.

I kid you not, there was me with glowing gold eyes, Connor’s lips pressed against my right cheek and Jax’s lips on my left. Kaito was the only one staring at the camera, and Finnick was staring at Kaito.

I wasn’t given the chance to analyze the picture in greater detail, as Jax took the phone to get a closer look.

I immediately wondered if he was going to get mad at Connor for kissing my cheek, but as I hesitantly turned my gaze to see his reaction, he looked completely calm.

“Hmm. Brianne’s eyes are gold and magical. Your eyes sure have weird timing when it comes to showing off.”

“Hey. I’m not showing off.” I frowned. “They do it randomly, but mostly with magic.”

“At least it complements you.” Jax shrugged. “And Finnick isn’t even looking at the camera. Most likely distracted by Kaito’s hair or something.”

He gave Connor back the phone, still completely calm as he met my curious gaze.

“We can go tomorrow to get them developed.”

“Really?” I looked at him in awe.

“Sure.” He stretched. “There’s a photo developing machine at the grocery store nearby. Let’s do it tomorrow together. I want one in my bedroom and in my dorm room. Hey, Connor. Send that to me?”

“Sure.” Connor lifted head slightly in acknowledgment. “Let’s get off the ice?”

“Yes. Before Bri’s and Kaito’s sisters kill us,” Jax warned.

Connor nodded, skating ahead, but before Jax could follow, I tugged his arm to stop him. He looked back at me.

“What, Bri?”

“You’re…okay?”

“Okay? Yeah. I’m not sick or anything.”

“I mean with…you know. The picture.”

When he arched an eyebrow in question, I took a deep inhale.

“The kiss on the cheek? You and Connor.”

“What about it?”

“You’re not mad?” I asked, astonished.

“Why would I be?” he inquired. “He said he likes you.”

That made me blush, but I continued with my curious questions.

“Yes, but that just happened. You’re not worried or jealous?”

“Nothing to be jealous about.” Jax took my hand, tugging me along as we headed off the rink. “He’s liked you for a while. Not a big deal to me. Better than puppy leading you astray and unable to make a move to save his life.”

“You sound so bitter.” I actually grinned, intrigued that he still sounded mad about what Elijah did to me.

“Hmph.” Jax slipped his hand in mine as we came to a stop and turned to face me. “He’s missing out.”

“You always say that.” I smirked.

“Because it’s fact.” He ran his free hand through my hair, while his gold eyes stared into mine. “He’s really losing out.”

“On all the fun?” I questioned.

Jax smirked and kissed my forehead. “That, and the presence of a certain orange-haired girl who can make people happy by being her perfectly innocent self.”

My face had to be red, but I remained still as I continued to meet his gaze.

“Getting compliments still feels weird,” I shyly confessed.

Jax inched closer. “Then I should say them more often.” His quiet whisper left me feeling tingly all over and I was sure he was going to kiss me.

“Give me my phone, you vile bi-AH!”

We both flinched at the loud cracking noise, turning to see my sister fall through the now-broken section of ice.

I gawked while Jax stared, the two of us trying to get over our shock.

“Good for you! Next time you’ll play nice!” Katsume huffed, skating to the edge of where the ice had broken off.

“Shouldn’t we…help them?” Jax wondered.

“Nope,” I declared.

“No?” Finnick gasped

We looked to the other side to see Kaito, Finnick, and Connor.

“We shouldn’t help?” Connor appeared confused.

“Nah.” Kaito shook his head.

The three of them looked between us.

“What kind of evil younger siblings are you?” Finnick asked.

“Look for yourself.” Kaito pointed back to our sisters, just as Starlight came to the surface, grabbed Katsume’s ankle, and tugged her forward.

“AH!” she shrieked, throwing what I knew was Starlight’s phone in the air.

“Meow!” Luna came out of nowhere and caught the phone, landing lightly on the ice.

“That was unexpected,” I noted, looking at Luna as she very slowly tried to make her way to us.

I pointed my finger at her, doing an easy whistle spell that triggered a warm breeze that aided Luna’s movement until she was in front of our feet.

She lowered the phone to the ground and looked up at us, her gold eyes twinkling.

“Meow.”

“Hey, Luna,” I greeted, kneeling down to pet her and pick up my sister’s phone. “Good work.”

“Thanks, Luna,” Jax praised.

“AH! Why did you do that?!”

“Turnabout! If I’m going to be drenched with ice water, so are you, partner!”

“Ugh! Get back here!”

“Swim faster, hahaha!”

We stared back at Starlight and Katsume, who were now swimming in circles.

“I thought this was just a magically made rink,” I pondered.

“Hmm. I think my dad wanted it to be as realistic as possible,” Jax confessed.

“Right,” Connor replied. “I’m hungry.”

“Me too,” Kaito stated.

“Me three!” Finnick cheered.

“You just want to be added into the hungry movement,” Kaito groaned.

“I’m not ashamed,” Finnick proudly declared. “Let’s go make lunch!”

“I feel like I’m being kidnapped,” Kaito muttered as Finnick began to drag him away.

Connor looked over to us. “We’ll head there first. Looks like the ‘adults’ are going to take a while.” He motioned to my screaming sister and Katsume, who were still going at it.

“All right,” I responded. “Be there soon.”

Connor bobbed his head and walked to meet Kaito and Finnick, who were talking about something dramatic since Finnick had his free hand up as he tried to demonstrate something.

Kaito looked as though he merely listened for the sake of being a friend, but I noticed they were still holding hands.

“Kaito and Finnick are super close.” I beamed and looked at Jax.

“Super close, huh?” His taunting grin had me narrowing my eyes at him.

“What?”

“What, what?”

“That look in your eye and the way you’re smiling makes me feel as though I’m missing something…as usual,” I noted.

“Maybe.” He smirked and pulled me into a hug. “If I told you what I saw, it would blow your mind.”

“It would not! Tell me, Jax,” I whined.

“No.” He chuckled. “When you’re eighteen.”

“Eighteen! Jax. That’s literally a year from now. I’m seventeen now. Doesn’t that count?”

“Nah.” He shook his head. “In fact, let’s make it nineteen. Just in case.”

“Jax!”

He began to laugh at my obvious frustration. “You’re really cute when you’re mad.”

“T-that…don’t distract me.” I slapped his chest and he only laughed harder.

“Whose face is red now, huh?” He continued to laugh.

I picked up some snow from next to me and threw it at him. It only made him laugh harder.

“I hate you.” I gave up and moved to where our boots were neatly placed. It didn’t take me long to take my skates off and put on my boots, Jax following my lead while he fought to compose himself.

“She said she hates me but I know it’s not true,” Jax hummed while lacing up his boots.

I gave him a look but didn’t answer, knowing I couldn’t lie. Deep down, I couldn’t be happier. To see Jax as relaxed as he had been over the last few days felt beyond refreshing. He wasn’t as uptight, and though he still looked upset or downright bored half the time, there were these moments when he was full of smiles.

It was what I wanted for him. To see him smile over and over again.

Finishing lacing my boots, I noticed Jax’s offered hand. I looked up to him, enjoying the way the setting sun wrapped him up in an illuminating glow, only adding to his handsome perfection.

“Let’s go eat lunch.” He grinned invitingly.

“Should be dinner with the sun going down,” I commented but placed my hand in his. He helped me up while Luna walked around our feet.

I looked back at Starlight and Katsume, who were now out of the water and slowly making their way to the snow-covered grass.

“If I get sick or die, it’s all your fault. Brr, so cold!” Starlight whined.

“Serves you right for pushing me in too. Making me…brrrr…suffer!” Katsume complained.

Jax shook his head. “And yet they’re the adults who are here to make sure we don’t destroy everything.”

I smirked at his comment but felt bad for them.

“They do look dreadful though,” I admitted.

“Since it’s the holidays, I’ll be nice.” Jax shrugged and snapped his fingers.

A spark of fire ignited from his fingertips, shifting into a mini phoenix that hovered above his hand. With a tiny screech, it rose from its spot, doubling in size and circling around Starlight and Katsume, who both froze in shock.

I watched in pure amazement as the phoenix flew around them, going faster and faster while the wave of heat reached where we stood.

Its purpose must have been to warm them up because, in mere seconds, they were completely dry, their hair blowing wildly upwards as the phoenix flew into the sky.

It shifted from golden amber to crisp blue, and with a final screech, its body dissolved into tiny snowflakes that rained down on both of them.

“Wow,” I whispered in awe before glancing at Jax. “I wanna learn how to do that.”

He smirked and squeezed my hand. “I’ll teach you one day.”

“Impressive.” Starlight smiled happily. “My clothes aren’t ruined anymore.”

“Thanks, Jax. At least someone’s useful around here.”

“Oh, hush. It’s your fault we fell into that mess to begin with,” Starlight grumbled.

“Whatever.” Katsume pulled out a phone, and I tilted my head in confusion as I reached for my pocket to see the phone was gone.

“What? How?” I looked back at Katsume’s happy grin and she began to skip through the snow and right past us.

“Ask my brother. He has the same gift! Catch me if you can, Starlight.”

“I swear I’m going to make the agency fire you!” Starlight grumbled and walked over to us.

“Thanks, Bri’s boyfriend.” She winked.

Jax blushed and looked away. “Y-you know my full name.”

“Yeah, but I like emphasizing that you’re dating my adorable little sister. Take care of her for me.” She dramatically put her hand on her forehead like she would faint at any second.

“You’re so overdramatic,” I mumbled.

“Sometimes.” She shrugged. “Now, if you excuse me, I have a phone to retrieve!”

With a wink, she was chasing after Katsume at full speed, the two of them beginning to shout curse words at one another, leaving us to stare at them in stunned silence.

“Meow?”

We both glanced down at Luna, who looked back up to us.

“Yeah, Luna. They’re weird adults,” Jax concluded.

Squeezing my hand, he turned his attention to me. “Let’s head back?”

“Yeah,” I agreed, but we both stayed in place.

“You first?” I suggested.

“Ladies first,” he offered.

Neither of us moved and Luna began to walk around our feet.

Instead of Jax taking a step forward, he shifted his stance to face me, just as I did the same, the two of us facing one another.

He lowered his eyes to my lips, looking as though he really did want to kiss me.

I secretly wanted him to, but that wasn’t something I could tell him…right?

“Hey, Brianne.”

“Yes?” I asked, feeling a little nervous all of sudden.

“Close your eyes for a second.”

“You’re not going to do some teleportation thing, right?”

“Nah.” He shook his head. “I may fart, though. Flaming farts are fun.”

“Flaming farts? Ew!” I laughed and used my free hand to pinch my nose. “No, thanks. Let’s go.”

I was going to move, but he tugged me forward with just enough force for me to gracefully move into his arms. If that didn’t spellbind me like it did all those characters in dramas, it was the sudden attraction in his eyes that did.

Those golden eyes that sucked you right in, all while maintaining their incredible beauty.

“Close your eyes,” he whispered, the words almost hypnotic.

I did what he asked. “Jax, this better be—”

The tenderness of his lips brushed along mine. Opening my eyes once more, I noticed how close our faces were.

Standing my ground, I wondered if that was the confirmation Jax needed to kiss me, because his eyes slowly closed and he pressed his lips lightly on mine, just like the night we’d shared our official ‘first’ kiss.

My eyes came to a close, and I enjoyed the sweet kiss. It may have been the second one in our new relationship, but I hoped this holiday break and the rest of the semester would bring many more.

Maybe….I’d be able to kiss more than one guy from the Notorious Four.

Or better yet, date them all.

2

CHRISTMAS FEELS AND GIFT OF HOPE

“Nothing like spending Christmas Eve with an epic group of friends and roasting marshmallows!” Finnick sang, the sound completely out of tune as he stuck his marshmallow over the fire.

“Do you mean being tortured by your voice in the late night?” Kaito calmly offered.

“You adore my singing.”

“Says who? I wouldn’t agree to that even in my sleep.”

“Deep down you do! Hey, Connor. Use your epicness and tell Kaito he’s wrong.”

“I can’t tell him he’s wrong when he thinks your singing sucks.” Connor walked over to where I stood, offering me a stick with a marshmallow on it. “Admit that your singing needs tremendous work.”

“There’s always room to grow,” Finnick said with conviction. “However, when you’re already perfect, it’s hard to do anything more than spread it far and wide for everyone to enjoy.”

“Ugh. Get down from the imaginary high horse.” Kaito laughed, kicking him lightly in the butt.

“Ow! Kaito! I need this to sit comfortably.” Finnick rubbed his left butt cheek.

“Sure. When we have to start studying, you’ll definitely need that butt of yours to pull nonsense from it,” Kaito teased.

“Red,” Finnick called to me.

“Stop trying to get Bri’s sympathy. She ain’t giving in,” Kaito defended.

They continued to playfully argue, and I looked to Connor.

“Thank you.” I accepted his offer, having been so distracted by Kaito and Finnick that I hadn’t yet taken the white fluffy campfire snack.

It was Christmas Eve, and we were enjoying a campfire before Christmas arrived at midnight. It was something we would do again during New Year’s, but the plan was to have everyone over, which included each of our families joining the festivities.

Jax’s and my parents had gone out for the night to a Christmas Eve banquet, while Starlight, Katsume, and the rest of their team were having an extravagant dinner to celebrate their time off.

It left us to do our own celebrating, and I couldn’t have been more relieved to enjoy it with the guys. A quiet solace where we didn’t have to worry about school, homework, gossip, or death threats.

I knew I’d have to deal with that when school started, but in the meantime, we could cherish each other’s company in the peak of Christmas spirit.

We put our marshmallows into the fire, twisting the fire-resistant sticks and watching the flames do their work, toasting the sweet treats.

“I’m really happy we get to do this,” I whispered out of the blue.

“We like seeing you super happy. Your mind is really calm, too,” he voiced.

“Isn’t it weird to have access to my mind whenever? Or anyone’s, for that matter?”

“It’s interesting,” he admitted. “When I’m concentrating, I can mostly tune out the noise. I don’t intentionally try to listen to your thoughts, but they like to drift to me more than others.” He smirked. “But the last couple of days during this break, you’ve been really calm and not worrying a lot, haven’t you?”

“I’ve been pretty relaxed,” I confessed. “Yes, school is off, but the workload doesn’t stress me out. I guess the drama was what was bothering me, but no one can bug me when they’re nowhere near me. I’m not into social media and stuff, which helps.”

“Are you worried about next semester?”

“A little.” I gave him a shy smile. “What if I still can’t make any friends?”

“You have us,” he pointed out.

“I know that.” I elbowed him lightly as we both pulled our marshmallows out to cool. “One part of Elijah’s complaint was that I only hang out with you guys…like I’m in some type of bubble and no one else matters.”

“Does it bother you?”

“It never did before.” I blew on my marshmallow in distraction, wondering how to word my thoughts.

“But it does now,” Connor spoke, prior to taking a bite of his marshmallow.

I was silent as I ate mine, unsure of how to respond.

“It’s okay if it bothers you, Brianne,” he voiced. “But I don’t want it to bother you because of someone else’s influence.”

“Someone else’s influence,” I repeated, more to myself.

“Before Elijah pointed it out, you had absolutely no problem with being around only us. That comfort is being changed because of Elijah’s opinion on the matter. You then believe that others are thinking the same when in reality, you don’t know if people care about you being around us.”

“Elijah made it seem that way.”

“Manipulating someone’s viewpoint properly can make anything seem real. However, when you have a gift like mine, you know exactly what people are thinking.”

He turned his full attention to me. “For example, when I look at you, what do you think I’m wondering about?”

“Hmm.” I tapped the now-cool metal skewer to my lips, giving Connor a long stare, which was my little moment to check him out.

His purple hair always looked super cool and unique, and with the fire highlighting the front, it looked even better.

“Probably about how I’m nitpicky with my hair, and that I have a pimple right here,” I paused to point at the tiny blemish on my skin, “And that I surely worry too much.”

“The second part is a judgment rather than a quality seen by the eyes.” He winked.

“Boo. I need a better example,” I mumbled.

“What about, when you look at me, what do you think people assume versus what you see in me?”

The question was easy enough, but I took the time to think it through before answering.

“Well, not like I listen to what people say often, but I know others think of you as scary. Maybe it’s the tattoos or your bluntness, but they think you’re secretly a member of a biker gang or something.”

His lips curled up into a full smile, and I ended up giggling. “Funny, right?”

“Very,” he replied. “What does our Red think?”

Our Red.

Having those two words in a sentence seemed to validate my presence among them. I took a deep breath and looked away from his analyzing gaze, so I’d be able to truthfully answer.

“When I first saw you come on stage, I immediately loved your hair. The fact that a man can walk confidently with purple hair really spoke to me. It told me you didn’t care about people stereotyping you. I think people assume if you have colored hair like you and even Finnick, that you’re gothic or a rebel of some sort. It’s more so with you because you’re really fit and tall. To others, it’s an intimidating combo, but for me, you seemed approachable . I love your tattoos, and I like how you love sweets and unicorns. When you wear your unicorn slippers especially, it makes me want to hug you like a teddy bear.” I was drifting off what he was asking of me, but I didn’t care.

“When I see you, it doesn’t matter what the world says. The buzzing around the school doesn’t change how I perceive my teddy bear, Connor,” I boldly confirmed, realizing too late what I’d said at the end.

Wait. Did I just say MY teddy bear, Connor? My…like…did I just claim him? Is that allowed? AH, what if he thinks I’m like a—

The gentle stroke of fingers combing through my hair paused my thoughts in their tumbling madness. Lifting my eyes, I stared up to Connor’s, watching the light glow of the flames dancing against his black irises.

“I wonder what’s more intriguing. Listening to your thoughts or seeing how calm you appear on the surface while going through your thoughts.”

“Ugh.” I felt my cheeks redden and the squirming desire to hide, but Connor suddenly took a step forward, tugging me out of my internal bickering.

“Brianne?”

“Y-yes,” I stuttered.

“Can I do something a little irrational?”

“If it doesn’t hurt?” I honestly didn’t know how to answer that, wondering what someone like Connor considered.

He’s smart, and very calculative when it comes to his actions. What would he want to do that’s irrational?

From the way his grin broadened to a full, glimmering smile, he obviously heard my train of thought.

With a sigh, I spoke, “This reading thoughts thing is so unfair. I want to know what you think of me! Like honestly. But do what you need to do first.”

“You’re also cute when you’re embarrassed. Did you know that?”

I couldn’t respond as his face inched closer. My eyes went wide, noticing how close he was, and with a blink those lips of his pressed against mine, delivering a solid kiss.

Speechless. I couldn’t think or speak when he moved away, and I stared at his confident stance as he spoke.

“There’s always been something about you, Brianne, that interested me. Since the day we saw you in the crowd at the assembly, you stood out among the rest. At first glance, no one would think you’re sixteen. Yes, your face looks a bit young, but that simply makes you really attractive. Not in a sexual way, but in a ‘wow, she’s really cute’ way.”

He paused before continuing. “What attracts me isn’t simply your beauty, or your innocent moments, but how genuinely kind you are. When you hear the thoughts of all those around you, the world becomes dark. So many people think badly about themselves. Whether it’s how they look, or specific insecurities that they wish to hide, their thoughts get the best of them. One person can look at a curvy girl and think she’s gorgeous for having those amazing curves, hating that she’s thin and can’t gain weight. That same curvy girl can see that thin girl and think how amazing her figure is and wish to be as thin as her because she can’t lose weight because of health conditions. Neither of them knows what the other is thinking, but they immediately think it’s negative. It’s why I wish I could stress how important it is to love yourself and not be influenced by the assumptions and rumors you may think are happening.”

He glanced at the fire. “You’re different, Brianne, because you focus on the good and try to embrace those quirky qualities of yours. It’s…what made me start to like you little by little. When you got into the fight with the puppy, I was stunned by how foolish he was. To not see the golden girl in front of him.”

Looking back at me, he whispered, “He’s going to have a grown-up moment at some point, and I guarantee that he’ll regret every rumor he listened to. He’ll wish he could go back and stop himself from revealing things to people who don’t have the best intentions for you or him. I pity him, really.”

“You pity him?” I questioned. “Do…you think it’s because of his childhood, maybe? His mom is always working and his dad’s an alcoholic, that could be why? I’m not defending him for his actions or not acting more mature, but…” I trailed off, knowing that I’d try to make him look less unlikable.

Connor reached for my hand, wrapping his large one around mine and moving us back toward the house. We headed for the kitchen island and he tapped on the stool for me to sit.

I did just that as he moved to sit on the opposite stool, the two of us staring at one another as he carried on from where he left off.

“You saw my parents today, right?”

