Page 5

Alina

THE TIME HAS FINALLY COME. I can’t remember the last time I was this excited for something. My entire spring and summer were spent practicing my magic, poring over the pamphlets Coven Crest sent out to first-year students, and preparing to officially leave home for the first time.

And now we’re finally on our way. The carriage is loaded up with my trunks, and Mother is seated on the plush velvet cushion across from me, watching me as I stare out the window at the verdant summer landscape rolling by. I’d hoped Father would be here to see me off, but he’s on yet another political trip, this time to Dunmara, the kingdom to the south of Elarwyn. We had dinner together the night before he left, yet I still find myself wishing he were here today.

Coven Crest Academy is located northeast of Wysteria, near enough to be convenient but isolated enough that the students are further encouraged to focus on their studies instead of the bustling outside world. The castle is tucked away deep in the Mistwood, a forest warded by powerful magic to keep anyone who doesn’t belong there out.

We’re approaching the woods now. I scoot across my cushion and stick my head out the open carriage window to get a better look. A moment later, Yuki pops his head out beside me, mouth opening and tongue lolling out as the sweet-scented summer breeze plays through our hair.

A company of knights surrounds the carriage, each carrying the Ravenscroft banner—a raven against a deep purple background, threaded through with hints of gold. The flags flap merrily in the breeze, and the horses’ hooves thump over the dirt as we draw nearer to the Mistwood.

I’m trying to peer ahead, to see if I can spot Coven Crest poking over the trees in the distance, but mostly I see the back of Raelan’s head as he rides alongside the carriage. His horse is draped in purple and gold, and the armor he wears gleams in the afternoon sun. He sits perfectly straight, heels down, his banner carried high.

Somehow, he must know I’m looking at him, because he turns to look back at me, his eyes dark and narrow as they meet mine from beneath the visor of his helmet. His intense gaze sends a shock through me, and I sit back from the window immediately.

Every time he looks at me, I get the feeling he really doesn’t like me, though I can’t imagine why. I’ve never done anything to him. I’ve scarcely spoken to him.

But he’s probably as excited about being my babysitter as I am about having a babysitter. That’s to say, not at all .

“How are you feeling?” Mother asks, drawing my gaze away from the window—and Raelan right outside .

I meet her eyes—pale blue, like mine—and smile. I’m not going to let Grandfather’s knight ruin this experience for me.

“Excited. Nervous.” I lift a hand to touch the thin silver necklace hanging around my throat. Mother gave it to me as a going-away gift. It’s imbued with her magic, and when I wrap my hand around the little songbird pendant, I can hear the burbling of the fountain in the solarium back in the castle and the chirping of the birds who frequent the garden in the warm months.

She gifted me a piece of home. And I’m going to carry it with me everywhere I go.

“I’m so grateful your grandfather allowed you this,” Mother says as she opens her fan and begins fanning her face. Her brown cheeks and forehead gleam with light perspiration from the heat in the carriage despite the windows being open to allow the summer breeze to twirl through.

I’m suddenly thinking of Raelan again, of his dark eyes and cold stare. He’s threaded through every thought I have of Coven Crest. When I imagine myself walking through the hallowed halls, I picture him trailing along behind me. When I wonder what it’ll be like meeting my roommates and living away from home, I remember he’ll be standing right outside the door.

I sigh and say, “If only he’d allow me to attend without a chaperone.”

Mother’s eyes flick to mine, her lips pinching. “You’re fortunate you’re even being given this opportunity, Alina. You’re the first member of the royal family to ever be allowed to attend.” Something like sadness drifts through her expression. “And of course your grandfather is sending you with a knight; your safety is of utmost importance.”

My stomach pinches, and I drop my gaze. “I’m sorry, Mother.” I reach out a hand and place it upon her knee, my skin brushing the soft material of her gown. “I’m incredibly grateful. I don’t mean to sound otherwise.”

My mother wanted dearly to attend the academy when she was my age, but she was not allowed—her duties as the princess came first. How spoiled I must sound to be complaining about having a knight to watch over me.

I lean back against the cushion and clench my fists in my lap. Beside me, Yuki nuzzles his head against my arm.

“We’re about to go through the ward,” Mother says, her voice lifting with excitement.

I look out the window, and as the carriage is swallowed up by the Mistwood, a slight shimmering veil falls over us. It’s a touch cool, but not uncomfortably so, and it tastes sweet. It tastes like magic.

A thrill goes through me. After all these months of waiting and preparing and wondering what my roommates will be like, I’m almost there, almost at the academy.

Across from me, my mother sits up straighter, her blue eyes sparkling with her own anticipation.

And I tell myself that I’ll not forget what a wonderful opportunity this is. I’ll be grateful for my place at Coven Crest every day.

Even if Raelan Ashvale is there with me.