Page 140 of Magical Melee

Stella looked up from her work, her expression sharp. “Off how?”

“The wards around the town’s perimeter,” Ember said, her voice dropping slightly. “They’re weakening. I saw cracks forming in the barriers near the market square. It’s like something’s pushing against them, trying to break through. Miora is doing a splendid job from the cottage, protecting and rebuilding it as best she can.”

Nova’s calm facade faltered for the first time, a flicker of concern crossing her face. “If the town’s wards fall, it won’t just be Shadowick coming for the Academy. Stonewick’s entire population will be vulnerable.”

Keegan muttered a curse under his breath, his grip on his sword tightening. “Gideon’s playing a long game. He’s testing more than just our strength—he’s testing our limits. And as long as the Academy stays closed, it won’t be easy.”

I felt a fresh wave of anxiety rising in my chest. “Isn’t there something we can do? Reinforce the wards, or—”

“We’ll have to,” Stella said, standing and brushing dirt from her hands. “But it won’t be easy. The wards were put in place generations ago, woven into the fabric of the town’s magic. If they’re failing now, it means whatever’s coming is stronger than anything we’ve faced before.”

Twobble sauntered over, his blade tucked into his belt and crossed his arms with a cocky grin. “Well, isn’t this just a lovely little disaster? Good thing I brought reinforcements.”

I managed a faint smile despite the tension. “You were incredible out there, Twobble. Where did you learn to lead like that?”

Twobble puffed out his chest, clearly enjoying the praise. “Goblins are natural-born leaders, Maeve. We just don’t brag about it. Much.”

Keegan snorted, his mood lightening ever so slightly. “Don’t let it go to your head, Twobble.”

“I make no promises,” Twobble replied, his grin widening.

Ember stepped closer to me, her gaze serious. “We’ll handle the wards, but you need to focus on your magic. You’ve got potential, Maeve, but potential won’t save us. You have to be ready.”

I nodded with my resolve hardening. “Then teach me. All of you. I’ll learn everything I can.”

“We will,” Nova said, her voice steady. “Together, we’ll face whatever comes.”

Keegan gave me a long, thoughtful look, then nodded. “You’re one of us now, Maeve. And we don’t give up, but the Academy might be where you’re needed. You have a choice to make.”

Chapter Thirty-Six

The quiet was disconcerting after the chaos of the fight. The townspeople had left, their numbers dwindling back into the safety of their homes.

It was just Stella, Keegan, Twobble, and me at the cottage. The gargoyles had returned to their perches, statuesque and vigilant once more.

I spotted Twobble near the garden, perched on a low stone wall, his small frame silhouetted against the moonlit woods. His sword rested beside him, and he was chewing on something that looked suspiciously like a leftover pastry from the tea shop.

I walked over, my boots crunching softly on the gravel path. “Twobble,” I called gently.

He turned, his sharp eyes glinting in the low light. “Ah, Maeve! Come to praise my heroics, have you?” He grinned, flashing his tiny, pointed teeth. “I’ll allow it.”

I chuckled, settling onto the wall beside him. “You were incredible out there,” I said sincerely. “You and your army saved us.”

Twobble puffed out his chest. “Of course we did. Goblins aren’t just for setting traps and stealing pastries, you know.”

“Clearly,” I said, shaking my head. “But seriously, what happened to you? I thought you were staying behind in the tunnel.”

His grin faded slightly, and he leaned back on his elbows, gazing up at the stars. “Ah, about that. Turns out you were in the Academy for days.”

My jaw dropped. “Days? That’s not possible. It felt like—what? An hour, maybe?”

Twobble nodded sagely. “Time gets a little… wobbly in there. Happens to everyone. Well, everyone who’s not a goblin. We’re too practical for that kind of nonsense. You know the phrase, time stands still?”

I frowned as my chest tightened.

“Anyway, after you disappeared, I sensed something was wrong. By the time I got back here, Karvey was doing his best to keep the evil shadows at bay. Stubborn old gargoyle doesn’t like asking for help.”

I smiled at the mention of Karvey. “Sounds about right. Why didn’t you come back through the tunnel?”