Nightworld Academy - L.J. Swallow Page 0,54

removed from his post a few days after I arrived due to suspicion he was a traitor. Removed from the world was the most likely outcome.

“I suggest you find that competitive spirit. I require a minor manifestation within forty-eight hours, or I will review your position within the junior coven.”

I don't get a chance to reply to his terse warning as he spins on his heel and walks from the room. I slump forward with my elbows on my knees and head in hands.

Junior Blackwood coven.

How the hell did my life become this?

26

AMELIA

I'm unable to contact Matt for a week; my unease shifted to worry and now I’m scared. Since we parted, I've spoken to him every day. Six months and not a single day missed.

Something is wrong.

I warned Matt not to attempt an escape from Ravenhold, and now a multitude of scenarios run around my head, stopping me sleeping at night. Matt tried, was caught and punished. Or worse, killed. Or did he escape? If so, why is Matt hiding from me when part of his motivation was to be together? I have an answer for each question as I attempt to reassure myself: the Confederacy wouldn't kill. He's in hiding and will contact me when he can.

But why not a single thought from him? Even just a glimpse to tell me he's okay?

I can't focus on Elemental Magic class and make more mistakes than usual. Sofia invites me for a gentle ‘chat’. She implores me to stop pining after Matt, but she must know how strong a witchbond is. I stay silent, bogged down by my misery, and Sofia switches to subtle questions about Maeve. Is that the real reason for her chat?

She has an intense interest in how Maeve is settling, what I think about Vincent, and veiled insinuations that Maeve and Tobias are involved in an illicit affair. I don't tell the hemia-hating Sofia that I'm convinced Maeve has hooked up with Andrei too. I haven't seen the pair together, but I've noticed Maeve’s mysterious night-time walks. Maeve is less guarded around Andrei than before, and he watches her with more than the disdain when she first arrived.

I brush away Sofia’s questions and sense she's more annoyed by that than my poor academic performance.

As the days pass, I'm pulled further from my academy life and into my mind, constantly and obsessively reaching for Matt. I manage to keep my 'Amelia' front up, the way I did when my sister Genevieve almost died, but Maeve isn't convinced. She's too skilled and catches my thoughts. Usually, I deflect with questions about her and the guys. Maeve quiets, but always starts questions again.

I normally struggle with Potions and rely on Jamie to help me find the right mix. We've moved on to more advanced recipes where the ingredients need to be precise—an extra pinch here, or too little there, ends in failure.

Today isn't any different.

“Amelia?” I jerk back from another attempt to touch Matt’s mind as Maeve nudges me. “Please tell me what's happening.”

“Jamie's measuring the ingredients and Ash is helping.” I gesture to where the pair stand at the bench, close to the jars and boxes containing what's necessary for the Restoration Potion. The difficult to create elixir restores a number of things, from poor health to lost memories.

“You know that's not what I mean.” Maeve reaches out and lightly touches the back of my hand, her bright blue eyes filled with concern. I shift my hand and she frowns. “I'm not trying to read you. I wouldn't do that.”

“I know. I miss Matt, that's all.” I chew my pen. “Don't take this the wrong way, but when I see how the guys are with you, I remember Matt looking at me the same way. I love that you're settled and happy but—”

Maeve's shoulders slump. “But I'm rubbing your nose in the pain.”

“No, no!” I squeeze her fingers, guilty that my deflection upset her. “I'm honestly happy for you.”

“I haven't heard you mumbling in your sleep recently.” She studies my face. “Did something happen? Aren't you and Matt ‘talking'?”

I try my hardest not to show the upset I hide. “You don't hear me because you're sneaking out at night.”

“I don't sneak,” she protests, and two pink spots appear on her cheeks. “I can't sleep, so I take a walk.”

Interesting. “Where do you go?”

“Why do you keep changing the subject?” She arches a brow.

“Did you kiss Andrei yet?” I counter.

My question wins the volley as her jaw drops. Andrei