“Yes. When they came over with Kaito’s and Finnick’s dad,” I recalled.

“They’re my adopted parents.”

I stared at him and he carried on.

“My parents were abusive from the very start. I’m not sure how they met, but during my upbringing, there weren’t many happy times. I’m the only child, too, since my mother didn’t want any more kids with my dad. He was abusive verbally and always brought her down. My gift manifested earlier than expected, and deep down, I could tell the two of them loved each other somewhere in their minds. It was honestly a mixture of miscommunication and lack of trust. My father began to drink and my mom ended up doing drugs. I eventually got pulled out of their care by child aid services and luckily, my adoptive parents took me in straight away. I hadn’t gone to school yet, and we moved down to this area, which gave me a new start. That’s when I met the others and I’ve been pretty good ever since.”

He looked at his hands. “Just because my parents struggled to talk things through and used other substances as an outlet for their frustration and stress, I never once blamed them. I also never let that influence make me who I am. I decide on what I want and stick with it. I’m sure my gift helped me a lot with growing up in that environment, but I could never spread rumors or dismiss my friends’ feelings and blame it on the circumstances I was born and raised into.”

He peered back into my eyes. “Will circumstances, both good and bad, affect someone? Yes, but we’re all individuals with our own thoughts. We can either be a nice person or a mean one. It’s not fair to dismiss one person’s actions because they had a harder upbringing than another. Everyone has a story, a struggle they endured that no one knows about or isn’t made public for the universe to hear. That’s why the adage ‘don’t judge a person unless you’ve walked a mile in their shoes’ has a deep meaning.”

“Connor…you’re so wise.” I was stunned by his way with words and expressiveness.

He smirked. “A lot of people say that. Probably all the reading I do. I like poetry as well.”

We both shared a smile and he whispered.

“I’m not sure how next semester is going to go, but don’t let the buzz influence you, Bri. You’re only seventeen and have tons of years to grow and be the person you want to be. Don’t let the hate or ridicule that people like Elijah say out of spite bring you down. I pity him for what he lost, and that he’ll never be able to get that friendship back if he doesn’t see the truth behind the lies his friends are feeding him,” Connor concluded.

“What…about us?”

“What about us?” he repeated, but from the glint in his eye, he knew what I was referring to.

“Jax said…that he’s okay with you liking me. As in like-like.” I felt nervous trying to explain, my fingers fidgeting while I gathered my worries. “If I date Jax…and also…date you, aren’t you worried about what the students would say? You guys are on the student council. I don’t want you all to get in trouble because of me.”

“I don’t care about what the student body thinks,” he replied. “School deals with education and focuses on our grades and magic performance. Our relationships and what we do outside of school don’t affect those unless our grades drop and our magic performance is poor.”

“And the rumors?”

“There’s already a rumor that the Notorious Four share their girl. We can just follow through.”

“B-b-but…”

“We’re not lying.” He grinned and plopped his head into his hands. “Unless you’re not interested.”

“I’m interested!” Whether it was because of my sudden high-pitched agreement or how quickly I said it, Connor actually turned red in response.

I put my hands up to hide my face but followed up with, “I’m clueless at this dating thing. Jax and I just started and I’m not sure if I can balance dating him…and you…yet. I’ve never really had feelings for anyone else but Elijah, but…I want to try? Am I allowed to try?”

Spreading my fingers out to get a glimpse of his expression, I watched him smile widely, presenting his white teeth as he nodded.

“We can definitely try and I’m in no rush. I’m more than happy to wait in line.”

“Line? There’s a line?” I gasped.

“There’s definitely a line, Red.” Connor winked and slid off his stool, walking over to me. “However, we should go tell the first in line.”

“Now that you mention it,” I commented as I placed my hand in his offered one and got off the stool. “Where’s Jax?”

“He went to get something from his room, didn’t he?” Connor commented.

“Let’s check,” I encouraged, the two of us heading upstairs.

We reached Jax’s room, noticing the door was wide open.

“Jax?”

We reached the door, but I didn’t enter, noticing Jax was facing the wall opposite his bed. I took a step forward, but Connor squeezed my hand.

Looking over to him, I saw his worried frown.

“Jax?” Connor spoke, but it did nothing to catch Jax’s attention. His focus was on the wall, and when I followed his gaze, it was on a single framed photo.

It was difficult to see from this distance, but it looked to be Jax when he was younger and someone else.

A girl?

Peering back at Jax, I noticed the single tear that rolled down the side of his cheek that faced us.

Jax? Why is he crying?

Connor let go of my hand to walk into the room, moving to stand next to Jax. He didn’t say any words but placed his hand delicately onto his shoulder. Jax looked startled for a few seconds, turning his attention to Connor and revealing his watering eyes.

Connor pulled him into a hug, patting his back as Jax began to sob. I watched helplessly, unsure what I could do. I had no idea why he was crying or who that person in the photo was.

“There you are, Red,” Finnick’s voice called from down the hall. I looked to him and noticed Kaito was on the final step, the two of them locking onto my devastated look.

They were both at my side in seconds, and after a quick up-and-down glance at me, they looked into the room to see Connor doing his best to comfort Jax, who began to sob uncontrollably.

“I was worried this would happen,” Kaito whispered, and headed into the room to stand next to Jax. That left me with Finnick, the two of us observing in silence.

Finnick reached for my hand, holding it tightly in his. It wasn’t until Connor and Kaito navigated Jax to his bed and tried to talk to him that Finnick moved me from the door and to the stairs.

“Finnick?”

He gave me a sad smile but shook his head. “I can’t share. That’s something that has to come from Jax.” His gaze was conflicted as he sighed. “Just know…that family get-togethers are difficult for Jax. That’s all I’ll say.”

“Okay.” I nodded once. “He’ll be okay, right?”

“Yeah.” Finnick smiled in relief. “He just needs a good cry and some cake to cheer him up. Then he’ll be back to his normal grumpy self.”

“Can…we make him a cake or something? I don’t want him being sad on Christmas.”

“We have cupcakes in the fridge! Let’s get one and maybe a candle, though I’m not sure they have a lighter since Jax is a walking torch.”

“I can do a spell,” I offered.

“True. Let’s do it.” Finnick smiled and we both exchanged a determined look and headed down the stairs. It didn’t take long for us to ready the cupcake, and we didn’t enter the room again until Connor gave us a nod in approval to come in.

Jax wasn’t crying anymore, but he still looked down when we walked around the bed. He was fiddling with his fingers and his half-open eyes were puffy from his tears.

With a bit of magic, I lit the cupcake with a pink flame and walked over to kneel in front of Jax. Though his reaction was slow, he did look up to see my small smile.

“When I’m sad, sweets make things a bit better. Pink is a happy color, too, and makes things a little brighter, even if it’s dark and grey,” I whispered.

He stared at the cupcake, his eyes watching the flame move from side-to-side of its own accord.

“A pink flame means love, you know.”

I blinked and blushed, glancing at Finnick accusingly as he chuckled lightly. “Did I forget to mention that? Oops?”

I rolled my eyes but didn’t argue about it. “Well, I am your girlfriend and I do like you. Therefore, it’s valid,” I proclaimed.

Jax chuckled quietly, drawing my attention as he smiled.

“That’s true. Nice to get a cupcake from our Red.”

He accepted it, and with his eyes closed, he blew out the candle.

“Did you make a wish?” I asked.

“Yup,” he replied. “That Red will always be ours.”

My jaw dropped, and the others snickered.

“You’re not supposed to say the wish, or it won’t come true,” Finnick pointed out.

“Says who?” Jax asked.

“Says everyone. It’s on Google,” Kaito answered.

“At least his wish is something easy.” Connor shrugged. “It’ll come true and remain that way.”

“You guys,” I groaned.

“Thank you.” Jax’s soft words of thanks drew the rest of our attention as he looked at the cupcake. “Thanks for being here. All of you.”

“That’s what best friends and girlfriends do,” Finnick cheered.

“Mhm,” Connor agreed.

“Don’t worry about it,” Kaito acknowledged.

“You’re welcome, Jax,” I whispered, placing my hand on his free one. We shared a look, and he continued to smile, his hand slipping from beneath mine, only to pick it up and wrap it with his.

“Merry Christmas,” he greeted.

“Merry Christmas, Jax,” I replied with a sweet smile.

One thing I’ve learned is that being present for a person during a hard time can be the best gift of hope one could offer.

3

SEMESTER TWO

“You requested to see me, Professor Phoenix?” I nervously asked, after opening the door to Professor Phoenix’s classroom.

She was at the desk, her silver hair in a tight bun. She wore a pair of red glasses to match her skin-tight dress, and had a black blazer resting on her shoulders. She was grading papers with a red quill.

She glanced over to me, smiling in greeting.

“Brianne. Yes, I did. Come right in and lock the door. Don’t want us being interrupted or listened to,” she explained.

I did as she asked and placed my backpack on the desk next to me before taking a seat in front of her.

“Give me a moment to finish this paper.”

“Take your time.” I smiled and focused on my shaky fingers.

I was nervous because I wondered if I was in trouble.

Today was only the first day back from the holidays. After Christmas, the days seemed to move even faster, culminating with an amazing New Year’s gathering with our families at Jax’s place.

We didn’t bring up Jax’s crying jag and by the next morning, he was back to his normal self. I did notice that he seemed to want to spend more time around me, though.

As for Connor, he spoke to Jax about liking me and eventually dating me as well once I was comfortable with the idea. I still expected Jax to throw a fit or at least be grumpy about it, but he was so relaxed with the idea, it shocked me.

Connor’s direct nature was always intriguing and the idea of being in a relationship with two people was already making my mind spin. I figured Finnick and Kaito knew about it by now and seemed to be perfectly fine with it.

I hadn’t shared any more kisses with Connor, but Jax did kiss me during the New Year’s party when the clock struck twelve.

To be honest, it felt weird to be able to kiss without anyone making big deal out of it. That had been one of my many wonders when it came to all things dating, but it was calming to know our families supported us being together.

We may have started dating to get Jax to the festival, but it had blossomed into something magical and real. Now that we were back at the dorms, we could concentrate on this new semester and get to know one another even more.

We came to school early because the guys had to review the standard rules of Witchling and find out if there were any updates or issues brewing before starting the semester.

Since they were the Junior Student Council, they had to do their parts, especially at the beginning of each semester, to ensure everything would go smoothly throughout the next twelve weeks.

I had planned to go to the library and review what we completed last semester and do a summary sheet for Finnick to review, but Professor Phoenix had asked to see me.

Tuning back into reality, she finished the paper she was on, still having a good stack left for her to grade, and put down her quill, giving me her full attention.

“Thank you for coming to see me, Brianne. I assumed you’d come after classes.”

“I didn’t want to make you wait,” I admitted.

“Appreciate it. Was your holiday break relaxing?”

“Yes, it was. A good break from school,” I answered calmly.

“I can see that. You look refreshed.” She relaxed in her chair and took a deep breath. “You haven’t gone to your locker yet today, have you?”

“Uh…no, Professor Phoenix. I came straight from the dorms. I was going to the library to study and make notes.”

The stern look on her face made me a little worried.

“I’m personally glad you didn’t. Seems some students are still holding a grudge from last semester.” She watched me carefully, but I couldn’t hide my disappointment.

Don’t tell me they damaged it.

“Is it bad?”

“A few mean words spray painted onto it and a pile of death threats and nasty remarks inside. I’ve brought it up with the dean already, but I wanted to get your input if you’d seen it.”

“No.” I lowered my head. “Sorry for the trouble, Professor Phoenix. I’ll clean it up before class starts.”

“Not necessary,” Professor Phoenix replied. “It’s already been taken care of and your locker has been moved to the student council area at their request.”

“What?” I lifted my head to look at her. “The…guys know?”

“They were informed about it upon arrival and went and fixed the damages. We’ve agreed that your lockers will be in the hall near the office. I’ve also requested special permission to allow you access to the Junior Student Council office. There are lockers in there and surveillance cameras. You may use them if you don’t feel comfortable with the one we’ve assigned.”

“Professor Phoenix.” I could shed tears at any moment. That they would be so quick to not only change my locker but also to give me options left me emotionally moved.

“We do not tolerate bullying. I understand that because you’ve caught the student council’s attention, aka the Notorious Four, many students believe they suddenly have the right to threaten and call you unnecessary names. We will not sit back and let an excelling student’s mental health be affected by this. Our job as professors and administrators is to create a comfortable environment that is safe for everyone to learn and grow. We’ve only let it get to this point to see if you’d come to us about it first.”

“I don’t want to be a bother, Professor Phoenix.”

“Is that why you didn’t come to us about the three men who attacked you last semester?”

I gawked at her, unable to hide my shock at her revelation. “You…know about it?”

“I know a lot of things that many people think I don’t know, Brianne. I’m rather different than your average professor, and I keep a special eye on my students with very rare gifts.”

“Spell Traveling is a special gift?” I whispered.

“Yes, as is the other one that you keep a secret.”

Her grin widened when I was left speechless.

“We are only aware because of your family. The details of your second gift are secured in a special cabinet that only myself and the Dean can access. Don’t worry about anyone trying to find out. This classroom is magically protected, and no one can hear our conversation.”

“Wow,” I commented. “That’s kind of cool.”

She smirked and took her glasses off. “I have a feeling you’ve grown close to more than one of the student council members?”

“I-I…um…” I trailed off and sighed. “Yes?”

Can’t lie or make excuses with something like this.

“Jax I’m aware of. Seems like his mother is very pleased with the relationship.”

“She told you?”

“I was at the Christmas Eve party and it came up when we talked about your excellent scores and the festival speech.” She winked.

“You’re a lot cooler than I thought,” I muttered, and she laughed.

“Sometimes you have to play along to get the best outcomes in life. Besides, from the little changes I’ve seen with Jax, I can see why his mother is impressed.”

“Do you know Jax and the others from before?” I asked. “If you’re allowed to share.”

“I’ve been a professor for a long time, but I also did counselling at other schools as a side job. I’m also close to Jax’s mother. She’s very powerful and also briefly taught when I was a senior student.”

“She taught. Wow. Was she strict?”

“She was the opposite of what she is now, to be fair. Life changes you when things turn upside down.” Her sad smile was only there for a few seconds before it disappeared. “Either way, I’m glad that Jax is dating someone who is focused and offers him more freedom than his previous partner did.”

“Elisha,” I muttered. “She definitely doesn’t like me.”

“I’m sure she doesn’t with the number of threats she sends every day.” Professor Phoenix sighed. “Connor is the other, isn’t he?”

“How—”

“Connor is direct and doesn’t beat around the bush. He understands the difference between biding his time and wasting it. Dating may be new to you — unless I’m wrong — but regardless, the number one regret many students have is not making the first move in a timely manner. Most of the time when they do, it’s too late.”

“Do you think I’m moving too fast?” I asked, deciding Professor Phoenix was easy enough to talk to. “I’m a little scared.”

“Why? Because Connor shared his feelings when you’ve just started dating Jax?”

“Yes.” I nodded. “I couldn’t say no to Connor because I…really do want to date him, as well. However, it’s scary. I entered Witchling Academy with a crush on my best friend. I finished Semester One being official with Jax, and now I’m entering Semester Two dating Jax, acknowledging Connor’s feelings, and well…I don’t have my best friend anymore. Jax has told me multiple times that he’s fine with me dating the others in our group, but I’m still afraid. It’s not something that’s normal…or at least portrayed as normal. There were already rumors that the Notorious Four share their girl, and it looks like the guys don’t let those words get to them, but what if dating them all…publicly…ruins their reputations or something?”

I had to pause to try and calm my worries and fears.

“My best friend said I was ruining his reputation. The talk happening around the school was bothering him and I just don’t want that for the council. They worked hard to remain in their positions and I don’t want my involvement to bring them down. Connor did say it shouldn’t matter, so long as we keep our grades up and do well overall. That our relationship is outside of school and is no one’s business, but those words don’t alleviate my concerns. Maybe I’m a worrywart or childish, but this is my first time dealing with all of this and it’s not something I can find in a textbook and see all the solutions.”

Giving her a shy grin, I apologized. “Sorry. I just rambled for a good few minutes.”

“No apologies needed, Brianne. Your concerns are important and completely understandable. I dealt with the same thing in my youth.”

“You did?”

“The professors I’m dating. We’ve been dating since our time here at Witchling.”

“Really?” I gasped in shock.

“Yes. We dealt with the same taunts, death threats, the usual. The only difference was we were the first ones doing something completely different from what people were used to seeing. No one had ever witnessed three males comfortably dating the same girl, and it caused a little outrage. However, the dean was my go-to person, and Jax’s mother was the professor who sat in this spot and I was the student in yours.”

“She was?”

“Yup. I wasn’t as calm and collected as you.” Professor Phoenix giggled. “I was a crying mess and thought I’d be kicked out of school. Obviously, I overcame those challenges and grew my confidence. See, when you’re confident in yourself and your relationships, others can see it. When they realize that their empty threats, ridicule, and tiny actions aren’t affecting you, they get frustrated. They realize that they aren’t making a dent in your pride and soon enough, they tire and move onto someone who will fall for their tactics.”

She paused and looked me in eyes.

“Brianne. I want you to stand your ground as you have been. Witchling Academy is all about growing, excelling, and most importantly, standing up for what you believe in. The gods that came down to our world to build this school merely had a vision. I’m sure their comrades mocked and laughed at their idea of building this school in a world that was once flooded with mortals, but they ignored them. And now? We have this school to show for it.”

“You’re right.” I agreed with everything she had just said.

I wasn’t going to be scared off by a little bullying and uncertainty.

I had the support of Professor Phoenix, and the dean was aware of the situation, which put her on my side. I also had the support of the Notorious Four Student Council and my family.

I didn’t know about dating more than one guy, but I’d tackle that later.

“I have a strong support system and it’s not like I’m doing anything wrong. As long as I don’t damage school property, I should be able to handle things.”

“If you do, we’ll figure it out,” Professor Phoenix reassured me. “Property is an inanimate object and can be fixed. Defend yourself if you must, and the school will back you up if necessary. As for those shadow men, if you see them again, let me or the student council know. We’ll deal with it.”

“Thank you, Professor Phoenix. Having support like this really makes me happy and eases my mind.” I grinned widely.

“You’re more than welcome. Now you may go about your day. I’ve changed our evening class from six to three fifteen. That way, you’ll be leaving school by four. Since there are plenty of after-school activities that go until five, you shouldn’t experience anything like last semester with those men. We’ve informed the security department and they’ll be upping their safeguards during the late afternoon.”

“I appreciate the sense of security, Professor Phoenix. Thank you once again.” I bowed my head, blinking my eyes to keep from crying.

The amount of relief I felt was hard to describe, but it left me excited for this semester, especially with the knowledge that I could continue my studies and be with the guys.

“Again, you’re welcome. There’s still some time left before classes begin, but I suggest you head to your first class earlier rather than later.”

She lifted her quill, ready to resume her grading.

“Yes, Professor Phoenix. I think I’ll do just that. I’ll see you later today. Thanks again.”

“You’re welcome, Brianne,” Professor Phoenix replied.

I reached the door and looked back at her, a wide smile on my face as I watched her slide her glasses back on.

She noticed my gaze, looking intrigued as to why I was still here.

“Seriously, Professor Phoenix. Thank you. One day, I hope to be as confident and kind as you.”

With those words, I headed out with a grin on my face, ready to start the semester by following her advice.

Off to class early like Professor Phoenix said. Hello, Semester Two.

4

FACING THE TRUTH

The classroom is still pretty empty. I might as well sit in the front. No one bothers the people in the front. They’re the “smart” kids. The back is for the cool students and the middle is a scattering of students who don’t care and the ones who are late. I should just sit in the middle.

Pondering my choices, I walked into the classroom and ended up sitting in front.

Old habits die hard.

Sitting in the front helped me pay attention and see the board easier for those professors whose writing was the definition of chicken scratch.

It was also beneficial for spell demonstrations. Spells involving magic circles were hard to read from afar and due to their similarities, one wrong line placement could change the spell entirely.

Also helped me to not fall asleep. No one wants to be caught sleeping by the professor.

Unpacking my books, I pulled my phone out and checked my messages. I noticed the notification in my text messages, realizing someone had sent me something.

Oh. Jax?

FLAMING HOT JAX:

How did your meeting with Professor Phoenix go? Yes, I’m texting you because I feel like it.

I had to fight not to giggle, a spark of joy bursting inside me as I stared at my phone and began to type back.

ME:

It was better than expected. Not in trouble. I have a new locker or can put my stuff in the student council room. Yes, I’m replying to you because I feel like it.

