Ophelia Moore never knew magic was real until her shadow magic exploded out of her, shattering her life in one terrifying moment.
Now, she's been thrust into the mysterious and gothic Hallowgate Academy, where students master dangerous powers, and...
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The sun is barely visible behind thick clouds as I trudge across the courtyard, heading to my first class of the day: Astral Studies.
The crisp morning air is biting, but it helps wake me up as I make my way through the cobblestone paths.
Friday. Thank God it's Friday.
This week has been endless, and if I have to sit through one more lecture about the complexities of ritual circles, I might actually scream.
I push open the heavy wooden door of the main building and step into the dimly lit hallway. My mind wanders to yesterday's conversation with Valentin. That smooth grin, his casual flirting... what's his deal? And why can't I stop thinking about it?
I shake my head, trying to clear the fog of confusion. Not now. I need to focus. First class of the day, then I can worry about my social life—or lack thereof.
The classroom for Astral Studies is located on the third floor, and by the time I reach it, I'm out of breath. I slip through the door and scan the room, spotting Seraphine sitting near the back, her eyes closed and arms crossed as if she's meditating. Or pretending to, at least. I make my way over to her, dropping into the seat next to hers.
"Morning, sunshine," I mutter, slinging my bag off my shoulder.
Seraphine cracks one eye open, her lips curling into a faint smirk. "You look like death warmed over."
"Thanks. Really appreciate the boost in self-esteem," I deadpan, leaning back in my chair.
I had a hard time sleeping last night. The noises of Blackthorn Hall are enough to wake the dead.
"Anytime," she replies, stretching her arms above her head. She has this casual confidence about her, like she knows exactly who she is and what she's about, and it's both intimidating and oddly comforting. "Ready for some star-gazing?"
I glance around the room, noting the charts of constellations pinned to the walls and the various telescopes lined up near the windows. Astral Studies always felt more... mystical compared to the other classes. Something about staring up at the stars and wondering how they impact magic makes me feel small in a way I kind of like.
"Sure," I say, shrugging. "Not like I have a choice, right?"
"Right," Seraphine agrees, giving me a sideways look. "Besides, it's a nice break from the usual spell-casting and incantation nonsense."
Before I can respond, the professor enters the room. Professor Maren Reed is tall and slender, with a mane of white hair that flows down her back. She moves with a grace that makes her seem almost ethereal, her voice calm and composed as she addresses the class.
"Today," she begins, "we'll explore the connection between the positions of celestial bodies and the flow of magical energy within us." She gestures to a large chart of the night sky hanging on the wall. "Take out your charts and mark the current position of Mars."
