WitchCraft Academy (The First Book)
The Twenty-Nineth Chapter

I struggle to turn over, my eyes still heavy with sleep. As I slowly awaken, I realize I'm cocooned in the sleeping bag, with Axel's arms wrapped around me protectively. It brings back memories of the night before when I cried myself to sleep and he stayed by my side, comforting me. He looks so peaceful when he's asleep, and I can't help but gaze at him.

"I can feel you staring," he whispers, his voice deep and groggy.

"Sorry," I mumble, feeling a blush creep up my cheeks.

"Don't worry, at least you didn't sneak away this time," he jokes, still half asleep.

"There's nowhere to sneak off to, really," I playfully retort, and we both share a laugh as he tightens his grip around me, his sleepy yawn escaping his lips.

"We have to act like we don't know anything. They'll be here after class," I whisper so softly that I have to lean in closer, finding myself mere inches from his face.

He nods silently, his brown eyes locked onto mine as he gently strokes my hair, a sleepy half-smile gracing his handsome face.

"Now you're staring," I whisper after a few moments, unsure of what else to say.

"I can't help it. You're beautiful. Why wouldn't I stare?" he replies, his tone completely serious.

"But I haven't showered in days, and my hair is a mess," I protest, feeling a tinge of embarrassment.

"I stand by what I said. You're still beautiful, my Snow Witch," he grins, causing me to roll my eyes and attempt to turn away, but he holds me firmly in his embrace.

"Why do you do that?" he asks, his serious tone returning.

"Do what?" I ask, genuinely puzzled.

"Dismiss everything like you don't care," he explains.

"You're one to talk," I snort, but he reminds me with sincerity.

"I'm different with you. I'm real when I'm with you. Why can't you be real with me too? I know you feel it, Em. There's no way you don't. Before I met you, there was a void in my heart, and you filled it. It was always you, never Phoenix, never Sophia. Only you. You complete me," he passionately confesses, never breaking eye contact, causing my heart to skip multiple beats. I had no idea he felt so deeply and intensely about me.

"Axel..." I start, my words trailing off uncertainly.

"Don't deny it," he whispers softly, his fingers lightly tracing my cheekbone and gently tucking my hair behind my ear.

"Okay, I won't," I say, mustering up the courage to meet his gaze head-on. Taking a deep breath, I continue, "You're right. I do have feelings for you. But after everything that happened with Silas, I can't. I loved him so much and he betrayed me. I can't even imagine the thought of going through that kind of pain again."

"Em... You know me. I would never hurt you, betray your trust, or leave you," he says, his voice full of sincerity.

"I know, I never doubted that for a second but I never doubted him either," I reply, my voice filled with a mix of longing and hesitation. "But I just can't... I also can't imagine my life without you. Even if it's selfish of me, I don't want you out of my life."

"Hey," he says gently, his finger gently tilting my chin up so that our tear-filled eyes meet. "You're stuck with me forever. Even if it means we stay in the friend zone."

"Thank you," I say, grateful for his understanding. I embrace him tightly, allowing myself to be held for a few precious moments. Finally, we unzip the sleeping bag and stand up, sharing small sips from the water bottle and passing a bag of potato chips between us for our lousy makeshift breakfast.

I can feel my stomach disagree with the chips and I run to the corner of the room that we have been referring to as ‘the pee corner’ and puke my guts out.

“Here, let me get your hair.” Axel offers but I wave him away as I try and wipe my mouth with the side of my hand.

“I'm okay. It's fine. Those chips were just kind of stale and didn't make a great breakfast. I'm feeling better already.” I reassure him, sitting down to drink some more water and get the taste of puke out of my mouth.

Afterwards, we persist in our efforts to clear the entrance of rocks and boulders, wary that Silas may be secretly observing us. Sitting idly would undoubtedly raise suspicion. I ponder how they intend to divert his attention. Ethan advised me to minimize my involvement, but I can't help but feel personally invested. This is all my fault to begin with. I should be the one to fix this.

Time seems to drag on as we alternate between removing obstacles and taking brief breaks to conserve energy. In addition, we decide to engage in a bit of astral projection, exploring the school grounds and gathering whatever information we could.

Axel takes on the task of monitoring the students and teachers, while I focus on spying on Silas and Magnus. I find them conversing in Silas's bedroom together, alone with the door shut and locked.

"How can we execute it smoothly? We must act swiftly," Silas impatiently remarks to Magnus. "We only have one shot at this and you better not fuck it up."

"Relax, nephew. I have a well-devised plan. We'll invite all the former academy attendees, the witches and warlocks, and manipulate their minds. Students, teachers, parents—everyone. Then, we'll unleash them upon the human population, wiping them out, for good in a matter of days." Magnus reveals, a smile playing on his lips.

"That's brilliant, but how can we control hundreds of people simultaneously?" Silas inquires.

"I've acquired a special potion for that. And I have another potion for you, to transport you back home once everything is completed. I've received word that your father has passed away, leaving the kingdom in your hands," Magnus states, bowing respectfully to Silas. “Your Majesty.”

"Excellent, excellent. And what about Ambrose? Is that little shit still locked in the caves?" Silas questions, leaning against the nightstand with a stressed look on his face.

"Yes. Shall we kill him now?" Magnus asks with a vindictive grin.

"No, not yet," Silas dismisses the idea. "After all, he's my only brother. I want to do it myself when the time comes."

"As you wish, Your Majesty," Magnus acquiesces.

"When do we begin the plan?" Silas presses for further information.

"In three days, on the night of the full moon. I'll instruct The Sisters to send out the invitations today. What do you plan to do about your little problem and her boyfriend?" Magnus inquires.

Silas's expression darkens. "He's not her boyfriend, and I already have plans to kill him. Once we're finished here, she will return home with me as my queen."

"But does she still desire to be with you?" Magnus probes.

"Not at the moment, but she will. It is our destiny. She cannot deny it, and I won't allow her to," Silas declares. “We can both feel it and she's not going to fight that forever. Especially when she's in a strange realm and knows nobody.”

I snap back to reality, relieved to find Axel back from his own astral travel. I rush into his embrace, seeking solace in his shoulder.

"They intend to use the students, teachers, and parents to unleash dark magic and destroy humanity in three days," I whisper urgently in his ear, my voice trembling with panic jump apart in shock as the rocks that leave us trapped here come crashing down into a fine powder.

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