WitchCraft Academy (The First Book)
The Eighteenth Chapter

"I can't explain what just happened. It was as if she was taken over by an unseen force or something, her eyes were all white. Will Sophia be alright?" Axel's voice trembles as he questions Harmony, while Melody hands me an icepack to soothe my throbbing head.

"She will be fine. She is currently resting in the infirmary," Harmony explains, attempting to provide reassurance.

"I am so sorry. I swear, I would never harm anyone," I plead with The Sisters, my voice choked with emotion, desperately fighting back tears.

"We believe you. During the time of the murders, it was as if you were in a state of unconsciousness. These actions were not your own," Melody assures me. "However, we need to delve into the past few months of your memories."

"What? Absolutely not!" I protest. "That is a complete violation of my privacy!" I dread the thought of them uncovering what transpired that fatal night with Nico or my time spent with Silas.

"We understand your concerns, but it is the only way. We must uncover who has manipulated you in such a way. This type of magic is not part of our teachings," Harmony states firmly.

I notice Axel's jaw tightening, undoubtedly worried about the revelation of the night with Nico. "Just tell them about Silas," he finally speaks, his voice heavy with a sigh. I can sense he doesn't wish to betray me, yet I shoot him a piercing glare.

"Silas?" The Sisters simultaneously inquire.

"He is an eighteenth-century warlock from a different realm," Axel informs them, and I continue to scowl at him.

"Why did you not disclose this earlier?" Harmony asks, her brow furrowing disapprovingly.

"Because it wasn't him. He would never hurt anyone. I know him," I defend Silas, my voice unwavering.

"Well, we shall be the judge of that. Tomorrow morning, you will lead us to him without delay," Harmony declares. "For tonight, both of you will remain here in our office."

I bite my lip and cast my gaze downwards, unsure of what course of action to take. Silas would never harm me or anyone else. I am certain of it. I know him. "Okay," I finally concede, my tone filled with defeat.

The Sisters position themselves on the opposite side of the room, deliberately distancing themselves from Axel and me. Their hushed whispers suggest a plan in progress, one that they have no intention of sharing with us.

"I'm sorry," Axel confesses in a low voice, leaning towards me. "I had no choice but to tell them. I didn't want to."

I narrow my eyes at him, my arms crossing defiantly. "I find that hard to believe. You've been trying to get rid of him ever since you found out. He's not a murderer! I'll never forgive you for this."

Axel's voice remains hushed as he replies, "It's not about him being a murderer. It's about the knowledge he has, the kind of magic only he understands. You're not naive, Em. Connect the fucking dots."

"Please, just stop talking to me," I snap, my head still throbbing with pain. I lean back, closing my eyes in an attempt to find solace.

Finally, after what feels like an eternity, The Sisters prepare to depart. They lend me a pair of boots and a jacket to cover my pajamas, and we trail behind them, exiting the school through the main entrance and venturing into the depths of the woods.

As we approach the cabin, my heart quickens its pace. I pray that they won't harm him. I vow to protect him at all costs.

We step inside, and Silas, engrossed in a movie on my portable DVD player, stands up in surprise at our arrival.

"Ember, what's going on?" He asks cautiously, sensing the tension in the air.

"There was an incident last night," I stammer, struggling to find the right words...

"Someone possessed her and forced her to commit murders. No one in our world possesses that kind of magic," Axel states, his voice dripping with anger.

"Axel, stop it! He's innocent!" I snap back at him, frustration is evident in my tone.

Silas, genuine shock in his eyes, interjects, "She's right. I didn't do it. But I might know who did."

"Who?" I inquire, my curiosity piqued. How could he know?

"My Uncle Magnus. He's the one who provided me with the potion to transport me here. I know he had more. He wouldn't have given me his only one," Silas reveals. "This seems like his brand of magic."

"We cannot take any risks. We must delve into your mind to ensure you are not a threat," Harmony asserts sternly.

"Of course, I understand," Silas agrees, his voice tinged with resignation. Harmony steps forward, placing her hands on his temples, searching his thoughts. It takes longer than expected, but eventually, she withdraws her hands.

"He's telling the truth. He had no involvement in these acts, nor did he possess any knowledge of them. He's in love with her and outraged that someone would do this to her," Harmony reports to us.

"I told you he didn't do it!" I raise my voice at Axel, storming over to find solace in Silas's embrace. He holds me tightly, kissing the top of my head and my body relaxes in his familiar arms.

"I'm so sorry for what you've endured, my love," he whispers to me. "It must have been terrifying. If it is my uncle, I will personally kill him myself."

"I don't want you to have to kill your own family," I reply, my voice filled with compassion. "Let The Sisters handle him in their own way. They can strip him of his powers."

"Of course. If that's what you want," Silas agrees, and The Sisters exit the cabin to converse privately. Meanwhile, Axel glares at Silas, his arms crossed as he leans against the wall.

"I still don't trust you," Axel declares, his voice laced with suspicion.

"Ignore him. He's just upset that I slept with you instead of him," I assure Silas, gently planting a kiss on his lips. "I never doubted you for a moment. I know you're not a killer."

"Only when necessary," Silas reassures me, offering a small smile.

Axel rolls his eyes as The Sisters return to the cabin.

"He will accompany us back to the Academy for questioning and will be held in the underground prison until further notice," Harmony declares.

"We have a prison?" Axel asks, surprise evident in his voice as he perks up.

"What?" I exclaim simultaneously. "You just said he's innocent! You can't imprison him!"

"It's for everyone's safety, Ember," Melody explains.

"No, I won't allow it!" I protest, raising my voice. "He's innocent, so you can't lock him up! Give him a room like everyone else!"

"It's alright, my love. They have their protocols. I understand," Silas reassures me, holding me tightly in an attempt to calm me down.

Reluctantly we follow them back to the Academy.

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