I wondered how long it would take him to respond, envisioning him and the others at the table of the student council room, having to discuss all the updates for this semester.

My phone buzzed in less than a minute with Jax’s reply.

FLAMING HOT JAX:

Good. Don’t want you worrying unnecessarily. School is supposed to be fun, not be ruined by immature students who think they’re being cool for bullying others. Yes, you know where the council room is, right? Or are you going to do your teleporting thing?

ME:

Spell Travel—

I didn’t finish texting my response before another text message interrupted.

FLAMING HOT JAX:

Yes, yes. Spell Traveling, the Teleporting gift of Brianne Harlow. Are you in class now?

With an eye roll and a smirk, I finished my text message.

ME:

Spell Traveling! At least you corrected yourself, but I’ll still remind you of my amazing gift. Yes, I’m in class. Professor Phoenix told me to go earlier rather than later. Seeing as I didn’t take her advice last time and almost paid for it, I wanted to abide by her words. Are you almost done with your meetings? I kind of miss you guys.

It was weird not having one or all of the Notorious Four in my classes. I’d gotten used to it for my last class with Professor Phoenix, but in this case, being alone on my first day of class left me feeling gloomy.

My eyes focused on the loading bubbles, wondering what Jax was texting. His message finally sent after a minute.

FLAMING HOT JAX:

Miss you more. Listening to Finnick complain about how bored he is without Red is annoying. I’ll meet you after first period, and we’ll head to second period together. Kaito said to try and make friends.

I smiled at the text but had no hope in the making friends department. No one would approach me, whether it was because of the rumors from last semester or the fact I wasn’t someone easy to approach.

Who knows.

ME:

I’ll try. You shouldn’t be texting during your meeting.

FLAMING HOT JAX:

It’s almost done, but you’re right. I’ll see you after class.

Staring at the screen, my fingers hovered over the electronic keyboard.

Is it cheesy for me to say I love him at the end of the text? Would he think it’s weird?

FLAMING HOT JAX:

I love you, Brianne. Have a good class.

THE SMILE that curled on my lips hurt my cheeks, but I didn’t care. Our relationship was going a little fast, but I was willing to adapt.

ME:

I love you, too, Jax. Have a good rest of your meeting. See you soon, xoxoxo

I was going to put my phone on silent but noticed another notification go through, this time from Connor.

TEDDY BEAR CONNOR:

Poke.

I actually giggled, forgetting I was sitting in the classroom. The students in the back probably thought I was crazy, but I was far too concerned with texting Connor back.

ME:

Poke, poke. Hey, Connor. Aren’t you supposed to be at your meeting?

There was a pause, the bubbles returning to prove he was typing.

TEDDY BEAR CONNOR:

I snuck out to use the washroom and check my football application.

Oh right! Connor applied for it last semester.

They should be getting the results soon and starting their training sessions for games in third semester. At least, that’s what Connor had explained to me.

ME:

Did you get your results?

TEDDY BEAR CONNOR:

I did. Got in. First practice is after school today. Not long. An hour.

ME:

I want to come and see you, but my travel magic class was moved up. Maybe we’ll finish early, and I’ll get to see. Will you guys be in uniform?

TEDDY BEAR CONNOR:

Nah. Just basic rules, regulations, all that stuff. I’ll invite you when we have longer practice, uniform and all. Will it make you happy?

ME:

Yes! It really would. You should head back to the meeting room. Won’t you get in trouble?

TEDDY BEAR CONNOR:

Hmm. I wanted to see if you were okay.

ME:

You can’t see me from where you are.

TEDDY BEAR CONNOR:

Yes, I can.

FROWNING AT THE PHONE, I lifted my head and looked to the door, noticing Connor’s tall figure was standing in the hall outside the classroom.

Thankfully I remembered this was the classroom, and not anywhere else where I could squeal in joy at his arrival. A few students in the hall had already begun to notice him, especially with his purple hair styled up the way it was.

Add our full uniform and the specific student council blazer he wore with a special badge indicating his vice president status, and Connor was an eye-catcher.

I was going to get up, but he smirked and slid his phone into his pocket, keeping both hands in their protective spaces as he walked into the room and right to my desk.

His grin widened when he saw my flushed face and looked into my eyes.

“Morning, Bri.”

Did his voice always sound so…what’s a good word…hot? Warming? Stomach-flipping good? Now I’m just overdoing it.

“Good morning, Connor. I didn’t think you’d come here. Are you sure you won’t get in trouble?” I asked, immediately worried. I didn’t want that for him on the first day of classes, especially on my behalf.

“I texted Jax to say I’m patrolling the halls due to a complaint,” he replied, looking unbothered by the fact that everyone in the classroom was staring at him.

“Good. I don’t want you getting in trouble,” I admitted with a shy grin.

“Hey, Vice Prez!”

We both turned to the male voice that called Connor. The room was silent, and I looked between the two as if waiting for a faceoff to happen. When the tension in the room increased, Connor raised an eyebrow, still not saying a single word to the student who nervously looked around for support of some kind.

I didn’t believe anyone was bold enough to gang up on Connor.

“Um…” he struggled to speak, but he looked my way and continued, “You shouldn’t hang out with students who have a bad reputation. Wouldn’t want you losing that position on the council.”

I masked my face right away, staring blankly at the guy while my feelings plummeted down the drain.

Funny how minutes earlier, I’d walked out of Professor Phoenix’s office feeling as confident and excited as ever, and the moment someone said something negative to disgrace me in front of my classmates and second boyfriend, it was like that strength I’d gathered was taken away.

Be strong, Brianne. He doesn’t know you. None of them do. They’re only saying hurtful things because of what they’ve heard. It doesn’t reflect the person you are. Yes…it doesn’t reflect me. The actual me.

My self-talk should have worked, or at least, that’s what I hoped for as I rose to my feet and looked at Connor with the best smile I could muster.

“Why don’t we talk outside?” I offered.

The guy who’d made his comment let out a huff, and I turned my attention back to him as he muttered, “She cheats with other guys. You didn’t know about her and that other guy. What was his name…Elijah? Poor guy. She used and dumped him like a piece of toilet paper. Why would you want to associate yourself with someone like that? She may look all innocent and smart, but she’s just like those girls who hang out on the streets at night to get what they want.” He shrugged. “Just warning you man. Don’t whine when she screws you over.”

I stood in place, unable to move an inch. Those weren’t just simple words that carried no weight to them. They didn’t just hurt. They made my heart want to bleed with sorrow and misery. They reminded me of the best friend I spent years with and how he betrayed me because I was making him look bad.

Why is Elijah still spreading these lies? What did I do to him? Is it because I never told him how I felt? That I decided to move on to someone who looked my way versus one who ignored me every chance he could? Doesn’t he realize how hard this is for me? How difficult it is to hold my head up high when everyone is saying these things loud and clear to people I care about? People who I actually love and who cherish every bit of my time and attention. He wants to ruin everything…to break me until he’s the one who’s enjoying school and I’m not? How do I even counter what this guy just said?

I fought the urge to tremble. To crack under the pressure that was laid upon me in a public place where everyone was surely ready to record and show the world my reaction.

If I cried, they would laugh, taunt, and say what a weakling I was. If I screamed and shouted, I’d be known as a drama queen trying to defend her lies.

And staying silent wasn’t going to help me either. In the end, I still lose. No matter what I do right now, it won’t clear my name. How long until the world believes what’s being said? Why won’t people bother listening to my side of the story? To hear my words and how all of this makes me feel.

The simple thought of Connor standing there sent another dreadful wave of sadness through me.

What if Connor believes him? What if the rest of the Notorious Four…my…Notorious Four begin to hate me? I…wouldn’t be able to endure that hate. That type of rejection. I don’t know what to do. What…do I do?

I struggled not to sniff, feeling the tears begin to pool in my eyes.

“I’d never hate you, Brianne Harlow.” Connor’s deep voice whispered quietly into my right ear, seconds before his arm hooked around me, protectively.

I felt the light press against the top of my head, and whatever Connor had done, it made multiple students to gasp in shock.

“You really have some nerve.” Connor was now talking to the guy who thought his advice was needed. “Are you trying to call our Brianne a slut?”

Our Brianne…

It took me a few seconds to register Connor’s lethal tone of voice, and if it weren’t for the tears that began to roll down my cheeks, I would have looked up to check on him.

“Well, it’s the trut—”

“You don’t know the first thing about truth or Brianne.” Connor cut him off, his hold around me tightening. “You try to warn me about a student who gets perfect grades on every single assignment given. She has the strongest magic in this room, yet you think you’re doing the Witchling Academy community a favor by insulting her in front of her peers? In front of me, the student council vice president?”

I took a peek at the guy, noticing how he began to quiver in his seat, while those around him began to drift away. It was as though their mere association with this guy was now a disease that would infect them and spread.

Talk about loyalty.

“You know nothing close to the truth, even though it’s right in front of your face! Brianne hasn’t said anything rude to any of you. You all sit there and gossip about the information you receive from people who can’t even say her name right and don’t even know the difference between red and orange hair! I’m sure none of you ever even take a good look at her, let alone take five seconds to say hello. You’re all into your cliques of gossip and popularity, and once one person in your group hates someone, you all go to great lengths to try and cancel that person. Ruin them entirely to make that one friend happy. Are you guys all stupid?!”

Now Connor was angry, and everyone who was in the hall had stopped and were peering into our classroom to see what was going on.

“You know what she could have done? She could have ratted every single one of you guys out. You think we don’t know that you and your whole group are part of the mass of students who were sending Brianne death threats? DEATH THREATS!” He snarled the second part, his words echoing through the silent room.

“You wanted her to go and jump off a cliff, bridge, get hit by a car. Simply disappear so the rest of you can live your gossipy lives when she did NOTHING to you. And you know what? The administration and us, the council, have all the video footage with each of you. So let’s think about this. If Brianne had allowed your bullying to get to her, what do you think would have happened? An excelling, gifted seventeen-year-old kills herself after receiving death threats for three and a half months straight from a group of eighteen and nineteen-year-olds. In fact, some of you have repeated this semester multiple times, which means you’re more than twenty years old, bullying an underaged student because someone told you to. I guess that someone is going to bail ALL of you out when you get charged, right? They’re going to be the ones to stand in front of the Witchling Star Jury and swear they’ll say the truth and say they were the ones that influenced you, right?”

I finally had the courage to look up at him, and his eyes weren’t close to black anymore. They were glowing silver with hints of lavender.

He was more than just mad. He was downright furious.

When no one said anything, he laughed. Actually laughed, yet the sound was nowhere near humorous.

“Ah. So now it’s finally sinking into your brains, right? That’s how it always is when you’re confronted with the potential consequences you could face when it comes to the law. If you’re going to pick on someone, why don’t you do your damn research? You all thought you could get away with bullying the youngest member of the Harlow family? You all thought that you wouldn’t get a single whiff of punishment when her parents are on the damn council and her sister is the best agent in all of Witchling Star Agency? Wow. Absolute idiots. I can see why those people you listen to have you all in the palm of their hand. When push comes to shove, guess what? They won’t be in trouble. YOU will. Every single one of you.”

I lowered my gaze to see the students who had once worn proud and mocking expressions now looking down in pure shame.

“Stop being influenced by fools and think! Use your brains and the morals your parents taught you to realize that these groups of friends and people you idolize will move on the moment they graduate, and you’ll never see them again. Those people who get others to spread gossip and do their dirty work are the same people who are going to live their luxurious lifestyles with their rich parents getting them into whatever career they want. They’ll live their best lives while you rot in jail or endure whatever consequences they laid out for you. In the court of law, they’ll be set free while you all walk the plank to a shattered future. If you all want that for yourselves, be my guest!”

He pressed me against him, his warmth engulfing me and giving me comfort.

“However, I’ll say this once. Do NOT bring Brianne Harlow into your disgusting games. Do you want the tea to all the rumors? Let me say it loud and clear. Brianne is under the Notorious Four’s protection. She’s OUR girlfriend and the administration knows it.”

He glanced around the room again, making sure his words resonated in everyone’s heads before he continued.

“Remember what Professor Phoenix said? No bullying will be tolerated, especially when it comes to relationships and anything outside of the school curriculum. You want to shit talk? Be my guest. Continue spreading lies and see how far you get. You may think that Witchling Academy focuses on only grades but let me hit you with some ACTUAL truth. They watch your behavior, listening to the same gossip you all work so damn hard to spread. They hear and see it all. It doesn’t disappear. It goes into a file and waits for the day you need that prime job you’ve been working toward for years. That’s when your potential employer will open that same file and all the skeletons you thought were hidden in your closet will fall out. That’s when you’ll sit in that interview chair and regret everything you did, from the gossip and laughter to those death threats and bullying tactics. In this case, the person you’re hurting the most is yourself. Don’t believe that words carry no weight.”

He took a deep inhale, letting it out slowly as if to cool his hot head.

“What you should do is be grateful, because none of you would be in Semester Two if not for this woman right here. The woman with orange and gold hair who told Professor Phoenix and the dean to not continue the investigation or press charges against all of you who left threats in her locker. It’s thanks to her that you’re sitting in that seat, about to start class. Instead of trying to disgrace her, you should thank her for not screwing up your future when she certainly could have.”

The room fell silent, and I took the opportunity to turn and face Connor, whose eyes lowered to mine. A tear rolled down my cheek, but I gave him the most satisfied smile. Slowly, I outstretched my arms and hugged him, unable to do anything else that would prove just how grateful I was for his defense.

How utterly relieved I was that he didn’t hate me and saw through the lies and deceit.

“Thank you, Connor,” I quietly sniffed, my relief strong enough to make me shed tears. He hugged me and patted my back soothingly.

“Excellent words of advice, Connor,” Professor Phoenix’s voice carried through the room, and I leaned back to see her standing in the doorway with her arms crossed over her chest. “You all should be very grateful to Brianne, or I can guarantee from a mere overlook of this classroom, the majority of you would have been charged, kicked out, and never be able to gain a job in the magic world for your childish actions. As for those leaders or friends you got your information from, they’d walk away from it all scot-free. Hopefully, when it’s put like that, you realize just how foolish you all appear.”

She grinned and walked into the room, reaching where we stood. Her expression softened when it landed on me.

“Brianne. Class will be starting soon. Why don’t you go wash your face real quick? We’ll be working on many magic spell symbols today with quite a few demonstrations. You won’t want to write it incorrectly due to your vision being affected.”

“Ah, yes. I’ll go now.”

“Good. Everyone get ready for class and let Connor’s warning be the final one. I won’t repeat myself this semester, and the next time there’s a problem, I won’t hesitate to take action right away. Understood?”

“Understood, Professor Phoenix.”

“Excellent.” She walked over to the front desk and began to work on setting it up for class. “Be on your way, Brianne. We’re starting soon,” she repeated. “Thank you, Vice President, for your speech.”

“You’re welcome,” he replied.

His hand slipped in mine, and we were walking toward the hall when I heard my name.

“Brianne?”

I looked back to the guy who had insulted me, his eyes now full of regret.

“Sorry for saying those mean things to you. I listened to gossip and acted out of spite when you did nothing wrong and weren’t mean to me directly. It was a misjudgment, and I apologize for being immature for my age.”

His apology started a chain of others, and soon, the majority of the classroom had apologized to me.

I swallowed the lump in my throat and slowly nodded.

“You’re all forgiven. Thank you for apologizing. It means a lot.” That was all I could say, more tears unexpectedly falling down my cheeks. I blinked and looked away, not wanting them to see how vulnerable and hurt I was, but maybe they would now understand how hard all this had been for me.

Connor squeezed my hand and took me all the way to the washroom. He waited outside as I washed my face and used some magic to help ensure I didn’t look like a train wreck.

Walking out of the washroom, I gave him a tiny smile.

“You should go. I wasted enough of your time and I don’t—”

“Brianne.” His tender voice would make me cry all over again if I let it. He took a step forward, his hands pressing lightly on my once-tear-stricken face.

I wondered if he’d kiss me here, and when he inched his face closer, I waited to feel his lips. He pressed them lightly on my forehead, and I closed my eyes to enjoy the affectionate move.

How amazing it was to feel the power of a simple kiss. One that seemed to calm the troubled waves of worry and anxiety and helped me feel worthy of love and kindness.

“Connor?” I whispered, opening my eyes to meet his now-black ones.

“I’ll never hate you. Not now, or four years from now.”

“What if I change? Or you change?”

He smiled, bringing the light to his eyes again.

“We’re all going to grow, Brianne. We’re going to leave this young adulthood and become adults and enter a society that will rely on us to do our part. Yes, we’re going to change, but…I’m pretty confident that you’ll still be our Red.”

“I like when you say ‘our,’” I whispered, blushing slightly. “It really makes me feel loved.”

“You are loved, Brianne. Don’t let anyone change that outlook on your life.” His arms wrapped around me as he gave me the perfect teddy bear hug.

“I meant what I said back there, and what I said the night of Christmas Eve. I won’t go back on those words, and when you’re ready for us to move forward, you let me know. We’re going at your pace, and we’ll only do whatever you’re comfortable with.”

“Are you guys sure about this? To be with someone like me? I’m not cool or anything. I’m just your average girl who likes to read, do a little magic, dance, and try to find a place to fit in. I’m nothing amazing.”

Here came the negative talk, a habit I’d clearly have to work on.

Connor answered me anyway. “You are far more than amazing. You’re extraordinary, and we love every part of you. Whether it’s the reading part, your playful side, your clueless traits, or your bright personality, Brianne. I may not know Finnick’s and Kaito’s feelings in regard to dating, but I know they love being around you and you’re a positive influence on all of us. I said it before, and I’ll say it again here and now. You are our girl, and you have the Notorious Four’s protection.”

I grinned, a tear rolling down my cheek as I hugged him tighter.

“Thank you, Connor. Just…thank you.”

It was all I could say, but I was sure he could read just how emotionally moving his words were.

How his newfound love for me had saved me from a spiral of negative disaster.

5

SEEING DOUBLE AND JUST BE HAPPY

Connor gave me a light pat on my head, giving me a long up-and-down look to make sure I was okay.

“You good for class?” he asked.

“Yup!” I put my hands into fists and lightly punched his chest. “I’m ready to sucker punch people who piss me off.”

He smirked and wrapped his hands around my fists. “You don’t punch someone with your thumbs wrapped on the outside unless you want to break them.”

“Ah. I’ve never punched someone before,” I moped.

“I’ll teach you self defense in the summer.”

“Do I need it?”

“You never know. Also, it’s magic self-defense. You can punch someone, and they’ll go flying miles away,” he revealed.

I gawked at him. “I can punch Finnick and he’ll go flying straight to the pool!” I suggested.

He chuckled. “That would work.”

“I’m okay, Connor.” I gave him a wide smile and took a step closer to hug him one more time. “You can go back to the council room. I’ll be a good girl and pay attention in class. I promise.”

He hugged me back, one of his hands stroking my head. I didn’t mind his added affection, especially when the hall was empty thanks to everyone being in class.

“All right. Jax should be the one to pick you up later. I’ll see you after my practice?”

“Yes.” I looked up at him, resting my chin on his chest and getting one last glimpse of his eyes. “Can’t wait to see you in action.”

He chuckled again. “It’s only the first day.”

Releasing him, I gave him a final wave before he turned around. With his hands in his pants pockets, he began to walk away.

My eyes didn’t want to gravitate away from his figure until I had to. Just noticing his broad back from this distance made me realize how mature and cool Connor was. Up close, he was my teddy bear, but from afar, he was a man.

A man who made my heart skip and dance in glee.

When he disappeared, I took a few deep breaths and faced the door.

You can do this, Brianne. Keep your head up high! You have support. You’ll make friends. Just be yourself.

With my self-talk, I opened the door and walked in, noticing that the class was doing a group activity and were in their partnered spaces.

A few stopped to look my way, but I didn’t pay attention as I closed the door and headed for my seat, only to realize I was seeing double.

Two girls sat at my desk, both of them looking exactly the same at first glance. They both wore our uniform, including our normal blue cardigan.

They had long black hair, bright rosy cheeks, light pink lips, and their eyes were pink! I’d never met someone with pink eyes unless they were contacts, but these were so gorgeous, I couldn’t help but take an extra moment to admire their unique beauty.

Their skin wasn’t super pale like mine, but it was flawless and immediately reminded me of those K-pop idols. I thought I could see a bit of Korean characteristics in them, but I wasn’t too sure. They could have been Japanese for all I knew.

Wow. Twins.

They both were sitting in front of my desk, their identical phones in their hands. Upon my arrival they were now staring at me, their pink eyes blinking a few times before they smiled together.

