Page 17 of Reckless Witch

I suddenly want to demand answers. If anyone knows what really happened to Grams and why the Illumina took possession of her home—my home—the Grand Witch does. Hope surges. Of all people, a Grand Witch is sure to understand the connection between two witches…granddaughter and grandmother. She will understand that Grams’ home is mine. Maybe the Illumina seized the house not thinking I would return?

“Justice shall prevail,” she says.

My heart speeds up. Has she discerned my thoughts? Does she really understand? Will she release the house to me?

Her expression brightens. “But today is about you, child, is it not? Touch the Stone and let us see what The Academy has to say of you.”

I frown, confused for a moment, then realize what she’s said. “The Academy actually speaks?”

“The keep is the heart of The Academy,” Headmaster Domini says with a slight Italian accent. His deep voice sounds exactly like it should for a man with deep and sexy looks. He’s overwhelmingly male—and so very familiar. “This is where the Stone lives.”

I’m dimly aware of Ethan’s scrutiny as I ask the headmaster, “Have we met?”

His eyes light with amusement. “I don’t see how, Miss Crowe. Unless you’ve visited Italy?”

His voice rumbles through me, sinfully delicious, but I’m sure he’s lying. Still, I feel drawn to him in a way I can’t explain, like a moth to a flame…a flame hellbent on burning the moth to a crisp. The strength of my response makes me uneasy and I step back.

“The Stone. Touch it,” Ethan urges.

I turn toward the dragon and find myself drawn toward him, as well. Fuck, what’s wrong with me? I’m like a cat in heat. He’s all strength and hard muscle and every cell in my body forgets the headmaster in favor of the dragon energy sweeping over me. That’s the thing about dragons. They’re bigger than life. They leave no room for anyone else. The edges of the silver tattoos visible beyond his shirt cuff call to my fingers like a siren. Then I remember his sigil has jolted me one damn time too many and I’m back to being pissed.

“Today sometime?” Ethan arches a brow.

The Grand Witch smiles. “Touch the Stone and your name and clan will appear as proof of your acceptance.”

I turn my attention to the black slab. “I thought my name had already appeared on the Stone.” I slant a narrow-eyed glance at Ethan. “Isn’t that why I was invited?”

“Correct,” the Grand Witch replies. “But we must be sure of your identity. We cannot risk anyone impersonating a student.” Her gaze shifts to the Stone and a soft emotion fills her eyes. “The Stone is imbued with magic as ancient as the Shadow attack in Greek fifteen hundred years ago.”

So, there’s a chance—a big chance—I’ll get booted out on my ass. What are the chances I could get any answers before they kick me out? I hesitate, then brush my palm over the cool surface of the Stone. The sigil burns. I withdraw my hand. As expected, nothing. A vision flares of Ethan grasping my arm and escorting me off the stage to the front gate.

The three of them study the Stone, brows drawn. My heart takes a dive. I don’t want to be here, but I had counted on getting answers before I leave. Damn the Illumina—

Letters of luminescent white fire flicker on that shiny black surface. I take an involuntary step back. A series of names appear, names I don’t recognize. Ciarah, Brin. Emma. Nova.

Ethan draws a sharp breath. He knows he’s made a mistake. I’m not the High Potential he claimed. My mind races. Shit, shit, shit. Now, I’ve got to…

New letters form the name Leilah Crowe. My breath catches. I stare at the name in disbelief. It’s really true? I’m a High Potential? I’d known from a young girl that I was a powerful witch. Grams made sure I understood the responsibilities that accompanied my abilities. But a High Potential? The name scrolls upwards to make room for the clan name Longthorpe. I open my mouth to speak, then freeze as another clan name appears: Penncarrow. I frown. Ethan and Headmaster Domini frown, too.

“What is this?” the Grand Witch demands, but before anyone can answer, the names Middlewich and Silwood appear on the Stone. “This is…” her voice trails away.

As the silence drags, my heart speeds up. It takes a lot to stump an Illumina Grand Witch. It takes a lot to catch me off guard.

“Something’s off with your precious Stone,” I mutter.

“No,” Ethan murmurs, but he’s looking at the Grand Witch. “She’s connected to all four clans.”

“This is impossible. Who are the other names?” The Grand Witch looks at me. “Do you know these people?”

I shake my head. “Never heard of them.”

She studies me for a long moment and I feel the subtle probe of magic. A truth spell, no doubt.

She abruptly swings her gaze onto the headmaster. “Domini? Isn’t this impossible?”

He’s still staring at the Stone. “Apparently not.”

“The Illumina Stone does not err,” Ethan says.