012

The rest of the day was a blur, the weight of Grandma's death and the looming threat of the unknown attacker pressing down on everyone at the academy. I felt like I was walking on eggshells, waiting for the next explosion of emotion or accusation.

At dinner, I sat next to Keeley, my eyes darting to Rook at the head of the table. He was deep in conversation with the coven leaders, his expression serious. I couldn't help but feel a pang of longing, mixed with anger and fear.

The food was barely touched on my plate as I pushed it away. Keeley gave me a concerned look. "Everything okay?"

"No," I said, my voice barely above a whisper. "But it will be."

The evening brought a moment of reprieve as Keeley and I snuck out to the conservatory. The air was thick with the scent of blooming flowers, and the sound of the fountain was soothing. We sat in silence for a long time, just listening to the water and the crickets outside.

Finally, Keeley broke the silence. "What are we going to do?" she asked, her voice small.

I took a deep breath and looked at her. "Make sure it never happens again."

~~

Later that night, I stealthily climbed out my window. This was the right thing to do, wasn’t it? I couldn’t help wondering.

With a small shake of my head at my sudden hesitation, I continued quietly down across the roof until I reached the large oak tree swaying softly in the breeze. The moonlight provided light for me, and as I crept to the edge, I peered down toward the ground. A long way down. It had been four years since I had attempted this very thing. And once again, it was to meet with someone I knew Rook wouldn’t approve of.

Swinging my legs over the side, I took a deep breath, before dropping down into the soft, welcoming embrace of the leaves and branches. The descent was surprisingly smooth and quiet, the tree seemingly eager to help me in my secret mission. When my feet finally met the ground, I paused, listening for any sign that I’d been caught. But all was silent.

I felt goosebumps rising along my arms and neck at what I was about to do, and shivered slightly as I quickly ran across the open field between me and the forest.

As I stepped within the growth's depths, the trees whispered secrets to each other above me as I hurried along the well-worn path to the clearing. I was aware that summoning a spirit was dangerous and that it could have dire consequences if done incorrectly, but desperation had a way of making one reckless.

In the center of the clearing, I paused, drawing a deep breath as I recalled the incantation that would bring the same spirit I had used to dispose of Shane.

With a tremble in my voice, I began to chant, the syllables tumbling out one after the other in a rush of power. The air grew thick and electric around me, and I could feel the pull of the Otherworld growing stronger.

Suddenly, a cold breeze swept through, carrying the scent of something long dead and decayed. I clenched my fists, fighting the urge to scream as the temperature plummeted. A shadow began to form before me, coalescing into the shape of a man.

The spirit appeared before me, his eyes glowing with an eerie blue light. He was handsome, in a way that only the dead can be, with sharp cheekbones and a mouth that held the hint of a sneer.

"What do you want, witch?" he asked, his voice a dry rasp.

I took a step forward, my heart hammering in my chest. "I need your help, the Coven isn’t safe."

He studied me for a moment, his gaze piercing. "And why should I care?"

"Because I can't leave here as the coven is on lockdown. And if she gets to me…" I let the words trail off, desperation tingeing my voice.

The spirit's eyes narrowed, and for a moment, I thought he would refuse. Then, with a sigh, he nodded. "Fine," he said. "But this changes nothing between us. I'm still bound to the Otherworld, and you're still just a girl playing with fire."

I nodded, ignoring the sting of his words. "I understand. Now, tell me everything you know."

He leaned in closer, his breath a cold mist against my cheek. "There's a dark force at work here, one that even I fear."

Before I could respond, he disappeared into the night, leaving me standing alone in the clearing with the echo of his words.

I made my way back to the academy, the weight of my decision and the danger of what I had just done settling heavily on my shoulders. But as I slipped back into bed, my mind racing with fear and doubt, I knew that I’d had no other choice.

~~

The next day the air was filled with mistrust and suspicion. Every time I looked at Rook, I felt a twinge of guilt for the secrets I kept from him, the way he watched me with those piercing eyes as if he could see straight through to my soul.

That evening, I couldn’t bear the oppressive atmosphere any longer and decided to take a solitary walk around the academy grounds. The moon was full, casting eerie shadows across the lawn as I strolled, lost in thought.

As I approached the pond at the edge of the property, something—a sound, a movement—caught my attention. I froze, my heart racing as I peered into the gloom.

From the murky water, a figure emerged, dripping wet and naked. It was Rook, his skin glowing faintly in the moonlight. I watched in astonishment as he climbed the banks, his muscles rippling.

He turned to me, his eyes flashing with some. "You've been talking to them again," he said, his voice low and menacing.

I took a step back, my hand reaching for the protection charm I'd hidden beneath my shirt. "What do you mean?"

He stalked closer, his eyes never leaving mine. "The spirits, Cat. You know I can smell them on you."

My throat went dry as I tried to formulate a lie, but the truth was written all over my face. "I had to," I whispered. "We have to find out who the murderer is."

Rook's expression darkened. "You're playing with fire," he growled. "And you're going to get us all burned."

The air crackled with tension, and for a moment, I feared he would turn on me. But then, with a curse, he spun away and disappeared into the night, leaving me trembling beside the moonlit water.

I knew I had to find a way to balance the scales of power before it was too late. Before my ancestor claimed us all.