The Secret of the Maiden (#1 Witch academy)

Chapter 22: Lessons in hocus-pocus

I'm not to be forgotten
Trap your books when I walk in
Magic talks, without talking
I'll make the most before the coffin
Born to be desired, oh-oh

test me - melanie martinez 

***

"Let's go," Iliana said, taking Runa's arm and tugging her out of the cafeteria. The crowd of students began to spread out across the campus. Runa noticed the Pashpan group lingering in the cafeteria, and Iliana caught the glance she shot their way.

"You know, there's no shame in falling for a Pashpan," Iliana teased.

"I'm not in love," Runa defended, but her blush contradicted her words.

"Yeah, right." Iliana held her hands up in a mock surrender. "Give me your schedule."

Runa handed over the paper without hesitation. Iliana scrutinized it carefully.

"Ha. We have the first two classes together. After that, you'll have three private lessons." Iliana glanced at her as they ascended the stairs, following the throngs of students who chattered loudly.

"The regular classes are on the first floor, and the occult classes are on the second floor," Iliana explained, stopping before a large window that overlooked an open plaza with a grand fountain. She pointed towards the modern annex they had passed earlier. "The boys' rooms are in the new building."

"Do we have history now?" Runa asked, peering at the classroom door.

Iliana nodded and led her inside. The classroom retained elements from the old building—the high ceilings, arched windows allowing in ample natural light, and richly crafted wooden desks and chairs. Stone walls were adorned with framed historical maps and educational posters. A blackboard stood at the front, merging the old-world charm with modern functionality.

Students were already seated and talking enthusiastically, filling the space with a buzz of conversation. Runa felt a pang of anxiety, overwhelmed by the new environment.

Iliana gave her a supportive nudge. "Ignore them. Their lives are so uninteresting that one new person is the only news that matters around here."

Runa took a seat beside Iliana, feeling somewhat relieved to have at least one friend amidst the chaos. Many students were engaged in animated conversations, and Runa felt a little out of place.

"I know you don't have your books yet. You can follow along with mine," Iliana offered, placing her history book between them.

As they settled in, a boy with wild brown hair and a sturdy build swaggered into the room. He slapped his hands on the desk to get attention and approached them with an air of superiority.

"So, you're the one who worked with the witchhunters?" he sneered, his sharp features set in a disdainful expression. His eyes were a striking blue, and Runa couldn't help but compare them to Leo's, finding his eyes more captivating.

The words finally sank in, and Runa narrowed her eyes. "Excuse me?" Her voice had a dangerous edge, and she tilted her head in a challenging manner.

Iliana's face darkened with irritation. "Brian, fuck off," she growled, her expression showing a mix of frustration and anger.

Brian's sneer widened, but he shrugged off Iliana's rebuke and walked away, casting one last disdainful glance at Runa before taking a seat. The room was a mix of old-world charm and modern functionality: high ceilings, arched windows that bathed the rich wooden desks and chairs in natural light, and stone walls decorated with historical maps and educational posters. A blackboard at the front seamlessly integrated with the room's classic elements.