Page 6 of Magical Moonbeam

I swallowed the knot in my throat, chest warm, heart aching in the best way.

Whatever came next, whatever Shadowick had planned, I wouldn’t face it alone.

Not anymore.

The Moonbeam would come. And with it, our chance.

Together, we’d be ready.

Chapter Two

The stone path leading to the Academy curved beneath a canopy of moss-draped branches, glowing softly with the lingering threads of morning magic. Keegan walked beside me, quiet and steady, the sleeve of his coat brushing mine with each step. I didn’t need to look at him to feel the calm he carried.

The grand doors of the Academy loomed ahead, with their carved wood lined with silver inlay, glowing faintly now that the Wards had fully awakened around Stonewick.

Above us, the stained-glass windows gleamed with shifting color, light playing across them like the sky itself was applauding.

And apparently, we weren’t the only ones with that idea.

A loud, unmistakable clap echoed from somewhere overhead.

Then another.

I tilted my head just in time to see two very familiar faces peeking out from one of the upper windows. Nova’s raven hair was pinned up today, though a stubborn strand curled across her cheek. She clapped with exaggerated flair, an almost regal,slow-motion approval, while Stella, bright-eyed and entirely too pleased with herself, had somehow conjured a tiny flag that readFinallyin glittering script.

I groaned, and Keegan just chuckled, with his mouth twitching as if he were holding back something smug.

“You two areinsufferable,” I called up to them, folding my arms.

Nova grinned like a cat caught in the cream. “Admit it. You love us.”

“I tolerate you,” I teased and narrowed my eyes at her. “Shouldn’tsomeonebe researching how to stabilize the gateway by strengthening the Wards with moonlight? Moonbeam will be here before we know it.”

Nova shrugged, wholly unbothered. “This was just as important. Trust me. Besides, class is about to start.”

Stella gave a two-fingered salute out the window, turned, and disappeared, with her shawl floating behind her. Nova winked and followed her lead.

I sighed and looked over at Keegan. “Why do I feel like they’re plotting something?”

“Because they usually are.”

We paused just before the doors, the morning mist still lingering around our feet. Keegan glanced at me.

“You ready?”

I looked up at the Academy, and the warm pulse of its presence vibrated softly beneath my palm as I pressed a hand to the wood.

Itfeltright again. There were no tremors or pulling shadows. The Academy just held the steady, thrumming magic of a place slowly coming back to life.

And maybe I felt a little more like myself again.

Between the doors opening, students flooding the Academy, decoys being sent, diving into the Hedge, I’d be lying to myself and everyone around me if I didn’t admit that I’d been a little overwhelmed recently.

But I smiled at Keegan and nodded. “I am.”

The doors creaked open with a gentle push, welcoming us inside.

The air smelled of old parchment, sunlight, and the faint scent of honeyed tea from the kitchen down the corridor. Warmth spread through me, and I exhaled the last of my nerves. The entry hall shimmered softly, lit by floating sconces and swaying lanterns. It was beautiful, the kind of magic that didn’t demand attention. The space simplyexisted,like it had always been waiting.