Academy of Blood and Magic

2🖤

The following week seemed to drag on and on. I had dinner with Brandon's family, which was wonderful, but the days after that felt long and tedious. I wished I was able to go to the school already and see if I got in or not. I was practically shaking with anticipation. My parents and Brandon kept telling me to relax, that even if I didn't get in, I still did my best, but if I didn't get in, then it meant that my best wasn't good enough.

Finally, after what felt like an agonizing million years, the day arrived.

I drove up to the school by myself. Mom and Dad insisted on coming with me, but I felt like I had to do this by myself.

I parked Mom's car in the student parking lot and gazed at the students who'd been testing with me the week before milling around in front of the two double, entrance doors. Before the test had begun, the test proctor said that the students who'd passed would have their names written on a sheet of paper at the entrance.

I sat there for a moment and watched eight disgruntled students step away from the door, shaking their heads, their faces filled with disappointment as they walked away from the building.

This caused the anxiety I was feeling to increase tenfold. Even though I knew that a lot of students didn't make it into the school, still seeing how many students were walking away rejected still sent fresh waves of nervousness through me.

Then four more students walked away, leaving only two. I recognized Shelbee standing there, reading the paper intently.

My phone vibrated with a text. I pulled it out. It was Brandon.

It's going to be okay. Remember to breathe. You got this. Love you.

I smiled. Despite feeling like I was going to pass out any second, Brandon still managed to make me feel like I could conquer the world. I texted him back that I loved him too and put my phone away.

I looked back up at the two other students who were still gazing at the paper. There was a guy standing next to Shelbee. He had dark blonde hair that went down to his shoulders and was skinny and lanky. He had his back to me so I couldn't see his face.

After a few seconds, I saw Shelbee and the guy pump their fists in the air in victory and let out shouts of excitement.

I smiled at them. They got in. Even if I didn't get in, it was still nice seeing my old friend and this boy pass.

There was a strong part of me that just wanted to stay in the car but I knew I had to see it sometime. If I didn't get in, I was going to be crestfallen. I took a deep breath, unbuckled my seat belt, opened the car door, climbed out of the car, and slammed the door shut behind me.

I walked over to where Shelbee and the guy were standing. She squealed when she saw me and waved me over.

"Lyric! Look!" she squealed and pointed at the paper.

Her voice made my spirit lift a little bit. My heart thudding with anticipation, I stepped up to the sheet of paper and nearly fainted at the name that jumped out at me in bold.

LYRIC ROSE KAIN