Spellbound

The Envelope

I wake earlier then I expect—the trundle bed is not as comfortable as Serena had made it out to be. I watch, as she sleeps peacefully from the bed that was once mine—exactly as I found her when I returned from the witching hour.

Our one-night-sleepover had somehow turned into a week-long-sleepover, despite her having her own room just three doors down. I'm not complaining. The company has been nice, and somehow it's easier to sleep knowing I'm not alone—especially while my dreams are still haunted.

Despite being locked away in my room, I can hear—or feel—the castle buzzing with even more excitement than last night. Today, we officially leave for The Academy.

There's an overwhelming energy that already hangs in the air, it flows through me freely, leaving me with a head-rush.

Beside me, the bed shakes with a sudden force, as Serena sits bolt upright—staring around the room with wild eyes.

"What time is it?"

"And good-morning to you," I say, staring at my wrist, "It's almost nine, why?"

Her eyes widen impossibly, as her heart rate increases and sends panic through my veins, "We're late!" She screams, thrashing at the covers, before falling in a heap to the floor, "Those bloody carriages will leave without us if we don't get a wiggle on!" breathlessly she fights the covers—and loses.

I stand to help her, untangling her from the mess.

"Pack your things, I'll be back in five!" She yells, sprinting from the room in a haze of purple—And now my head hurts.

Despite feeling Serena's lingering desperation, I take my time. I throw on some black jeans and a red sweater I find hidden at the back of the closet, behind all the fancy dresses. Then, I stuff a few of the more casual options into my tiny backpack—along with the few things I brought with me, and wait for Serena outside my door.

Like clockwork, five minutes to the second, I see a bundle of bright colours whizzing dangerously fast towards me—messy blonde buns sticking out in different directions. I step to move, only to go flying to the ground beneath me.

"Come on!" Serena says, pink faced and slightly sweaty, bags flying haphazardly around her shoulders, "I'm a leader now, I can't be late!"

She takes my hand and pulls me quickly through the hall and down the stairs, surprisingly powerful for her size. We make it to the top of the grand staircases just as the last lot of people are leaving the castle.

"Shhh," Serena says, still squeezing my hand.

We hide ourselves behind the railing and make our way down as discreetly as possible—but I see a familiar face waiting at the bottom of the stairs, and my stomach sinks. Hollow Boy.

"We're not going to make it," I try—instead, Serena yanks me down the last few steps—before I reach the bottom, I lose my footing, and I fall. Headed face first for the ground below, strong arms seize me and hoist me back up. The hands let go of me and push me to the back of the line, Serena joins me. I turn to see Hollow Boy brushing hair from his face, a fresh red scar that wasn't there the other night catches my attention.

"Careful Hurst."

The way he says it sends chills down my spine.

"Adrian?" Serena whispers, scrunching her face up at me.

"Adrian?" I repeat a little too loudly, and grab Hollow Boy's attention once more. I look away quickly, desperately trying to hide the heat rising to my cheeks.