Phoenix Academy - Lucy Auburn Page 0,34

speaks. "He must be vanquished."

"Found."

"Destroyed."

"It will be a mercy," says the Salem Blue Phoenix. "His soul is corrupted and trapped. Once his flesh is put to rest, he will be free to move on. To be what he once was before he was risen."

Before he was risen. "Do you know who did that? Who—who brought my father back from the dead and turned him into a soulless man?"

A look passes between the women. "Some things are not for you to know."

"But one day perhaps you will."

"Or another in your place."

I frown at them. "Okay. So I'll fight my father. In order to do that, I need to get out of Hell. Think maybe you could help with that, since you're currently giving so many answers?"

I'm frustrated. It leaks into my voice. The Blue Phoenix elders give me a look, as if they're aunts of mine seeing reproachful behavior.

"Help will come," says the first.

The second, "Time will heal."

The third, "You will find the way."

And the fourth Salem Blue Phoenix, "She will pass you the torch."

As I open my mouth to ask them what the ever-living fuck that means, they begin to fade. The dreamland changes, smoothes over. And bit by bit it disappears.

This is all the time they'll give me. All the answers. And it wasn't enough—it was basically nothing when you get down to it. I already knew my father was a threat I would need to one day face; and as for their words about escaping Hell, just wait and something may happen isn't exactly the advice I was looking for.

I prefer to make my own way through the world instead of sitting around hoping rescue will come. In this case, I have to do the rescuing myself. To prove to my guys that I care for them. To show them I would never leave them behind.

Opening my eyes, I face the door. Force myself up to my feet. And stretch my fingers, thoughts coalescing in my head.

"Step back, Nehamae. Or—fly back or whatever. I'm going to try a few things."

The fairy gives me a look, but she swoops away from the door and comes to land on the golden path. I can feel Xavier's curiosity on me as I step towards the door with my hands out, as well as David's bitter unhappiness burning into my back. Reggie lounges near the door on his back, hands stapled behind his head, only his eyes moving to track me.

I hope this works.

Taking a deep breath in, I run through all the runes I know. And pick one that seems likely to work: unlock. It's a simple rune, given, but sometimes simplest is best.

I draw it in the air just above the door's latch. Nehamae snorts derisively, but I ignore her. Even if this doesn't work, it's worth a shot.

My magic settles into the old bones of the door.

And slips off it like water and oil coming together.

"What's next—will you hit it with a sword?" The fairy swoops up to hover by my shoulder, her piercing gold gaze full of judgement. "The magic that made this door was ancient at the time of its making, and is even older now. Simple mage runes won't work against it. Its creation predates the organization of magic into rules in the first place."

Chewing on my lower, lip, I flex my fingers and consider my option. "I'm not going to give in. Whatever it takes, I'll get this thing open. Maybe it'll take my blood, like it did from the other side."

"Blood has closed it, little witch. Blood is unlikely to open it again so soon. But try if you wish. I won't tend your wounds when you've spilled so many pints that you plead for mercy."

I roll my eyes in her direction. "How helpful of you."

"If you want help, take my offer to bring you through on your own."

"No." I set my chin, mouth stubborn. "There has to be a way."

It's Xavier who quietly asks, "What if there's not?" I turn to face him, my heart sinking towards my toes. He looks despondent but resolute. "We have to consider the possibility. It's time to make a contingency plan. If you go back without us—"

"Not happening." I shake my head and face the door, resolute. "I'll figure out a way. With my wild magic or... something. Maybe I'll burn it with my phoenix fire. It has to open for the three of you. We are going back. Together, or not at all."

Raising my fingers, I