Chapter 1

CHAPTER ONE

Grabbing my bags and cat carriers, I touched the spot at the corner of the envelope and within a blink of an eye; I was standing outside the Rune Academy. The towering gothic castle rose in front of me, and I set down my stuff, putting the letter back in my pocket. Taking a deep breath, I breathed in the rich scents of nature, greenery combined with the scent of flowers. I hadn’t been gone long, but I missed this place.

In front of me, the doors to the academy were thrown open. Jessie stood in the middle of them. Her brown hair was in its familiar messy bun, and her cheeks were rosy, as always. But even though she was a tiny woman, she radiated something intense that made me worry.

Was something wrong?

Her dark eyes found me, and relief flowed from her. She hurried down the steps, nearly tripping as she went, and I steeled myself for what was about to happen. Although one thing I’d learned about this place was that you could never be truly prepared for what you might face.

Jessie appeared at my side, her face a mask of anxiety. "Thank goodness you're back," she blurted out, wringing her hands. "Something terrible has happened."

She sounded like she was on overdrive. Like she couldn’t get the words out fast enough. Whatever was wrong, it wasn’t good.

"Whoa, slow down," I said, trying to keep up with her rapid-fire speech. "What's going on?"

"Jaylyn. She didn't go home for the break," Jessie explained, her voice trembling. "She stayed here at the school, and this morning this loud noise woke everyone up. We found the courtyard statues knocked over, Jaylyn's things scattered everywhere, and?—"

"Wait a minute," I interrupted, feeling like my brain was catching up. "Are you saying something happened to Jaylyn?"

Jessie nodded, tears welling in her eyes. "We found her bookbag and shoes near the destroyed statues in the courtyard. There was also a cloud of smoke. The statues were cleanly sliced, but the pieces that came off of them were scattered everywhere."

"There was an explosion?" I repeated, my mind racing. "How could that happen?"

"Nobody knows," Jessie admitted, her gaze fixed on her palms. "To make matters worse, your name has been written into the ground in soot. It looks like it was done deliberately."

"Me?" I stammered, my stomach twisting into knots. Not this again. "Why would someone do that? What does it mean?"

"Unfortunately, we don't have any answers yet," Jessie said softly, not making eye contact. "One thing is clear: we need to find out what happened to Jaylyn, and why your name is involved."

Jessie looked away as she spoke, avoiding me. A pang of guilt washed over me from the way her voice shook. I didn't need to see her eyes to know she felt terrible about what was going on, about me being in the thick of it again. My stomach churned with a familiar unease. How could this be happening? Again?

"Let's go see what we can figure out."

Jessie nodded and grabbed my suitcase and one of the cat carriers. I hoisted the other carrier and my backpack. We walked to the courtyard, the sounds of commotion growing louder with every step.

It seemed like the entire school had turned out. Students and teachers clustered in tight groups, their expressions ranging from concern to outright fear. Mr. John stood near the center, his usually calm demeanor replaced by an anxious frown.

"What's with the crowd?" I scanned the sea of faces for any sign of understanding.

"Those two over there," Jessie pointed to a man and a woman standing a little apart from the rest, "they're hunters. Like the ones who came after the librarian's death. "

My heart sank at the mention of hunters. The word alone conjured images of stern faces and cold scrutiny, the last thing we needed right now. "How do you know they're hunters?"

"The teachers and TAs had a meeting earlier," Jessie mumbled. "They didn't say much, just that these hunters were here to investigate."

"Have you seen them before?" I grasped at whatever information I could.

"No," Jessie admitted, "never met them. They introduced themselves as David and Sarah. But if they're anything like the last ones..." She trailed off, leaving the unspoken thought hanging between us like a dark cloud, they might mean trouble.

Great. This was just great. How many times would I have to clear my name or else face trouble? When I became a fairy godmother, I wanted adventure, not the threat of a prison cell.

I glanced around and my stomach sank. The teachers and my other classmates were throwing me looks that could sour milk, their eyes narrowed with suspicion. It was déjà vu in the worst way, like when they all thought I’d offed the librarian. Silly me for thinking we might get past our differences.

"Hey," Jessie gave my arm a reassuring squeeze, "don't let them get to you."

"Easy for you to say." Their stares weighed at me.

In the midst of all the awkwardness, a pigeon, which had been perched on a toppled statue, lost its footing and tumbled down in a flurry of feathers. It hit the ground with a soft thud, looking more surprised than injured. For a moment, it just sat there, dazed, before letting out an indignant coo and taking off into the sky.

