Page 202 of Cursed Evermore

My body heated again, going up in flames, and I felt even worse for thinking of such things while I stood in front of the Blessed Mother.

Quickly, I muttered the prayer of forgiveness and sealed it by tapping my hand to my heart three times.

Being here was the only thing that had taken my mind off Wolfe, but I knew the instant we left and headed back to Vyrenth Hollow, I'd be a lost cause.

“There you are.” Arielle's hearty voice pulled me from my reverie.

I lifted my head and turned to see her approaching with an elderly woman whose authoritative presence commanded immediate respect. Her name was Magdalena. She was the archmage of the academy. I'd seen her earlier at the assembly.

She was tall with a willowy figure and exuded elegant grace. Her silver hair was rolled into an immaculate chignon, highlighting sharp cheekbones and eyes that held the indigo depth of a twilight sky. Her brocade robes were embroidered with constellations of sapphire and gold that shimmered as she moved, making the smile she gave me look brighter.

“Archmage Magdalena,” Arielle said formally, “may I present Elariya Clearwayer.”

“It's an honor to meet you.” I dipped my head respectfully and held out my hand to shake hers.

“And you, my child.” She shook my hand and studied me with ageless eyes filled with wisdom. Arielle told me Magdalena was nearly two hundred years old and from the same mage realm as her. “Looks like you've been drawn to the Blessed Mother.”

Her gaze drifted to the statue behind me before returning to my face.

I felt heat rise in my cheeks. “Oh, I didn't mean to wander off. I just... she's beautiful.”

Magdalena raised a gentle hand. “There is no wrong path in seeking the divine. But tell me, what did you feel when you looked upon her?”

I glanced back at the statue, then met her curious gaze. “Peace and safety. Like... like she was watching over me.”

Both she and Arielle looked pleased with my answer.

“Although we know what the statue represents, only a few of us can actually sense those feelings. It suggests your magic has a spiritual component many lack.”

That piqued my interest and raised my hopes. “Is this statue different from others?”

“It is. It was blessed by the Mother herself as a token of her love and our allegiance to her. Legend has it that those of pure heart will always feel her when near, and she will always guide them to their destinies.”

I felt the truth in her words. “That's... amazing.”

Magdalena nodded slowly. “Arielle has told me much about you.”

“All wonderful things, I promise.” Arielle laughed, looking as excited as she'd been on the way here. She was as ecstatic as I was that Wolfe had allowed me this opportunity.

“That's good to hear.”

“We're happy to have you here. Though your circumstances are a little outside our usual allowances, we'll be able to teach you all that you need to know about magic.”

“Thank you. That means a lot to me.”

“I understand your family was torn about your decision to come to the magical realm.”

“Yes, it's been hard. Magic has always felt like it was a part of me, but you can't breathe a word of it in the mortal lands. People there also didn't take too kindly to my mixed heritage.” There was no lie in my answer. Those words flowed straight from my heart.

Sympathy filled her eyes. “That will not happen to you here. Mixed heritage or not, all magical beings are respected in Galaythia.”

“It's nice to feel like I belong somewhere.”

“Of course, my dear.” Her eyes twinkled with warmth and genuine care. “Though, I truly hope your decision to come here didn't cause too much contention in your family.”

“No. But they'll have to learn to live with it.” I chuckled lightly.

“Thank the Blessed Mother you have Prince Nightblade on your side. I'm sure he will allow you passage through the Veil to visit your family when you desire.”