Page 3 of With the Potion in the Courtyard
"Go on, open it," Jessie said with a grin, and it was nice to see some of her tension easing away.
I set down my bag and cat carrier and went to the box, opening it up like a jewelry box. Inside the box lay a little black stone, its surface smooth and cool to the touch. A note accompanied it.
"Squeeze this in the palm of your hands and wherever you are in this world, you will be transported to the portal room here at Rune Academy. You may shred your acceptance letter now."
"Handy." I folded the acceptance letter I'd used not thirty minutes ago. No way I was shredding it. That was the kind of thing that might come in handy oneday. It slipped easily between the pages of a book on my shelf. Just in case.
"Isn't it exciting?" Jessie beamed, peering over my shoulder. "This stone portaling thing is new for all of us this year."
"Really?" I studied the stone's dark façade as if it might reveal more secrets.
"Yep. I didn't shred my letter either." She winked. "You never know when you need it, although mine would take me back to the old Academy, I suppose."
We chuckled at the thought before turning our attention to the luggage that needed unpacking.
"Come on, let's get you settled in." Jessie rolled up her sleeves.
"Thanks," I said, grateful for the help.
Before we sorted through my things, I let Tilly and Simon out of their carriers. They stretched languidly, sniffing the air of the academy before I treated them each to a catnip-infused mouse.
"Did you enjoy your trip home?" Jessie asked while dangling a string for Tilly, who batted atit enthusiastically.
"It was great," I said, watching Simon nuzzle into his new bed. "I loved visiting Emily. But oddly enough, I missed this place. Missed my friends here."
"Understandable," she said with a nod, her curls bouncing. "This place has a way of growing on you. In the beginning, it’s just an exciting new place, but with time, it becomes another home."
We played with the cats for a few more minutes, then I got busy unpacking and putting all my clothes in the bureau and closet. At last, I closed the last empty suitcase.
"Ready for dinner?" Jessie stood up, brushing fur from her pants.
"Starved," I admitted. "Let's go."
We left my room, heading toward the cafeteria, with the curious anticipation of a fresh start mingling with the remnants of my old life still clinging to my thoughts. She was right about this place. I hadn’t been here long, but I was already thinking about it like it was a second home.
The moment we stepped into the cafeteria, every face turned toward us, putting a serious damper on my mood. Whispers followed us like an unwantedbreeze that left my back rigid and my palms sweaty. Jessie didn't seem to notice, or if she did, she didn't let on. But I felt it, that prickle of attention that wasn't entirely friendly.
"Let's grab some food," Jessie said.
"Chicken or fish?" Jessie asked, piling her plate high without waiting for my answer.
"Fish, I think," I scooped up the grilled filet and added a heap of steamed veggies beside it.
"Good choice." She nodded as we both grabbed glasses of lemonade before scanning the room for a place to sit.
We aimed for a spot near the window. It would give us a view of the courtyard, where the hunters were investigating. All the good seats were taken, though, claimed by clusters of godmothers and sugar daddies and their animated discussions—which seemed focused on me.
"Over there," Jessie pointed to a corner table that was a little too far from the windows than I wouldhave liked.
"Isn't that a bit..." I said, but Jessie was already on the move.
She grabbed hold of the table and with startling strength began dragging it across the room. The legs screeched against the floor, echoing off the high ceilings and drawing a fresh wave of attention. I winced, everyone in the room now laser-focused on us. Mortifying didn't begin to cover it.
"Erm, Jessie?" I tried to keep my voice low. "Everyone's watching."
"Let 'em watch." She grunted, giving the table a final tug that landed it perfectly within our desired view of the courtyard. She was panting slightly but wore a triumphant grin.
I sighed and settled into a chair, resigned to the spectacle we'd become. At least now we could keep watching the investigation happening outside. Jessie plopped down opposite me, completely unfazed, and began attacking her meal.