Page 58 of Academy of the Wicked, Year Two

"When I accessed Gwenivere's internal magical structure and genetic makeup during the trial, I noticed something extraordinary. The corruption didn't register as foreign matter. In fact, it responded more like something returning to its natural habitat."

The implications of this hang heavy in the air between us.

Cassius's frown deepens as he processes what this might mean.

"You're suggesting the corruption...belonged in Gwenivere?" he asks slowly, each word careful and measured.

"Essentially, yes…at least if we step away from viewing corruption through the lens of good and evil," I explain, falling naturally into my role as educator. "It's similar to how many societies view darkness itself as inherently malevolent, when in reality it's simply another aspect of elemental existence. A necessary part of the natural order."

Cassius nods slowly, his expression thoughtful.

As a Duskwalker, he understands better than most how power others consider "dark" can serve essential purposes.

"If that's the case," he says carefully, "does this mean her elemental corruption is complete?"

A smile tugs at my lips, genuine appreciation for his quick understanding warming my scholarly heart.

"Excellent observation and deduction," I praise, noting how his shadows seem to preen slightly at the recognition. "But no. By my calculations, there are still two pieces missing."

It would make sense by a long shot, if the rooted reason for Gwenivere’s arrival stems not from her own accord, but a calling to come to this place with the premise of obtaining a chalice that holds more than just a remedy for her sister’s illness.

Wicked Academy had to have summoned Gwenivere for a reason, and it seems like our group will be the key players in figuring out why.

"Which suggests the trials leading to Years Three and Four might involve acquiring them," I continue, watching understanding dawn in Cassius’ silver eyes. "This could explain why the academy seems so invested in Gwenivere's progress, why certain allowances are being made regarding her presence here."

The sound of fabric shifting draws my attention back to Nikki, who has finally lifted her head fully. The cloak rustles softly as she adjusts it, her expression carrying something beyond mere curiosity now.

"You're suggesting this is all planned?" she asks, voice rough but steady. "That these trials, these...transformations...are part of some greater design?"

I consider her question carefully, aware that we're treading into territories that challenge everything we thought we knew about Wicked Academy's purpose.

"I believe," I say slowly, "that we're witnessing the unfolding of something far older than this institution's current iteration. Something that perhaps explains why an all-male academy would risk everything to accommodate a female student, especially when it’s obvious they know of Gwenivere’s true nature. Professor Eternalis’ easy acceptance of Gwenivere’sentrance and shift into Gabriel proves that they’re aware of both identities since nothing was done to interfere with our arrival and continuation in attendance."

Acknowledging that emphasizes that there’s a bigger play here that we have no control over. We’re mere puppets at this rate.

"What if the corruption isn't just corruption," Cassius concludes, pieces clicking into place. "It's power…ancient power…seeking to reconstitute itself through her."

Would make some sort of sense, but the same underlying question lies.

Why?

What purpose does this “ancient” power or entity have for Gwenivere?

She’s not a being who’s lived centuries in our world, and though we’ve come to acknowledge that she holds some sort of royalty status with her connection to Atticus, whose of royalty as an ancient Pureblood reborn, it’s still not enough to justify any of this.

Not the extent of our survival thus far.

"Precisely," I confirm, pleased by how quickly they're grasping these complex concepts. "The question is, what happens when all pieces are reunited? What changes when corruption becomes completion?"

"And why does it have to be her?" Nikki asks softly, something vulnerable entering her tone. "Of all people, why Gwenivere?"

The question carries weight beyond mere curiosity.

"Perhaps," I suggest gently, "that's what the Faerie libraries might reveal. If Atticus directed us there, the answers must be significant enough to warrant investigation."

"The answers about her true nature," Cassius murmurs, his shadows stretching thoughtfully. "About why she draws ancient blood and corruption alike."

"About why the academy itself seems to bend its own rules to accommodate her presence," I add, watching realization dawn on their faces. "Though I suspect what we find might challenge everything we think we understand about this institution's true purpose."

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