Page 148 of Magical Melee

But I couldn’t shake the feeling that waiting for Gideon to make the next move wasn’t enough.

I didn’t know much, but I understood that the Academy was somehow at the center of it all.

Standing by the window, I stared out into the dark woods. The fire crackled softly behind me, and an owl's distant hoot broke the night's quiet.

Stella appeared at my side, her presence calm and steady.

“You did well today, Maeve,” she said, her voice warm. “You’re finding your place here. I know it’s not easy without your daughter.”

“Thanks,” I said, my gaze still fixed on the shadows outside. “I just wish I could do more.”

“You’re doing plenty,” she replied. “Don’t underestimate yourself.”

I nodded, but the restless feeling in my chest didn’t ease. Stella gave me a reassuring pat on the shoulder before heading to the kitchen to tidy up.

And I did what I had to do. I pulled out my phone and texted my mom that I was in Stonewick.

It took a few minutes, but I received her reply.

How could you? I’m in the middle of nowhere. Stonewick is nothing more than a racket. Stay away.

I shook my head and sighed, writing quickly.

It’s too late. I’ve moved into the cottage and it’s where I’m meant to be.

A minute went by, and she wrote back.

You’re just like your father and look what happened to him.

I typed quickly.

That’s precisely the problem, Mom. I don’t have a clue about what truly happened to him.

She wrote back.

And it’s going to stay that way.

I pressed my lips together and texted a quickI love youandHappy Thanksgiving, realizing she’d probably never give me the answers I’d hoped for.

But as if on cue, Skye sent me several photos and a note about Thanksgiving, and that nearly washed away the feelings from my mom. I smiled at her words and sent a text back. I missed her, but I knew I’d see her soon.

As the cottage settled into a peaceful quiet, I couldn’t shake the pull I felt—the pull back to the Academy. The memory of its grand halls, the pulse of its magic, and the robed figure’s words about learning my true potential lingered in my mind. I knew I had to return.

Not tonight, not with everyone still awake, but soon.

For now, I’d let them believe I was content to wait.

But in my heart, I knew my path led back to the Academy.

Chapter Thirty-Eight

The day after Thanksgiving dawned quietly as if the world itself was catching its breath. Snow had started falling overnight, dusting Stonewick in a soft blanket of white.

The streets were hushed, save for the occasional crunch of boots on snow or the distant sound of laughter from children enjoying the season's first real snowfall. The town, usually bustling with energy, seemed content to settle into the inviting rhythm of winter.

It was hard to believe that only days ago, witches and mages swarmed the woods and protected everything held dear about this little town.

No make-believe.