Page 48

48

brAM

S everal supplies lay scattered across the desk in front of the classroom, an appreciatively chaotic arrangement that, unlike Ironwood’s usual perfect setups, was actually designed for us to use the skills we were being tested on.

This was practical applications of ceremonial magic, where precision and intent mattered more than anything else, so Hunter said, at least. I didn’t listen to shit when Ironwood spoke about it.

“You each need to do this individually,” Hunter announced, his voice calm but authoritative as he settled into the chair behind the desk. “Gather your supplies and perform the ritual. I’ll be watching all of you, so good luck.”

Rustling filled the room as we rose and moved toward the desk, collecting what we needed.

My eyes drifted to Pandora as she grabbed her materials with confidence, her movements graceful in a way that I used to think was because she was nobility. In reality, it was because she was so fucking ethereal that it made my heart hurt.

I mirrored her actions, but only because Hunter had drilled this ritual into our heads during our study sessions. Academics had never been my strong suit, yet, for the first time in my fucking life, I found myself recalling everything with clarity. A small sense of pride bloomed in my chest as I collected my items: a garnet, a small brazier, a bowl, moon water, incense, salt, a red candle, a black candle, and a gold candle.

Returning to my desk, I began setting up my ritual space.

I had every intention of focusing, but Pandora caught my attention again. Her brows furrowed slightly as she carefully traced the salt circle, dark red lips pursed in concentration. A sudden warmth rushed to my face as I realized I’d been staring.

Before I could recover, Hunter cleared his throat, stepping directly into my line of sight.

“I know she’s beautiful, but you can’t cheat on the final.”

My mouth dropped open as a surge of heat crawled up my neck. “I swear I wasn’t— I just got distracted by her.”

“Focus,” he said softly, though there was a hint of amusement in his eyes. He moved on, surveying the rest of the class.

Forcing myself to shake off the embarrassment, I returned my attention to my workspace. I carefully set up my salt circle, imbuing it with protection and amplification energy. The brazier sat at the center, and I arranged the candles in a triangular formation around it before lighting them one by one. Their flickering flames cast elongated shadows over my hands as I worked.

Taking a steadying breath, I poured the moon water into the bowl, dipping the garnet inside to cleanse it. The water shimmered under the candlelight as I carefully held the gemstone over the brazier’s flame, feeling the warmth lick at my fingers.

Under my breath, I murmured a quiet chant, “Fates, please bless the garnet with luck’s fortune.”

I burned the incense, letting the curling smoke encircle the garnet before placing my hand over the stone. Closing my eyes, I envisioned a golden glow sinking into the crystal, saturating it with intent—success, happiness, and fortune flowing into it. I moved the garnet through the flames of the red and gold candles, making sure to avoid the black one. Hunter had been clear—misfortune clung to that one.

“Fates, thank you for your blessing,” I whispered.

One by one, I extinguished the candles in the reverse order that I lit them—gold, black, and finally, red. With a soft exhale, I scattered the salt circle, signifying the ritual’s completion.

The garnet in my palm pulsed faintly, a soft white energy emanating from its core.

A glance to my left confirmed Pandora’s crystal glowed with a similar aura. A small, satisfied smile graced her lips before she looked up, her gaze meeting mine.

My heart stuttered.

“Everyone but that guy,” Hunter’s voice cut through the moment as he pointed toward some noble dozing off in the back, “passed. Congratulations. You’re officially done with this class. Keep the crystal as a good luck charm for the rest of your finals.”

Pandora’s smile lingered, and I barely had time to process it before she looked toward Jenni and launched into a conversation.

Still, my pulse thrummed in my ears.

“She’s fucking beautiful, and all ours,” Skel muttered from beside me with a knowing smirk.

“I’m so thankful that the Fates blessed us with her,” I told him.