Page 59 of Academy of the Wicked, Year Two

The silence that follows feels heavy with possibility and trepidation alike.

We all look toward the bedroom where Gwenivere sleeps, unaware that her very nature might be key to mysteries older than Wicked Academy itself.

What dreams visit her now?

I can only wonder.

What ancient power stirs beneath her skin, waiting to be completed?

The questions pile up like ancient tomes in a forbidden library, each one promising answers that might reshape our understanding of everything we thought we knew.

But for now, all we can do is wait—wait for her to wake, wait for the next trial, wait to see what changes completion might bring to the woman who's somehow become central to all our fates.

"Our priority," Cassius states, his voice carrying that quiet authority that makes others listen despite its lack of force, "should be researching the chalice Gwenivere originally sought. As we gain access to the library and archives, we need to understand their significance. Perhaps it's connected to all of this…or maybe there's more to her sister's salvation than we initially assumed."

The mention of Gwenivere's original mission strikes me as particularly relevant.

In all the chaos of trials and transformations, we'd somehow let that crucial detail fade into the background.

A hybrid witch infiltrating an all-male academy to save her dying sister — it had seemed straightforward at first, but now...

"Agreed," I say with a weary sigh, settling back into my chair.

Crossing one leg over the other, I retrieve my abandoned tea. The liquid has gone cold, but I drink it anyway, mentally noting the waste of perfectly good Earl Grey currently seeping into our marble floors.

Enough has been spilled and wasted for one evening.

The scholarly part of my mind is already cataloging research approaches —which sections of the library might yield relevant information, which archived documents might need careful examination.

If the chalice truly connects to whatever ancient power seeks completion through Gwenivere, we'll need to be thorough in our investigation.

"You should all head to bed," I announce, suddenly aware of the exhaustion evident in everyone's posture.

These revelations can wait for fresher minds and clearer heads.

"Grim, would you mind taking Atticus to the room next to the master suite? Given his... protective nature regarding Gwenivere, it seems prudent to keep them in proximity. Just in case she needs him when she wakes."

"Greee," he responds with the soft sound carrying notes of understanding that make me wonder just how much of Atticus's nature it entwined in this entity that seemingly mixed between Cassius's shadows and Atticus’ influence.

The careful way it handles the ancient vampire's unconscious form speaks of familiarity that predates its connection to Cassius.

Atticus is an underdog that none of us expected to enter our orbit, which essentially completes our group and gives us an advantage. It would be good to learn just how powerful he is before the next trial.

Nikki leaves without a word, but the slam of her door echoes through our new living space with enough force to make the wards ripple.

The sound carries all the frustration and humiliation she's too proud to voice —a “princess” brought low, forced to experience vulnerability.

Cassius sighs, taking a step toward the hallway before I stop him.

"Don't," I advise quietly. "Comfort isn't what she needs right now."

"I know," he admits, shadows coiling closer to his form. "Though I can't help feeling some sympathy. This transformation...it's more than just physical change. You probably wouldn’t get it but…"

“I understand,” I admit. They may act like I’m simply a pet that follows orders because of implications, but I hide immense knowledge they don’t need to know I’ve acquired over the many years of being their undermining “dog”.

"This is an environment that shows pity to no one," I remind him, though I keep my tone gentle.The reminder feels necessary, especially given what awaits us."And now that we're in Faerie, that truth will only become more apparent. Their realm has always been crueler than most care to acknowledge."

My thoughts drift to the various texts I've studied about Faerie society — the carefully maintained facades of perfection hiding centuries of calculated manipulation and power plays.

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