“Wow! Orange hair with gold!” Their combined speech threw me off and caught most of the other groups’ attention.

It didn’t seem like they cared as they continued, “You’re super pretty, and powerful. Welcome back!”

I walked to my desk, glancing at Professor Phoenix, who was clearly more focused on the book she was reading. I did see the smile on her red lips, which made me smile in return.

Maybe this was why she wanted me to come early?

“Thank you.” I pulled out my chair and sat back down, giving the twins my full attention. “Sorry, I’ve never seen the two of you before.”

“Ah,” they said in unison before the girl to my left continued.

“We just transferred in actually. We were supposed to attend Semester One here, but our travel visas were delayed, and we had to wait.”

The girl on the right nodded. “Yes. We were given special permission to wait until this semester to enroll. The dean sent us the material we were supposed to read and know for this semester, so we’re all caught up.”

They both nodded in unison and then sat a little taller as the one on the left outstretched her left hand and the one on the right outstretched her right hand.

“Hello. I’m Mia Park. A pleasure to meet you,” the girl on the left introduced.

“Hello. I’m Miya Park. A pleasure to meet you,” the girl on the right introduced.

I grinned brightly at them, looking between their outstretched hands, and shook them both.

“My name is Brianne Harlow. Nice to meet both of you,” I greeted happily. “Are we a group?”

“Yes,” they said together.

“Professor Phoenix said to do an ice breaker activity until everyone was present. Then we’ll begin the lesson.”

“She didn’t want anyone missing out on the information since it’s important,” Mia explained.

“We only arrived five minutes ago. We decided to be with you so you wouldn’t be lonely,” Miya revealed.

“Really?” I looked between the two of them. “But…you just met me?”

“So?” they said together, and Mia continued, “Who wants to be lonely at school? Especially when we’re in a big one like this academy. We may not know you, but we just introduced ourselves.”

“So that means we DO know you now. Mia and I are usually on our own because we travel a lot and have to transfer schools all the time. However, Witchling Academy is going to be our school for the next three and a half years. We might as well make friends.”

They both grinned and pointed to my head. “And you have cool hair! How did you get the gold in it?”

“It’s naturally like that.” I gave them a shy grin, hiding how happy I was.

“That’s amazing,” Mia complimented. “We want to get pink hair, but we have to convince our mother.”

“Ugh, yeah. I can’t wait till we’re eighteen. That’s the first thing we’re going to do,” Miya added.

“Wait. You guys are both seventeen?” I asked.

“Yup!” they said together.

“Miya and I were born on November 10th, 3039. We’re gifted so we were allowed to skip two grades when we were younger. We’ll be eighteen this November!”

“Then we’ll get pink hair. Not fully pink. Maybe one of those ombre styles where our roots are still black, but the bottom strands will be the perfect pink. Not just any pink either. Neon pink that people can see from afar. It’ll be magically epic,” Miya explained.

“You guys are the same age as me,” I whispered. “My birthday is on November 5th. I skipped two grades as well since I’m gifted.”

“Wow! This is like fate,” they cheered.

“We HAVE to do a combined birthday celebration this year,” Mia cheered.

“That would be awesome! Mother would make a bunch of food. She loves baking traditional treats for our friends on our birthday, but we never really had friends. She’d make a platter full and wrap them up in these cute transparent wrappers with pink stars,” Miya explained.

“What did you guys do with them if you guys didn’t really have friends?” I asked.

“We’d go to the orphanage in the area and give them to the kids. We’d obviously keep a few for ourselves to eat, but it felt good to give them to the kids instead of throwing them out,” Mia explained.

“We didn’t want to tell our mom to stop, or she’d wonder if we weren’t fitting in. It wasn’t like we couldn’t make friends. We just didn’t see the point if we were going to move before the semester was over,” Miya finished.

“I’d love to try those cookies,” I whispered. “I don’t have a lot of friends yet. You know, people don’t really like to get to know the smart kid.”

“Yes!” They both groaned.

“We know the feeling.” Mia bobbed her head.

“And whoever doesn’t want to be your friend is clearly losing out. Hello, your hair alone lets everyone know what an awesome person you are.” Miya nodded.

“What about people saying rumors and stuff?” I asked quietly. It wasn’t something I should ask on a first encounter, but I didn’t want to get my hopes up if they would be crushed soon after.

“We hate when people make up rumors,” they answered.

“You do?”

“People always made up rumors about us. It felt as though it followed us wherever we went. We’d be at one school and people would say that we were loners and got kicked out of school for being a part of the Yakuza or something,” Mia stated.

“We’re Korean, by the way. Why would we be a part of a Japanese gang? Makes no sense.” Miya sighed dramatically. “It was a constant problem and another reason why we never got close to people. No point in exchanging names and information when they’re going to listen to a lie and abandon you.”

Mia crossed her arms over her chest and smiled. “We don’t listen to the buzzing. We determine if we like someone or not through interaction.”

“From this interaction, you’re totally good in our book, Brianne.” Miya smiled and picked her phone up. “Let’s exchange numbers before we start class!’

I would cry if we weren’t in class. I gave them the biggest smile as I got my phone out. “Okay.”

“Wow! You got the limited edition pink phone,” they said together.

“Yeah. My boyfriend got it for me,” I admitted. “He and my um…three other boyfriends,” I shyly declared.

I knew it was a little risky, especially with Kaito and Finnick not being in the loop. I’d have to tell them when I got a chance. We’d just play the part. They wouldn’t actually need to date me.

“Ah.” They nodded. “You’re dating all four of them?”

“Uh…yeah. Aren’t you guys weirded out?”

“Why?” they asked.

“Well…you know. It’s not the norm.”

“Our mom is married to two men,” they announced.

“Huh? Really?” I gasped.

“Yup,” Mia confirmed. “Our mom was in love with both our dads and couldn’t choose.”

“Actually, they used to hate each other’s guts, and were fighting for our mom’s attention.” Miya explained like it was a Korean drama. “Then, our mom got into a serious car accident. She was in a coma for months, and I think they almost lost her. Our dads say it’s a miracle she survived. After that, they said they didn’t want to fight anymore and asked if she’d date both of them. It’s not a popular norm, but polyamorous relationships aren’t illegal. Just because something isn’t normal to a group of people, doesn’t mean it’s not allowed or should be frowned upon. One person can like orange juice, while another likes apple juice. It shouldn’t matter to anyone but the people in the relationship. If being together makes them happy, that’s all that matters.”

“Wow…” I whispered. “That means even though people talked negatively about it, you’re not influenced by it?”

“No one can change our minds.” They winked.

“We see our parents all the time and they still love each other. You can see it in their eyes. Again, we base our beliefs with our eyes, not with our ears by listening to gossip or negative talk,” Mia affirmed.

“If your boyfriends make you happy, why is it anyone’s business how you live your life? Are they Brianne Harlow? Nope. They should focus on their own lives and stop trying to dictate someone else’s,” Miya declared.

I hadn’t realized how quiet the room was until now. Looking around, I noticed everyone was staring at us, clearly listening to our conversation.

Professor Phoenix clapped her hands and drew our attention to her. She was smiling with pride and rose up.

“That’s good advice, Miya and Mia. I’m glad you use your eyes and not your ears to judge an individual. Now, everyone return to your seats so we can start class. Exchange contacts or info now and if you like your groups that you’re in, I suggest you stick with them for the coming group projects this semester.”

“Yes, Professor Phoenix,” many of us responded.

I glanced at her; our eyes locked and she gave me a small nod of encouragement.

“Thank you,” I mouthed to her, and then returned my attention to the twins. “Let’s exchange numbers, here’s mine.”

“Yeah!” they replied.

We exchanged numbers, and they ended up sitting with me throughout the class. Once class was over, they gathered their things and said they were going to get their full schedule. Once they got it, they would text me and see if we shared a few classes.

“See ya, Bri!” They both waved at me as I gathered my stuff.

“Bye, Mia. Bye, Miya.” I bid them farewell, wanting to give them both individual goodbyes. I wasn’t too knowledgeable about interacting with twins, but if I was a twin, I wouldn’t want to be lumped together all the time.

They both smiled and headed out, just as Jax walked in. His hair was down, and I noticed it still had a slight glow to it, which told me he’d either just used his magic or was pissed.

He looked at the twins, who greeted him with respect, probably noticing the president badge on the left side of his chest.

When he reached my desk, I greeted him.

“Hey, Jax. You all right?” I wondered quietly.

“Yeah. We had a test in our class. Wasn’t hard, but I needed my magic for it,” he explained. “You have twins in your class.”

“Yes. Mia and Miya. They’re transfer students from Korea. They were supposed to be here last semester, but their travel visas weren’t finished on time,” I explained. “We exchanged numbers.”

Jax grinned. “Meaning you made some friends.”

“Yes.” I beamed at his acknowledgment. Rising from my seat, he took my backpack and put it on his shoulder.

“Hey.” I pouted my lips.

“I can carry my girlfriend’s bag if I want to,” he declared, offering his hand. “My stuff is in the council room. Let’s go? The others are waiting for us. We have the same class.”

I placed my hand in his, squeezing it gently. “All right.”

“Good morning, Professor Phoenix,” Jax greeted.

“Good morning, Jax,” Professor Phoenix replied, piling up her reports. “Best you two hurry along. You don’t want to be late.”

“Yes,” we agreed. “Thank you, Professor Phoenix. See you later,” I said. She nodded, and the two of us walked out of the classroom, hand in hand.

“Does that mean you had a good class?” Jax asked as we headed down the hall.

“It was a rough start, but in the end, yes. I did have a good class.”

“Good.” Jax squeezed my hand. “As long as you’re happy, I’m good.”

I squeezed his hand and smiled.

“More than happy,” I whispered. “Thanks, Jax.”

He didn’t reply but had a smile on his face.

We continued down the halls toward the student council room, and I held his hand in confidence the entire way there.

Just be happy, Brianne.

6

STUDY BUDDIES

~ONE WEEK LATER~

“THERE YOU ARE, RED,” Finnick greeted as I reached the table he was at in the library.

“Sorry I’m late. Connor’s practice went a little long and I wanted him to know I was there,” I explained.

A week had flown by and we were already in the second week of Semester Two. All of last week our classes had been magic-focused, leaving us very little time to study the content we were required to know for the midterms that would be here in four weeks.

The curriculum wasn’t difficult, but Kaito worried Finnick would struggle if we didn’t do some type of review study session three times a week.

It was a good plan and something easily doable now that my travel class was earlier. That was going really well, and now with my locker being in the student council room, I wasn’t worried about meeting any shadow people.

Connor’s football team had to stay two hours late to do a mock game, and Kaito was at kendo practice, which would end at the same time. I was going to study with Kaito later in the evening after I showered, but getting some studying in with Finnick would make it easier to divide and conquer the material.

Jax went home to nap since he’d apparently had to find me last night in Zimbabwe. I’d never spell traveled there before, but it could have been due to our lesson on fire magic and its origins.

Apparently, the first fire spells were created in Zimbabwe and there were specific caves where the walls were covered in magic circles and incantations.

I must have taken it to my dreams, and thus, landed there cuddling the unicorn plushie doll Connor ended up winning for me at one of the fairs last week. I had no recollection of being there, but Jax had taken a lovely picture of me snuggling the doll next to a wall full of magic spells.

At least I could frame it and say I went to the root of fire magic creation.

Having to bring me back again, and with our day being filled with different sessions of both visual and combat magic, he was pretty pooped. He could barely keep his eyes open when I met up with him after my class was done.

We’d walked together to check out Connor’s game, and then he walked me to the library entrance before heading back to the dorms to crash.

I made sure to let him know how much I appreciated him. His presence and sincerity when it involved me always made me feel safe and loved. He was still super comfortable with the Notorious Four Dating Me idea, which still boggled my mind, but having spent a week learning more about Mia and Miya, I realized that I was far too concerned with what other people thought and needed to focus on my own happiness.

Intriguing that I never used to worry about it before and yet now it seemed like something that continued to bring itself up over and over again.

It was a mental game, one I needed to beat and win.

Hanging out with Mia and Miya had made school a lot more fun. They were totally different than the majority of the students here. They weren’t the type to fall for people’s talk and complaints. They really didn’t have the time for it, like they usually said whenever I brought it up.

They were here to learn and make genuine friendships that would last beyond our time here. With their way of thinking, I could see why they were considered gifted in many aspects.

Also having the family dynamic that they did made it a lot easier for them to be accepting of all things without judgment.

The rumors had definitely gone down since the first day. The same people who had insulted me were now saying hello to me in the halls or giving me a small wave.

Not everyone had stopped trying to bully me, especially Jax’s ex and her crew of girlfriends, who still gave me glares whenever I passed by them, but I could handle people like them.

With Mia and Miya in the picture, people couldn’t say I was “only hanging with the Notorious Four” and now that other students were trying to be friendly to me, group assignments were getting a lot easier.

Now I could focus on my studies and what I wanted to achieve this semester and I wouldn’t need to worry about everything else.

It was a freeing sensation that brought me relief.

Starlight still checked in on me once in awhile while she kicked booty and caught criminals left and right. Apparently, she was getting along with her current team, and she was going to have a spa day with Katsume later this week after losing a bet with her.

Since the explosion, my sister hadn’t done anything outside of work unless it was holiday-induced. Hearing that she was actually living and had good people around her made me really happy.

Overall, I was pleased with my life right now.

Obviously, school was going to get more stressful soon, but that was something I could handle and predict. At the end of the semester, our exam would be pretty hands-on and involved our assigned group completing whatever trial they set for us, but I wasn’t worried.

Again, it was something I had control over.

Spending time studying with Finnick was going to be fun, especially since we hadn’t spent time with just each other in a while.

I pulled out the chair next to him; whenever I studied with only one other person, I always liked to sit next to them to prove this was a friendship and we were aiming for the same goals.

I doubted many people thought the way I did, but I felt as though sitting opposite of one another would give off a superior type of vibe, the one was person was teaching the other, and I never wanted that.

Plus, when you were sitting next to one another, it was easier to share notes and draw out sketches.

“How was Connor’s practice so far?” Finnick asked.

“It’s good. They’re doing a mock-up game. He’ll be done around the same time as Kaito, I think. He said he’ll go and meet up with Kaito and come over here. That way, we can all go back to the dorms together.” I laid out all my books on the table before lifting my head to look at his intrigued gaze.

“What?”

“It could be my vision playing tricks on me, but either you’ve gotten an inch taller or you’re really giving off a confident vibe,” Finnick disclosed, looking even more pleased.

I arched an eyebrow at him. “Even if I did grow taller, which I doubt, or start to exude a confident attitude, what’s wrong with it?” I asked, amused.

“Nothing wrong with it.” He smiled. “It’s attractive.”

I blushed and returned my gaze to my books. “How can being an inch taller or having confidence be attractive?” I muttered, more to myself than him.

Finnick chuckled. “It’s totally hot, and I’m not the only one who’s noticed. Brianne Harlow is taking the gossip community by storm, breaking one rumor and fulfilling the next. You’re frustrating certain people.”

“The gossip community, huh?” I rolled my eyes but looked over to him. “Who am I frustrating?”

“I don’t know. A whole bunch of people. Or to be more specific, the kings and queens of gossip who can’t easily manipulate people to do their bidding anymore, because of a certain orange-hair-with-gold-highlights-having elite student, who stood her ground and changed the Witchling nation,” Finnick revealed, dramatically explaining it as though this was now a soap opera.

“You sound so hyped.” I shook my head and giggled. “You’re making me sound like that girl from that book who started a revolution.”

“Katniss Everdeen.” Finnick put his fingers into the symbolic sign used in the movie The Hunger Games. “I’ll volunteer as tribute for our Red any day of the week.”

“You know in the movie that meant you could die, right?”

“I’d die for you.” He winked. “No regrets.”

“You are too carefree for your own good.” I quietly laughed and nudged him with my elbow. “All right. These kings and queens can’t manipulate people to do their bidding anymore and they’re frustrated that I was the cause of that. Got it.”

Finnick chuckled. “Seriously hot with this newfound confidence.”

“I always had confidence,” I muttered, ignoring the warmth in my cheeks and all the funny skips my heart was doing.

I’m hot, huh? Gah. Why is that making me beyond happy?

Finnick grinned and his face moved closer to mine, freezing me in place as my eyes stared into his twinkling blue ones.

“Yes, but there’s a difference. The confidence you carried before was due to you being in an environment you knew wouldn’t overcome you. When you entered Witchling Academy, you were confident that the magic within you and the knowledge you carried from all the magic books and lessons from past classes would aid you throughout the semester. That was all before the rumors and talk. As the semester progressed, that confidence began to dim in a way. Like a shadow had formed around you and covered you in a form of protection. Your lack of confidence made those who were doing their best to break you feel better about themselves and inevitably increased the bullying because it was working,” he explained.

He reached for an orange strand of my hair that had fallen from behind my ear, tucking it back into its rightful place, before he carried on with what he had to say.

“When you came back after the threats and ridicule, I’m sure they thought the cycle would continue, but instead, you faced the problem with some support and after that day, boom. A new spark emerged inside you and made its way to the surface. Before you were a shining star, but now…it’s like you’re a newly discovered galaxy that everyone wants a view of. You took that negative energy but didn’t react to it the way they wanted you to. That made more than one person realize your true personality and strengths. You gained a new confidence that shines so brightly it motivates others to do the same.”

“Finnick…” That was all I could say as I absorbed his knowledgeable words.

“Think of it as your own personal revolution. You were able to cast aside the king and queen’s plans, and everyone has seen the results. You’re making new friends and excelling in school, all while adapting and living the best life you can. Others secretly want just that. To be a part of a community where they feel accepted and can fit in. They spread rumors because they think in return they’ll receive that gratification that you’re experiencing now. Most of the time, when they realize how they’re being used and manipulated, it’s far too late to change it.”

His grin widened as his eyes softened. “You made them realize otherwise. That they deserve real friends. Not fake people and influencers who will ditch them when the heat is on. They realized that those kings and queens won’t help them put out that fire, whereas a real group of friends will not only tackle those flames with you, they’ll make sure you’re okay and will heal from the fire.”

“Wow, Finnick.” My voice was barely audible as I stared at him in awe. “Sometimes you’re really smart.”

“That just hurt my feelings,” he groaned, but I began to laugh. Without a second thought, I kissed him on the cheek.

I watched his face turn at least four different shades of lovely red as he blinked in bewilderment.

“Thanks for the pep talk, Finnick. It’s…nice to finally feel like I belong somewhere. That I’m not solely focused on good grades, but can enjoy other things like having friends and doing activities together like eating, studying, walking home, and sharing how our day was. You guys have helped me in a lot of ways. Maybe the rumors will finally stop,” I confessed, hopeful.

“Not sure about them stopping.” Finnick’s eyes weren’t staring into mine, but looking past me. I followed his gaze, noticing two tables down sat two girls, a guy, and Elijah, the four of them looking our way.

“They’re probably just curious about why we’re together, that’s all,” I reasoned and looked back him, but I saw that mischievous twinkle in his eye that had me raising an eyebrow. “What are you planning?”

“What would I have to do to score a date with Red?”

“D-date?” I stuttered, completely taken aback by his question. “Um…um…well, we can go on a date whenever you want. I just…haven’t really gotten an opportunity to ask if you were even interested in…well, you know. The dating thing. With me, I mean.”

“Why is that?” He was now super intrigued; his intense stare was back on me as his lip curled up.

“Uh…well…” My face was surely crimson. “It depends on how much you know?”

“In regard to?”

“Jax and Connor?”

“Are you referring to the fact you three are official?”

I gawked at his openness, but I figured Jax and Connor must have told him. They had been friends for years. They had to be comfortable with one another, especially when it came to a situation like this.

Even with the logic backing me up, I still was a little baffled.

“Yes,” I finally answered, figuring Finnick would be able to fill me in. “I’m not sure if Connor told you guys, but we had a little bit of a confrontation on the first day with some of my classmates. It was when he was on patrol.”

“He mentioned that some students were bothering you, but it was a quick fix,” Finnick revealed.

“They were saying very rude things and warned Connor not to be near me because I’m a user.” I wasn’t going to let the memory bring me down, but I did notice the way Finnick’s eyes darkened at my words.

I quickly continued, “Connor shut their comments down, but Elijah’s name was brought up. I’m sure he was telling people stuff he shouldn’t have been and making himself look like a victim because I’m with you guys now. Needless to say, Connor declared that I was under the Notorious Four’s protection. Uh…it was basically him telling the student body that we’re dating. The four of us.”