Laughter bubbled up from my throat, unbidden. Jessie joined in, and the two of us chuckled. It was a sunny moment, in an otherwise dreary moment, but it didn’t last long as the hunters suddenly glanced up and zeroed in on me.

I swallowed, hard.

They moved a little away from the courtyard and gestured for me to come closer. Setting my stuff down, I turned to Jessie. "Will you watch my cats for a minute?"

"Of course," she said, nervousness shaking her words.

I tried to stride with my head held high toward the hunters. It was important that they see that I’m not afraid, and that I have nothing to hide. Any kind of slip up will further their beliefs that I’m responsible for this.

"Hello," I called, stopped in front of them.

The man nodded. "Hello, I’m David and this is Sarah. We’re hunters who are investigating the disappearance of Jaylyn."

"I’d heard as much," I told them honestly.

They exchanged a glance, and I briefly wondered if they’re siblings. They both had honey-brown hair, both cut in similar styles, left a little long on the sides. They also both had brown eyes and tall frames, with lean muscles. If her face wasn’t a little softer, I’d think they were twins.

"You’re also familiar with our process, given this isn’t your first time dealing with hunters, is that correct?" He asked, and I could tell he was just reminding me that I’d been in trouble before.

"Yes. "

She drew her shoulders back, like without a word she knew it was her turn. "Can you tell us about your relationship with Jaylyn?"

I shrugged, not knowing what to say. "Jaylyn is one of my classmates. I don’t know her well, but I was hoping to build a friendship with her."

David lifted a brow. "So, there’s no bad blood between you?"

"None," I say.

"You didn’t accuse her of going to the academy under false pretenses, and she didn’t get upset with you for that?"

Darn it. "Yes, that is true, but I quickly realized I was wrong and apologized. I wanted to move forward."

They exchanged another look I don’t like, and Sarah continued, "And how good are you with potions?"

A nervous laugh exploded from my lips. "As good as any first-year student who has only been learning about magic for a short time."

David rubbed his chin. "So, you haven’t been given any additional training? "

I shook my head. "I’ve learned about a handful of potions, if that, and I still need a lot of help just to do those potions."

"And where were you the last twenty-four hours?"

"I was back home."

David lifted a brow. "So not at the fairy godmother academy?"

"Correct."

He looked at Sarah. "It shouldn’t be hard to verify any of this." Then, his gaze lands on me. "Well, as of now, there’s not enough evidence to accuse you of anything, but we’ll be looking into what you told us today. If anything doesn’t check out, our next discussion won’t be so pleasant."

Not sure what else to say, I nodded. "Understood."

They turned their backs and returned to the courtyard, and I returned to Jessie’s side, grabbing my bag and cat carrier. I glanced at Jessie, and she nodded with her head toward the castle. Feeling a wave of relief, I started up the steps, and we made our way inside, leaving the stink eyes and the fallen statues behind us.

A few minutes later, I stepped into my room, the familiar scent of lavender and old books greeting me like an old friend. Jessie was right behind me, thankfully, her presence a comforting constant in the whirlwind of returning to Rune Academy.

"Look at this." A small box had been left on my desk. It was out of place on the otherwise empty desk. I'd cleaned it off before leaving for break.

"Go on, open it," Jessie said with a grin, and it was nice to see some of her tension easing away.

I set down my bag and cat carrier and went to the box, opening it up like a jewelry box. Inside the box lay a little black stone, its surface smooth and cool to the touch. A note accompanied it.

"Squeeze this in the palm of your hands and wherever you are in this world, you will be transported to the portal room here at Rune Academy. You may shred your acceptance letter now."

"Handy." I folded the acceptance letter I'd used not thirty minutes ago. No way I was shredding it. That was the kind of thing that might come in handy one day. It slipped easily between the pages of a book on my shelf. Just in case.

"Isn't it exciting?" Jessie beamed, peering over my shoulder. "This stone portaling thing is new for all of us this year."

"Really?" I studied the stone's dark fa?ade as if it might reveal more secrets.

"Yep. I didn't shred my letter either." She winked. "You never know when you need it, although mine would take me back to the old Academy, I suppose."

We chuckled at the thought before turning our attention to the luggage that needed unpacking.

"Come on, let's get you settled in." Jessie rolled up her sleeves.

"Thanks," I said, grateful for the help.

