Page 55 of Academy of the Wicked, Year Two

The way Cassius swallows hard —a Duskwalker prince showing visible fear—says more about Atticus's true nature than any titles or displays of power could.

"So this entire time," I say slowly, trying to process the magnitude of what we're learning, "you've been orchestrating events from behind the scenes. Using Grim's form to observe, to guide things toward some predetermined outcome."

"Predetermined implies lack of choice," Atticus corrects, moving to pour himself a fresh cup of tea as if he hadn't just revealed earth-shattering truths. "I simply ensured the pieces were in place when they needed to be. Gwenivere's choices remained her own. That was essential."

"Essential for what?" Nikki manages to ask, though her voice trembles slightly.

His smile carries centuries of secrets.

"For becoming who she was always meant to be. The transformation has already begun, though none of you seem to have noticed the signs."

"Signs?" I lean forward, unable to contain my academic interest despite the tension still thick in the air.

"Her magical signature has been shifting," he explains, sipping his tea with perfect poise. "Becoming more refined, more... pure. The trial merely accelerated what was already in motion."

The implications stagger me. If what he's suggesting is true— if Gwenivere is undergoing some sort of fundamentalmagical evolution as a hybrid—then everything we thought we understood about her needs reassessment.

"That's why you allowed the bonds with Cassius and Nikolai to form," I realize aloud. "They're part of whatever transformation you're facilitating."

"Very good, scholar," Atticus praises, though the words carry a hint of condescension. "Though I suspect even you haven't grasped the full scope of what's unfolding."

"And what exactly is unfolding?" Cassius asks, his shadows coiling tighter with obvious unease.

"The rise of a Queen who will reshape the very foundations of paranormal society," Atticus states simply, as if discussing weather rather than world-altering prophecy. "But first, she needs to survive Wicked Academy, which is why I've finally stepped out of the shadows to be by my Queen’s side as a King would."

His gaze sweeps over us all, holding weighted judgement that he’s proven is being assessed by something far more ancient than normal vampiric royalty..

"The question now is whether you'll prove worthy allies in what's to come, or if you'll allow petty jealousies and political games to blind you to the greater purpose at hand."

The words hang in the air like a challenge — or perhaps a threat.

Even Nikki, still dripping tea and clearly shaken by everything she's learned, seems to be processing the gravity of our situation.

"None of this explains why you chose prison as your observation point," I point out, trying to maintain some scholarly objectivity amid these revelations.

Atticus sets his teacup down with deliberate care.

"Think of it as a strategic position," he says. "The lowest levels of Paranormal Prison exist outside normal magicaljurisdiction. The wards there are...different. Ancient. They allowed me to access certain abilities that might have drawn unwanted attention elsewhere."

"Like the ability to project your consciousness through Grim," Cassius concludes, earning an approving nod.

"Among other things," Atticus confirms. "Though I suspect we'll all be discovering new abilities as events unfold. Particularly you, little Fae," he adds, smirking at Nikki. "Your current form isn't just the academy's doing—it's preparation."

"Preparation for what?" she demands, though her tone lacks its usual imperious edge.

"For understanding perspectives you've never had to consider," he answers cryptically. "After all, how can you properly serve a Queen if you've never experienced what it means to be female in a world designed by male power?"

The question strikes with unsettling precision, making even me reassess certain long-held assumptions.

"Are you suggesting Wicked Academy is punishing me specifically?" Nikki demands, trying to reclaim some dignity despite her tea-soaked state.

The transformation from proud Fae prince to this vulnerable female form seems to have stripped away layers of carefully maintained aristocratic control.

"That they're forcing me to experience this just to understand Gwenivere's perspective? What makes her so special to the academy?"

The question carries more weight than perhaps even Nikki realizes.

As one of the Seven, I've witnessed countless students pass through these halls, but none have ever triggered such dramatic changes in the academy's fundamental nature.

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