Page 124 of Magical Melee

Me.

Taking a deep breath, I turned back to the entrance.

My heart pounded in my chest.

My resolve was firm.

I had to do this.

Whatever lay beyond those doors, it was time to find out. With one final glance at the moonlit sky, I stepped forward and crossed the threshold into the Academy.

The figure from outside appeared in front of me. The hood draped over her head as her slender finger pointed toward me.

The stillness of the Academy’s grand foyer wrapped around us. The gentle bubbling of a central fountain calmed my nerves only slightly.

Despite the awe-inspiring beauty of the place, a sudden weight settled in my chest.

“There is trouble back at the cottage,” the woman said.

Her voice was smooth but grave.

I froze. “Trouble? What kind of trouble?”

My entire body flamed with heat at the thought of what I’d left behind.

The figure’s hands motioned in the air. “Shadowick has penetrated the grounds. Gideon is there.”

“The cottage?” A chill ran down my spine at the mention of Gideon’s name. My mind raced, picturing the hulking, menacing figure who had stepped into the tea shop only days ago, bringing an overwhelming sense of dread with him.

“What’s happening to my friends?” I demanded, my voice sharper now. “Who’s there?”

“Keegan, Stella, and Nova,” the figure replied. “They are holding him off, but Gideon has brought his own forces. He is willing to destroy them all to achieve his goal.”

My heart clenched.

Images of Keegan’s brooding intensity and steady strength flashed through my mind. He wasn’t just my friend. He had become my lifeline in this strange, magical world. And now he was in danger, along with Stella and Nova…

And Frank.

Nothing could happen to him.

I stepped forward, the pluck of magic in the air growing louder as my emotions surged. “Then why am I here? Why did the Academy let me in if this is happening right now? My friends need me.”

“Because you stand at a crossroads, Maeve. The Academy has long awaited your arrival, and its doors have opened to you at a critical moment. You have a choice to make.”

“What choice?” I asked, though I already feared the answer.

“You can stay here,” the figure said, her voice calm but firm. “Within these walls, you will be safe. Time will stand still. You will learn the ways of magic, unlocking the power that has always been within you. The Academy can guide you, teach you to harness your abilities, and prepare you for the battles to come.”

“Or?”

“Or you can return to the cottage, to your friends. To the fight.”

I swallowed hard, my throat dry. “If I go back, can I help them? Can I stop Gideon?”

The figure inclined her head slightly as the hood drooped slightly. “Perhaps. But know this. Gideon is powerful, and he will not be easily defeated. Your decision carries great risk for both yourself and those you seek to protect.”

My mind whirled.