Page 96 of Magical Melee

“Oh, no.” Stella pressed her lips together. “The Academy is a living thing, much like the town. We have very little say in what either does. Their mission is to preserve Stonewick’s way of life. Once the Academy sensed danger, it chased most everyone out and shut its doors.”

My brows lifted in surprise. “Chased everyone out?”

“Oh, yes. It was quite a sight.”

“Were you here for it?”

“I’d just arrived in town when it happened…when everything happened,” she said softly, glancing outside to see Keegan and Nova returning from their walk.

I frowned, the weight of her words settling over me. “Why would it do that? I thought it was supposed to protect Stonewick by training new witches and magical folk. That’s what it looks like in the books I’m reading, anyway.”

“It did,” came Nova’s voice as she entered the kitchen.

Keegan trailed behind her and nodded.

Nova looked refreshed with purposeful steps. “But Academy is more than just bricks and mortar. It’s a living entity tied to the ebb and flow of the town’s magic. When the balance tipped, the Academy went dormant to preserve its strength. Shadowick managed to get its tentacles deep enough to warrant its closure.”

I blinked. “So, it’s just…sitting there? Like a magical fortress on lockdown?”

Keegan nodded with a grim expression. “The Academy sensed that its power could be used against Stonewick if it fell into the wrong hands. So, it did what it had to—sealed itself off, waiting for a time when the balance could be restored, and a new headmistress or headmaster could be appointed.”

“And no one’s tried to open it since?” I asked, incredulous. “There’s a literal well of magical knowledge just sitting there, and everyone’s been okay with that? Last night, I read about a library that’s there, and an alchemist lab, and…”

“It’s not about being okay with it,” Nova said. “It’s about respecting the Academy’s will. It won’t open until it deems the town ready—and that means more than just knocking on the front door.”

I sighed, running a hand through my hair. “So, let me get this straight. We have this massive resource that could help us fight Gideon and Shadowick, but it’s locked up tighter than Fort Knox, and we have no idea when or if it’ll open.”

“Precisely,” Keegan said.

“Great,” I muttered. “Just great.”

Twobble chose that moment to saunter into the kitchen, munching on what looked like a leftover scone. “Ah, the Academy,” he said around a mouthful. “Good times, good times. Well, for those who got in, anyway. And it was a pity for those who couldn’t get out.”

“What do you mean,couldn’t get out?” I glanced at Stella, thinking Twobble was up to his jokes again. “I thought everyone was chased out?”

“Well, some didn’t run fast enough.” Nova shrugged. “And some were traitors.”

My eyes widened. “Are they still inside?”

“Well, I suppose…” Nova frowned.

“But the Academy had its reasons. I’m sure it was quick. Painless,” Stella explained.

A chill ran through me. “Wait. What?”

Twobble winced. “I don’t know aboutpainless. I saw some of those dungeons, and if the Academy was mad, then…”

I raised an eyebrow. “You’ve been there?”

“Not as a student, of course,” Twobble said, plopping onto a stool. “But I’ve sneaked in a time or two. Let me tell you, that place has secrets even the books don’t mention. Of course, it was before it shut down. Every time I’ve tried since, the building blasts me a mile away.”

Keegan’s eyes narrowed with a warning. “Twobble.”

“What?” Twobble said innocently. “I was just exploring. No harm, no foul.”

Stella rolled her eyes. “You’re lucky the Academy didn’t decide to turn you into a statue for your trouble back then.”

“Statue?” I asked, glancing at Twobble.