Hexed Heart: Magic Everywhere

Chapter 19: How am I supposed to not care?

Hecate's POV:

As the day drew to a close and the last of the competitors began to pack up, I started to worry. I watched as students from various schools gathered their belongings, chatting excitedly about the day's events. Yet, amidst the hustle and bustle, I couldn't spot Sofía anywhere.

I walked through the main hall, my sharp eyes scanning every corner. The air was filled with the sounds of laughter and conversation, but it all felt distant as my concern for Sofía grew. I approached Esmeralda, who was packing up her things with a group of students.

"Esmeralda," I said, my voice steady but with an edge of urgency, "have you seen Sofía?"

Esmerada looked up, her brow furrowing in confusion. "No, Miss Hardbroom. I thought she was with you or the Great Wizard."

A cold shiver ran down my spine. Sofía had gone to meet the Great Wizard alone, but she should have returned by now. I strode purposefully towards the room where the Great Wizard had met with her. As I approached, I noticed the door was slightly ajar, an unusual detail that set my nerves on edge. I pushed it open, my heart thudding in my chest. The room was empty, save for the lingering scent of old books and a faint floral aroma.

"So?" I called, my voice echoing in the dim space. There was no response, only an unsettling silence.

I turned and hurried back to the main hall, where Miss Cackle and Miss Gullet were overseeing the departure preparations.

"Miss Cackle," I said, approaching her quickly, "Sofía is missing. She went to meet the Great Wizard, and she hasn't returned."

Miss Cackle's eyes widened with concern. "Are you sure, Hecate? Perhaps she's with some of the other students."

"I've checked everywhere," I replied, my voice firm. "We need to find her."

Miss Cackle nodded, her usual calm demeanor faltering slightly. "We'll organize a search immediately. Inform the staff from the other schools."

As the announcement was made and the search began, I couldn't shake the feeling that something was terribly wrong. My mind raced with possibilities, each more troubling than the last. What could have happened to her? She had been with the most powerful Wizard of the community!

We split up, scouring every inch of the grounds, but there was no sign of Sofía. My worry deepened with every passing minute. I found myself near the entrance to the forest that surrounded the magical Academy, a place rarely ventured into by students. Could she have gone there?

"Miss Hardbroom!" a voice called, breaking through my thoughts. It was Esmeralda, running towards me with a look of fear in her eyes. "I found something in the office where she met the Great Wizard."

I followed her back to the room, where she pointed to the floor. There, barely visible in the dim light, was a small, shimmering object. I knelt down and picked it up, my heart sinking as I recognized it. It was one Sofía's rings. The rings she never took off.

"Miss Cackle needs to see this," I said, my voice tight with worry as I held the ring that had a treble clef design. "And we need to find the Great Wizard immediately."

As we made our way back to the main hall, my mind raced. Sofía's disappearance, the discarded ring... something sinister was at play. We found Miss Cackle overseeing the departure preparations once more. Her face grew pale as I showed her the ring. "We must speak to the Great Wizard," she said, her voice steady despite the worry in her eyes.

Together, we made our way to the Miss Amulet's office, where she was discussing something with the Great Wizard. He was standing by the desk, his demeanor calm and composed.