Chapter 18
1134 Words
18
The gentle rays of the sun illuminated the trail leading out of the forest. The birds sang and guided me to the edge of the woods. Where the Academy waited.
At least two or three litters of dusk wolf puppies ran around me, chasing butterflies or chewing on twigs. All kept more or less in check under the watchful of Grey, who seemed no longer interested in killing me. Instead, she looked rather content to be walking freely again.
Her tongue was hanging from her mouth and she was panting ever so slightly. Every now and then, she barked or yipped once a pup strayed too far away. They’d pout, but quickly wobble back to the pack.
She was doing great.
“We’re almost there.” I hoped. I still wasn’t sure exactly how the Keeper’s mark worked, except that when it glowed and tugged me in a direction, I seemed to end up in the right place. Maybe it was just like the Veil, where I navigated it with my mind?
In any case, the leaf on my hip was burning bright and we were nearing an edge. I could see the sunlight filtering through the thinning trees.
I chased the rays of sunlight until it caressed my skin in a familiar embrace. Warm, light, like Ryoko’s touch. From the looks of it, it was morning and I definitely missed our talk. I just hoped she wouldn’t be too mad after I explained it all to her.
The forest ended and I found it had brought me to a different part of the Academy grounds than the last time. Near the Barn, where a thin figure was waiting. Even from here, I could see the stern stance.
The moment Grey noticed the figure, she howled and charged forward. She crossed the small distance in no time and collided with the woman. Caught in a tight embrace, there was no doubt who she was.
I gulped. Oh boy, Brynhild was going to be mad…
“Hello, Professor.” I waved awkwardly, preparing myself for a telling off.
“Ylva. You have some explaining to do.”
“Yes, I’m aware.”
“I could have you expel—” Grey nudged into her legs again and a smile curled around her lips. “Hello, girl. Yes, I’m glad to see you. Yes, I am. Yes, I am.”
Even my stern teacher wasn’t immune to the wolf bond. Somehow, that reassured me. And with her here, I’d have less trouble controlling all the cubs.
“Wait, how did you know to meet me here?” I asked. Maybe it was chance, but it seemed too much of a coincidence.
“Grey alerted me. Where did you find them?”
“In…” I bit my lip, stopping the words from cascading out. I couldn’t tell her about Var or the Forest of Illusions. Those were my secrets to keep. But then how could I explain this… “I found them in the Veil.”
“Really?”
“Yes.” Not technically a lie.
“Hah.” She tapped her chin and adjusted her teacher robes. “And how did you go to the Veil?”
My face blushed red. I couldn’t tell her about Flavia, we’d get in so much trouble for that.
“I went myself. I found my inner wings.”
“Oh, really?” The disbelief shone through in her voice, but she seemed more amused than upset about it. “Alright. Show me.”
“What?”
“Show me your wings.”
I pulled a face. “I can’t do it on command.”
“Is that so?”
We walked back to the Barn with the wolf pups jumping and hopping around our feet. The Academy towered from the freshly dewed grass, bringing painful reminders back from my fall.
Well. Actually, I didn’t hurt nearly as much as I thought I would. Not after the crash, or the fight with Ryuga, or the whipping from Var. All of that kind of disappeared and healed when my wings burst out.
That was good to know…
“Ylva.”
“Yes?”
My professor dug through one of the deep pockets of her coat and handed me a roll of bandages. “Here.”
“But I’m not hurt.”
“For your cursed mark.” She shot me a look of disbelief. “You can’t show anyone.”
“Oh right.” I wound the white cloth around my head. “Funny story. I got attacked for it.”
She froze. “Is that why I found the spare room empty?”
“What? Oh no, that’s cause I… Cause I climbed out.”
“For gods’ sake, Ylva. Why?”
I looked at my hands. “I needed to talk to someone.”
Brynhild sighed. “Teenagers.”
“It was important!” I protested.
She started walking again. “I’m sure you thought so. So, who attacked you?”
“Master Ryuga…” Nerves swirled through me as I admitted it. Would she believe me or would she stand up for her fellow professor?
“I see.” We arrived at the Barn and Brynhild placed a hand on my shoulder. “Go straight to your room and stay there until I come find you. Don’t talk to anyone, don’t show anyone your cursed mark.”
“Yes, Professor.”
“Ah. And actually do it, this time.”
I cast my eyes down. “Yes, Professor.”
“I’ll take care of the dusk wolves now.”
I nodded and crouched down to give Hyde one last cuddle. I only just found him and it pained me to say goodbye to him again. He was still fluffy and soft, but I missed so many important weeks with him. Time I’d never get back.
“I’ll see you soon, Hyde.” I pressed a kiss between his ears. “You be a good boy.”
“Awrr.” He bounced up to lick my nose and ran to his mother, where his brothers and sisters were waiting.
“I’ll make sure they all go to their rightful owners.” Brynhild held up a small vial and handed it to me. “Put three drops on your eyelids when you go to sleep.”
I accepted the little vial of midnight clover essence and nodded obediently. “Yes, Professor.”
I waited in anticipation, somehow convinced that she’d thank me for bringing Grey back. But when it became clear the conversation was over, I turned on my heels. With a heavy heart, I walked away.
“Oh, and Ylva?” Brynhild suddenly said. “Good job.”
Relieved and validated, I passed the Barn and followed the trail back to the dormitory. It was so early that everyone was still asleep, but that suited me just fine. As long as I wasn’t jumped by Ryuga and brutally killed. I was too tired for that. It had been a really long night and I’d rather catch some sleep before I got into another battle.
The dormitory doors swung wide open, the ornate hall empty and quiet. My shoes clacked on the marble, my footsteps echoing against the walls. It was a good thing it was so early. I really didn’t want to answer any questions from curious students. I just wanted to see Ryoko and go to bed.
I arrived at my door and rummaged through my pocket for my keys. Despite everything that happened in the last twenty-four hours, my room key had neatly stayed put.
As the door cracked open and I crossed the threshold, two golden eyes burned into my skull. “Ylva. I’ve been waiting for you.”
- Writer
