Matt. “But I swear the French guy planned this. I saw him goading Matt before the match began, and he shoved him to get past with the ball a couple of times.”
I chew my lip. The team was losing and Matt’s passionate about winning in every aspect of his life. Creating a distraction would come naturally to him.
“He probably wasn't thinking,” I say.
“Don't make excuses for him, Amelia,” says Jamie. “Matt knew what he was doing.”
“Screwing up the bloody match, that’s what.” Ash huffs. “Come on. I want to change and talk to the rest of the team. They might not be as forgiving to Matt as me, which will cause the trouble the French want.”
The team file past where Matt’s still under attack for his behaviour, but none say anything to him. The majority are shifters like Ash, who are reluctant to allow witches on their team. Matt’s behaviour has made it harder for any future witch team member to be trusted.
I walk between Ash and Jamie, my two best friends at the school, squelching through mud as we pass Matt. He looks up and pulls an apologetic face at Ash. His sandy blond hair is a mess from the match and his long legs are covered in mud from the pitch. He may not have Ash’s imposing presence, but if you combine his magical prowess and looks, he easily pulls people into his orbit.
I’m surprised the cocky arrogance isn't in his expression.
I’m unsurprised when he doesn’t look at me.
MATT
“The arsehole slammed into and kicked me the whole match,” I protest. “Why should they win when they play like that? This wasn't just me and him – I saw their winger knock over Jordan a couple of times too.”
Professor O’Reilly’s eyes couldn't be narrower beneath his bushy brow. The stocky coach stands in the doorway, as if he doesn't want to step too far into the headmistress’s office. My head of house teacher, Sofia the spirit element witch, has been called to the meeting too.
This doesn’t look good.
At least they allowed me to change, though I chose to stay away from the changing rooms and headed back to the room I share with Jamie. No way do I want to face a pack of pissed off shifters.
Theodora unnerves me at the best of times. The lamia vampire shifts between cajoling and kind to bloody scary in the blink of an eye. Her anger has grown since I left the pitch, and the beautiful face I’m greeted with is a mask of fury. Angry vamps are terrifying however beautiful—one who holds a position of power over you doubly so.
“I am sick to death of your dangerous games,” she snaps at me and drags a manila folder from a drawer in her desk. “I cannot control you any longer. I am done with this.”
My stomach lurches. Done with?
“What do you mean?” asks Sofia in her quiet voice. The willowy woman with long dark hair is similar to Theodora in that she can switch from friendly to ‘do as I say, I’m a teacher’, but her even temper helps.
“I am under scrutiny for allowing Matt to continue flaunting his power. The Confederacy council are waiting for the right moment to take him out of the academy.”
“I presume you don't mean for army training,” says Professor O’Reilly with a derisive snort.
“That isn't the only reason a student might leave early.” She pulls a sheet of paper from inside the folder. “Is it, Matt?”
The lurching switches to nausea. Does she mean Ravenhold?
“Allow Matt to explain himself,” urges Sofia. “Before we make drastic decisions about his future.”
I swipe a hand down my face. If I’m sent to Ravenhold, I can kiss my future goodbye. Theodora looks to me, and I grasp at what I can say without sounding insolent. “I tried to explain. I don't know what else to say.”
“Do you think it’s acceptable to use a powerful fire spell to throw a match?” demands my coach.
“No. I was upset. I didn't think.”
“And the other powerful spells you’ve cast recently, Matt? You put a lot of thought into them. You’ve repeatedly ignored my requests to stop. I warned you, one more misdemeanour and you are out. You have no respect for authority, and that is dangerous.”
“I’m sorry,” I say. “But I need to practice my magic. Everybody knows how powerful my family are. I will head our family one day, and I need to be my best.” Sure, I push the envelope and take each