The Academy: Detective Stories - Part I

Chapter 18. A Spell Whisperer

Jackie woke up in her room from her afternoon nap. Despite the rest, she still felt weak. The doctor had advised her that she needed at least one more week to recover. Putting on her sweater, she stopped at the mirror. Her reflection revealed a sickly pale face, and her sad green eyes resembled deep marshes. The silver necklace on her chest gleamed as she fixed it and forced a smile. Despite her condition, Jackie was grateful to be alive, a feeling she hadn't experienced in months.

Perhaps she needed to write about this moment in her diary, which she had abandoned after the dragon journey. She retrieved a leather notebook from the depths of her nightstand and held it close to her chest before heading downstairs.

In the living room, the fireplace still burned brightly. Elisa and Urchin sat on the sofa, engaged in conversation and laughter. Jackie leaned against the wall, a smile spreading across her face at the sight of them. She was pleased to see him; his changed hairstyle gave him a more serious appearance, and the nickname Urchin no longer seemed to suit him. He was Howard now, a future successful guardian and her dear friend. Jackie didn't rush to embrace him; instead, she found comfort in simply observing them together.

Her attention shifted to Elisa, whose hair cascaded freely down her chest, illuminated by the generous sunlight that made her head shine. A warm feeling enveloped Jackie's heart, prompting her to place her palm against her chest and blink in surprise. It was a new sensation for her, and she couldn't help but wonder about the significance of the necklace that Elisa had given her earlier in the day. Its purpose was to awaken her dormant love. But why do I feel it when I look at Elisa?

Jackie shook her head, dismissing her earlier thoughts as silly. The surge of emotions she felt was likely a result of the near-death experience and the adrenaline rush that followed. It was gratitude towards Elisa for saving her life, nothing more.

"Hey, there you are!" Howard's voice interrupted her thoughts.

Jackie smiled and walked over to them. Howard enveloped her in a hug, and she returned the embrace, her arms wrapping around his broad shoulders.

"You have a new haircut," Jackie observed as they settled on the sofa.

"Yep," Howard replied with a smile.

Elisa glanced at them slyly. "Well, I'll leave you two alone," she said before exiting the room. Jackie felt her heart pounding in her chest as she watched Elisa leave.

"How do you feel?" Howard inquired, breaking the moment of silence.

Jackie turned to face him. "The doctor said I can't use magic for a week, and I need to rest more to recover."

"So, you'll be skipping classes?"

She nodded. "Just for the first couple of days."

Howard took Jackie's hands in his, a gesture that was supposed to cause her heart to tremble. But she didn't feel anything romantic. Indeed, the accident on the lake and the pendant had strangely influenced her heart's desires.

"Howard, do you know what happened to that unfortunate couple on the lake?" Jackie asked, attempting to change the subject.

He squeezed her palms gently. "You remember my real name."

Jackie bit her lip, realizing her slip-up. "Right, I said 'Howard.' But it doesn't change anything." She continued to gaze at him in silence, waiting for his response.

Releasing her hands, Howard began to speak. "Yes, the couple. The guardians arrived at the shore just before that woman used her telekinesis Gift to push you. Now she's in prison."