Page 70 of Wild Ivy
“Try me because I’ve lived a million years in the last few months; I think I can place an accurate guess. Swann?”
“Ooh, got it in one.”
“Fucker. Why did he skulk about like he was just some professor?”
Vex shrugs. “Beats me. But who gives a shit? You have outgrown Thornfield, and we all know it.”
I study him and notice the change in him. He is no less dangerous, no less sarcastic and annoying, but it’s like he’s levelled up. I like that for him. He is being challenged, and that is what Tate needs as well. All of us, really. Especially now.
“And the guys?”
“Blackthorn will hardly split up the fabulous four. Besides, having more Fae here will be good for his rep, not to mention he is very intrigued by Tate’s ancestral power boost and Torin’s explosive mage power. You know, seeing as he is a vampire mage, too.”
“He is?” I blink. “That explains… a lot.”
We fall into an easy silence, and I soak in the energy around me. MistHallow feels right in a way Thornfield never did. The energy here resonates with whatever I’ve become. And after everything that’s happened...
“Does Swann know?” I ask. “About what happened? What we are now?”
“Let’s just say he’s been more involved than anyone realised.” Vex’s expression turns serious. “There’s a lot going on behind the scenes that’s only now coming to light.”
I groan, pulling the covers over my head. “More secrets. Perfect.”
“Hey, at least these ones might work in your favour.” He pats the blanket lump that is me. “Get some rest. Blackthorn wants to talk to all of you once you’re stronger.”
Sticking my head out from under the covers, I stick my middle finger up at him, but I’m smiling. Maybe this is exactly what we need - a fresh start somewhere that understands what we’ve become.
“Leave now so I can shower, at least.”
“See you around, little shifter,” he says and snaps his fingers, leaving in a flash of blue magick.
After a much-needed shower and change of clothes, I leave the room and find myself in a hallway filled with students. Some give me curious stares, others ignore me completely. I ask one of them to direct me to Blackthorn’s office. I think he is some kind of wolf shifter, although not a regular kind. He has power. An alpha in the making, perhaps?
“There’s been a lot of talk about you,” he says with a smile that seems genuine.
“Yeah? All good, I hope?” I joke.
He snickers. “Good enough. You will fit in well here, I think. Power is attracted to power, and everyone here has power.”
“So I see,” I murmur.
The corridors of MistHallow hum with ancient magick, and I feel at home here. I feel a pang for Ramsey and Josh, and I wonder if there is room for them here as well. If they even want to make the transfer.
The wolf shifter, whose name I didn’t get, leaves me outside Blackthorn’s office, and I knock, my palms sweating suddenly with nerves.I guess some things will never change.
“Enter!” he calls out, and I push open the massive door.
Blackthorn is behind a massive desk, and Professor Swann stands by the window. It is jarring to see him in this context.
“Miss Hammond,” Blackthorn gestures to a chair. “Please, sit.”
“Ivy,” Swann turns from the window, and I shudder. Still just as creepy as always. “You’ve certainly made things interesting.”
“That’s one way to put it,” I mutter, taking the offered seat. “Sir.”
He waves off the formality. “I think we’re well past that. Though I do owe you an explanation.”
“Several, I’d imagine,” I say dryly.
