Page 46 of Spellcaster (Weatherstone College #1)

“I ’ m so excited!” Belle shouted, shaking her ass around my dorm room. “We did it. We fucking passed freshman year, and now

we’re going home.”

“I’ll miss you guys,” Sara said, pouting dramatically. “Can we try to organize a meetup somewhere during our break?”

“I’d love that,” I said as I finished packing away the last of my crystals, slipping the necklaces on over my head. I hadn’t

worn them in weeks, and it felt right to have them on for graduation. “We’ll be back in the land of technology and phone reception

too, so text me every freaking day. I want to know what’s happening in your lives.”

“I’ll be getting a job,” Haley sighed with gusto. “I need to help with next year’s tuition. I just wish it wouldn’t interfere

with reading time.”

“Get a job at a bookstore,” I suggested, closing my suitcase. I had my backpack for tomorrow’s change of clothing and toiletries.

Haley threw her arms around me. “That’s the best idea, Pais! There’s this glorious romance bookstore in the downtown area

near my house, and I’ve always wanted to work there. I all but live there when I’m not at school or studying. They know me

well.”

Haley wasn’t the only one who had to find a job, and I wondered if the roller rink still had a spot available. As a for mer derby girl on the weekends, I never could resist a good skate season.

Glancing at my watch, I saw that it was almost time for the graduation ceremony. We were dressed in jeans, boots, tanks, and

jackets once more, the icy weather setting in early this year. Tonight was Halloween, and while we didn’t partake in human

traditions of dressing in costumes and collecting candy, we’d still gone for a darker, more dramatic makeup effect.

We were witches after all. No brooms or pointed hats, but there was a sexy darkness to this night all the same.

“Let’s head there now,” I said, “I think I’m as packed as I need to be.”

Students could stay and continue independent study for the winter, but most left for at least some of it. Jenna and Alice

would be officially graduating their entire program tonight, heading home with Simon and Morris.

The last time I chatted with Dad on the phone, he’d been erecting their barn out back, keeping busy. My heart hurt to know

he wouldn’t be here tonight for my graduation. At least it was only freshman year for me; I knew it hurt a lot worse for the

twins.

When we emerged into Florence Hall, it was packed with students. Some were dressed formally in suits and long dresses, while

others like us, in jeans and boots. There was no dress code tonight, allowing us to be comfortable.

“I can’t believe how quickly this year flew by,” Sara said as we ducked into the crowd. “I swear it was only yesterday that

I arrived through those gates, so nervous I thought I might vomit.”

It felt like yesterday to me as well, while also being centuries ago. It was a year of growth and change and confusion.

My siblings waited at the doors to the assembly hall. “We’ll save you a seat,” Sara said as I hugged Alice.

“Thank you,” I called. “I’ll be in shortly.”

We all sat with our years, and while I wished I could be with my siblings, at least I’d get to see the twins graduate and

receive their coven assignments.

“Are you nervous?” I asked Jenna. She looked stunning in a simple blue knitted dress. She’d pulled her hair back into a chignon

at the nape of her neck, and her makeup was as dark and smoky as mine.

“Yes and no,” she said in a rush, gaze darting around. “I’m excited for the next stage of our lives, but what if Alice and

I don’t end up in the same coven?”

“We’re twins,” Alice said breathily. “They can’t separate us. It’s against the laws of nature.”

She looked just as beautiful in a black dress that was buttoned right down the front and had a high neckline and long sleeves.

She’d teamed it with knee-high black boots, leaving her hair lightly curled around her face.

“I’m so proud of you two,” I said, trying and failing to keep my tears at bay.

“We’re proud of you, Baby Sis,” Jensen interjected, wiping away one of the escaped traitors. “We heard that the assessors

were discussing the possibility of a third spellcaster. Anything you want to tell us? Has it been confirmed?”

Pressing my lips together, I looked between the four of them.

“It’s not official,” I told them quickly. “But... the assessment went well. My magic didn’t fail me, and I’m really excited

for what the next year at Weatherstone will bring in way of development and my affinity.”

“You’ve always had the power.” Jensen’s expression was serious. “Maybe what you lacked was the belief in yourself. Your confidence

has grown a lot this year, and I, for one, can’t wait to see what year two brings.”

“Aw, guys.” I sniffed. “Don’t make me cry more of my makeup off.”

Trevor gently nudged me. “Go on. Go and sit with the freshmen. We’ll find you at dinner.”

“See you then,” I said.

By now the hall was noisy and almost full. Hurrying down the center aisle, I caught sight of my friends about halfway along,

and headed straight for them. As I crossed toward them, fate decided to throw me a bone, and Logan entered the same aisle

as me.

Grinding to a halt, it was now or never. “Hey, spellcaster.” I ignored the many faces turned my way as I focused on Logan.