“Yes.” Finnick nodded once. “That makes sense. What’s wrong with that?”

“I never asked you or Kaito how you felt about that. I’ve wanted to, don’t get me wrong. It just slipped my mind immediately after the confrontation, and I did want to wait until we were alone, but that didn’t happen until now. I don’t want people assuming we’re together…if you don’t feel that way.” I realized this was where I’d have to confess that I was interested in the possibilities of dating him and Kaito as well.

I’d been ignoring that tiny detail because I was afraid that meant we wouldn’t be friends anymore, or that I’d screw it up somehow. “Since my friendship with Elijah failed, I’ve been trying to be more cautious when it comes to sensitive subjects like these. I’m not going to make assumptions about anyone’s feelings. If I can get the information from the source, I will. Whatever it takes to make sure we’re all on the same page and won’t have a miscommunication like I must have had with Elijah.”

Surely if I had been more open with him, or maybe inquired about what was going on in his school life, he would have told me what was happening.

“You didn’t have a miscommunication with Elijah, Brianne.”

The use of my full name told me I was either in trouble or the topic was a thorn in his side.

“But—”

“Elijah is an adult. He’s eighteen and can make his own decisions just fine. You’ve always tried to make excuses for the puppy, but really, who was going over and beyond in the friendship? You or him?”

I lowered my gaze to think about it, remembering all the times I’d tried to make him happy. Whether it was going the extra mile to make him smile or canceling my evening plans to go cheer him up or invite him over.

I tried my best to be a good friend. Did he really do the same in return?

To be honest, I wasn’t sure.

When I couldn’t think of an answer, he carried on.

“Last semester, you know what we witnessed?”

I shook my head, wondering what he and the others could have seen that I missed.

“Throughout the semester, you tried multiple times to reach out to Elijah. Everything from calling him to make sure he was adapting well to sending a simple text to see if he was making friends and stuff. Even when you guys began to drift apart, it wasn’t like you stopped texting him, even when we inquired about it.”

I bit my lip, not realizing I’d be caught red-handed. Yeah, I’d told the guys I hadn’t been talking much — if at all — to Elijah, but I had been texting him.

Or at least trying to.

He’d usually one-word me back, or not answer at all, but I’d still wanted to try. It had been very one-sided, but I hadn’t wanted the friendship to end. All the signs were there, and I could feel the inevitable about to happen, but I didn’t want to let it go without a fight.

Our friendship deserved that much, didn’t it?

With a slow nod, I whispered, “I thought if I gave him more of me, I wouldn’t lose him entirely.”

“You shouldn’t have to give one hundred percent if the other person constantly gives you twenty, Brianne. I know you didn’t want to acknowledge it, and honestly…if I were in your shoes, I’d have done the same. Friendships are hard to come by, especially ones that have the potential to become something more.”

He smiled slightly, his gaze fixed aimlessly at the rows of bookshelves.

“I may sound like I know a lot, but I’m sure if I were in your situation, I’d have turned a blind eye and kept trying. However, this isn’t the kind of thing where you guys can simply make up. Or a situation that ended on good terms. You walked away and moved on. Elijah hasn’t. He spread rumors about you and continues to do so. That’s not what a true friend does, and that’s definitely not someone you want to be in a relationship with.”

I wasn’t sure how we’d ended up on this topic, but he was right. Deep, deep down, that little crush was still hoping for a chance, but I knew there wouldn’t be one.

There wouldn’t be a Brianne x Elijah moment. Not now. Not when we graduated. Never.

Yet, I’d still been hoping for that tiny miracle.

I caught onto Finnick’s eyes, noticing they were trailing behind me. I kept still, watching how Finnick slid his left hand on top of my right one.

My eyes were now focused on the book in front of me, my free hand turning the pages as if I was trying to locate a section.

I may be clueless about a lot of things, but I could read body language fairly well and Finnick was trying to tell me that someone, or a group of someones, was approaching.

“She’s a whore,” an unrecognizable voice declared.

I frowned, unsure exactly what that term meant.

Is that similar to that slut word? I should have looked that up when I saw it on multiple notes. Not like I should know what it means. They don’t write that slang in books. Why am I even assuming he’s talking about me? Probably because Elijah is with them…

“Yeah. She used our boy Elijah. Poor guy. Didn’t you say you asked Elisha out?” a second guy voice announced. I don’t know where this other guy had come from, but I couldn’t help but feel insulted by his comment. And the second part of his question stuck out like a sore thumb.

What?!

“Yeah, I did,” Elijah quietly said, but I heard it loud and clear.

If my heart could freeze, it certainly would have.

He asked Elisha out?! Jax’s ex? Why? That makes no sense.

“No way! You did? What did she say?”

“She’ll give me her answer later today. I’m actually planning to go take her to a movie. We may chill at my place after. My parents aren’t home, so…”

I felt Finnick’s hand grip mine tightly, and I was sure he was annoyed at Elijah, especially after our talk.

“Shut up!” one of the girls voiced. “You’re taking her home? Oh, you guys are going to do it!”

Do it? Do what? What are they supposed to do alone…wait? Kiss? Make out? No, wait. I’m being naive again. C’mon, Brianne! Think, think…oh, wait. Don’t tell me they’re going to do the whole ‘where babies come from’ thing?

“That’s the plan,” Elijah said a little louder. “She’s surely experienced. I hope I meet her standards.”

“Well, there was that rumor where she said Jax was really good in bed. You’ve definitely got a bar to surpass.” The other girl giggled.

They’re talking about…that! Ugh. Why am I still embarrassed to even say the word in my head?! Though, saying the term “where babies come from” is a lot easier. Kinda fun…you’re getting off topic, Brianne. Yes, you’re only getting off topic because this news has blown your mind. Can’t process. Loading error. Please check the Mind-Blown Troubleshooting part of the manual for instructions.

“I’ll be just fine. I know what I’m doing,” Elijah confirmed.

“You did it with the whore?”

“Nah. She’s too clueless. I’m sure she wouldn’t even know what that’s all about. Plus, she was sixteen when she dumped me.”

“Guess she did you a favor. Let one of the Notorious Four pop her cherry. She’s a whore who can’t even handle one guy. There’s no way she’s handling four.”

They all laughed at the first male’s comment, and I noticed the drops of water that hit the book’s surface.

Why? Why am I crying?

This had to stop. I couldn’t feel incredible one minute and then turn around and feel like I was in the wrong when I clearly wasn’t. I had to stop listening to these people talk smack when they knew nothing about me.

Each time I did this, it felt as though I’d taken one step forward, two steps back. No one deserved to constantly feel this way.

No, I didn’t want to go through this semester feeling sorry for myself. As Finnick said, I’d just gained a newfound level of confidence. Was I really going to let them take it from me? Especially after the multiple pep talks I’d given myself to try and fight the anxiety inside me. Was I going to lose it all because of Elijah and his new set of friends?

“Red?”

Finnick’s soft voice whispered into my ear, and I slowly looked to my right to meet his eyes. His blue eyes showed a different emotion. One that I’d seen from Jax and Connor.

It was an intense level of affection that I wasn’t used to seeing from him, but in this very moment, as tears rolled down my cheeks, it made the buzzing around us dim until it was just the two of us.

Everything about him seemed to heighten. From the sweet smell of his cologne — which I hadn’t picked up on before — to how vividly blue his eyes were, with a hint of teal green in them.

I saw how smooth his skin was and how green his hair was, though it had faded a bit since our first encounter. His smile was radiant, and if it were a living thing, it would take all the sadness away and replace it with joy.

How could one look from him make me realize that this was what was missing between Elijah and me? That connection and acknowledgment that I was his friend and that words had power.

I assumed Elijah knew that, when his very words could create magic spells, but it was the very thing he overlooked or completely ignored for the sake of his ego.

For the sake of being accepted by those who would give him the attention he desired. I wasn’t a person who could do that, and even if it hurt, it was the reality I had to accept and learn from. I couldn’t let the same mistakes ruin the potential I had with the Notorious Four.

I knew all of this, but I was still scared, and I knew it showed in my eyes because Finnick let go of my hand and shifted his position to look directly at me. Pressing his hands over my ears, he grinned.

“There. Now it’s just you and me.”

My watery eyes widened in shock, and he chuckled, the sound flooding my mind like he was inside it.

“One of my gifts is that I talk into people’s minds. It’s a lot easier when I can touch them, but I can do it from afar if I must.”

His face inched closer, and I looked into his eyes with fear. Not because he was about to kiss me, but because I didn’t want his reputation to be hurt by me.

“They’ll see and talk about it. They’ll hate you guys even more. Elijah will just keep talking and talking…I don’t want to ruin you guys. You…guys have changed me in so many ways. You accept me. The true me. I don’t want you guys to ruin your reputation because of the girl…whose a…wh—”

“Don’t you ever attach that label to yourself. You are NOT that.”

He lowered my head just a bit, and his lips gently pressed against my forehead.

“God, Brianne. Why can’t you see what we see? Why can’t you let our words convince you just how beautiful and unique you are? How you’ve changed our lives for the better. You’re the cream in our coffee, the honey that sweetens our tea. You’re the light to guide us in a dark tunnel, and you are the reason we’ve been enjoying school.”

He pulled back to stare into my eyes, and I could see the vulnerability in his.

“You made me want something that I’ve always dreamed of. Something I assumed would always be a faraway crush. I may not be courageous enough to reach for it right now, but I know I’ll be able to eventually. I’m sure I can do it if I put my mind to it. I’m also confident that if I need that extra supportive push, you’ll be there to help me. You’ll advise me in your own amazing way, and I couldn’t be happier to be around you. To be able to have you as my second crush.”

I’m…his second crush?

“Me?”

He pressed his forehead against mine.

“Yes, Brianne Harlow. You’re my second crush and I want to date you. What I also want to do is kiss you and prove a point. I want to make Elijah so damn jealous that he missed out on the girl who is now the center of our world. Let him realize that you’re our Red now, and when he realizes what fool he’s been, he’ll wish he never burned that bridge.”

“And if they talk?” I whispered.

He moved his head just slightly, his eyes twinkling with mischief once more.

“If they’re going to talk, let’s give them something to talk about.”

I smiled then, feeling the challenge in his thoughtful words as he tilted his head slightly and inched closer.

Closer and closer, until his lips pressed against mine.

7

GIFT OF A SAMURAI

“Meow.”

I looked down to Luna, who was sitting at the doorway, her gleaming gold eyes looking up at me while her tail moved lazily from left to right.

My hand was still on the doorknob of the washroom door, while my hair was wet from the long, hot shower I’d taken. The towel on my neck caught the few water droplets that fell from the orange strands.

“Meow?”

I smirked and crouched down to lightly stroke the top of her head, listening to her soft purrs as they drifted through the quiet room.

“Are you keeping us company tonight, Luna?”

“Meow.” She moved from my hand to walk around my feet twice, brushing her body along my skin as if she was marking me. She then ran back into the room and onto my bed, where she’d stay curled up on my pillow so I wouldn’t be able to take a nap until we were done.

Turning the light in the washroom off, I walked to the bed, noticing Kaito, who was sitting on the floor and using the base of the bed as his back support.

He was scanning the magic textbook in his hands, but he paused and looked up to see me.

“Hey. You took a longer shower tonight.” After I settled and stretched out my legs, I answered. “Yeah. I had a lot on my mind. I hadn’t realized how long I’d been running the water until the bathroom was full of steam. Didn’t want to be a shriveled prune.”

“What are you thinking about?” Kaito gave me his full attention.

“A lot of things,” I admitted with a shy smile.

“Want to talk about it?” he asked, closing his book and placing it on the bed behind him.

“We’re supposed to study.”

“We’re still ahead in the studying department. One evening focused on letting out our worries and concerns will be far more productive than you realize,” he reasoned.

“All right.”

Talking about it could help me clear my thoughts and resolve my tiny worries.

Kaito waited patiently as I tried to gather my thoughts. I ended up crossing my legs and relaxing my back against the wall behind me as I began to work through my thoughts out loud.

“At the library, I saw Elijah and his new group of friends,” I confessed. “It shouldn’t have affected me. At least, in my mind, it shouldn’t have. I thought I’d overcome that, but it felt like someone had kicked the wall I’d worked so hard on building and I was left staring at the broken blocks scattered all over the floor beneath me.”

I lowered my gaze to my hands, their obvious fidgeting a habit I’d developed sometime last semester.

“When…that group began to call me horrible things, I thought I’d be able to take it. However, it hit me right in the heart to hear Elijah’s words. To hear him talk that way about me, and then…to tell them all that I wasn’t even good enough to be his first because I was too innocent.” I looked back to Kaito, staring at his calm expression as it began to blur with my tears.

I had to let out a huff, wiping the tears away.

“See? Even talking about it makes me cry. I stood there in the shower, repeating the entire conversation they had over and over again, and it just left me a sobbing mess.” I had to pause so as to not start sobbing all over again.

To not completely break down.

“I shouldn’t shed a single tear over people like them. I couldn’t care less what Elijah does now, and yet, in my mind, it’s like the words don’t stick. The reality that Elijah isn’t my friend anymore won’t take root in my brain and it’s so frustrating that I cry.”

I lifted my head up, closing my eyes and hoping the tears would just stop already.

“I’m tired of sounding like a broken record, Kaito. I’m exhausted by Elijah continuously coming up in my life and I’m struggling to simply ignore him and get on with things. He’s moved on and is dating Jax’s ex. He can tell the world how worthy she is and how clueless I am, but if he had put even half the effort into our friendship that I did, maybe we wouldn’t have been just friends. We could have been something more.”

I lifted my hands up to rub away the tears that were running down my face like an open faucet.

“Even after all of this. After hearing him agree that I’m a whore…after I patiently waited for him to be my first in everything, it’s just…so overwhelming. I did everything I could to be the best possible friend. I may be clueless, but all he had to do was be more straight up with me like Jax and the rest of you are. You guys get me. You understand I’m not the most knowledgeable about all this stuff.”

My shoulders began to lift up and down as I sobbed.

“Everyone comments about how slow I am. But how am I supposed to know all these things? Elijah was my only friend at school, and he never told me anything. There are no books in the library to teach me about all these degrading terms that I’ve heard in the last five months. I wasn’t cool enough to be invited to parties or to hang with the cool crowds. I never had a boyfriend until Jax. I’m the girl who simply did whatever one asked of me. Why is it now biting me in the rear like I’ve lived my life wrong? Why am I now expected to do all these things or meet these expectations of people who can’t even acknowledge my proper hair colors?”

I continued to cry and fought to wipe my tears away, wishing they would stop embarrassing me even more. Poor Kaito might as well be my therapist instead of my not-yet-boyfriend.

“I entered Witchling Academy with the same goal I had in junior high school. Get good grades and pass. Make my parents proud and get a good job. Try to make friends. I never asked for all this hate and suffocating madness. The other guys are saying I’m being influenced by all of this and I shouldn’t be, but it’s hard, Kaito! How do I ignore the world when it seems to be crashing around me? Everything’s moving so fast and I don’t think I can slow it down. Some aspects I don’t want it to slow down, but I’m not sure I can handle the pace either. In one semester, I lost Elijah, fell in love with Jax, totally ended up liking Connor, literally kissed Finnick hours ago, and I might as well say that I like you, too and I haven’t even asked you about how you feel!”

I had to finish venting everything in my mind, the words leaving my mouth before I could stop myself.

“I just want to move on. I want to heal from this and not be affected anymore. I’m tired of crying, of feeling anxious about whether I’ll be confronted or get to enjoy another peaceful school day. I can’t imagine what life would be like without you guys in my life and Elijah would never understand that. He only sees me as a female around four guys who actually look my way. Four awesome men who don’t treat my innocent self as a child, but actually as a woman. I’m not perfect, and I may be slow, but I’m trying to learn. I just need a little help. Is that so much to ask? Is that why I’m being treated like this by him? Is that what gives him the privilege to ruin my reputation and the reputations of those who are willing to stick by me? They’re already starting to try and talk about the twins so they don’t hang with me anymore. When…when will it stop?”

I lowered my hands, opening my eyes to see Kaito standing in front of my bed, a conflicted expression on his face.

“Will it ever stop? I just…I just want to move on and be happy with my true friends. Is that too much to wish for?” I asked hopelessly.

He got onto my bed, sitting comfortably and opening his arms. “Brianne. Come here.”

I did exactly that, uncrossing my arms and crawling into his inviting embrace. Then I cried. Kaito must have had the gift of comfort or something, because he always caught me at my weakest points, and even on those occasions, he never once mocked my emotional state.

Instead, he comforted me and made it seem as though this was acceptable. Like I was allowed to cry and feel emotionally drained by all of this.

I aimed to be a fighter who could take every hit from every direction, but this was a boxing ring that I had no experience in, and until I endured all of these things, I’d never been able to learn and defend myself.

My tears fell until I had none left, and once I calmed, we re-positioned ourselves so our backs rested against the wall and we sat next to one another on my bed. My left hand was in his right one, and it was comforting to have that sense of support through something as simple as hand-holding.

“Kaito?”

“Yes?”

“I’m—”

“No.” He lightly squeezed my hand and looked to me. “No apologizing.”

“But…I dumped all my problems on you like you could solve them. That was selfish of me.” I was so emotionally exhausted and I could only imagine how Kaito felt.

“Brianne?”

I turned my head to look at him, only to feel his lips seal mine. My eyes closed and I let the affectionate move help me relax.

Kaito kissing me meant he liked me, too. That was what it felt like to me, especially when I knew Kaito only made decisions after thinking things through.

He pulled back to see my calm reaction and his smile widened. “From how relaxed you are, it tells me you either figured out that I don’t make moves unless I’m sure of things or you’re totally exhausted and can’t react.”

I smiled slightly. “I figured you wouldn’t kiss me if you weren’t sure.”

He nodded and squeezed my hand. “Brianne, can I give you some advice?”

“Sure,” I replied. I needed all the help I could get. Maybe he’d cure me of whatever disease I was suffering from to make me an emotional mess when it wasn’t even that time of the month.

“Stop trying to rush the healing process.”

“Rush the healing process?” I asked.

He bobbed his head and elaborated.

“A lot has happened the last five-plus months, and many of these changes impacted your personal life especially. You’re growing and changing, as you should be. That sometimes means leaving behind the friends we were once close to and finding a new crowd that is at our level of growth and shares common viewpoints.”

He smiled at my puzzled expression and continued, “You ended a friendship that was not just a few months old. It was years of learning about each other and growing together from childhood. With a deep-rooted connection like that, it’s not something that you can magically make disappear. It’s not going to get rid of itself in a month and a half. You two went from best friends to strangers, and you’re now finding out a bit of hurtful truth about the person you’ve watched grow with your own eyes. That’s not something you’re going to be able to brush under the rug.”

“I don’t need to move on so quickly? But…it’s only made me into an emotional mess.”

“Losing a friend as close as Elijah was to you is hard. It’s not something you can brush out of your head with a walk in the park and some meditation and yoga. There was a strong connection there and now it’s gone. Add everything you’ve gone through with the rumors and stuff, and it’s far too much pressure for someone to carry. No one is expecting you to forget that Elijah used to be your best friend. No one is telling you not to share your emotions when you’re sad or upset. Those are all normal reactions and perfectly acceptable.”

“It’s okay to be like this?”

“Of course it is, Brianne. You are allowed to feel. To cry and be hurt by what you’ve gone through. You don’t need to rush when it comes to moving on. You want proper closure and that requires time. There’s nothing wrong with that.”

“Do you think I’ll be able to move on from Elijah? We weren’t dating obviously, but will I not worry or think about him anymore?”

“Yeah. You’ll be able to move on. Forgetting him entirely is tricky, because those memories will always be there, but they won’t always have a negative effect on you. One day you’ll be able to think about the past and won’t even shed a tear.”

“You’re an awesome listener, Kaito. Thank you.”

He smiled. “That’s technically what a boyfriend is supposed to do, right?”

“Ah. Right.” I blushed and looked at him. “Do…you want to date me, Kaito?”

“Yes,” he replied. “However, I don’t want us to rush.”

“But won’t you get mad? If I spend too much time with one guy over the others or something?”

“This is the first time we’ve done this,” he confessed. “I know the rumors and jokes say the Notorious Four have dated one girl, but we haven’t. We’re all learning, but we did have a talk and we decided to go at whatever pace you’re comfortable with. Finnick and I are a bit different compared to Jax and Connor. They act on impulse and it’s hard for them to not go all in when it comes to anything. Finnick and I are calculative by nature, and we don’t need much to know that you care about us. We have three and a half more years at Witchling, and we’ll have loads of time this summer to hang out and learn more about each other. It’s where we’ll be able to gain new experiences while our relationships grow. I’m in no rush.”

