Witch Born - LJ Swallow Page 0,28

walks in, he takes one from the tray. The cabinet creaks as he opens a drawer and stores the files inside.

I watch Marcus for signs that I’m in trouble for my fight with Dorian.

“How are you feeling, Eloise?” he asks as he sits in the chair behind his desk.

My shoulders relax, but I’m surprised by his kind attitude. “Sorry about yesterday with Dorian. And I suppose you heard about the fire.”

He smiles. “I did, and I’d like to help.”

“Thanks,” I say cautiously.

“I could make you some tea. Do you like chamomile?”

“No, thank you.” I’d never pin this guys as someone who’d drink herbal teas. “I don't like the taste.”

“Very well. Do sit.” He gestures to the chair opposite. I sit stiffly, hands balled into fists on my knees. “Angus has asked me to speak to you sooner rather than later.” He places his arms on the table. “It appears you’re finding your arrival here difficult and it's causing unusual... side-effects.”

I nod.

“Your residual magic energy is taking longer to drain.” I nod again, lost for words. "But that isn't his main concern. We’ve also witnessed the effect you have on Dorian—on each other."

“I’m sorry. I don’t like him and how he treats people. He provokes me by—”

“Breathing?” He chuckles at his joke, then his face straightens. "No. Dorian hasn't manifested magic since he arrived a year ago. Yesterday, with you, he did. That is what concerns us."

"Oh?”

“We know there’s a risk of conflict, due to your history with his family, and we worry that you could destabilise the academy, and each other.” He rests back and steeples his fingers beneath his chin. “Conflict already exists between Zeke and Dorian, due to his social position in the academy, and now you.”

“What difference does that make?” I ask. “Plenty of people don't like Dorian.”

“But your family in particular hold hatred towards him. Zeke’s and Ethan’s families have bad blood between them too. You’re all powerful and from families with grudges. There are a number of students here from some of the highest-ranking and most powerful families on both sides. We watch everybody but we take more notice of anybody here who may be recruited by Dominion. Your family are all Dominion sympathisers and the Confederacy want Ravenhold to keep a closer eye on you."

"There are other Dominion sympathisers here."

“Yes, but those whose families are already key Dominion members face greater rehabilitation struggles. For example, yourself and Dorian.”

My heart rate picks up. “But what about our rehabilitation?”

Marcus’s eyes sadden, something strange in his pale face. “Eloise. I’m here to counsel students and I like to stay truthful. I’m not supposed to tell you, but I don’t believe it’s fair to keep students in the dark—everybody should know their destinies and how to deal with life.”

“What's unfair?”

“The four of you won’t leave Ravenhold before you’re twenty-one. And when you are, there’s a strong possibility you’ll be taken elsewhere. You’re too dangerous. Too big a threat to society."

“Taken where?” I ask in whispered horror.

“Nighthold, at twenty-one. You and some other residents here are unfit to re-enter society and we must protect ourselves.”

My heart hammers as I try to catch up to the truth he’s laying out for me. “I’ll never be free?” I whisper.

“Physically free, no, but I can help counsel you to face that probability. You can hold on to who you are.” He smiles. “You won’t lose your essential self.”

Is this guy crazy? He sounds like Francesca with his ‘inner self’ bullshit.

I shake my head. “No. This isn’t true. Why would you tell me this?”

“Because I believe you need to know and learn to accept from your early days. The others know there's no way out and I’m helping them accept this.” He chews his lip. “Just be wary about the effect you have on each other. Your hatred and anger will build and cannot end well. Kill another resident and you’ll be locked away from the everyday into the cells below the building. Two years of that won't be pleasant.”

I push my fingers against my temples. I’m truly stuck. Trapped in a circular hell, my life dictated by guards and leaders as day after day my spirit is crushed further.

My mind fills with questions. How does Dorian cope? Or Zeke? Why didn't they tell me? Is this why Ethan sits alone—because he’s already given up?

Now I understand how the rule over the academy is Dorian’s and Zeke’s way to create a world within a world—one they can control.

“But my family are powerful,” I