“Where the Hel have you been?”

He turned to face me, and the ass-chewing I’d been working on giving him died in my mouth as I stared. He was devastating.

He’d chosen semiformal, and as I dragged my gaze over him, I noted the slacks pressed against muscled thighs, and the way

the green of his shirt turned those icy eyes brighter than ever. He’d rolled his sleeves to midforearm too, leaving his ink

on display, like an additional slash of color and art against his outfit.

“My eyes are up here, Precious,” he drawled.

My cheeks were heating, even as I shot him a withering stare. “We need to talk.” I ignored everything else. “This is our last

opportunity. Will you meet me after dinner tonight?”

He sobered, and as always was completely unreadable. “I can meet you after dinner. Say... near the graveyard.”

A tingle of awareness traced down my spine, but I was so desperate to get these answers that I didn’t hesitate. “Yes. I’ll

be there by ten.”

Headmaster Gregor walked onto the stage then, dressed in shiny black robes, so I spun and hurried over to the girls, slipping

into my seat just as he started.

“Welcome to graduation!” the headmaster shouted, his voice booming.

“We’ve had a year, I know, and many of you will be grateful to just have made it through unscathed.

I feel the same. We will never forget Gerard Donovan.

We lost a great student this year.” He paused for a moment, and everyone remained silent with him.

“Tonight, on All Hallows’ Eve, when the veil between the living and dead is thinnest, remember to send a blessing to our lost witches and warlocks.

We will lift the cloaking energy after the dinner tonight, so take advantage of the power while you can. And be safe.”

The blanket of energy was at this moment keeping us from feeling the full effect of Halloween, but when they lifted it, we’d

be inundated with power. This was my first All Hallows’ since the bloom of my energy, and I wouldn’t lie: I wanted to know

what the energy felt like.

I hadn’t had a necromancy section in my assessment because spellcasters couldn’t touch that magic, even though I’d shown signs

I could. I wondered if I’d feel the thinning of the veil tonight.

“With all of that,” Headmaster Gregor continued, “it’s time for our seniors to cross the stage and receive their coven placement.”

Nerves kicked in for my sisters, and while I had no doubt they’d be offered excellent placements, there were two worries.

One: they wouldn’t stay together, and two: they’d be sent to a coven far from Spokane. “Jerry Adams,” the headmaster called.

“As a fire elemental, you’re being welcomed into the Coven of Warriors in Dallas, Texas. Congratulations, Jerry.”

Jerry, a burly guy, well over six feet tall, crossed the stage in long determined strides to accept the rolled parchment.

“Thank you,” he said.

The headmaster shook his hand, and murmured a blessing, before he moved on to the next student. “Flow Allorn.” The water elemental was welcomed into the Coven of Mystic Light, which had a Californian branch. Absolute joy lit up her face when she heard the news.

The graduation continued for some time, until eventually Jenna and Alice Hallistar were called to the stage. Together. A fraction

of my nerves eased because they were going to the same coven. “Our lovely nature sprite twins are being offered a place in

Blessed Souls of Spokane, in their hometown of Spokane, Washington.”

“Wooooo!” Trevor’s shout was loud across the room, and everyone laughed as they joined in the cheer.

My own joy couldn’t be contained, even if there was a niggling worry that they would be accepted into the coven right as Mom

and Dad got kicked out. But surely the coven could find Dad a different job. There were always options.

After Headmaster Gregor blessed them, the twins hurried off the stage, smiling broadly. The rest of the students continued,

finishing with Yvonne Zuka, a necromancer who ended up in a European coven.

“Amazing,” Professor Gregor said. “I feel this year of graduates are capable, powerful, and ready to lead the magical world

for many generations to come. As will all of you. Our assessor scores were some of the best we’ve had in years, and I’m proud

of every graduating year.” He cleared his throat and looked around. “For the first time, we have the chance of three spellcasters

in Weatherstone who will become part of our proud legacy. We are the most prestigious magic college in America not because

of us but because of you. Thank you.”

The room erupted in applause, and I clapped along, wishing that half the student body wasn’t staring at me now. Apparently,

it was no secret who the third possible spellcaster was.

When Headmaster Gregor left the stage, another professor stepped out and led the blessings for the year. I’d never been part of this, but I’d heard about it from my siblings. All of us joined hands, up and down the rows, and together, the energy of the room rose collectively.

“Blessed be to those who walk these sacred halls. Blessed are their lives outside these walls. Blessed are their magics.”

We repeated after him in our ancient language, and by the time we were done, I felt as if I could run a marathon, or swim

the lake ten times. My energy was refreshed and renewed and lighter. A sense of being closer to my magic, and to my fellow

witches and warlocks, washed through me. I didn’t know a fraction of the students here, but we were all part of Weatherstone.

A collective.