THE SCHOOL BEYOND the page

CHAPTER TWO: LESSONS THAT DRAW BLOOD

The bell rang without sound.

It vibrated through the air, through bone and breath, until every student in the School Beyond the Page stopped where they stood.

“First lesson,” Jayden muttered. “I already hate it.”

Amara followed the crowd into a wide stone hall lit by floating blue flames. Symbols glowed on the walls—ancient, watching, alive. The moment she stepped inside, something sharp twisted in her chest.

This place knew her.

At the front of the hall stood a tall woman in dark robes, her silver hair tied back tightly, her eyes cold and measuring.

“I am Professor Virex,” she said. “Here, magic is not given. It is taken.”

With a flick of her wrist, the doors slammed shut.

“No one leaves until you prove you belong.”

A murmur rippled through the room.

Lila swallowed. “That doesn’t sound like a lesson.”

They were given staffs—plain wood, rough and heavy.

“Magic responds to truth,” Professor Virex continued. “Lie to yourself, and it will punish you.”

Amara raised her staff. Nothing happened.

Around her, sparks flew. Some students shouted in triumph. Others cried out in pain as magic backfired, scorching the floor.

Amara clenched her jaw and tried again.

Still nothing.

Across the hall, she saw Lila’s staff glow softly, wrapping her in warm light. Students stared in awe.

A strange feeling rose in Amara’s chest—sharp and unwanted.

Why her?

Then there was Kade.

The moment his fingers touched the staff, the room went silent.

The blue flames flickered. The symbols on the wall pulsed violently.

Professor Virex took a slow step back.

“Impossible,” she whispered.

The staff shattered in Kade’s hands, releasing a wave of ancient energy that knocked students to the ground. Amara barely kept her footing.

And from somewhere deep within the school, something laughed.

That night, rumors spread like wildfire.

He’s cursed.

He doesn’t belong here.

He’s dangerous.

Amara found Kade sitting alone by the courtyard fountain, moonlight reflecting in the water.

“You okay?” she asked.

He nodded, but his voice was distant. “The school feels… familiar. Like it remembers me.”

Before she could reply, Lila appeared, worry etched across her face.

“I’ve been looking everywhere for you,” Lila said—to Kade.

Amara stepped back without realizing it.

The moment passed quickly.

But Morvena had seen it all.

From her tower, the Headmistress traced a finger across a glowing mirror.

“Yes,” she whispered.

“Cracks are forming.”

Later that night, Amara dreamed.

She stood alone in the hall of symbols. The walls bled shadow. A voice slithered into her mind.

She will take everything from you.

Amara woke with a gasp.

Etched into her palm was a glowing mark she had never seen before.

And somewhere in the school, a door long sealed slowly began to open.