Page 100 of Magical Melee

Had someone besides Frank noticed that I was gone?

I waited for a few seconds, but the door remained closed.

This felt too private, and I suddenly felt like a schoolgirl about to get caught kissing under the bleachers.

When I turned back to the pedestal, the light had dimmed. The shapes withered from view as I traced the edges of the glass one last time, committing the image to memory. This was a place I would return to, a resource I would need. But for now, I had to leave it undisturbed.

Wherever it was.

With a deep breath, I stepped back as the connection lingered in my bones. The cellar seemed darker, and the sense of magic receded like a tide.

I let out a deep sigh and started up the steps, unable to shake the feeling of wanting.

Longing.

Questioning.

I climbed back up the stairs, pushed open the door, and softly closed it behind me; the moment seemed worlds away.

The fire had been stoked in the living room, which was bathed in a fiery light. Stella looked up from her book in the kitchen as I entered, her eyes narrowing slightly with a knowing look.

“Find what you were looking for?” she asked.

I hesitated, then nodded. “More questions than answers, honestly.”

“That’s how it starts,” she said, handing me another cup of tea. “But you’ll get there.”

Not knowing wheretherewas, I just nodded.

Nova and Keegan returned from their walk again.

Their expressions remained unreadable.

Twobble was already digging into a plate of scones. It was hard to figure out how his small frame stayed that way.

Frank wagged his stubby tail as I sat back down. As I sipped my tea, I couldn’t help but glance toward the cellar door.

The library was waiting, and I had a feeling it wouldn’t be long before I returned.

But where was it at?

The Academy?

And what inside of it was pulling me so strongly?

“I want to go to the Academy’s grounds,” I said, setting my empty teacup down with a decisive clink. “I need to see it for myself.”

The room, buzzing with quiet conversation and the occasional crunch of a scone, fell silent. Stella, Nova, and Keegan exchanged concerned looks before turning their gazes to me.

Finally, Nova spoke with a firm voice. “The Academy’s grounds…you’ve already been there.”

I blinked. “What? When?”

“The gardens,” she said simply. “The night I found you wandering.”

Despite the biting November chill, the moonlit garden and its strange flowers were in full bloom.

The statues that had studied me with eyes that seemed far too alive.