Page 88 of Wild Ivy
Tate rushes in behind us and closes the door. “Right, you’re back,” he says, getting down to business.
“Bram said you had something to say,” I murmur cautiously.
“Yes. We want to open our own academy here inthisforest. Yes, it will take time to build and grow, but we can start out small, it’ll be very exclusive.”
I blink at him, lower Emmie to the plush sofa by the fire, and take a moment to process what Tate said. Opening our own academy is an ambitious idea, but one that could have a lot of potential.
“An academy here, in this forest?” I ask, wanting to make sure I understand correctly. “To teach what, exactly?”
Torin gulps back some blood before he says, “We were thinking of focusing on teaching control and balance of powerful abilities. The kind of training we’ve had to figure out for ourselves.”
Bram nods. “There are more supernatural beings coming into unique powers these days. They need guidance from those who understand what that’s like.”
“As I said, it would be small and exclusive to start,” Tate adds. “But we have the knowledge and experience to help others navigate their abilities responsibly.”
I consider this as I settle onto the sofa next to Emmie. The idea has merit. We’ve learned so much about balancing our powers and working together. Sharing that knowledge could be invaluable.
“What does Blackthorn think of this idea?” I ask.
“Who do you think planted the seed?” Torin says with a raised eyebrow. “He thinks it will be complementary to MistHallow, not competition. We’d focus on a very specialised curriculum.”
I nod slowly, ideas already forming. “It would take time to build up the grounds and facilities. But we could start small, maybe with just a few carefully chosen students.”
“We know it’s a big idea,” Torin says, “But we think it could really work. We’ve learned so much at MistHallow, and with our unique powers and perspectives, we could offer something really special, not to mention, it would give us something to do for eternity, you know.”
“Ah,” I murmur. “I get it.”
We have all been grappling with the idea of being true immortals in our own private ways. It’s typical Blackthorn to see that and to give the guys something to focus on.
“Plus,” Bram adds, “it would give us more control over Emmie’s education as she grows up. And any future children we might have…” He gives me an expectant stare.
“Not yet,” I mumble. But soon. I know it will be soon. I’ve felt the soul in the space that will be our next child. It creeps me out a little bit if I think about it too hard, but on the surface, it’s actually quite nice to know. He was a supernatural healer, so he was a good being in his life. I look around at my mates, seeing the excitement in their eyes, and focus on the topic of the academy. “You’ve really thought about this, haven’t you?”
Tate nods eagerly. “We have. We’ve even started sketching out potential curricula and thinking about what kind of students we’d want to attract.”
“It wouldn’t happen overnight,” Torin adds. “But that’s the beauty of it. It’s a project that will take time to build, and time is something we have a lot of now.”
“A name?” I ask to stall while I think. It’s a hell of a lot of responsibility and will be time-consuming, but the idea is intriguing, and it feels right.
“Archon Academy,” Tate says. “It will immediately signal to potential students that this is a place where leaders and powerful practitioners are trained, while maintaining an air of mystery and ancient wisdom. It was Morrigan’s idea.” He chuckles.
“Nice of you to give her the credit,” I say. “I like it. It is powerful.”
“So, are we doing it?” Bram asks, hope in his tone.
I inhale deeply and look down at Emmie, stroking her raven hair and loving her more than I ever thought possible. I want the best for her. We can provide that. Exhaling slowly, I smile. “Yes. We are doing it.”
The guys let out whoops of delight and relief, which makes me happy. They are excited and the idea is growing on me quickly.
I think of all the souls I’ve helped transition. I think of my parents, beginning their own new journeys. I think of Aunt Cathy, who just yesterday announced she’s taking on an apprentice of her own at The Resistance.
Everything changes. Everything continues. Everything finds its way back to what matters most.
“Now that is settled, there is something else,” Tate states.
“Oh, gods, what?” I groan.
“Tell Torin it’s totally possible to erect a shield while doing a backflip!”
