Enchantment book 1 : The Moonstone

CHAPTER 6 (PART 2)

I exit the building and the now setting sun blinds me. Suddenly remembering that I got a ride here, I resign myself to walking back. At least, that way I'll be able to clear my head.

After a few steps, I spot a motorcycle that slows down and does quick sharp turn in the middle of the road. The driver takes off his helmet and I see a dazzling white smile...Zach!

"Miss Mills, didn't you enjoy your evening?" He beckons me over to him.

"I...I met Lord Black and...well, I didn't actually see him, but he spoke to me. I'm a little confused about everything now."

"Let me guess: he terrified you. I should have known. He hates humans and anything related to them. He's hated me with a passion since the first day I arrived and he did everything in his power to make sure that Bethany couldn't keep me. It seems he failed in that respect."

I shiver out of a combination of fear and the newly cool evening air. Zach gets off his motorcycle and puts his leather jacket over my shoulders. His scent is intoxicating and makes me feel comforted and reassured. He whispers in my ear:

"Let me tell you that you look incredible in that dress."

I smile and the voice in my head pipes up:

"Don't get too close to this human, Lou, you don't know what he's capable of. Ask your friend Gertrude for advice."

"Take me back to the Academy, please," I request, ignoring the voice in my head. So, he knows about my relationship with Gertrude. His research about me was more detailed that I suspected. Zach climbs onto his motorcycle and signals for me to get on behind him. I wonder how far his hold over me can reach? Can he read my thoughts all the time? Can he watch me? I hang on tight to Zach, the fresh air on my face, hoping that he can take me away from my worries.

Once we get back to the Academy, my new friend helps me off the bike.

"If Lord Black is snooping on you, it's best to be discreet. Anyway, I'll see you tomorrow at your combat lesson."

"Great! Do what he says, you little insect. If you truly want to become an enchanter, cut your ties to your old life now," says Lord Black's voice in my head.

When is he going to leave me alone? I certainly won't be cutting ties with my parents.

Zach walks me to my room and wishes me a good night, staring into my eyes and hesitating a few seconds before finally leaving the dormitory.

I stretch out on my bed, trying to make sense of everything that just happened. I try to keep my mind from anything compromising, not sure if he can read my thoughts too.

"Are you afraid? Fear is food for weaklings, Lou. Are you a weakling?"

I hear myself cry out "leave me alone!" in my head.

No answer from Black, I presume that he has finally understood.

"I didn't get an answer. Are you weak, Lou?"

He speaks with such authority and stubbornness that he forces me to answer out loud.

"No, I'm not weak. Don't you have anyone else to harass? Get out of my head."

"Oh, I think you're lying, Lou. I suspect you're petrified."

So, he can hear what I say out loud, but he doesn't seem to be able to read my thoughts. I need to speak to Charles about this. He'll tell me what to do about it. I know that he'll hear the whole conversation, but I don't have a choice. I grab my cell phone and find the number that he left for me to reach him.