Page 47 of The Last De Loughrey Dynasty

I made every effort to participate during the remaining ten minutes of class, but Professor Kane ignored my raised hand every time until the bell rang.

When Maisie walked past my desk as class ended, she whispered, “we’ll be waiting for you.”

I packed my bag and waited until everyone else had left the room, bracing myself for Professor Kane to assign detention or an extra assignment. He was strict and never let anything slide. In fact, he seemed to enjoy wiping smiles off students’ faces. Despite this, he was an excellent teacher. His explanations were engaging, and his strict methods pushed students to master even the most difficult topics.

“Got a lot on your mind lately?” he asked.

I frowned and clutched my papers to my chest, expecting my detention date. “What do you mean, Professor?”

Kane leaned back in his chair and propped his legs on the desk. Though strict with us, he didn’t seem to follow his own rules.

“You’re a good student, Miss De Loughrey,” he said. “I hate to admit it, but you’re probably one of the most enthusiastic students I’ve had in years. You notice things that others overlook.”

I was surprised by his words. I knew I was good at history, it was my favourite subject—but I hadn’t expected him to acknowledge it.

“Thank you, Professor…?” I replied hesitantly, the words sounding more like a question.

“I won’t give you detention for zoning out in class because I know it won’t affect your grades. But if it happens again, you will face detention. Do you understand?”

“Yes, Sir.”

“Good. You’re dismissed.”

I hurried out of the classroom before he could change his mind.

“Detention?” Maisie asked as soon as she saw me.

“Nope,” I said with a proud smile. “He said I was an enthusiastic student and let me off the hook this time.”

As we headed to Latin class, Nathaniel, with his arm draped around Maisie’s shoulders, scoffed, “don’t get too comfortable. He did the same with Naomi last year, and the next time she was late, she got three days of detention in a row.”

Naomi and the others weren’t in Kane’s class this year. The history class was so large that the students had to be split, with Professor Wadsworth teaching the other group. From what I’d heard, Wadsworth’s classes were easy and boring. As tough as Kane was, I was glad to be in his class.

“I’ll be careful,” I assured them as we entered the Latin classroom.

The day has been exhausting so far,and it was only three in the afternoon. The first two classes were fine, but the rest were utterly draining. My mind felt all over the place, unable to focus on anything, and every piece of information seemed to slip away as soon as it entered.

With exams approaching, I didn’t have time to dissociate.

I stared down at my notes, trying to tune out the noise of younger students running and screaming in the hallways during their break.

Jewels melted ivory

Gift of peace born in rivalry

Cradled in the palms of the star’s blood.

The cryptic words Maisie’s grandmother had left us were baffling. Still, I couldn’t shake the feeling that I had a clue about what they meant.

On Sunday, when I was still buried under my blankets, Maisie had brought stolen chocolate croissants to cheer me up. We spent hours talking about the future, the sight, and everything in between. She apologised repeatedly for dumping so much on me during Halloween and explained why she had been afraid to involve me all these weeks. After hearing her out, I forgave her.

An icy wind brushed against my skin, pulling my attention to the window.

Down on the campus grounds, a familiar figure with jet-black hair walked toward the stables. He wore tight black trousers,a turtleneck, and tall boots. Even from behind, I could tell he looked good.

Archer.

At Aquila, his sport was riding. Since the school’s previous riding instructor was still recovering from an injury, Archer had temporarily taken over the role in exchange for extra college application credits. Naomi had once caught me watching him like this and found it hilarious. I, however, was mortified by that.

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