Page 2 of With the Potion in the Courtyard

Laughter bubbled up from my throat, unbidden. Jessie joined in, and the two of us chuckled. It was a sunny moment, in an otherwise dreary moment, but it didn’t last long as the hunters suddenly glanced up and zeroed in on me.

I swallowed, hard.

They moved a little away from the courtyard and gestured for me to come closer. Setting my stuff down, I turned to Jessie. "Willyou watch my cats for a minute?"

"Of course," she said, nervousness shaking her words.

I tried to stride with my head held high toward the hunters. It was important that they see that I’m not afraid, and that I have nothing to hide. Any kind of slip up will further their beliefs that I’m responsible for this.

"Hello," I called, stopped in front of them.

The man nodded. "Hello, I’m David and this is Sarah. We’re hunters who are investigating the disappearance of Jaylyn."

"I’d heard as much," I told them honestly.

They exchanged a glance, and I briefly wondered if they’re siblings. They both had honey-brown hair, both cut in similar styles, left a little long on the sides. They also both had brown eyes and tall frames, with lean muscles. If her face wasn’t a little softer, I’d think they were twins.

"You’re also familiar with our process, given this isn’t your first time dealing with hunters, is that correct?" He asked, and I could tell he was just reminding me that I’d been in trouble before.

"Yes."

She drew her shoulders back, like without a word she knew it was her turn. "Can you tell us about your relationship with Jaylyn?"

I shrugged, not knowing what to say. "Jaylyn is one of my classmates. I don’t know her well, but I was hoping to build a friendship with her."

David lifted a brow. "So, there’s no bad blood between you?"

"None," I say.

"You didn’t accuse her of going to the academy under false pretenses, and she didn’t get upset with you for that?"

Darn it. "Yes, that is true, but I quickly realized I was wrong and apologized. I wanted to move forward."

They exchanged another look I don’t like, and Sarah continued, "And how good are you with potions?"

A nervous laugh exploded from my lips. "As good as any first-year student who has only been learning about magic for a short time."

David rubbed his chin. "So, you haven’t been given any additional training?"

I shook my head. "I’ve learned about a handful of potions, if that, and I still need a lot of help just to do those potions."

"And where were you the last twenty-four hours?"

"I was back home."

David lifted a brow. "So not at the fairy godmother academy?"

"Correct."

He looked at Sarah. "It shouldn’t be hard to verify any of this." Then, his gaze lands on me. "Well, as of now, there’s not enough evidence to accuse you of anything, but we’ll be looking into what you told us today. If anything doesn’t check out, our next discussion won’t be so pleasant."

Not sure what else to say, I nodded. "Understood."

They turned their backs and returned to the courtyard, and I returned to Jessie’s side, grabbing my bag and cat carrier. I glanced at Jessie, and she nodded with her head toward the castle. Feeling a wave of relief, I started up the steps, and we made our way inside, leaving the stink eyes and the fallenstatues behind us.

A few minutes later, I stepped into my room, the familiar scent of lavender and old books greeting me like an old friend. Jessie was right behind me, thankfully, her presence a comforting constant in the whirlwind of returning to Rune Academy.

"Look at this." A small box had been left on my desk. It was out of place on the otherwise empty desk. I'd cleaned it off before leaving for break.