Page 6 of Wicked Chains
Wait. Wickersly? As in related to our previous headmistress? The pieces click together in my head, and I remember the snippet in the student handbook that talked about the history of the Crescent Moon Coven and the academy. That first day seems like it was a lifetime ago, and I can’t remember much other thanthat Helena is Headmistress Victoria Wickersly's sister. The one who was ousted from her position. Apparently, she's found new friends.
Helena reaches the podium and surveys the room with cool authority. Her eyes briefly meet mine, and my blood goes cold. If I thought Victoria was bad, I’m guessing I’m not going to be thrilled with the rest of the family, either.
"Students, faculty and staff of Serpentine Academy," she begins. "I am Helena Wickersly, and it is my privilege to assume the role of Headmistress of this esteemed institution."
There's polite applause. I glance around, bewildered. No one looks confused or concerned. It's like she's announcing a routine change in administration, not completing a magical coup.
"In light of the recent restructuring, I have been appointed to guide this academy into a bright new future."
Restructuring? Is that what we're calling it when you forcibly disappear an entire magical organization?
"I assure you that your education will continue uninterrupted, with the same commitment to excellence that has always been the hallmark of Serpentine Academy."
Staff members in crisp suits move through the crowd, distributing champagne to the audience. This is insane. We're having a toast?
Then I notice the cameras positioned around the room, the equipment trained on Helena. Screens on either side of the stage show a livestream of the event, complete with a banner reading "SERPENTINE ACADEMY WELCOMES NEW LEADERSHIP."
On one screen, I catch glimpses of families watching from home, parents nodding approvingly, a few even raising their own glasses in response. To them, this is just a changing of the guard, a new CEO taking over a company. I wonder how many of them knew.
"I'd like to acknowledge our special guests today," Helena continues, gesturing to the row of people seated on the stage behind her. "The Blood Moon Coven, which will be overseeing Serpentine Academy as we progress into a new era."
I keep looking for any signs of resistance or distress among the faculty seated there. And then I see Lucien sitting at the end of the row, his expression perfectly blank. He's alive. He's unharmed. And he's sitting with them.
My stomach drops. Lucien's crimson eyes stare straight ahead, his posture rigid even by his standards. Is he under some kind of compulsion? Being controlled? Or has he switched sides? I can't tell from here, and his face gives nothing away.
I keep scanning and nearly choke on my breath when I spot Soren among the faculty section. Unlike Lucien, he looks completely at ease, lounging in his chair with his usual casual insolence. His dark eyes roam the crowd, and when they land on me, his expression doesn't change. No acknowledgment. No silent communication. Nothing.
What the actual fuck? Yesterday he was on the floor, unconscious, after trying to protect me. Today, he's acting like we've never met? Like nothing happened?
A server passes by, offering me champagne. I take it, needing something to do with my hands before I start tearing my hair out.
"To new beginnings," Helena says, raising her glass.
Everyone follows suit, but I can’t. I think I’d choke on it. Across the room, Lucien does the same, raising but not drinking. Soren, on the other hand, downs his champagne in one go.
Could they both be under some kind of control? But Ash didn't use any obvious mind-control spell on Lucien, he just physically paralyzed him. And Soren was simply knocked unconscious. There wasn't time for elaborate binding spells or loyalty enchantments.
Which means either they're playing along for some reason, or...
I don't want to finish that thought.
Helena is still talking, something along the lines of "honoring traditions while embracing necessary change," but I've stopped listening. My eyes search the room desperately for any sign of Drake. Nothing. Not even a shimmer in the air or a cold spot. My chest tightens. Where is he? What did Ash do to him?
"And finally," Helena says, her voice cutting through my thoughts, "I'd like to acknowledge a special student among us today."
My blood turns to ice as her gaze fixes directly on me.
"Rose Smith, whose unique lineage and remarkable abilities make her an invaluable member of our community."
Every head in the room turns toward me. I feel exposed, pinned in place by dozens of curious stares.
"We have great plans for you, Ms. Smith."
Over Helena's shoulder, I catch a glimpse of a figure entering from the side of the stage, someone tall, arresting, familiar.
Ash.
His forest green eyes find me instantly in the crowd, and I realize he’s probably been watching me the whole time. The slight curl of his lips makes it clear: I'm not just a student anymore. I'm property. And the Blood Moon Coven has just claimed ownership.