Before we sorted through my things, I let Tilly and Simon out of their carriers. They stretched languidly, sniffing the air of the academy before I treated them each to a catnip-infused mouse.

"Did you enjoy your trip home?" Jessie asked while dangling a string for Tilly, who batted at it enthusiastically.

"It was great," I said, watching Simon nuzzle into his new bed. "I loved visiting Emily. But oddly enough, I missed this place. Missed my friends here."

"Understandable," she said with a nod, her curls bouncing. "This place has a way of growing on you. In the beginning, it’s just an exciting new place, but with time, it becomes another home."

We played with the cats for a few more minutes, then I got busy unpacking and putting all my clothes in the bureau and closet. At last, I closed the last empty suitcase.

"Ready for dinner?" Jessie stood up, brushing fur from her pants.

"Starved," I admitted. "Let's go."

We left my room, heading toward the cafeteria, with the curious anticipation of a fresh start mingling with the remnants of my old life still clinging to my thoughts. She was right about this place. I hadn’t been here long, but I was already thinking about it like it was a second home.

The moment we stepped into the cafeteria, every face turned toward us, putting a serious damper on my mood. Whispers followed us like an unwanted breeze that left my back rigid and my palms sweaty. Jessie didn't seem to notice, or if she did, she didn't let on. But I felt it, that prickle of attention that wasn't entirely friendly.

"Let's grab some food," Jessie said.

"Chicken or fish?" Jessie asked, piling her plate high without waiting for my answer.

"Fish, I think," I scooped up the grilled filet and added a heap of steamed veggies beside it.

"Good choice." She nodded as we both grabbed glasses of lemonade before scanning the room for a place to sit.

We aimed for a spot near the window. It would give us a view of the courtyard, where the hunters were investigating. All the good seats were taken, though, claimed by clusters of godmothers and sugar daddies and their animated discussions—which seemed focused on me.

"Over there," Jessie pointed to a corner table that was a little too far from the windows than I would have liked.

"Isn't that a bit..." I said, but Jessie was already on the move.

She grabbed hold of the table and with startling strength began dragging it across the room. The legs screeched against the floor, echoing off the high ceilings and drawing a fresh wave of attention. I winced, everyone in the room now laser-focused on us. Mortifying didn't begin to cover it.

"Erm, Jessie?" I tried to keep my voice low. "Everyone's watching."

"Let 'em watch." She grunted, giving the table a final tug that landed it perfectly within our desired view of the courtyard. She was panting slightly but wore a triumphant grin.

I sighed and settled into a chair, resigned to the spectacle we'd become. At least now we could keep watching the investigation happening outside. Jessie plopped down opposite me, completely unfazed, and began attacking her meal.

"Best seats in the house," she said between bites, and all I could do was shake my head and focus on my fish, pretending not to notice the lingering stares.

I forked at my peas, keeping an eye on the cluster of teachers with the hunters outside. They were hunched over something in the courtyard, scribbling notes and casting occasional spells that sent sparks shooting into the evening sky.

"Robbie would've had a field day with this," Jessie said.

My cheeks warmed. "You think so?"

"Definitely." She gave me a sly look. "He's got a knack for untangling mysteries, and he'd enjoy the company."

"Right, the company," I brushed off the blush creeping up my neck. We both knew she wasn't talking about the teachers.

Jessie chuckled, then glanced around the cafeteria. A few heads still turned our way, eyes narrowed in curiosity or maybe suspicion. It was hard to tell.

"Looks like you're carved in stone at the academy now," she said.

"Ha-ha, very funny." I managed a smile, but it was thin .

"Hey, don't worry about them." Jessie gestured dismissively with her fork. "There's nothing linking you to Jaylyn's disappearance."

"Is that the truth?" I asked, needing to hear it again. "Should I not be worried? My name is emblazoned in that courtyard."

Her expression faltered. "Well... I mean, it's complicated, right? Maybe be a little cautious."

"Great." I sighed. Last time, if I hadn't acted, I'd have been framed for sure. "If I hadn't done something last time, I'd still be in major trouble."

"Then we'll just have to solve this one too." Jessie's resolve returned as she leaned forward. "We can start investigating Jaylyn's disappearance ourselves."

"Us?" I raised an eyebrow. "Are we qualified for that?"

"Why aren't we?" She grinned. "Besides, what's the worst that could happen?"

"Let's not find out," I said, but inside, I already knew. We were diving headfirst into the unknown, and this time, Robbie wasn't here to help us navigate the murky waters.

Yet.