Nightworld Academy: Term One(Nightworld Academy #1)(38)

I position myself between two bookshelves in order to spot Amelia when she returns, and then pull my phone from my pocket. My stomach sinks when there aren’t any messages from Tessa. She no doubt thinks I’m a needy friend, texting her all the time, but I can’t stop thinking about what I saw.

Low voices come from the gap between the shelves behind me, male and female. I peek through the books. The other side, a guy and a girl are huddled together in a corner. I don't look long enough to see what’s happening, as this isn’t my business, but I smile to myself. The academy has a lot of nooks and crannies and secret places to meet up, but the library is warmer this time of year.

I stare up at the huge domed skylight above and try to forget last night's events. What will happen the next time I come across Tobias? I don’t know how much of last night was a secret, but I’m guessing a lot. In his classes, I’ll have my head down and mouth shut. I don't want to attract any more attention or give him a reason to call me to one side, alone.

Footsteps and voices echo as people cross from one end of the room to another. The couple behind the shelves step out—one by one—and my amusement switches to intrigue as Jamie passes, followed by Katherine. I immediately turn my back and shuffle closer into the space between the shelves.

Jamie and Katherine? The two words together sound wrong. Not as wrong as Jamie’s face would look if Clive found out. I’ve seen him ‘have a quiet word’ with a guy he thought was hitting on Katherine before. I peek over my shoulder again. Jamie and Katherine? No. Surely not.

The two head to different exits at opposite ends of the library.

"Got it." Amelia waves a book in front of my face. "What are you staring at?"

"Nothing." I link an arm through hers. "I thought I saw someone I knew, that’s all. Let’s get to class."





Tobias stands in the hallway outside the library, talking to Sofia, and he pauses to stare at me. Sofia looks over her shoulder, lips slightly pursed, before they resume their conversation. I walk by but give the pair a wide birth. They're head teachers for two of the houses, of course they'd talk, but I’m unnerved by the way they both look at me.

"Good evening, Maeve."

I'm forced to stop and return Tobias's greeting. The first time I met this guy, I saw why other girls at the academy were attracted to him. That was until I discovered he's over a hundred and fifty years old and can trick people into doing what he wants by controlling their mind. Not the most attractive qualities in a guy.

Now I know he can see into my mind, I'm warier than ever.

"I'd like to catch up with you tomorrow," says Sofia with a warm smile. "A chat to see how you're settling in, and to work on your divination."

I nod and walk away but am hyperaware of Tobias's quiet scrutiny.

"Do we have mental magics today?" I ask Amelia, my walking timetable.

"No."

I silently cheer.

"We have divination, potions, literature, and science."

"A mixed bag," I say with a laugh. "Are we studying more Macbeth? I understand the witch jokes now."

"No, Dracula."

My mouth drops open. "Really?"

Amelia's eyes turn skyward. "No. Not really. Professor Kendal wanted us to read some locally written literature. I think the book is called Wuthering Heights."

I splutter in laughter and a perturbed Amelia stares at me. "Why's that funny?"

"Have you read it?"

"A couple of chapters."

"I have." Ash waves a book at me as he approaches. "Weird book."

"Sure is." I smile at him. "I studied it at my last school."

"Professor Kendal wants to take us on an excursion to the locations that inspired the book."

"Ugh. Really?" complains Amelia. "I don't want dragging across the moors through the cold."

"Maybe you could stop the rain?" suggests Ash with a smirk.

"You know I can't stop it raining!" she retorts. "I can create a downpour, as you know, but I'm still working on controlling the elements."

"Is it just water your magic is linked to?" I ask.

"I think so. I'm unsure yet but that’s where my natural affinity developed."

"And it's useful for her fiery boyfriend." Ash nods at her. "Have you told Maeve the stories?"

Boyfriend? Amelia never mentioned one.

"No." Her mouth tightens. "That wasn't his fault. We can't control our powers at first, just like you won't be able to control yourself when you first shift."

Ash's face darkens. "That's why I'm learning to control my strength."

I touch Ash's arm as the two glare at each other, shocked how they clashed so readily. "Tell me what happened."

"Nothing much," says Amelia as she throws Ash a warning look. "Matt is connected to the fire elements. He couldn't control the fire he conjured in class one day. I managed to summon water to stop the classroom burning down."

"Wow," I say.

"Yeah. If you go into Professor York's classroom you can still see the scorch marks." Ash's amusement doesn't drop.