Page 22 of Echoes of the Banshee

Ishouldn’t have snapped at Zair. He’s been nothing but nice. Too nice.

But I saw Mavis. And if Mavis is here, Anita’s not far. My stomach twisted the second I spotted her. I don’t want her to see me talking to Zair. That would be a nightmare. She wants him for herself; she’d probably try and use me to get a shackle like my bracelet on him. His strict no touching rule is probably the only thing that protects him from her.

My nightblind classes pass quickly. I head to lunch in the secret school, and as I’m grabbing my tray, a notification from GhostChat pops up.

You’ve been added to Misfits by Prof-Tea.

Prof-Tea:

Misfits in Greenhouse 4 today.

DreamingShaman:

Working with elements today?

WitchInBloom:

Nope. We’re gardening.

Even the professor calls it ‘Misfits.’

The double serving of enchiladas doesn’t fill the emptiness in my stomach. I wonder if I’ll ever be sated.

After I fail a pop quiz in Magical Contracts and don’t have the assignment for Advanced Curse Theory, I decide I’d better spend some time tonight working on catching up in these classes.

I head to the greenhouse, my thoughts buzzing with curiosity. I can’t decide if the butterflies in my stomach are from nerves or excitement as I approach my first Misfits class.

It’s breathtaking here, a sanctuary of vibrant plants and tangled beauty. Sunlight filters through the glass walls, illuminating greenery that climbs trellises and spills from hanging pots. There are only about ten students scattered throughout the greenhouse; I recognize many of them from their reputations. Kai who’s a memory walker. Better stay away from him. Sage who can animate inanimate objects, and Vero who does blood magic.

Professor Tennant enters the class and stands with an air of quiet authority. Her sharp features and upright posture are mirrored in the crispness of her British accent as she begins.

“Welcome, class. Today, you’ll choose one element and perform a simple manipulation. The objective isn’t to control the element, but to attune yourself to it.” The room stirs with quiet activity as students get to work. I linger for a moment, unsure of where to begin. I flooded a basement last time I touched water. I’ll look like an idiot waving my hands in the air. Definitely not fire. That leaves earth. After my display in the park yesterday I know I can connect. A patch of soil catches my eye, and I make my way toward it, kneeling hesitantly.

Before I can fully settle, a quiet voice speaks beside me.

“I’m Lira, are you new?”

A witch with a calm, grounded presence stands above me.

“Yes,” I tell her. “First day.”

“Name?” she asks sweetly. Is it genuine? I honestly can’t tell. I only understand two languages: sarcasm and manipulation.

“Thea.”

She drops down and sits cross-legged beside me.

“Earth?”

“I think so,” I hesitantly reply.

“Good choice. Let’s see what you can do,” she says simply. I glare at her. Her eyes widen at my hostility.

“What?” she asks. I’m about to lay into her when the professor walks over.

“Good afternoon, Lira,” she says, her sharp gaze flicking to me. “And who’s your friend?”

“This is Thea.”