Page 153 of Magical Melee

Chapter Thirty-Nine

The snow had turned slippery as I approached the gate with the engraved candle and wick. The chill of the evening air bit my cheeks, but a quiet determination kept me moving forward.

After my unsettling encounter with Gideon, I couldn’t shake the feeling that time was slipping through my fingers.

I had to push forward if I was ever going to understand my place in all this. And that meant returning to the Academy.

I stood before the iron gate, the emblem of a candle and wick etched into its center. The design was deceptively simple, but I knew better. This wasn’t just a gate—it was a test, a threshold, and maybe even a guardian in its own right.

My hand hovered over the cold metal before I pressed my palm against it. The last time I’d been here, the gate had remained stubbornly closed as if it knew I wasn’t ready.

But tonight, as my skin met the iron, a gentle warmth spread through my fingertips, traveling up my arm and into my chest.

I gasped softly, the sensation both surprising and comforting. It felt like an invitation, a silent acknowledgment that I was meant to be here. I scurried to the two buildings, and the alleyway unfurled itself.

The cobblestones beneath my feet seemed to surge with a subtle energy, guiding me forward. Each step felt purposeful as if I were walking along a path waiting for me all along.

When I reached the end of the alley, the familiar sight of the butterfly gate came into view. Its intricate design was even more mesmerizing under the faint moonlight, the delicate wings appearing to flutter ever so slightly. This time, as I approached, I felt a new sensation—a gentle warmth spreading from my stomach, radiating outward from my birthmark.

I pulled my coat tighter, and my excitement brewed over as I pressed my hand to the butterfly gate. The warmth intensified, wrapping around me like a satisfying embrace. The gate swung open silently, revealing the garden beyond.

When I stepped into the garden, I felt awe. The last time I’d been there, it had been beautiful, but tonight, it felt alive. The snow-covered ground sparkled faintly, and the plants, though dormant in the cold, seemed to pulse with quiet, magical energy.

My birthmark continued to tingle, and the warmth constantly reminded me of my connection to this place.

I couldn’t help but smile as I walked deeper into the garden, the cobblestone path winding through archways of vines and clusters of ancient trees. The air was crisp but not biting, and the faint glow of magical lanterns illuminated the way.

As I walked, my excitement grew. The sense of belonging and purpose was undeniable. Every step felt like I wasreclaiming a part of myself, a piece of my history hidden for far too long.

Not to mention, I wasn’t getting blasted clear across town. The Academy was welcoming me.

Right?

The pathway finally opened into a clearing, and there it stood—the Academy.

Its towering stone walls loomed in the distance. The grand building was both imposing and inviting. The snow clung to its rooftops, and shimmering vines of silvery light crawled up its ancient façade.

I paused, taking in the breathtaking sight.

With all its mystery and power, this place held the answers I had been seeking. It was where I would learn, grow, and discover what it truly meant to be a part of Stonewick’s legacy.

The warmth from my birthmark pulsed again, urging me forward.

I stepped off the cobblestone path and onto the snow-covered lawn, my eyes locked on the grand doors of the Academy.

As I drew closer, the weight of the moment settled over me.

This wasn’t just a visit—this was a commitment, a decision to embrace the unknown.

When I reached the base of the steps leading to the entrance, I hesitated momentarily.

My breath puffed out in small clouds as I steadied myself, the reality of what I was about to do sinking in.

There was no turning back now.

With renewed determination, I climbed the steps.

The cold snow was solid beneath my boots, each step bringing me closer to the massive doors that loomed above.