Intrigue

Chapter 16: Adalheidis

I'M SO SORRY ABOUT THE LATE UPDATE!!!!!!! I know, this is the second time I've made a late update, and I'm sorry, but a new story idea got in my head and I was outlining it and as I've said before, I'm a BIG procrastinator...but that doesn't explain me not updating this story, 'cause I know some of you actually like this book. I don't know why, but thank you, and I'm sorry I'm repaying you by not updating on time. I swear, this chapter will totally make it up to you! :) At least, I hope so. So I made this really long chapter in hopes of making it up to you. It's, like 4,700 words and 8 pages on Word, os you BETTER APPRECIATE IT!

I JUST REALIZED I MADE A HUGE MISTAKE! I accidentally mislabeled the "traditional" order of the elements, which, if you don't remember, is air at top left, fire at top right, WATER at bottom left, and EARTH at bottom right. If you can't tell, I mixed up water and earth, so everything is a bit off-kilter. I'm pretty sure I fixed it all up to Chapter 9 or so, but I might've missed some stuff, so I'll go back later when I have time. Just wanted to point out the mistake I made, so you guys aren't confused or anything. Anyways, carry on reading this wonderful chapter I wrote.

PLEASE

VOTE

COMMENT

GUSH

ENJOY!

The monthly tournaments were often used as an unofficial way of ranking students. I remember every single tournament I participated in, and the rush I felt whenever I won. It's an amazing feeling that I hope everyone at Primrose Academy gets to feel at least once in their lives.

-Vincent Crawford, alumni of Primrose Academy, Interview with Perri Xater

Chapter 16: Adalheidis

Lana stared silently down at the stream of fire wrapping itself round and round her ankles, like a stray kitten finding its owner for the first time. Her eyes were long dry, the forest around her silent, any fauna having long since fled the scene.

"What're you waiting for?"

Lana's lip curled as Yolanda's voice floated through the clearing. The Headmistress leaned against a tree at the edge of the copse, her eyes locked on Lana's back. If Lana were to turn around, she knew that the bluish white flames would be reflected in the women's icy green eyes. "Why must you be here?"

"You know that not even you have the privilege to roam the forest grounds without a supervisor. I'm here to save my own hind. Your family would not appreciate it if word were to get out that their precious little princess were breaking school rules just a month into the school year."

"What does that matter to you? Let the Des Moines be ruined, you will be free from all debts paid and owed."

"Now, even you aren't so daft to believe that that would be the case, are you?" Yolanda chuckled softly when Lana kept quiet. "Treason won't look good on my resume, that I assure you of."

"Your wits are as sharp as ever, Yolanda. Or should I say, Aunt?" Lana glanced over her shoulder to catch sight of Yolanda's reaction to her jab.

Yolanda smirked, taking a long drag of the pipe in her hand. Lana rolled her eyes, turning back around to attempt to concentrate on her new Craft. But Yolanda, as always, had different plans. "I've cut ties with your family a long time ago, little girl. Call me what you want, whether it be Yolanda or Aunt-I don't care. The Des Moines House no longer sees me as one of their own. I find that to be for the best."

Lana, shrugged, letting her eyes flicker closed. Unconsciously, she moved her hands forward, so the palms of her hands were parallel to the ground. She always felt more comfortable moving her hands whenever she used her magic. It was most likely used as a theatrical way to serve as an ego booster, but it also helped her concentrate, an essential part of magic.