you.”
CHAPTER 2
“I am not that special,” I assure the strange woman, but my curiosity keeps me rooted to the spot.
“Once you hear what I have to say, you might disagree.” She strips off her leather gloves and extends one long-fingered hand. “I am Paige Drake, the headmistress of a college for unique people, much like you. It’s called Juniper Hall. After your experience tonight, I believe that you belong there. Don’t worry, you’ve nothing to be afraid of.”
This lady is frickin’ nuts. I take a step backward, searching for an escape out of the corner of my eye. I’m not becoming anyone’s sex slave or getting kidnapped tonight.
“I’ve had a long night, so I’m going to be going now,” I say, then turn around and start walking with my head down. Suddenly, she appears right in front of me and I almost smash into her. I frown in surprise.
“How did you—”
“Don’t play coy with me,” she interrupts. “We’re on a tight schedule and I’ve no patience for long explanations. That moment back there, when it felt like a storm was erupting from inside of you?”
My heart skips a beat. “How did you know about that?”
She tips her head down and hollows her cheeks. “That was the moment that changes your life. You had your Awakening tonight, Iris,” she says softly, her expression mesmerizing. “You’re a witch.”
My mouth drops open in surprise. “You have got to be kidding me.”
“One thing you’ll soon learn is that I don’t kid. You’re a little late coming into maturity, but your Awakening let off a strong Spark of magic—I felt it from far away.”
Magic? I look down and flex my fingers. It’s a crazy explanation. But what if…
“Magic isn’t real.” I stand my ground, forcing my shoulders back. She’s not going to intimidate me.
She cocks one thin eyebrow. “Do you need a demonstration?”
She flicks her wrist and suddenly I’m airborne, flying backward. I shout, trying to grab something where there’s nothing to grab, propelling my arms. She twists her hand again and I stop moving, but stay suspended several feet off the ground. I look down and see my shoes floating above the sidewalk.
“Put me down!” I shout.
“Very well.”
I squeeze my eyes shut as I brace myself to tumble, but instead my body glides down and my feet touch the ground.
“Proof enough for you?” Paige asks, sounding bored.
“I…I guess so. You’re a witch, too?” I ask softly. I can’t believe the words coming out of my mouth.
She nods. “Each of us comes into our powers at around this time. Usually earlier than twenty, as I said, but you only recently had your birthday. There are many schools all around the world, that take in young witches and teach you how to harness your powers. Otherwise, there would be chaos. You can’t stay here on your own.”
I blink rapidly, taking in her words. “You’re saying I don’t have a choice but to come with you?”
She checks a pocket watch on a chain from her breast pocket. “As I said, the clock is ticking. If you wish, I can explain more on the way there. You can ask me any question you like. Don’t worry, the car is quite comfortable.”
I raise my eyebrows. “And if I don’t go with you?”
She smirks at me, but it doesn’t touch her eyes—a rich blue shade, closer to violet. She slips her one glove back on. “You’re miles from a home that isn’t yours and you just walked in on your lover inside another woman. You’re failing your classes and your job. You have no family. You think I’m a madwoman, but I’m the only friend that you have left.”
Her words sting, even though they’re true. “How do you know so much about me?”
“It only takes a moment to read your mind.”
I stand still, debating my options. What will it hurt? I can’t go back home. I’m in a desperate situation, and an opportunity may have just opened up. She’s right—I have no one else left to turn to. I nod and she
CHAPTER 2
“I am not that special,” I assure the strange woman, but my curiosity keeps me rooted to the spot.
“Once you hear what I have to say, you might disagree.” She strips off her leather gloves and extends one long-fingered hand. “I am Paige Drake, the headmistress of a college for unique people, much like you. It’s called Juniper Hall. After your experience tonight, I believe that you belong there. Don’t worry, you’ve nothing to be afraid of.”
This lady is frickin’ nuts. I take a step backward, searching for an escape out of the corner of my eye. I’m not becoming anyone’s sex slave or getting kidnapped tonight.
“I’ve had a long night, so I’m going to be going now,” I say, then turn around and start walking with my head down. Suddenly, she appears right in front of me and I almost smash into her. I frown in surprise.
“How did you—”
“Don’t play coy with me,” she interrupts. “We’re on a tight schedule and I’ve no patience for long explanations. That moment back there, when it felt like a storm was erupting from inside of you?”
My heart skips a beat. “How did you know about that?”
She tips her head down and hollows her cheeks. “That was the moment that changes your life. You had your Awakening tonight, Iris,” she says softly, her expression mesmerizing. “You’re a witch.”
My mouth drops open in surprise. “You have got to be kidding me.”
“One thing you’ll soon learn is that I don’t kid. You’re a little late coming into maturity, but your Awakening let off a strong Spark of magic—I felt it from far away.”
Magic? I look down and flex my fingers. It’s a crazy explanation. But what if…
“Magic isn’t real.” I stand my ground, forcing my shoulders back. She’s not going to intimidate me.
She cocks one thin eyebrow. “Do you need a demonstration?”
She flicks her wrist and suddenly I’m airborne, flying backward. I shout, trying to grab something where there’s nothing to grab, propelling my arms. She twists her hand again and I stop moving, but stay suspended several feet off the ground. I look down and see my shoes floating above the sidewalk.
“Put me down!” I shout.
“Very well.”
I squeeze my eyes shut as I brace myself to tumble, but instead my body glides down and my feet touch the ground.
“Proof enough for you?” Paige asks, sounding bored.
“I…I guess so. You’re a witch, too?” I ask softly. I can’t believe the words coming out of my mouth.
She nods. “Each of us comes into our powers at around this time. Usually earlier than twenty, as I said, but you only recently had your birthday. There are many schools all around the world, that take in young witches and teach you how to harness your powers. Otherwise, there would be chaos. You can’t stay here on your own.”
I blink rapidly, taking in her words. “You’re saying I don’t have a choice but to come with you?”
She checks a pocket watch on a chain from her breast pocket. “As I said, the clock is ticking. If you wish, I can explain more on the way there. You can ask me any question you like. Don’t worry, the car is quite comfortable.”
I raise my eyebrows. “And if I don’t go with you?”
She smirks at me, but it doesn’t touch her eyes—a rich blue shade, closer to violet. She slips her one glove back on. “You’re miles from a home that isn’t yours and you just walked in on your lover inside another woman. You’re failing your classes and your job. You have no family. You think I’m a madwoman, but I’m the only friend that you have left.”
Her words sting, even though they’re true. “How do you know so much about me?”
“It only takes a moment to read your mind.”
I stand still, debating my options. What will it hurt? I can’t go back home. I’m in a desperate situation, and an opportunity may have just opened up. She’s right—I have no one else left to turn to. I nod and she
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