Fire Princess

Chapter Forty-Six

Beatrix’s eyes narrowed as she observed Phoenix wielding an extendable staff to take on the phantom undead villains. The girl’s eyes were focused, and for the past few weeks, Beatrix had noticed the fire princess had become more skittish and closed off. She had even ceased the use of her fire, even when Lady Lesso had specifically told them fire was the only way to kill the enemy.

“Why isn’t she using her power?” she whispered to Kiko, who already had feathers protruding from her skin, being stuck on the Mogrif track.

Kiko looked nervous. “I’m not sure. She’s been out of it since the Coven disappeared.”

“Where did they go?” Beatrix whispered.

“They were caught because they let Agatha and Tedros in.” Vex cut in with a scowl. “The School Master took them from their room the moment Sophie ran away with the two.”

Beatrix bit her lip. She hated having to excel in Evil, if Tedros and Agatha kidnapped Sophie, maybe this mess would be reversed quickly. Phoenix looked more and more determined as a blade slipped out of the end of the staff and ran the phantom Never through.

“Not bad, Phoenix.” Pollux said. “But your form was a little sloppy…”

His voice died off as Phoenix glared at him, not wanting to deal with his superiority complex today. The phantom then lit up with fire and she smiled kindly, a flash of her old Ever self. She closed her staff with a click and sat with Kiko and Beatrix, golden eyes watching carefully as Vex took to the stage. But before Pollux could summon the next phantom enemy, the door creaked open and everyone immediately straightened, eyes nervously darting to one another as the School Master walked in. Kiko saw her friend pale and took her hand comfortingly.

“Phoenix.” Rafal looked every bit the stern school-master, despite his young appearance. “Do you understand what you did wrong?”

Phoenix bowed her head and nodded, staring at her black slippers.

“We agreed you wouldn’t use your phoenix powers.” Rafal’s voice was soft, but everyone felt in immediate danger. They heard the underlying threat in his tone. “No fire, you shall only rely on the same spells your classmates are allowed.”

“Yes sir.” Phoenix said quietly. “I’m sorry sir.”

“You will be if I hear of it again.” Rafal turned on his heel and marched out.

Beatrix sucked in a breath. As soon as the fairies announced the end of class, Phoenix was held back to talk to Pollux about her poor form when wielding the staff. Beatrix was glancing nervously around and Kiko gripped her arm.

“What was the sigh for?!” the kind-hearted Ever asked Beatrix urgently, eyes wide in worry.

“Did you ever read any of our assigned books?” Beatrix whispered back with narrow eyes. “If a phoenix were to suppress their natural gifts, it’ll build up inside them until they die. So sudden, no warning.”

Kiko’s hands flew to her mouth. “Phoenix can’t die!”

“Quiet!” Beatrix hissed as people turned to look at them in alarm. “She just needs to hold on until graduation. Only a few months left. But we don’t know when exactly she started concealing her flames.”

Kiko’s eyes watered.

“Oh, don’t give me that!” Beatrix snapped. “We’ll just have to keep a close eye on her.”

“Eye on who?” Phoenix looked cheerful as she linked arms with Kiko.

“Nothing.” Beatrix offered her a princess smile. “What’s got you so happy? If I got a lecture from Pollux I’d be in a foul mood.”