Page 38 of Magical Mischief

The runes beneath the snow began to warm beneath his boots, ancient symbols hungry for magic, forpurpose.

“You were always meant for more, Maeve,” he said. “More than this town. More than the Academy. Your mother knew it. That’s why she left.”

I flinched. He knew exactly where to press. But I didn’t let it show for long.

“I’m not her,” I said quietly.

“No,” he agreed. “You’re not. You’re smarter, more cunning.”

From the rooftop, I heard the faint creak of stone wings stretching. The gargoyles were ready. They weren’t used to this kind of back and forth.

Nova’s presence pulsed from the alley like a heartbeat I could feel in the soles of my boots.

Keegan was above me. I knew it. And I hoped he could feel the words I wasn’t saying.

Hold. Just a little longer.

Gideon reached out his hand. “Come, Maeve. Take your place as my apprentice.”

I smiled.

Took a step forward.

And let the magic start to rise.

The air shimmered as I whispered the first part of the spell under my breath, a hum so light even a skilled illusionist couldn’t have heard it. The runes under the snow glowed faintly gold.

His eyes flicked to the ground.

“You’re not scared,” he said softly.

“No,” I replied. “I’m not.”

His eyes narrowed.

“But where is my dad?”

I had to see him before I could begin.

A thick fog swirled next to Gideon, the air suffocating, as I attempted to breathe in.

And then…

A shadow

I flicked my gaze back to Gideon’s. “How do I know that’s really him?”

“Haven’t you heard of trust?” His brows lifted.

“Not when dealing with you.”

An evil laugh echoed into the air, and I shook my head in disgust.

I knew what I had to do.

Chapter Ten

I took another step forward as my pulse hammered so loudly between my ears that it nearly drowned out the low murmur of runic magic underneath me.