The Curse ✔️

Chapter 43: Wrong

He knew.

There was no way he didn't know.

He knew we figured it out and he was trying to get ahead while there was still time.

"Is it that serious?" I asked, some hidden acting talent emerging under the pressure and taking over my mouth.

No, how would he know?

We were careful.

Yes, we've done some dangerous shit over the past few weeks, but teachers intervened on all accounts. Thar and Lorenia handled the shields around the school. Lange tried to locate the Headmaster. Darth dealt with the black ooze. They knew what they were doing.

"I'm afraid we can't risk any more lives without figuring out what's going on." My father continued, either oblivious to my inner turmoil or pretending to be so. "This is an order directly from the Arch Mage."

I searched his eyes for any sign of a lie. Anything at all.

"Alright." I nodded, voice suddenly careful. "When are you going to tell the students?"

"First thing tomorrow morning." His hands intertwined under his chin. "Once everything is arranged."

I swallowed, "Why are you telling me now?"

"I will arrange transportation vehicles tomorrow night at 10PM. All students that wish to leave are to be in the main hall in the main building at 9PM sharp."

"That wish to leave?"

"Of course." My father leaned back. "Whether you will leave the school or stay is entirely your decision. I will not force anyone to do anything. Personally, I will stay, and I'm confident the other teachers will do the same."

It took a moment to gather everything he thought I knew.

"It's easy for you to stay. You're a black magic user." I said. "The others can't defend themselves."

He met my gaze, "There is always a way to defend against the enemy. You just have to find it."

I had no idea what to say. Why would someone in their right mind stay here?

"Alas," He continued, "I understand the need to get away from this school, and I will support all students that wish to get to safety."

Something bothered me; tickled the back of my brain, urging me to dig deeper. Why now?

"You will stay and defend the school?" I asked. "How?"

"Well, we need more information." My father said.

So, he would be staying behind, no matter what happened. He was either confident that he could take on a demon, which was foolish, or he truly was behind the entire thing.

But he was also right. Teachers would stay behind. Thar would stay behind.

"Why are you telling me this?" I asked again, realising he's never answered my question.

"Because I want you to leave."

My brain rewired.

What?

What?

I opened my mouth-

"Your mother wouldn't be too pleased if anything happened to you." He answered.

What?

"And there is no reason for you to stay behind anyway." He continued, not giving me enough time to process his words. "We don't need any liabilities."