“You guys are all so mature,” I whispered. “I want to be like that.”

“You will, Bri. You’re seventeen and will have plenty of time to grow. I think because of our home situations, we had to grow fast. Jax with his parents. Connor and his childhood. Finnick’s dealt with some things too.”

“What about you?” I asked. “Are your parents strict?”

“Very. My mom isn’t as bad. As long as you get good grades — which is an A, not A-minus — she’s pretty relaxed. My dad is stricter. He owns a magic dojo and is one of the highest ranks when it comes to magic swordplay and defense.”

“Really? Is that why you always sleep with your katana?”

“Ah. No.” He let out a nervous laugh. “I sleep with it so I can defend myself if someone tries to kidnap me.”

“Why would someone try to kidnap you?” I asked in horror.

He grinned, but it didn’t reach his eyes.

“Bri?”

“Yes?”

“Can I lay my head on your lap?”

“Uh…sure?”

Random. Will it help him think about his explanation? Or maybe it’s a coping mechanism.

When he smiled in response, it did reach his eyes. He positioned himself so his head rested on my lap and he stared up at the ceiling.

“Much better.” He grinned. “It’s easier for me to talk about things when I’m in this position.”

“Why?” I pondered.

“It’s how I was able to talk about things to my therapist when I was younger.”

“Therapist?”

“Yeah. I had post-traumatic stress disorder, or whatever it’s called. Jax has it, too,” he admitted.

“Why?” I whispered. “Only if you feel comfortable with explaining.”

He smiled and closed his eyes, taking a deep inhale and letting it out slowly.

“The Notorious Four are all from prestigious families, but Jax’s and my families are very important. You already know what Jax’s gifts are, both of which are unique and are impossible to replicate. For me and my sister, our gift is just as special.”

“Can I ask what your gift is?”

He opened his purple eyes and met my curious gaze as I looked down at him.

“My sister and I can locate anything in the world. What makes it even more special, though, is that if we’re strong enough, we can summon the item and poof, it’s in our grasp. I’m not strong enough to summon actual people, but my sister can. It’s dangerous, though. It takes too much magic and is not recommended. For locating, it’s okay, but anything more than that is too much on the body,” he explained.

“Wait. That’s how Jax is able to find me when I randomly spell travel in my sleep.”

“Yup. I tell him your location and he’s able to narrow it down. It’s a little easier for Jax now because your relationship with him is stronger. Both his gifts react to his emotions. The closer he is with someone, the easier it is to teleport to them. Distances aren’t much of an obstacle when the relationship or bond is strong.”

“That’s amazing,” I whispered. “Both of your gifts are unique and complement one another when you think about it. Even if you can’t summon, Jax’s gift can assist.”

“Exactly,” Kaito agreed. “That’s why an organization of some sort tried to kidnap both of us.”

“What?” I gasped in shock. “How did they even know? This was before you attended Witchling. How were they able to obtain your gift info?”

“There was an information breach at our school when we were a little younger. I won’t get into the details in terms of our ages and stuff, but the breach revealed a bunch of student gifts, especially the rare, unique ones. The administration and investigators told our families there was nothing to worry about, but I don’t think they realized how fast the kidnappers would move. My sister and I were going home from school when we were taken. It was the same for Jax and his older sister.”

“His sister? Jax doesn’t have any siblings,” I voiced.

“Jax doesn’t have any siblings anymore,” Kaito corrected.

My heart dropped, and I looked back down to see his sad eyes. “She didn’t…”

“She survived the kidnapping like the rest of us. It’s just…” He paused to gather his thoughts. “Those things mess with your brain. Jax wasn’t hurt much, but they beat up his sister pretty bad. We don’t know the extent of it all because Jax has memory gaps. My sister and I didn’t reach that point because the investigators caught onto the leads fast. However, the bad guys perfected Jax and his sister’s kidnapping, and they were trapped for three days before they were rescued.”

“Is…that why Jax’s parents are really strict?”

“Yeah. Their home has one of the best security systems in the world when it’s activated. The cameras are all connected to their phones as well. They…don’t want to lose Jax, too. He had a hard time after the kidnapping, but when his sister died it left a big wound in his heart. He blamed himself for it and it took a lot of therapy to help him understand that it wasn’t his fault. We got closer because we went to the same therapist. We never told the others much about it, but they know about Jax’s sister.”

“The picture on the wall in Jax’s room. That’s him and his sister,” I confirmed.

“Yes. The kidnapping happened during Christmas time. It was smart because things are always jam-packed and it’s hard to monitor shady activity. Jax tries not to get emotional, but holiday gatherings really hit him. He fights to not be affected by it, but when you see your friends and families gather, you’re always going to be reminded of the missing link in yours. He and his sister were really close since their parents were always working. It’s why it hit him the way it did.”

“I’m sorry,” I whispered.

“It happens. I wish it didn’t, but that’s the world we live in. Having my katana with me helps remind me that I’m not a helpless kid anymore. I take the kendo lessons to make sure my stamina remains in check. My gift has its limits. If the item or person is blocked, I can’t do anything, and it’s not like I can teleport to the area. I have to learn to protect myself and fight. It helped a lot with the healing stage, but it sped up the pace of me growing up. My sister seems harsh and is a bigger perfectionist than me, but it’s because she doesn’t want to lose someone important to her again.”

“She was close to Jax’s sister…” I whispered.

“They were best friends. They trained together and I’m sure his sister would have ended up at the agency like Katsume and Starlight. She tried…she tried really hard to get through to Jax’s sister. To move the dark mist and be that helping hand, but…it just happened so fast. One minute she was there smiling, and the next…she was gone. I never want that to happen to Jax. It was why I hated Elisha being in his life.”

“Elisha was that bad?”

“Jax’s parents are protective, and I feel only encouraged their relationship because Elisha’s dad is chief of the police department.”

“It was like another barrier of protection because people would find out and know not to mess with him?” I tried to put the pieces together with the information given to me.

“Essentially. However, it kind of made him go backward. Jax wasn’t as angry as people make him seem. He was quiet, sure, but angry? Not always. He used to smile and laugh often. Even after the kidnapping scenario, he still didn’t act so closed off. She was like a daily dose of bad medicine that left an aftertaste in your mouth for hours afterward. I’m glad he’s not with her anymore. Dating you has kind of helped him begin to transition back to his old self.”

“You really think it’s because of me?”

Kaito smirked, lifting his left hand up to press it lightly on my right cheek. “I know it’s hard to see it, but you really are amazing to be around. You look past the fact we’re student council members or are from prestigious families. You treat us like real people, and it’s one of the many reasons why we’ve kind of all fallen hard for you.”

He sighed and closed his eyes. “When I first met you, I wasn’t sure if I’d like you because you were unexpectedly different. It’s not an everyday occurrence walking out from your washroom to see a girl with bright orange hair with hints of gold standing in your room unannounced,” he teased.

I pouted my lips and he laughed. “I personally thought you wouldn’t last long around us. Everyone is always intimidated by the four of us, especially when we’re together. They never want to learn about who we are, aside from the rumors and the information you read on the gossip blogs. You always worry about the rumors surrounding you, yet you ignored the multiple rumors about us and took it upon yourself to learn more about each of us.”

He lightly stroked my cheek.

“I never would have told anyone else that story. I kind of shouldn’t have told you about Jax’s, but our stories are a little intertwined. Jax struggles with talking about it, but with how close you’re getting with each of us and especially him, it was something I felt you needed to know. It’s my way of saying that he may be difficult or do things that make no sense to you, but there’s a reason behind his reactions, and I want you to not jump to conclusions.”

His hand lowered from my cheek.

“You’re far better for him than Elisha ever was, but he’s like a brother to me, and I just want to protect him. I never told Elisha about it, because she’d use it against him. That can give you an idea of how toxic their relationship was, but I trust you. I can tell that you genuinely care about each of us and want us to be happy. It’s nice to have someone like that in our lives.”

“Thank you for trusting me…and being okay with me liking you and your amazing friends.”

“I think we both benefited from this conversation. I feel really good. Thanks, Brianne.” He smiled widely. “We should try to-GAH!”

“Meow!” Luna literally hopped onto Kaito’s chest, cutting him off.

“Luna. I’m not your scratching post.”

I giggled and reached out to pet her pink fur as she sat right on Kaito’s chest. “Hello, Luna.”

“Meow.”

The door opened, and I looked to see Jax. His eyes were barely open, and he was rubbing his right eye.

“Hey, Jax.”

“Hmm,” he answered, closing the door and shuffling to the bed. Luna hopped off of Kaito, and he sat up to look at Jax. He stared at him for a few seconds.

“Nightmare?”

“Mhm.” Jax climbed into my bed like it was a natural thing and I moved my legs by crossing them to give him room on the bed as he slipped under the covers and placed his head on my pillow.

I stared at him for a full minute, only now realizing he was asleep. I looked back at Kaito, who had a sheepish grin on his face.

“When he has nightmares, he always comes to my room to sleep. He usually takes my bed though.”

“It’s all right.” I smiled. “As long as he’s okay.”

“Wanna study now?”

“Sure,” I replied. Kaito passed me one of my books, and I did have every intention of studying, but I could help but watch Jax’s sleeping figure, noticing how peaceful his expression was.

It amazed me that I was trusted enough to be told all of their backstories. It made me want to learn more, but I had to take Kaito’s advice and move slowly.

I eventually lay down to read, but my eyes were beginning to give up on me as I pondered about the Notorious Four.

They were what I needed to grow, and even if I was struggling, I knew they would stay by my side.

With them in my life and the support of my family, friends, and school administration, I’d be able to reach my full potential.

8

FOOTBALL AND ICE CREAM FOR TWO

~EIGHT WEEKS LATER~

“WE’LL SEE YOU TOMORROW, Bri! Make sure you study that book about platform creation! We need it for the exam,” Mia exclaimed.

“And the spell break book, too!” Miya called out.

“All right! I’ll text you guys later.” I waved at both of them. They waved dramatically back, not caring about the passing students who gave them weird looks.

My cheeks hurt from all the smiling I’d done today, having had an awesome school day. Exams were approaching fast, but instead of giving me the usual burst of anxiety, I was far more excited to get it over and done with.

Having our little study sessions three days a week had benefited all of us. It was usually me and Finnick, although Jax would sometimes participate when he didn’t have to help with student council duties or take a nap. Connor and Kaito would attend after their club practices, and we’d head back to the dorms together to eat dinner and relax before bed.

The rumors had definitely died down as of late, especially with everyone now realizing how close exams were. This semester’s exam wouldn’t be written like the first. We were told what spells to learn and practice and would have to demonstrate them in a simulated environment.

It may be a made-up space, but you could potentially get hurt, or even worse, die from your injuries.

I’d found out last week that Elijah was indeed dating Elisha now. They were essentially making it like it was Witchling Academy Celebrity News. I’d yet to see them together, but from what Mia and Miya said when they saw them, they were a cringe-worthy couple that made you wonder how they ended up together.

I’d barely had enough interactions with Elisha to know what she looked like, and with how often she apparently tweaked her look, I could have walked right by her and not noticed.

Regardless, the last eight weeks had graced me with a bit of that healing energy Kaito had talked about. I wasn’t completely over everything that had happened, but seeing Elijah didn’t sour my mood for the day anymore.

Whenever his friends laughed or pointed my way, it didn’t affect me. It always seemed to happen when I was with one of the guys, who always made sure to give me a bit of affection to shut everyone up.

With Jax, he’d immediately stop and give me that little grin of his before kissing me on the lips. Connor would smirk proudly and kiss me on the cheek or forehead. Finnick would laugh and point out every flaw the group had with their uniforms before bringing me closer to him and giving me a flood of compliments to boost me up.

As for Kaito, he’d merely put his hand on his katana and suddenly the group would disperse to whatever classes they were supposed to be attending.

Even the twins were protective of me. All they needed to do was glare in unison, and those guys and gals would hush up. Maybe it was their double-whammy effect that made others uncomfortable, but it worked.

I hadn’t received any more death threats, and Starlight still texted me once every three days to make sure I was okay and adapting well. This week was her off time, and she was relaxing at home.

Our parents were dealing with another intense case, but with summer approaching and school close to finishing, I couldn’t wait to go back home and spend some quality time with my family.

My phone began to buzz, and I slipped it out of my blazer pocket to see Connor’s text.

TEDDY BEAR CONNOR:

We just finished practice. I’ll wait for you near the bleachers.

With an excited smile, I made my way to the field, noticing a few groups in uniform heading my way.

“Hey, Brianne!” A player named Luke waved happily at me. “I think Connor’s still on the field.”

“Hey, Luke. Yes, I’m on my way there,” I answered.

“Cool! Make sure you and Connor head back together.”

“Why?” I asked, glancing at his friends, who had weary faces.

“There’s been sightings of these weird men on campus. They kidnapped a student this morning, but thankfully someone caught it on recording and they were able to track them down. They haven’t made an announcement yet, but our coach warned us to be careful.”

“Wow. Thanks for letting me know,” I voiced.

It’s probably those shadow people. I gotta be careful.

“No problem. We’ll wait here until you see Connor. Then wave at us and we’ll head to the lockers,” Luke encouraged.

“Are you sure? I don’t want to delay you guys,” I explained.

“We’re sure! Your safety is important. Connor would kill the entire team if we didn’t do our part in keeping you safe. Just wave when you see him.”

“All right. I’ll be quick! Thank you.” I looked at all of them with gratitude as they smiled in return and encouraged me to get going.

It didn’t take me long to see Connor sitting on the white bleachers, and I looked back to the group and waved with both my hands. They all waved and said bye as they made their way to the lockers.

The commotion caught Connor’s attention and I looked back to see him looking my way, a smile forming on his lips.

I returned his welcoming grin with my own, and my eyes lowered to see him holding two waffle cones with swirling ice cream. I squealed and raced up the stairs, excited for the cool dessert, especially considering how hot it was today.

“Hey!” I cheered.

“The joy in your eyes over ice cream.” He shook his head. “I feel rejected.”

“Why?” I whined, my eyes gravitating to the ice cream again.

He chuckled and offered me one of the vanilla cones. I squealed and accepted it.

“You’re more excited about ice cream than me,” he replied.

I gave him a sheepish grin, and took two steps forward, going on my tiptoes to press my lips to his. Lowering back down, I watched his face grow red and I giggled.

“I’m extra excited to see you, Connor. Thank you for the ice cream.”

It was the first time I’d actually initiated a kiss with him, especially on the lips. It felt pretty good, even though I was slightly embarrassed by it. This kissing thing was tricky, but I was starting to realize that I didn’t need to force it.

I could kiss the guys when I felt like it was right, and they could kiss me as well.

It was progress.

“Y-you’re welcome.” He actually stuttered, his cheeks still red as ever. “Let’s sit?”

“Yes,” I agreed, the two of us moving to sit down on the bleachers.

We began to work on eating our ice creams, looking out on the empty field and the buildings in the distance.

“How was practice?” I asked.

“It was good. We don’t start competitive games until next semester, but we have a solid foundation. Everyone really balances each other out, and we all know we have to work together to make it to the league games,” Connor replied.

“They said hi to me on their way to the change rooms and wouldn’t leave until I saw you.”

Connor chuckled. “Yeah. They’re really protective, it seems. We’ve talked about who we’re dating and I told them about you. They said you’re cool and down to earth. They also like that you come after your classes to meet me, whether it’s with the others or by yourself. It’s really supportive.”

“Does it make you happy when we come by?”

“Very happy.” His sweet grin made my heart swell. “Football is something I’ve been interested in for a while, but I’ve been afraid of doing it. Not because of the brute strength you need or having to work as a team, but because there are a lot of games and family and friends are invited to come and watch. I’ve always worried about those fine details.”

“But…you have the guys and your foster parents. They would all support you,” I pointed out.

“They would,” he agreed, finishing his ice cream cone. I ended up doing the same, realizing it was going to melt if I didn’t.

Once we were both done, he continued to speak while he leaned back to look at the sky.

“To be honest, I was scared to ask.” He shrugged. “I didn’t want to be a burden to anyone. That time was kind of rough. I’d just started to adapt to my parents, but they also had to increase their work hours to support the three of us. Jax and Kaito were going through some serious things and Finnick was doing his best to support all of us, but it was difficult to balance it all. I took the backseat to help balance our friendship.”

I knew what he was talking about, but I didn’t mention that I knew about it.

“It doesn’t appear this way at first glance, but Kaito and Jax are really close. They’ve known each other the longest and even their gifts complement one another. Kaito’s the quiet one, but he’s a great listener, which helps Jax because he keeps a lot of things in, which is destructive. It’s especially effective because of how Jax’s fire element reacts to his emotions. With what happened to Kaito and Jax, it made it difficult for them to support one another. They were drowning in their own worlds, and it was easier for me to get a feel of what Jax was feeling thanks to my gift.”

“Was he mad that you were using your gift to help him?”

“At first, yeah. He didn’t want anyone in his head,” Connor admitted. “When bad things happen to you, it leaves the mind in a weird web of destructive thoughts. Self-doubt and negativity flood the space, and that triggers emotions like fear, sadness, and anger. The event continues to play in your mind, even though on the surface, you’re happy and healthy. You can be living your best life, yet your mind will still look like an utter train wreck. I never want to be intrusive if I can help it, but…after…something happened to someone who was close to Jax, it was mandatory. He was going down the same exact path, and if I hadn’t interfered…well.”

He lowered his head to look at me, his black eyes locking with mine. “He wouldn’t be with us if I hadn’t.”

We sat there in silence, and I didn’t need any clues to know what he was referring to. I wasn’t going to give myself away by thinking about it, but it made me wonder if that was what had happened to Jax’s sister.

“We’re all together because of Jax. People see him as the president or a leader among us, and it’s true. He’s the one who brought us together, and when things get rough between us, he’s the one who cools down and helps us figure things out. He doesn’t have to, but he takes it upon himself to be that fixer in our group dynamic, and it’s the reason we’re still going strong. Sure, we’re older and now know our common likes and dislikes, but it’s far easier for us to communicate and get along. I think it’s why we’ve stayed together for this long.”

“That’s why when you wanted to date me, you wanted his permission first.”

“Yup. Obviously, I’d still ask because you were dating him first, but it felt like a natural thing to do,” he admitted.

“I like how close you guys are. I want it to always stay that way.”

“Me too. I think we will. We are the Notorious Four after all.” He winked, making me giggle in response.

His eyes drifted past me, and I followed his gaze to see Jax walking towards us with two ice cream cones in his hand.

More ice cream treats!

We both rose as Jax walked up the steps.

“Hey, Jax,” Connor greeted.

“Ice cream!” I cheered.

Jax rolled his eyes with a tiny smirk. “She’s more excited about ice cream than my arrival.”

“I know the feeling. She did the same to me,” Connor revealed.

I blushed and bit my lip. “No! Hi, Jax,” I sweetly greeted before looking at the ice cream in his hand. He offered it to me and I squealed in excitement, immediately beginning to eat it.

“You already got ice cream?” Jax asked, offering the second cone to Connor, who accepted it.

“Yup, but wouldn’t mind another. I’m hungry.”

“Ice cream doesn’t fill you up.”

“True, but it’ll keep me satisfied long enough for us to get back to the dorms and have an awesome dinner,” Connor reasoned.

“Hmm.” Jax nodded. “I gotta go to the student council room real quick. I finished the reports, but forgot to submit them.”

“I can do it?”

“Nah. It won’t take long. After that, I’m going to take a nap. I’m beat.”

“You look tired,” Connor admitted.

I glanced at Jax, realizing he did look pretty exhausted. “Did I teleport randomly last night?” I asked. He smirked but shook his head.

“No. It’s just been a long day,” he admitted.

I finished my ice cream and moved to hug him. “You’re extra toasty today,” I pointed out. “Wait. Are you able to get fevers?”

I could have sworn he’d mentioned that he rarely got sick, but I wasn’t too sure.

“Yes, I am, and no, I don’t have one. I’m just tired.”

I wanted to check myself, but he hugged me tightly and rested his head on my shoulder. “I missed you.”

“Missed you too. Thanks for the ice cream,” I whispered. Leaning back, I kissed him on the lips. “Now go sleep!”

“After passing by the council office,” he reminded.

“Fine.” I smirked and looked back at Connor, who had just finished his ice cream. I left Jax’s hold to give Connor a tight hug. “Thank you for the ice cream as well, Connor.”

“No problem,” he replied, rubbing my back soothingly.

