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“We didn’t deserve this,” I said quickly, to distract her. The burn marks faded, and her skin became smooth, like it’d been when she was alive. “That’s what your last thought was.”
Professor Ward looked a bit sick. “We didn’t deserve any of it… the accusations, the flames… Why am I still here when the young girls moved on?”
“You mean Amy, Christine, and Ashley?” Nadine asked.
Professor Ward nodded, but she had a confused expression on her face, like she didn’t quite recognize the names.
“Professor, you said there’s something you need to get inside your classroom,” I reminded her. “Perhaps we can help… and maybe in return, you can help us.”
“How?” she asked.
“We were wondering if you knew anything about a demon in Octavia Falls, or if you’ve spoken with anyone about the Oaken Wands,” Nadine said. “There are ghosts inside the school who know about both, but we don’t know who. Have you heard anything?”
Professor Ward shook her head. “I haven’t approached the others. The astral plane is… an odd place. I wish I could be of more help.”
“It’s okay, Professor,” I assured her. “You’ve suffered enough, and I think it’s time you move on. Let’s see what we can do for you.”
I gestured her forward, then stepped through the doorway to her classroom. They both followed behind me. Professor Ward shot a curious glance back at the door, like she didn’t know she could do that.
The room was dark, except for a bit of light filtering in through the curtains. No one had been in here since the Burning, that much was obvious. A stack of our final papers still sat on the desk at the front of the room, and the display full of Professor Ward’s collection of magical artifacts hadn’t been touched at the back of the room.
Professor Ward looked around. “I came here for something, but I don’t recall…”
“Is there a message that you want us to give to your family?” Nadine asked.
Professor Ward shook her head. “No, I don’t think that’s it… There was something I was supposed to keep safe.”
“You taught Protection Magic,” I said. “Could you be talking about your students?”
She wore a calculating look. “It was more like…”
Her eyes connected with the display of artifacts at the back of the room. She’d spoken about them in class before, when we’d discussed enchantments. Most of these objects were enchanted with protection spells.
Nadine and I watched curiously as Professor Ward crossed the room. She walked over to the cabinet like she was magnetized to it. She stopped in front of a beaded bracelet and stared.
“That’s a black obsidian bracelet,” I said. “You talked about the crystal in class, how we could use it to shield against negative energies.”
Professor Ward furrowed her brow. “I’m afraid I wasn’t totally honest about this bracelet. It’s enchanted. I need it for… The Coven’s Shield.”
Her features softened. “I remember now. I witnessed your first meeting, and I know you plan to go up against the priestesses. I worried for you, because if I could see your meeting, others could spy on you. This bracelet is made to protect the wearer from astral spies. The Coven’s Shield must take it. Split the beads up amongst your friends, so that astral travelers and ghostly spies cannot enter your space.”
“Professor… I don’t know what to say,” I told her.
“A thank you shall suffice,” she said.
“Is there any other way we can help?” Nadine asked.
Professor Ward drew a deep breath, then relaxed her shoulders. “I may not have deserved my death, but I deserve a good afterlife. I’m ready to go.”
I reached out a hand toward her. “Let’s get you to Alora, Professor.”
I didn’t know why I said it like that. It just felt right. The moment her hand connected with mine, the energy in the room shifted. Tingles spread throughout my spirit as a beautiful bright light filled the room. I turned to see a portal opening, shining light on us as bright as the sun. I had to shield my eyes.
An innate knowing told me the portal led to Alora. The doorway to our afterlife had appeared for Professor Ward the same as it had done for Professor Daymond when he was ready to cross over.
Nadine’s jaw dropped as she took in the beautiful energy. It wasn’t just a light source. Love from our afterlife flooded through the portal, warming my soul to the very core. Professor Ward’s eyes watered, but she didn’t move.
“Are you ready?” I asked.
