The Fallen Empath-Book 2-A Rose-Red Tyrant TEASER

Chapter Four: Student Multiplication

 "Red... Red... BAM! Wh-whoa! It turned blue?!" Deuce takes a step back.

"Change, o foul color! Change! AHA!" Grim shoots a spell at the flower. "BWAH! The rose caught on fire!"

I run over and pick up Grim, stomping out the fallen fire flower. I guess they still have a ways to go.

Cater sighs. "Wow. You're even less competent than I thought."

"Yo, maybe you should just leave the roses white! They look perfectly pretty 'n stuff to me." Ace shrugs.

"It's a matter of tradition." Cater winks. "You can't have an unbirthday party without the roses being red. And you can't play croquet without seven-colored flamingos as mallets and a hedgehog for a ball."

I put a hand to my mouth. "Those poor animals."

Cater laughs. "Don't worry, we put spells on them to make sure they're safe. Plus they have a blast rolling around and stuff. Oh, but of course, the roses need to be white when the garden flowers put on their spring concert. That's absolutely crucial."

Grim groans. "All your rules are completely insane!"

"They say the Queen of hearts made up these rules herself—she was one of the great seven, you know." Cater doesn't seem to disagree with Grim. "And Riddle is all about tradition. Probably more than previous housewardens, T—B—H. I'll admit that he's, well...a bit extra.

"Yeah, no kidding," Ace says. "I sure don't have time for this nonsense. Is Riddle here? I gotta talk to him."

Cater hums in thought. "Yeah, probably. But are you sure that's wise? Did you even bring an apology tart to replace the one you ate?"

"Uh, no...? I came here first thing in the morning!" Ace rubs the back of his head.

"Ah ah ah... That could be a problem." Cater puts a hand on his hip. "Have you forgotten rule 53? 'Stolen items must be replaced.' If you're not in compliance, I can't let you in.

"Huh?! Are you serious?!" Ace's eyes widen.

"All dorm residents must obey the rules. If I let you slide, it would be off with my head next! I hate to say it, Ace, but I'm gonna need you to leave before Riddle spots you. Thanx." Cater waves.

Ace takes a step back. "I...think this guy is for real. You guys, do something!"

"Why should WE do anything?" Deuce glares.

"C'mon, please! I can't use magic! Hurry, he's—"

Cater uses his magic to chase us out of the rose garden. "Do make sure you bring that tart next time, m'kay? Buh-bye now!" Cater smiles and waves.

"Was that guy for real?!" Ace groans.

"We hit him over and over, but he just kept coming. Maybe he was using some kind of illusion magic?" Deuce thinks.

"So lemme get this straight: we walked in there, totally tartless, but this dude still made us do that whole song and dance before throwing us out?" Ace glares at nothing. "He just wanted to make us paint his stupid roses!"

Grim crosses his paws. "We sure look like a bunch of chumps."

"I guess we'll just have to get an apology tart and come back. Maybe after class, we can—" Deuce's eyes widen. "Oh no!"

"What's wrong?" I tilt my head.

"We already missed the first bell! We're gonna be late for class!"

Everyone's eyes widen.

"Myah! I don't wanna get blemish on the first day of my glorious Night Raven education!" Grim Jumps off my shoulder. "Shake a leg, chumps! To the classroom, pronto!"

"Hey," Ace says calmly. "So what class are you guys in, anyway? You're freshmen too, right?"

"The headmage said we're in Class 1-A." Grim hurries out.

"Hey, that's the same one I'm in. We got Potionology for first period." Deuce looks at his schedule.

"Oh ho, yeah! That sounds awesome!" Grim cheers.

"M-Maybe I don't need magic for that?" Ace rubs the back of his head.