“How did both of you get ice cream and why didn’t it melt from the heat?” I inquired, pulling from my hug with Connor to look at both of them.

“There’s an ice cream truck close to the entrance of the school. It always comes around this time of year. The ice cream has a bit of magic to ensure it doesn’t start melting until the first lick. It can stay hours in the sun and not melt until you start eating it,” Connor explained.

“We like eating after school. I assumed you two would be here and figured I’d bring some,” Jax stated.

“You didn’t have any?”

“Not hungry,” he confessed.

I caught Connor’s frown, and he took two steps toward Jax before outstretching his hand and placing it right on Jax’s forehead.

“Jax.” Connor’s voice was firm. “You’re burning up. Seriously. You’re getting sick.”

“It’s not a big deal. I’ll sleep it off when we get back to the dorms.”

“Maybe it would be better to take you back home?” I suggested. “It’s Friday. We can just head to your place and stay the weekend.”

“Nah. I don’t want to worry my parents. My mom will freak out if she notices I’m sick. She always does. Don’t want to be fed nasty medicine every other hour,” he groaned, shivering slightly at the idea. “Never.”

I looked at Connor, who rolled his eyes. “You’re the worst patient ever.”

“No, I’m not,” he muttered. “Anyway, go get changed. I’ll go submit those files,” Jax encouraged.

“Want me to come?” I asked.

“Nah. It’ll be quick. The office isn’t far from the student council room. It’s fine.”

“Okay.” I nodded in agreement. “See you in a bit.”

“See you.” He gave us a wave and turned around. We watched him make his way down the steps and I looked to Connor, who still had a scowl on his face.

“What’s wrong?”

“Jax doesn’t do well when he’s sick. His thoughts get all fogged up,” he admitted. “C’mon. It shouldn’t take me long to change. Then we’ll go with him to the office.”

“Okay.” I nodded in agreement, and he offered his hand.

With a smile, I placed my hand in his and we made our way down the stairs.

Don’t worry, Jax. We’ll nurse you back to health.

9

YOU’RE FAR TOO PRECIOUS TO ME

“Let’s go.” Connor tugged lightly on my hand, the two of us heading to the main school entrance.

“We should force Jax to sleep today. I can make him soup to cheer him up,” I suggested as we walked.

“You could. When he gets sick, it’s pretty much like the man flu,” Connor explained.

“Ugh. My dad becomes a child when he gets the flu,” I whined.

“Jax is more tolerable. He’s super quiet when he’s sick. His glares just intensify in strength and make him look like he’s super angry at the world. It causes his vision to get all weird and he has to narrow his eyes to even see. Something to do with his body emitting too much heat. His mom used to say steam would come from his nostrils and ears.”

“Oh, no. That’s horrible.” Now I felt bad that we’d let him go on his own.

“He’ll be fine. It’s only the beginning stages. I’ll go over to his house and get his medicine and special puffers. It should barely graze him if we tackle it early,” he explained.

“All right.” That helped me feel more relieved. “Let’s—”

“STOP RIGHT THERE!”

We both froze at the familiar voice, turning our attention to see Finnick skidding to a stop while a guy in black darted toward us.

Finnick noticed us immediately. “CONNOR! He has the keys!”

I had no clue which keys he was referring to, but Connor sprang into action, his hand slipping out of mine as he dashed forward, ready to tackle the guy who was heading straight for us.

The man cursed, realizing he wouldn’t be able to avoid the collision.

“NUKELA NIRE!” The spell he cast allowed him to suddenly triple his speed, and he not only avoided Connor’s tackle, but countered the attack, which sent Connor flying through the air.

“SHIT!” Finnick actually cursed, his green hair suddenly flowing a vibrant teal as his blue eyes went golden.

“Winda No Revere!”

His spell was strong and fast; a whirlwind of energy burst out of nowhere, just in time to catch Connor before he slammed into the ground.

I bit my lip hard as the guy raced past me, but his speed didn’t stop me from noticing a familiar phone in his hand.

Wait. That’s Jax’s phone…

I took a single step forward, my magic rushing through my entire body at such an intense pace that I felt like I’d become the Energizer Bunny. Pushing off that step, I was in the man’s path in a second, causing his eyes to widen as he tried to stop.

I had no wand with me, and I knew time was of the essence.

This is going to get me in trouble.

My orange hair began to float, its usual vibrant orange shifting to a bright teal while being flooded with multiple golden strands. I was sure my eyes were gold, and I stretched my arms outward as I spread my fingers.

The magic circle that formed beneath me began to spin, as the power I was channeling inside me pushed itself into the spell I was about to cast.

“Dammit!” The man skidded to a stop, trying to turn back, but it was too late.

“Winda No Revere!”

The spell boomed through the open space, a whirlwind forming beneath the man’s feet and sending him into the air. He screamed, dropping the keys and the phone as he hovered over the mini tornado I created.

I lifted my hand up, summoning the cell phone and keys.

I outstretched my other hand in a ‘stop’ sign and cast a second spell.

“Iceana Lo Ruk!”

The tornado suddenly crystallized, large shards of ice shooting out from the ground and freezing the wind in place, as well as the thief, who was now trapped in a block of ice.

Someone will get him out…eventually.

I took a deep breath, my floating hair slowly returning to its original orange. But the golden strands had doubled, and I was certain my eyes would remain gold for the rest of the day.

Not important now. I need to find Jax.

Students were beginning to gather after the huge commotion I made, but I couldn’t care less as I began to run toward the entrance, noticing my three stunned boyfriends to my left.

I hadn’t even noticed Kaito was with Finnick now, but the three of them looked completely shocked by my display of power. Without realizing it, their thoughts reached out to me.

How? She just used my spell. That’s gift-based.

She’s never seen me use my gift. How was she able to summon the keys and phone to her hand?

I came to a pause, a bit of fear trickling through me as I wondered if they would hate me now. Their thoughts were understandable, but it left me worried because I didn’t know how to explain myself right now.

Connor took a step forward, pulling my gaze to him.

Your second gift?

I slowly nodded. I expected him to start asking questions or voice his confusion, but he smirked.

This is totally interesting, but let’s focus on what matters. Go make sure Jax is all right. Also, make sure you keep those keys. They can open the vault with the files that list the junior and senior students with rare gifts.

“Okay,” I mentally answered.

Be careful, Brianne.

I gave him a nod and looked at the other two. They still looked confused, but their eyes projected their support as they gave me encouraging nods.

“We’ll clean up here,” Kaito announced.

“Make sure Jax is okay!” Finnick emphasized.

With a small smile, I mentally whispered to the three of them.

“Thank you for not hating me.”

With that final thought, I rushed to the entrance, running past the herd of students making their way through the halls while the emergency alarm continued to ring.

Please, Jax. Be okay!

I’D NEVER RUN SO FAST in my life, my feet pounding against the floor. I skidded into a turn and ran down the empty left hall, knowing I would reach the student council room in less than a minute.

The thought of Jax being hurt made my eyes pool with tears, and after knowing what he’d gone through, it only pushed me even harder to get to him.

I couldn’t lose him.

I hadn’t put one and two together when Jax said he was going to the student council office by himself. If I’d picked up his words properly, I would have recalled the warning Luke had given me about moving around the campus in groups.

When I thought about Jax, I knew he could handle himself, especially with him being the Junior Council President, but this was different. He was sick and not at his full strength. If he tried to cast a spell it would be delayed, and him using his fire would only heighten his fever.

I had to get to him!

My eyes caught onto the sign that read STUDENT COUNCIL OFFICE, but my heart dropped when I noticed the lockers opposite it were dented in. Like someone had crashed right into them.

I skidded to a stop and raced into the room, only to find a complete disaster of broken desks, chairs, dented lockers, and burned papers. Glancing at the floor, I noticed the pools of a dark red liquid, including one that was thick in appearance.

Blood.

I had to fight not to vomit; the recognition of it made me queasy as the metallic scent hit my nostrils. Redirecting my focus, I realized that Jax was nowhere to be found.

No. Don’t tell me they took him.

My hands clenched around his phone, and I lifted it up to see the screen brighten at my eye recognition. The tears that lingered in my eyes finally fell, a few droplets landing on the screen that showed a picture of me and Jax.

It was a selfie we took during the festival at the beginning of this semester, one of the few pictures that had him fully smiling. Those gorgeous golden eyes twinkled with happiness.

“I can’t lose you.” I spoke to his smiling image as if he were the real Jax. “We just started dating. There’s so much I don’t know about you. So much I want to know. You’re the leader of the Notorious Four. The others need you. I…need you.”

My lip trembled and I closed my eyes, clenching the phone with all my might and wishing with every bit of magic to be exactly where Jax was.

To feel his warmth and smell his cinder scent that always wrapped around me in his presence. I want my Jax Morgan. He’s mine and no one else can have him!

The swirling sensation hit me like a crashing wave, and when I opened my eyes, I wasn’t in the destroyed council room anymore, but a dimly lit classroom.

It didn’t look like the ones at Witchling, and the atmosphere had a rather dark aura lingering in the air. It reminded me of the feeling of tiny spider legs crawling along your arms, leaving goosebumps behind in their wake.

“MMMM!”

I flinched at the sudden noise and turned to see Jax tied to a chair right behind me. His hair was glowing like he was trying to cast a spell, but something immediately felt off about the ropes wrapped around his ankles and wrists, which were tied behind the chair.

“Jax!” I whispered, racing to him, but he glared so intently, it made me freeze. “Why are you mad?”

He shook his head and used his head to draw my attention to his tied ankles.

“Do you want me to untie you?”

“Mmmm!” He shook his head furiously from side to side.

I tried to use one of the others’ gifts to try and listen to what he was trying to tell me, but nothing was working.

“Is the rope magic resistant? Like if it touches you it deactivates your magic?” I asked.

He nodded quickly. “Mhm!”

“Understood. Okay…I have to figure out how to get you out,” I muttered as I scanned the ropes and the rest of his body.

He had a black eye that was beginning to swell, and a few scratches on his arms that ran upward. His cuts weren’t life-threatening, but they made me beyond worried for him. Whoever had ambushed him must have caught him off guard. It would require at least two or three people to take Jax down and hurt him like this.

I reached out with trembling hands, pressing them to his cheeks. His body was burning hot and he was sweating up a storm, but I noticed the slight tremble in his body and the tears that filled his gold eyes.

I leaned down and pressed my forehead against his, before pressing my lips onto the tape that covered his lips. It may not have been a direct kiss, but I did notice his tense shoulders loosen up a little.

“I’m going to get you out, all right. I just need a distraction,” I whispered, my brain trying to work quickly. I pulled back to look into his eyes before placing a kiss to his forehead. My magic tingled, telling me someone was coming.

Damn. I need to hide.

I quickly looked around, noticing the two lockers standing in the right corner of the classroom. Taking one last look at Jax, I quickly kissed his forehead again before I rushed to the two lockers. The first one was locked, but the second was open and big enough to fit me.

Slipping into the safe space, I closed the door, seconds before the main classroom door opened up to reveal a man in all black like the one I’d frozen in the block of ice.

I had to squint through the small vents of the locker to try and get a good visual, but it didn’t take me long to see the man as he walked up to Jax, inspecting him slowly before he reached for the end of the tape and ripped it off his mouth.

Jax hissed in pain, but his eyes glared daggers at the man as they began to glow a bright molten amber.

“I’ll kill you!” Jax snarled.

The man laughed. “You can try, Junior President, but your wrists are pretty tied up back there. Need some help? Probably take two to three days to get here, but it’s worth the wait. If you cooperate, you’ll get out of here, but you’ve got to answer my questions.”

Jax fought to move, but it was like he was glued to the chair, causing him to groan in pain.

“There, there. You’ll be out before you know it. Now, who is the orange-haired girl your group has been hanging out with?”

What? They’re after me.

When he didn’t answer, the man sighed. “Why do you guys always want to do things the hard way?”

He lifted his arm and punched Jax nice and hard. I had to clamp my hand over my mouth to not shriek in horror, my magic beginning to build inside me for an attack.

Jax began to cough, blood trickling down the side of his lip.

“You’re not doing anyone any favors by staying silent. We at least know she’s connected to that cop chick.”

“If you know that, then go figure it out instead of being a lazy butt,” Jax snarled.

The man frowned, and my eyes widened when he pulled out a knife and put it right at Jax’s throat.

“I could easily kill you. Wouldn’t that be nice? You’d get to see your dead sister up there. Oh, right. People who kill themselves apparently go to hell.”

Jax’s eyes narrowed, their entire appearance a glowing projection of golden energy.

“Aww. Did I upset you? See, if you had actually answered my question, I wouldn’t have had to reveal what I wasted my time researching on. Too bad. Her gift was just as worthy as yours. Now, let’s try that again. Who is the girl you and your boys are trying your hardest to protect?”

Jax held his tongue and the man shook his head in impatience.

“Do you really think you’re protecting her? Only a matter of time until we get our hands on her and those two gifts. Her sister may be protected by the law, but she certainly isn’t. Not yet.”

The man dug into Jax’s skin just lightly, enough to make him flinch as blood began to drip from the tiny cut on his neck.

“I’m an inch away from your jugular vein, Jax Morgan. One wrong move and you’ll bleed to death. Let me ask you one more time. Who is the girl?”

“Go to hell,” Jax snarled. “If you want to kill me, do it. I’m used to all your silly tactics.”

The man frowned, and I knew this was the only chance I was going to have to get help.

Thankfully remembering Jax’s passcode, I immediately texted to Starlight’s emergency line, knowing I wouldn’t be able to speak if I called her.

ME:

“STARLIGHT! EMERGENCY! Please answer!”

I looked back to see the man move back from Jax, a low chuckle escaping him.

“You’re trying to protect her, but you are far too weak to do so. You couldn’t protect your sister. What makes you think you can protect this girl who isn’t even your lover? Sounds totally stupid to me.”

Jax gritted his teeth as the phone began to vibrate in my hand. I glanced down to the phone.

BRIANNE’S SISTER:

“Jax? What emergency? Is something wrong with Brianne?”

ME:

“Starlight! It’s me, Brianne! Jax is in danger. I’m hiding in a locker in some dimly lit classroom. I don’t know where we are. There’s a man in black! He has a knife to Jax’s throat! I can’t do anything without giving myself away. Help!!!”

I typed as quickly as I could and sent it, making sure the phone wouldn’t ring if she ended up calling me.

Returning my attention to the man in black, I watched as he sighed and shook his head.

“What a fool you are. You don’t want to talk, fine. We’re locating the girl as we speak, and when we get her, we’ll do exactly what our comrades did to your sister all those years ago.”

Jax’s eyes filled with rage and turned burning red like he was possessed by the devil himself. His hair burned a bright red with hints of gold and orange, and he gritted his teeth in pure anger as he fought to escape the ropes. The heat wave that rushed through the room made it go from average to desert hot, and the man began to fan himself.

“Damn, kid. Do you want to kill yourself by overheating? Having a tantrum isn’t going to solve anything. Just tell me where the girl is and—”

A loud crash boomed from down the hall. It made me shriek into my hand, but thankfully, the explosion, or whatever it was, muted the sound I made.

The building shook, and the sound of rushing footsteps followed.

“INTRUDER! INTRUDER!”

The man cursed and looked at Jax. “Stay here, little one. I’ll go deal with adult business. Then we’ll continue this conversation,” he snarled.

Looking around the room as if to make sure it was empty, he raced to the door, then stopped and stared at the two lockers.

Whether he knew I was in here or not, I couldn’t tell, but more shouts came from the hallway. He cursed and rushed out, closing the doors behind him.

I waited until I couldn’t hear a sound in the hallway before I crept out of the locker. Rushing to the door, I used a spell to lock it.

Rushing back to Jax, I noticed his face was already beginning to swell.

“Jax. I’m so sorry,” I immediately apologized. He smirked and shook his head.

“Stop acting like this is your fault. It’s not.” He was breathing hard.

“Jax. Cool down the heat,” I coached and took a step back to stare at the ropes.

“Uh huh,” he panted, closing his eyes and focusing on his inhales and exhales.

Think, Brianne. What can I do? I have to cut the rope, but it can’t touch my hands. A sword? Sharp…longsword. That would be able to cut it. Then I can use a short blade for his wrists and use wind magic to make sure it doesn’t fall to my feet. Let’s try it!

“Sword Inata Ice Kandendo!”

The spell immediately made the two weapons I needed, the ice solidifying and the blades sharp enough to cut through anything, thick or thin.

“I’m gonna get you out, Jax,” I panted, realizing the constant use of magic in this short period of time was taking a toll on me already.

Kneeling down, I worked on the ropes around his ankles, noticing how red they were. The discoloration made me cringe.

I began to work, keeping my distance as I used the long sword to cut the super thick rope. It took a full minute, but I finally was able to get through it.

Without missing a beat, I moved behind him, working on cutting the rope around his wrists. When it snapped apart, I used the wind to stop its descent to the floor and used a flicking gesture to send both the rope on the floor and the one hovering above my feet across the room.

I didn’t care where they landed, as long as it was as far away from me as it could be.

“Jax! You’re free!” I moved back to his front, helping him stand. He immediately hugged me; his body was so hot, it almost burned me, but I couldn’t push him away.

“Are you crazy?!” he snapped, his voice choked with emotion, but he hugged me tightly as his voice trembled. “You…could have gotten hurt, Bri! Why would…you…come for me? It’s not safe.” He was on the verge of tears while he tried to catch his breath.

“You think I care about my safety?!” I leaned back to look into his eyes. “You are my boyfriend, Jax Morgan. My boyfriend, and the leader of Notorious Four. The world would end before anyone thinks they can take what’s mine and get away with it!” I declared.

He blinked in shock, but a small smile formed on his slightly swollen lips.

“You have to be in your ‘I’m going to kill the universe’ mode more often. So…hot,” he whispered, his eyes growing heavy as he swayed on his feet.

“Jax?!” I fought to hold his weight, but I couldn’t; the two of us fell to our knees, and I immediately rested Jax’s head onto my shoulder.

“Jax? Jax, can you hear me?”

He was struggling to breathe; his inhales and exhales were super short and his body was trembling involuntarily.

The door rattled, and then there was banging. “BRIANNE! It’s me!”

Starlight!

I looked at the door.

“UNLORASHNO!”

The door unlocked, and Starlight burst in, her wide eyes lowering to me and Jax.

“Oh, no.” She rushed to our side, taking a quick glance at me before concentrating fully on Jax.

She immediately pulled out her phone, hitting speed dial as she pressed her hand onto Jax’s forehead.

“Alexa! Mark! Second floor. Hurry. Jax can barely breathe and he’s way over his temperature limit. He’ll seize if we don’t get him to the hospital now!” Starlight yelled into the phone before she hung up and dropped it to the ground. “Bri! Help me lay him on his back.”

“O-okay.” My voice shook as tears rolled down my cheeks, but I helped Starlight lower him. Seconds later, Jax’s parents rushed in.

His dad dropped to the floor next to us.

“Jax? Jax?” He gently shook Jax, who was suddenly so pale, it was freaking me out. He was barely breathing now, and even the dim glow in his hair was gone.

“We need to go now,” Starlight stressed.

Max nodded, looking at me. “He’ll be okay. Alexa will take you to our house, understood?”

I nodded once, and just like that, the three of them were gone.

Jax’s mother stood there for five seconds before she made her way to me.

“I’m sorry.” I looked up to her, my body shaking in fear. “I’m sorry. I’m sorry.” I began to sob, and Alexa blinked back her own tears as she knelt down.

She wrapped me up and hugged me tightly.

“It’s going to be okay, Brianne. It’s not your fault. We just have to pray he’ll be okay. All right?”

All I could do was cry harder, and in my mind, I had to pray with all my might that I wouldn’t lose Jax for all eternity.

“TRUST ME, Brianne. He’ll be okay. He had a seizure when we tried to cool him down, but it didn’t do any damage to his brain and he’s on oxygen now to assist his breathing. His parents will stay the night and will keep me posted. I need to make a report to the dean. School has been canceled until exams. If Jax isn’t healthy enough to take it, you’ll be given an extension. What I want you to do is sit down and rest until I can check on you myself, understood?”

“Yes, Starlight.” My voice was audible as I stared at the phone that was on speaker for Finnick, Connor, and Kaito to hear.

“Don’t sound so depressed, Brianne. It’s thanks to you that Jax didn’t end up in worse condition. He’s going to be okay. Just rest for me, ‘kay, baby sis? We’ll get through this.”

“Yes, Starlight. Thank you for coming.”

“I’ll always come to you when you need me the most. Doesn’t matter where in the world. You can always rely on me. You know that, right?”

