Page 10 of Magical Mischief

“Oh, yes.” My grandma nodded, and I wondered if she remembered how she didn’t believe I’d seen one prancing around on the Academy’s grounds.

Grandma Elira’s gaze met mine. “I have just the room for her. Let me get you settled. There’s so much for you to see and do. We must start the preparations.”

I nodded, watching Bella get swept up in my grandma’s energy. This was the moment my grandma had been waiting for.

Without realizing it, several book sprites flew a book to me and waited impatiently for me to open my hands.

“Oh, what do we have here?” my grandma asked.

They unclenched their tiny fingers in unison as the book landed in my palms with a thud.

An embossed wolf on the green leather cover shimmered as I looked down at the chosen book.

“This must be the book Keegan told me about. That’s why I came back so soon. There’s been a few developments, and Keegan told me of a spell that could help us, but it was inside the library.”

I wanted to tell her so much, but I didn’t want to hurt her. She didn’t need to lose her son yet again or hear even more hurtful truths about the man she once loved.

My grandfather…

“I’ll get Bella situated, and you can tend to your business. I know there are pressing matters at hand.” My grandma quickly kissed my cheek, and I wondered how much she knew about what had just happened outside these walls.

Had she looked into the pedestal while I was gone?

Found answers in the mirrors?

I stepped back, clutched the book, and glanced at Bella, who squeezed my hand gently.

“I know it’s hard, Maeve. But sometimes, our darkness makes the light ahead more precious.”

I smiled, a bittersweet, trembling smile. “Thank you, Bella. For everything you’ve done. I’ll be back soon, Grandma.”

As I spun on my heels, my grandma touched my shoulders gently and cleared her throat.

“If you see my husband again…” Her voice trailed off, and I spun around to see her. “Tell him he chose the wrong side in this. Tell your grandfather we will not allow him to make an example of our son, but you will make one out of your grandfather.”

I looked at Grandma Elira, amazed at her strength and resilience, and I knew I wasn’t just doing this for myself.

“I will bring my dad back.”

She gave a quick nod, and I knew I didn’t have to explain a thing.

Chapter Three

Nova was waiting for me in the Butterfly Ward.

The garden was one of the Academy’s most tranquil spaces, where delicate, glowing butterflies fluttered lazily among swaying vines. It was hard to believe that so much power was stored here to keep the entrance closed from the outside world.

I glanced around the comforting space as stone statues whispered history that I’d yet to learn but someday would, and creeping vines brushed my ankles in a quiet welcome.

Despite the Ward’s peaceful hush, Nova’s expression told me our situation was anything but calm.

She tipped her head in a silent greeting, then spoke softly, “Keegan stayed behind at the cottage with Miora, Stella, and Twobble. Did you find what we’re looking for?”

“I think so. The book sprites had this waiting for me.” I nodded. “I felt bad for leaving the cottage in such a mess. How’s it coming?”

Nova’s usually stern presence lightened. “You’ve seen what Miora can do. Stone is as pliable as clay in her hands.Plus, Stella’s magic helps tie everything together, and Twobble is surprisingly adept with structural details. Keegan’s overseeing it all.”

“Sounds about right.” I smiled as her gaze fell to the book.