Waves of Destiny (Twisted Wonderland)

Chapter 54

Chapter 54

"I hope we didn't keep you waiting," Malleus said when he appeared in the headmage's office with Lilia. They were the last two to arrive at the meeting - aside from the teachers. I stood in between Floyd and Jade. Floyd had his arm around my shoulders, and I leaned into his side.

"Malleus! Lilia!" Kalim said in relief. "You made it!"

Lilia looked around at everyone. "Hmm... It appears I was correct about which students were abducted."

"You figured it out too?" I said, looking at him anxiously. He gave me a nod.

"I was just baking some cookies in the dorm when I got word Riddle had been kidnapped," Trey said. "Then I heard that Ace and Deuce were injured and had to go to the infirmary... It was all so sudden, I can barely wrap my head around it."

"I checked out the stables where Riddle was taken, and it's like a war zone," said Cater. "Even the grass was burned to a crisp. What in the world is going on?"

"That's what I wanna know!" Ruggie said. "Leona surrendered unconditionally. Yeah, Leona, of all people. 'Ruggie, you're in charge of Savanaclaw 'til I get back. Then again, I can't be sure I'll come back at all...' He was dead serious too. He just folded like a cheap suit!"

"Azul was taken during a club meeting, as we understand it," Jade said.

"The Board Game Club guys say he left with 'em peacefully, and Firefly Squid and Lil' Clione went along too," said Floyd. "I dunno, though. Azul's the type to go down swingin'. What gives?"

"Idia told him to surrender," I said. "I called Azul just before it happened, and he left the phone on speaker. Idia and Ortho seemed to know the intruders and advised Azul to give in. I - I can't remember any more details."

"It's alright." Floyd gave me a gentle squeeze.

Lilia nodded in understanding. "And the others?"

"Ona's group and I were with Vil and Jamil in Ramshackle," Kalim said.

"We tried to fight the intruders with magic, but it had on effect on them," said Rook. "They took Vil and Jamil, and also Grim."

"Interesting," said Jade. "So, Azul did not fight back under Idia's advice. Why did Leona not resist?"

"Leona seemed to know what their deal was..." Ruggie said.

"...Hm," Malleus said thoughtfully. "Kingscholar is from an old royal house. It would stand to reason he's heard of them."

"What are you talking about?"

I looked at Malleus in hope. "Do you know who those people were?" The sound of footsteps stopped him before he could answer, and Trein entered the room.

"I'll field that question," said Trein.

"Oh, hello Trein," said Lilia. "Where's the headmage?"

"Styx took him into custody as well. I'm in charge while he's away."

"What is going on here?" I said in distress.

Floyd gave me a comforting pat on the head. "Hold up. What's Styx?"

"Styx is an organization that operates independently of any nation or government," said Trein. "It's an arcane institute that conducts research on blot. They've done so for many years."

"They study blot...?" Jade said with surprise. "It seems your deduction was right, Ona."

"What deduction?" said Ruggie.