Page 9 of Monster's Bride
The breath left my lungs in a pained rush as he grabbed my already-injured wrist, wrenching me back. “Rushing off somewhere important?” he demanded. Behind him, Cassius and his minions blocked the exit, leering in anticipation. They would not let me leave without fresh torment.
Panicked, I searched for an escape route. As if summoned, the screech of the Academy’s warning bell split the air. It was reserved only for dire emergencies, its urgent shrilling commanding the immediate presence of all students and faculty.
Drazhan released me with a scowl, clearly as disturbed as I was. Without a backward glance, I joined the anxious exodus filling the halls, getting swept along in the churning human tide. Never had I welcomed such upheaval. Something ominous was unfolding, but at least it freed me from my tormentor.
The Great Hall was in chaos when I arrived. Hundreds of confused voices echoed off the cavernous ceilings as we crowded between the long wooden tables. Fear and speculation hung thick in the air.
At last, the massive doors groaned open. Headmistress Blackthorn stood framed in the entryway, her piercing eyes commanding instant silence. Spine rigid, she paced deliberately to the front dais, black robes swishing softly over the stones.
With an elegant wave of her hand, the rows of torches lining the walls flared to life, casting a shifting glow over the assembled throng. She gazed intently down at us, as though weighing each and every soul.
A shiver ran through me under her searching stare. Though not directed at anyone, the Headmistress’ disapproval was tangible.
“Students, I have summoned you here because troubling events are unfolding.” Her voice rang through the hall, clear and grave. “There have been signs... omens which cannot be ignored.”
Another gesture opened swirling mists above us, forming dark and threatening images—storms, flames, weeping shadows that clawed at one another over desolate landscapes. Students gasped and whispered, but a quelling look from the Headmistress stilled any outbursts.
When the mists cleared, her piercing stare found me unerringly, as if sensing my private turmoil. “There are those who would disrupt the balance between light and shadow for their own selfish ends. We must stand vigilant against this rising threat, both without and within these walls.”
Though she did not call me out directly, an icy fist closed around my heart. Did the Headmistress suspect my role in whatever darkness was brewing?
Her words resonated through my bones. My cards had shown what she would not tell directly. Danger was near, though from what quarter, I still could not tell. But her warnings left no doubt of it.
Ophelia Blackthorn stood tall and regal, her black hair streaked with silver and pulled back into a tight bun. Her piercing gaze swept over us, daring anyone to defy her authority. “Our school has weathered countless storms. The threats besieging it will never come to fruition,” she continued. “Now, I must ask you to report any suspicious findings to me or our professors.” She paused. “That will be all. You may be excused.”
As we silently filed outside the hall, urgent questions churned through my mind. Who at the Academy could wish us harm, and why?
Lost in agonizing speculation, I nearly screamed when a hand gripped my shoulder. Whirling, I stared into Professor Bishop’s somber eyes. In his distraction, he’d frightened me. Rarely had I seen the unflappable man so shaken.
“Come, Seraphina. We haven’t much time.” With no further explanation, he guided me quickly through long narrow passages towards his office, one firm hand on my back as though fearing I too might disappear into the ether. My sense of foreboding grew with each hurried step.
Once inside, with the door firmly latched, Professor Bishop bade me sit. He did not take his own chair, too agitated to keep still. I watched nervously as he paced, gathering his thoughts before speaking.
I sat rigidly in the plush chair across from his imposing desk, clutching the engraved arms for support. Professor Bishop now stood solemnly before me, a protective presence as we prepared to disclose the full extent of the danger I faced.
“My dear, you are in grave peril,” he declared, but the voice spoke behind me.
Heart jolted into a gallop, I whipped my head towards the sound and met Professor Bishop, poised yet restless as he now stood by the flaming hearth.
“Let me be plain,” he said, showing palms. “This is not just about your tarot reading, my dear.” A pause. “Troubling signs have arisen that cannot be ignored. Ever since the beginning of the school term, there have been strange magical energy fluctuations detected on the grounds at night…” The words drifted into silence, but he recaptured them fast. “The signatures suggest someone is dabbling in forbidden spells.”
His sharp eyes gauged my reactions. “Dark forces are in motion.” Professor Bishop nodded gravely. “Just as the cards revealed,” he solemnly said.
He paced before the flickering fireplace, hands clasped tightly at his back. “I had hoped it was the paranoid imaginings of an old man. But now, I fear more sinister motives are at play within these walls.”
The professor stopped before the desk and swiftly pulled the drawer open. He slipped a hand inside and grabbed a fistful of runes, which he then tossed into a square silver bowl.
Stunned by his revelation, I forced myself to speak. “And you believe I may be a target of these latent… forces?” I asked.
I started as Professor Bishop materialized at my side. He squeezed my shoulder reassuringly before responding. “I’m afraid the runes confirm it.” Slowly, he crouched until our stares leveled. “Your life is in peril from an unknown threat here.” His sharp hazel eyes narrowed. “But we’ll get to the bottom of this, won’t we, Seraphina?” A warm smile curled his lips.
Someone wants me dead.A tendril of panic flickered through my being. I looked up at Professor Bishop. “We will?” I uttered, lacking his enviable confidence.
Sensing my fear, Professor Bishop added gently, “It’s time we shed light on this vile scheme before anyone gets hurt.”
I managed a shaky nod, bolstered by his calm assurance.
“Good.” Pleased, the professor stepped back. “Darkness reigns only when good people do nothing,” he said as he gathered the runes. “We shall strive to do much.”