Page 133 of Magical Mischief

A hush settled between us, broken only by the gentle burble of the garden fountain that remained untouched by the cold in the Butterfly Ward.

Finally, I mustered a shaky laugh. “I’m Maeve. Sorry again for startling you.”

She flicked her gaze up, green eyes almost luminescent

“I know who you are,” she said quietly, scanning my face. “Everyone connected to Stonewick does. I’m Ardetia. Ardetia Featherwood.”

“Nice to meet you. This is Bella, one of our teachers.”

Bella nodded her head and smiled as Ardetia’s gaze swept over both of us.

“Why come back now?” I asked softly. “You’ve been here before.”

“I have.”

She lowered her gaze, fiddling with the edge of her purple robe. The embroidery shimmered, illusions thread weaving arcane patterns.

“Why are you here?”

“Because I heard rumors the Wards are stirring again. That the curse might break, and if the Wards break free, maybe the old alliances can heal too.” Then, as though she caught herself revealing too much, she stiffened. “Besides, I have my reasons for being here. Personal ones.”

I exhaled slowly, the tension in my shoulders easing a fraction. “I see.”

Another hush settled.

I took a calming breath.

“I mean no harm,” I assured her. “But you must know the fae left Stonewick long ago in our time of need…” I hesitated, uncertain how to phrase it.

Her jaw clenched. “I’m aware.”

A flicker of regret crossed her features, replaced by steely resolve. “But the fae never forgot Stonewick, no matter how we parted ways. Some of us kept watch from afar. I am one of them.”

Tentatively, I held out a hand, unsure what else to do. If the Academy was putting out a call and attempting to mend old wounds, I would not stand in the way.

“Welcome to the Academy.”

Chapter Thirty-Four

I hesitated for just a moment. This wasn’t the first time I’d found myself stepping across these threshold stones under unexpected circumstances. The Academy had a way of drawing people (fae, witches, and shifters) in at the most uncanny times. Yet I felt surprisingly calm, certain that whatever was about to happen, I needed to be part of it.

I entered the Academy and turned around to watch Ardetia take her first step inside. My heart pounded on her behalf after knowing what had happened to poor Twobble more times than I care to count.

Her delicate leather slipper nearly floated over the threshold and stuck down to the gleaming stone floors, and I gasped in shock. She didn’t get tossed into the middle of town or ignited into a ball of fire.

Bella followed behind her as if this was what was done every day.

It was as if the Academy had let people come and go as they pleased.

The soft glow of lanterns and floating orbs lit the space with a gentle radiance. The spinning mosaic on the ceiling, which I’d once thought was merely decorative, pulsed faintly, as though acknowledging that something new had begun. Warmth spread under my feet, the polished floors reflecting that same gentle light.

I turned, letting my gaze rest on Ardetia. She removed her hood entirely, revealing a face that was both regal and approachable. It was a striking combination. She had a quiet confidence, an undercurrent of power that I couldn’t quite place. Bella stood beside us, looking pleased as punch.

“So,” I ventured, smiling politely at Ardetia, “are you here to teach at the Academy?”

Ardetia gave a thoughtful hum.

“Perhaps. But I see my purpose here as something more than teaching. My family spoke of Stonewick’s Academy in hushed tones for generations. We had teachers and counselors when it was a beacon of unity. Everyone was welcome, magic was celebrated, and learning thrived. Then… the curse.” She paused, her green eyes darkening with old sorrow. “And the stories changed. The place became a legend of loss. Divided. My kin always said someone would come along one day, someone who could reignite the old magic. They whispered that if it ever happened, we’d feel the call across every realm.”