Nightworld Academy: Term One(Nightworld Academy #1)(45)

I can’t keep up; I can barely deal with the world inside the school, let alone the intricacies in the world outside. At least Oskar’s words offer comfort around the situation.

"You mean I’m not in danger?" I ask.

"Not immediate danger, no." Oskar tips his chin. "You will be in demand, shall we say, but it’s unlikely the Dominion want you dead."

"Nice," I mutter.

"Their actions backfired. The Dominion followers thought the school was an easy target, but we are not, and now we’re on full alert," puts in Tobias. "We arrest every person who approaches the school if there’s a hint they may be linked to the Dominion. Rest assured Maeve, we do not expect another attack like that."

"I presume you are carefully screening everybody after your lax attitude," says Oskar. "We don't want any more security guards helping the Dominion enter campus."

"They took us by surprise," protests Theodora.

"It was you who allowed somebody to work here who didn't have sufficient clearance."

Theodora’s eyes flash. "I cannot be responsible for every staffing decision made. Especially when the security guard came with a recommendation from the Confederacy."

"It is dealt with," puts in Sofia. "Mistakes are made sometimes."

"And now the witch is at the school, we cannot afford to make anymore."

Oskar’s tone adds an extra chill to the room and his unblinking stare brings on a familiar feeling. I hold his gaze. "Could you please stay out of my mind?"

Sofia’s mouth falls open and Theodora glances at Oskar in concern. Andrei sits forward and smirks, taking in the scene.

Oskar’s probing look continues, but he doesn't penetrate my thoughts. "I hope you're the answer to our struggle to stop the Dominion’s growing influence."

"I am sure she is," puts in Sofia.

He turns to her, mouth set in a thin line. "The witch spent her life fighting her gift. That is an extra barrier to her training, is it not?"

Sofia nods. "Maeve still has random visions she can’t control, yes. We are making progress though."

Am I? I don't feel as if I am. Perspiration grows along my back. Will Tobias tell people here what he saw in my mind? I catch Andrei looking at me too. Both glimpsed something—but how? What? I need to know.

"Hmm." Oskar finally breaks his scrutiny and stands. "Theodora, I would like to talk to you more about the situation. I do not want to reach the stage where we need to take the witch from the school."

"Maeve," I interrupt, unable to hold back my irritation. "My name is Maeve."

He ignores me.

"I assure you this academy is the best place for Maeve to thrive. You have my assurances of her safety," says Tobias.

Oskar gestures at the other students in the room. "You must not speak about what happened, but I also did not want you to worry."

Amelia and Ash nod, but their worry is palpable.

I relax when Tobias and Andrei say nothing about what they glimpsed.

They dismiss us. I’m less concerned now—the Dominion must be weaker than I imagined if the Confederacy dealt with them this quickly. But I’m uncomfortable how closely some at the school watch me.

I stand outside the front of the building with Ash, Jamie and Amelia. She looks the most shell-shocked over meeting a high-ranking Confederacy member, but the others faces soften with relief.

"I’m happy Oskar told us what’s happening," says Ash. "I’ve worried someone might attack again."

"Same," says Jamie.

"You never told me that," I retort. "Why?"

Ash and Jamie exchange looks. "We didn't want to worry you, that’s why we downplayed everything when we were around you."

"And do you believe I’m safe now?"

"Undoubtedly," says Jamie.

Ash sucks his lips together and looks away. "They can’t be a hundred percent sure, can they?"

The sick stomach I’ve had the whole meeting grows worse. If my friends have doubts, how can I be sure?

"Are you doubting my grandfather’s words?" Andrei hops down the steps and pauses. He’s amused, not annoyed.

"Do you?" asks Ash.

"I believe the Confederacy will keep us safe, yes." He tips his chin. "Maeve, those who tried to take you wanted to score points with the Dominion leaders. They were outliers who wanted to take you to them like a prize."

"How would you know?" asks Ash and narrows his eyes.

"Really? One future-sighted witch isn't the centre of the Dominion's plans. They have two main aims: disrupting the academies and gaining authority over the supernatural world. She's just a small part."

I rub my face. "I’m confused, but happy I’m safe."

We huddle together and Andrei hovers around the edges. Nobody speaks, as his presence ends our earlier conversation.

Andrei watches us for a moment. "Quite the little gang, aren't you?"

"You’d know all about gangs," retorts Jamie. "At least we don't bully others."

He scoffs. "I don’t have time for bullying people."

Ash crosses his arms, and everybody falls silent again. I almost feel bad for Andrei and how much they distrust him. Almost, until I remember what I witnessed. I don’t trust him either.