“Yes,” I whispered.

“Good. Get some rest. Tell the others to do the same. Katsume is coming here to help me track down who did this. We’ll find the people responsible,” she assured us.

“Thank you, Starlight,” I whispered. “You should go.”

“Alright. I’ll come to check on you before I head to the office.”

“Okay. Bye.” I held my head low as the image of Jax lying on the floor appeared in my mind, unbidden. His pale complexion and barely moving chest made tears begin to pool in my eyes.

This is all my fault.

“Brianne.” Connor slipped the phone from my grasp and knelt down in front of me. “It’s not your fault.”

“I should have—”

“Red.” Finnick moved to sit next to me, putting his arm over my shoulder and giving me a side hug. “You’re not like your sister. You’re not supposed to analyze every single situation and prepare for it to be a disaster. No one saw today coming, with not one but two planned attacks. It’s thanks to your quick-wittedness that we caught the guy at the school, and it’s thanks to your spell traveler gift that you were able to find Jax and alert your sister. No one else would have been able to do that.”

Kaito moved to sit on my other side, placing his hand on my thigh. “Brianne. It may not feel like it, but it’s thanks to you that Jax is still alive. He gets seizures when his fever spikes too high, and that’s what triggered it. His trouble breathing is due to his asthma. Both are treatable, and he’ll be fine before you know it. Jax is a fighter. He’ll be okay. He definitely will beat us up if we don’t make sure you know that.”

I lifted my heavy head, glancing around at the three of them.

“You guys are still comforting me? Even after I didn’t tell you about my other gift?” I whispered.

“It’s not a requirement for you to tell us, Red.” Finnick began to rub my back. “With how special it is, I can see why you didn’t.”

“Your gift mimics other gifts,” Kaito said.

I slowly nodded. “There’s a special term for it…I just can’t think straight right now,” I admitted. My body ached all over, and my head was pounding like a drum was playing in the inner walls.

“That’s your born gift, and your family gift is spell traveling,” Connor concluded.

“Yes,” I replied weakly. “The mimic gift is powerful but is another one of those risky spells. It’s magic-draining, and any gift I mimic takes a toll on me, as well.”

I paused to take a few breaths. “I’m not supposed to tell anyone. Even Elijah doesn’t know. Only my family and the Witchling administration know about it. I didn’t…want to keep it a secret, but…I felt like I had to. I’m sorry.”

Kaito sighed, and I wondered if he was disappointed in me.

“Stop apologizing, Brianne. Keeping the secret ensured your safety. As long as you’re safe and healthy, that’s all that matters. You wouldn’t have kept it from us otherwise.” He lifted my hand and pressed his lips to the back of it. “You need to rest. Let’s get you to bed.”

“I can go on my own,” I whispered, rising. “You guys have to wake me up if there’s an update on Jax.”

Finnick and Kaito rose from their spots.

“We will, Red,” Finnick assured me.

“Just rest. We’ll keep you informed if it’s urgent,” Kaito emphasized.

I couldn’t even nod my head, but I hoped they knew I appreciated their kindness.

Connor’s silence bothered me as I took a step, and I knew rather immediately that I wouldn’t be able to take another. Arms caught me, and as hard as I tried, I couldn’t open my eyes.

Connor’s low sigh reached my ears, seconds before I was lifted off my feet.

“I…don’t…need…“I trailed off, my head resting on a firm chest that I assumed was Connor’s.

“She used both her gifts and that mimic one more than once. I’m surprised she stayed up this long.” Connor sighed. I felt something press against my forehead. “You worry too much, Bri.”

“Thank goodness she and Jax are okay, but damn. It shouldn’t have escalated as quickly as it did. How did those guys get through security?” Finnick questioned.

“Someone had to have helped them. Some sort of influencing or manipulating gift, maybe? Regardless, we now know that we’re the targets,” Kaito declared.

“Means we have to step up our game,” Connor said. “We should be good for the remainder of the semester since school is canceled until exams, but we have to be careful and stay aware of our surroundings.”

“Yeah,” Kaito stated.

“Mhm,” Finnick agreed. “Let’s put Red into bed. Her sister will be here soon to check on her. She’s a little warm. I’ll get a cold cloth.”

“I can sit with her,” Kaito offered.

“All right. You guys remain here, and I’ll talk with security downstairs and update them on the situation. Jax’s parents want us to stay at their home until further notice. Once Starlight arrives, she’ll take us over there.”

“Okay,” Finnick and Kaito said together.

My body began to swing slightly from side to side, the motion making me sleepier by the second. I wanted to sleep, but I was afraid.

Scared and worried.

A soft pressing sensation sealed my lips, and the brief action took all my worries and fear away. I caught Connor’s words drifting into my fading mind.

“Don’t worry, Brianne. We’ll protect you while you sleep. Rest.”

10

FINAL EXAM OF TRUST OR DECEIT

“Are you sure this is a solid plan, Finnick? It doesn’t sound like a solid plan,” Kaito voiced as he tried to catch his breath.

“That’s the only way we’re going to get to the other side. We have to do it one at a time. Red and I have enough stamina to carry each of you and ourselves, but in bulk, we’re sure to fail.” He pointed to the icy cliffs on the other side. “Those cliffs can’t support weight well. We have to land and quickly make our way to the sturdy patch of ice that you see right there. It’s that super snowy white patch.”

“Finnick is right,” I said, my hand in Jax’s. “And I think we’re getting short on time. My watch says we have ten minutes to reach there, and the distance will take us at least a minute and a half each. We have to go now.”

“Red believes in me. Who wants to die first?”

The others glared at him before Kaito sighed. “I’ll go first. If I die, I’ll haunt you for the rest of your existence.”

“I’ll never drop you.” Finnick winked at Kaito, who merely huffed.

“Sure,” he drawled, but moved to the edge.

Finnick concentrated, his expression going serious as his eyes shifted to gold and his green hair went into that vibrant teal mode.

“Winda No Revere!”

Finnick lifted Kaito up slowly and began the process of carrying him across the large gap between the two ice mountains.

Today was exam day, and we were in the final stage of it. We’d decided to get it over with, even though Jax wasn’t at his best. He was still recovering from his abduction and seizure, but he didn’t want us to skip it.

He had a big hunch that if we did, the exam would be harder.

For exams, Witchling got extra assistance due to the multitude of students and the length of the tests. Each exam was set with two teams and every team had five people. The exam could be up to an hour long depending on the challenge, which made it a time suck.

“Connor? You’re next,” Finnick called to him.

Connor nodded, heading to the edge. “Ready.”

Finnick lifted him up with ease, his magic still thrumming with power as he began to carry Connor along. Kaito had made his way to the white patch on the other side, patiently waiting for the rest of us to arrive.

I looked to Jax and immediately lifted my hand to his forehead.

“You’re warm.”

“You worry too much,” he replied with a smirk. His eyes displayed his exhaustion, but he looked a lot better than before.

He wrapped his arms around me, giving me a little squeeze. “Stop worrying, Bri. You can’t concentrate if you’re worrying.”

“What if your fever spik—”

He kissed me to shut me up, and kept his lips there until Finnick chuckled. “That’s cruel. Jax. You’re up.”

Jax finally released my lips and gave me a wink. “See you on the other side, babe.”

Did he just call me babe?

He walked to the edge, and with ease Finnick began to carry him to the other side, leaving me dumbfounded.

That…that…that…buttcrack! Wait, is it buttcrack? Ugh!

With a frustrated huff, I fanned my face to calm down and watched as Finnick lowered Jax on the other side with ease. We began to worry when he looked like he was wavering on his feet, but Connor headed over to help Jax out.

“Ah, man. The altitude change must have made him super dizzy. That’s not good with him being prone to seizures. Let me head there quickly. I can get him to the safe side faster and have him lie down,” Finnick reasoned.

“All right. Please hurry,” I encouraged.

“Got it, Red. The moment I land, make your way over so we can finish this and go home,” Finnick emphasized.

With a nod, he ran to the edge and pushed off the ground. “I’m Superman, wheee!”

“Always having fun in serious situations.” I shook my head but kept the grin on my face.

Finnick made it to the other side the quickest, and Connor was already helping Jax. I bit my lip nervously, noticing them pause as Jax seemed unable to walk. Finnick ended up lifting Jax’s other arm, and with extra magic, he hovered them an inch from the ground, quickening the pace.

When I knew they were on the safe patch of ice, I readied my magic. I could use my mimic gift to copy Finnick’s skill again, but I was worried that the other team would reach here and see. Wind magic wasn’t difficult to use, and I would be able to get there super quick with an added push.

Let’s end this exam!

“Brianne?!”

I couldn’t even take a step without flinching at my name, turning to see an out-of-breath Elijah.

“Oh, no. You have got to be kidding me. Elijah?! Why are you interrupting me?!” I snapped. “No, don’t even answer. You’re wasting my time.” I turned back, readying myself to push off the ground, but Elijah spoke.

“Stay still, Brianne Harlow!”

My body froze, mid-movement, and I began to mentally curse.

FUDGE! He did not just use his gift on me!

“Elijah Hamilton! If you do not unfreeze me this instant, I’ll murder you in your damn sleep!”

“Sorry, Bri. I can’t.”

“Don’t call me, Bri!” I snapped back. “Let me go!”

“Brianne?! What’s wrong?” Connor’s voice flowed into my mind. It sounded strained, like he was struggling to reach me.

Elijah! He’s here. He froze me with his word gift voodoo!

“Voodoo?”

I rolled my eyes and tried to fight through Elijah’s spell with my magic.

Don’t worry about that! I can’t move!

“Let me come back.”

No! He can use his words to hurt you. He can literally freeze you in the air. Don’t come here!

“What do we do? Oh, no…”

What?

“The other team is making their way to the other side.”

One by one?

“No. All at once! Bri. You’ve got to figure out how to get out of that.”

Uh. I’m trying!

“Wait. Kaito says if you gather enough magic and blast it out of your body, the impact can throw Elijah back. If that happens, his gift will lose its grip on you since it’s a word gift and needs a certain level of concentration to maintain the effect!”

That makes sense. All right! I’ll do it. Move as far away from the edge as you can. Make sure Jax is okay.

“Yes, Ms. Harlow.”

That sounds so weird. Don’t call me that.

“Finnick told me to say it. Be careful, Red.”

Will do.

I heard the ring of a cellphone, realizing it was Elijah. He picked it up, which baffled me because I swore in the exam rules it said no electronic devices.

“Hello? Hey, baby. Yes, I stopped Bri before she could take off. Yes, I can see you from here. Thank goodness you guys landed safely. I’ll use my gift to ask the wind to pick me up and float me over there.”

They’re fully cheating! What the hell?!

“Huh? Wait, what are you guys doing? Why is Nick charging up over there and aiming over here?” Elijah sounded panicked, and I wasn’t sure why because I couldn’t move my head to see whatever he was witnessing.

“Elisha, hold on. I froze her! She’ll die from the impact! Yes, the ice cliff will crumble. No! We can’t do that. No…no! I’m not defending her because I like her or anything. It’s morally wrong, Elisha,” Elijah yelled at the phone.

I’m so screwed!

Whatever they were doing over there involved our side getting impacted. I wasn’t going to be on this side when whatever was aimed this way smashed into where we stood.

Gather magic, Bri!! Think of it like a supercharge!

I zoned everything out, focused on charging up the magic within my body. It grew stronger and stronger until my body was so hot that it felt like I was on fire.

RELEASE!

I let go of my resistance, the energy strong enough to make a shockwave of magic.

“AH!” Elijah screamed, and I was able to move my body, turning my head in time to see him fly back a good distance. He crashed into the ground and struggled to get up.

We locked eyes, and I glared at him in disgust.

“The next time you get in my way, I’ll kill you with my own hands.” I meant every word.

“BRIANNE! GET OFF OF THERE NOW!” Connor’s voice boomed through my mind, but I didn’t need his warning.

I could feel the approaching threat that was headed my way, and I wasn’t going to let them win.

Without a hint of doubt, I dashed forward, sprinting the last three steps to give me enough leverage when I soared through the air.

“Winda Nirvana Lokando La Free!”

The wind picked up tremendously, carrying my body and rushing me to the other side. A second later, a tremendous racket echoed behind me, sounding like an avalanche.

I couldn’t look back until I reached the other side, the magic spell dropping me right at the edge.

I got up and saw the collateral damage; the entire cliffside was now in crumbles. When the clouds of ice began to dissipate, I noticed Elijah on the other side. He was trying to get out or even jump from where he was, but a barrier was up, preventing him from passing.

Now I get it. If the ice crumbles…that means a barrier goes up and anyone stuck on the other side can’t get through. That means their team failed.

“Brianne! Hurry up!” Finnick called out.

“Coming!” I screamed, but there was another loud crack, followed by a scream. I looked to my right to see this side of the mountain beginning to crumble, the other team falling with the rest of the broken pieces of ice and rock.

O.M.G!

“Brianne! RUN!” Connor urged.

I rushed forward, but the snow and ice were already cracking beneath my feet.

“AH!” A loud shriek escaped me, my body plummeting downward.

“BRIANNE!” I heard Finnick, Connor, and Kaito scream, but they were out of sight as I sank with the rocks.

I was falling far faster than them, like my body weighed ten times more than those huge chunks of ice and rock. The swift speed was one thing, but what made me hold my breath was the massive rock of ice that was falling just as fast as I.

The moment I hit the ground, which would most likely kill me, or break me entirely, I’d be squished to bits by this rock.

My impending doom was seconds away, and I felt it run through my entire body.

This is it? I’m…going to die?

I hadn’t accomplished a quarter of what I wanted to. It took me falling off a cliff and watching the boulder of ice that would finish me off completely to finally recognize the level of regret I felt.

All the parties I’d missed, the various opportunities I’d brushed away to study or help Elijah with whatever he needed. Those sacred moments with the guys, which I’d wasted by crying and worrying about what other people thought about me.

The realization that I’d never see my parents and Starlight again.

Everything sank in, and the level of regret bored into my soul.

I could have done so many things to make my life better. To be happier and accept who I was. To work harder to be seen and meet new people.

There were so many times I could have left my comfort zone and put myself out there. I’d spent all that time with my nose an inch deep into a spell book.

No spell would be fast enough to save me and it all made me understand why life was precious.

I’m sorry, guys. Goodbye.

I closed my eyes, and the lack of my own familiar came to my mind.

I never got to have one. Another regret to add to the list.

“MewMew!”

Huh?

My eyes shot open at the high-pitched sound, and my body came to a dramatic stop. I screamed at the approaching rock, lifting my hand to cover my face.

There was an explosion of some sort, the shattering noise making my ears ring. Whipping my eyes back open, I gawked at the pink and orange sparkles that rained down on me; the massive rock and anything close to it were nowhere to be found.

“How?” I gasped, and felt something began to lick my forehead. “Hey! That tickles!”

Something moved onto my face and large pink eyes looked down at me before something began to lick my cheek.

“MewMew.”

No way. This adorable thing can’t be my familiar?!

With my hands shaking and my body still suspended in the air, I picked what I believed was a tiny kitten up off my forehead and lifted her higher to get a good view of her.

“A…kitten! You’re so tiny and your fur is orange. Are those gold highlights?! You’re like a little me…er…a little cat version of me. Aside from the pink eyes.”

“MewMew!” She wiggled in my hands.

“Ah! Don’t wiggle. I can’t afford to drop you.” I hugged her to my body, but that must have canceled the suspension effect because I began to fall once more.

“AH!!” I screamed.

“MewMew!” the new familiar repeated.

“NO! Don’t copy me! I don’t want to die! I don’t want to die! HELP!” I screamed and hugged the familiar tightly, hoping I could at least protect her from the impact that would kill me either way.

Something crashed into me, and I thought I’d finally collide with the ground and die, but when I finally landed, it didn’t hurt as badly as I’d expected.

“I didn’t break a bone? No. I had to break a bone…or two…or all of them!” I panicked and opened my eyes, seconds before lips crashed into mine.

My eyes widened as they took in the pair of exhausted gold ones that looked down at me.

Breaking the kiss, Jax gave me the best grin he could muster.

“Sorry I’m late, babe. Was trying not to die,” he breathed.

“Jax…Jax!” I screamed, and wrapped one of my arms around his neck and hugged him the best I could without crushing the adorable kitten.

“Jax,” I cried over and over again.

He weakly chuckled and rubbed my back. “You’re okay, Brianne. You aren’t dying.”

“MewMew!”

We pulled back slightly to look down at the kitten who sat on my chest. She began to sniff my neck before she looked up at Jax. “MewMew!”

“Familiar?” he questioned. “Hmm. She looks like you. Only cuter.”

I gave him a look, and he chuckled weakly. He gave me a kiss on my lips before plopping a little kiss on the top of my new familiar’s head.

“I think I’m going to close my eyes now,” he admitted.

“Oh, no!” I exclaimed, quickly sitting up enough to hold off his weight, at least long enough for my familiar to move from my chest. When she did, I let Jax’s body rest against mine.

I didn’t relax until I heard his soft breathing, and I let my head fall back onto the snowy ground, tears rolling down my cheeks.

I’m alive. We’re alive. We made it. I have a familiar!

“MewMew!” The very familiar I was thinking about snuggled next to the left side of my face, sitting down patiently.

I lifted my head slightly to see her staring forward, and then I pressed my head back against the ground, only to see upside-down versions of Connor, Kaito, and Finnick.

From the patch of snow and ice beneath us, I realized that Jax had teleported us even farther into the safe zone.

Jax, this is exactly why you’re our leader.

I ran my hand through his long hair and closed my eyes.

There was a loud beeping noise, followed by an announcement.

“Attention. Attention. The final exam of Semester Two has ended. Team A, consisting of Brianne Harlow, Jax Morgan, Connor Giovanni, Finnick Rosedale, and Kaito Mogami, has passed. Please wait in a gathering spot for the assigned professor to administer your final grade of A-plus and for the medical team to treat your wounds. Congratulations.”

I wore the biggest grin on my face while I listened to the soft purrs of my new familiar.

The relief of being alive and officially passing our first year at Witchling Academy was enough to make my mind drift.

Even with my fading consciousness, I vowed to have a new motto in life, one that I would carry through to the next semester and years to come at Witchling Academy.

I will live.

No more worrying about what isn’t true.

It’s time for me to leave the old me behind, right here and now.

Next semester, I’ll enjoy the best moments that life can offer.

I’ll do that…and more, with my family, friends, familiar, and my four amazing boyfriends.

I, Brianne Harlow, vow it.

TO BE CONTINUED.

COMING SOON- JULY 12th, 2019:

PreOrder Now: books2read.com/WITCHLINGACADEMY3

ABOUT AVERY SONG

Avery Song is a reverse harem author who specializes in paranormal, fantasy, and urban romance.

She especially loves writing strong main characters and is excited for all the books that are approaching.

~Books by Avery Song~

THE SUPERNATURAL SPY ACADEMY SERIES:

S.S.S YEAR ONE

S.S.S YEAR TWO

S.S.S YEAR THREE

S.S.S YEAR FOUR

S.S.S FIVE (May.29.2020)

SPELL TRAVELER CHRONICLES

Witchling Academy- Semester One

Witchling Academy- Semester Two

Witchling Academy- Semester Three

Witchling Academy- Semester Four

Witchling Academy- Semester Five

Witchling Academy- Semester Six

Witchling Academy- Semester Seven (Jun.12.2020)

Witchling Academy- Semester Eight (Oct.23.2020)

JADE STORM TRACKER SERIES

The Tracker Hive Academy- Semester One

The Tracker Hive Academy- Semester Two

The Tracker Hive Academy- Semester Three (Feb 28th 2020)

The Tracker Hive Academy- Semester Four (June 5th 2020)

BLAZING ACADEMY

Semester One (Mar 7th, 2020)

COWRITTEN WORKS:

SUPERNATURAL CAPTIVITY SERIES

Supernatural Inmate

Supernatural Outlaw (May.2220)

Supernatural Villain (Oct.9.2020)

SUPERNATURAL MARKED MONARCHY

Psychic Prison - Book One (Mar.13.2020)

DESTINED IMRISONEN TRILOGY

Arrested By Magic (Apr.10.2020)

FOR THE FAEIRY ABSOLUTES

Celestial Prison (May.8.2020)

FOR THE PURELY DIVINE SERIES

Fae Rose Academy - Year One (Feb.21.2020)

WILLA SILVER ACADEMY INVESTIGATOR

Daggers and Smoke - Year One (Mar.6.2020)

THE SUPERNATURAL VAMPIRE FAE CHRONICLES

Bloody Rosary Academy (May.1.2020)