Nightworld Academy: Term One(Nightworld Academy #1)(22)

"The accords between the shifters, witches, and vampires are also reinforced by the academy. Students are allowed to segregate themselves into houses, but cooperation is key."

"In this academy and the outside world, of course," puts in Sofia.

"Jamie and Amelia explained who the Dominion are and that they attacked me."

Theodora sits and clasps her hands in her lap. "We can't be sure this was them. Your power is valuable because you may see any attacks they plan against the Confederacy and prevent them. But there are also hunters—humans whose ancestors were around when the Purge happened and know we still exist. They’d like to finish the task and eradicate us. If it was them, you were a random target."

"The fireballs suggest other supernaturals, Theodora, and hunters shouldn't be able to find their way into the academy."

She nods at Sofia. "This is true. We have tightened academy security and if necessary, we will request extra guards for the perimeter. Guards who we can trust." Her face darkens. "There has never been a direct attack on the academy. I believe this was purely a desire to locate you."

"Great," I mutter.

"Don't worry, all teachers here are powerful, and many students are growing in power too as they get older." She nods. "And you will be one of them."

I fold my arms across my chest. "Do I choose whether to stay here?"

Theodora raises a perfectly plucked brow. "Do you want to understand who you really are? To finally get answers?"

I nod mutely.

"Then begin by talking to Sofia. She will explain more than I can and can use her strong affinity as a spirit-attuned witch to guide you. You need to understand your capacity quickly—your gift has been uncontrolled for years and this makes the visions haphazard and confusing. You can harness them."

Sofia gestures at the door. "My personal rooms are adjacent to Theodora's. We can go there and talk more." I tense. "Don't look nervous. I'm a teacher here and also a mentor for the witches who need help. Each house leader is responsible for pastoral care and guidance for their students."

I smile at the memory of Dad's comment—there are people here who can help my 'condition'. He didn't realise how right he was.





Sofia's room reminds me of an office I attended with my parents once where a woman in an ugly green and blue dress spoke to me about my hallucinations. Like this one, the counsellor's room was filled with soft furnishings in warm colours, such as the yellow sofa I sink into. Similar abstract paintings are hung on the wall with swirls of rainbows. Unlike my counsellor's room, one table is strewn with tarot cards, and crystals hang in strategic places around the room.

A large clear crystal hangs from the ceiling above Sofia's desk. Like many rooms here, a strange scent hangs around.

"Would you like a drink, Maeve?" Sofia walks to a small dresser in the corner where a black teapot edged in silver is placed beside matching teacups and saucers. Beside them, there's a small kettle and square boxes in yellow, black, and blue. She flicks on the kettle.

"Do you like Ceylon? Earl Grey?" She points at the boxes.

I'm not a fan of tea, but don't want to get off on the wrong foot with her. "Do you have any PG Tips?"

She laughs lightly. "Unfortunately, not. I'll make some black tea."

I watch as she spoons tea leaves into the teapot. Is she going to read them? My aunt did that once, on one of the few times I saw her as a young child. I thought she was mad, especially when she quickly rinsed the cup and never spoke to me for the rest of the day.

Is she a witch too? Oh god, I bet she is. Does Mum know?

Sofia pours tea from the pot into the two black and silver cups before taking hers between slender fingers and sipping. I pour milk from a small silver jug into mine and join her in drinking. My nerves drop as we chat about the academy, my life, and hers. I discover witches and shifters are mortal and vampires are immortal. Sofia is a little older than she looks and attended the academy as a teenager too.

Sofia reassures me she can help.

Tea finished and tea leaves unread, Sofia clears the items and then walks over to a desk. She pulls out a small red pouch from the drawer. The low table in front of me contains a wide silver bowl filled with water. Sofia sits and tips the pouch contents onto the dark wood. Six silver stones in different sizes clatter as they scatter across the surface, smooth and shining as if recently polished.

"You're gifted, Maeve. I can divine the future, and my affinity with spirit gifts me with empath traits. However, I've had to train for many years to achieve a level of skill that is only half of what we suspect you have. Your aunt told us that you have future sight—the rarest seer."

"My aunt?" I interrupt. I knew it.

"You should talk to your aunt about her heritage one day. Hers may help explain yours. Your gift is carried along the female line but doesn't always manifest."

Omigod. "Is my mother a witch?"

Sofia smiles. "No. Only your aunt. Theodora has requested that she attend the academy to talk to you—and us. She’s resistant, but I hope she comes soon."

"Me too, I have questions," I mutter.

"Tell me about the visions you've had through your life. When did they start? Are they becoming stronger?"