Azrael’s POV

*****

Bloodoak Academy, 9:00 AM

The walk to the so-called Faculty Council felt longer than it should have. Perhaps due to the tension permeating the entire academy in the past hour.

When the Combat Lab practical began, Azrael had a gut feeling that something was going to happen. It was a given when you pitch a group of adolescents against each other.

What he didn’t see coming however, was that outburst from Celeste. Or the familiar feeling that came with it, stirring something he’d long escaped from.

The Vein.

Pure Vein energy was what Celeste let out. Not channelled. But like she was a battery storing all that energy. And finally letting it burst.

If that was the case, her connection to the Vein could be growing more rapidly than he first deduced. An alarming development considering he was still torn on his next actions with the High One.

"Hey, guys," Luther whispered just then, eyes scanning the faces of everyone in the group. Professor Varrick led the way so he was up ahead. "So what’s the plan once we go there? Has anyone here had an encounter with the Faculty Council?"

All heads shook in unison.

Azrael hadn’t even heard of any councils in the academy until now.

"It’s not like Celeste meant to cause all that destruction," Willow who walked behind with Celeste blurted. "Right, girl? You aren’t supposed to be in trouble."

The Vampire glanced over his shoulder. Flanking his mate’s left and right were Caelum and Willow. Both are odd ones out of the group.

They had limited information about what was truly going on. Sure, Willow was aware of the mate bonds. But the Vein? He doubted that.

"It’s not about her meaning to do it," Atlas murmured, walking a couple of steps to Azrael’s right. "It’s about control. It’s about the academy containing a possible threat."

Caelum was quick to speak. "My sister is no threat."

"Believe me when I say I share that sentiment," Atlas huffed heavily. "But the academy or the Dean won’t see it that way. There have been too many incidents stacking up. First the outburst against Lysandra. Then the one at the Blood Trials—"

"Or whatever happened at Montecito." Caelum’s tone held realisation. "They might begin seeing her as... unstable."

"I’m still here you guys," Celeste chimed with snark. "I get it. I’m cooked."

No one said anything after that. They just stayed silent, eyes glued to the back of the man leading them to what felt like an execution.

Finally, they got to their destination.

The administrative wing.

Professor Varrick looked back once they got in front of a large building Azrael thought was unused. "We’re here. Again... are you all certain you don’t wish to head back to other things?"

Every one of them shared glances. They all knew the answer.

"I’m certain you already know what we’ll say to that," Azrael coughed first, hands in his pocket as he stepped forward. "Take us inside."

.

.

After moving past a dimly lit lobby, the group arrived at a meeting hall. It wasn’t anything grand. Just a high table at the end of the room and high rectangular glass windows on two walls.

There were no extra seats beside those behind the elevated table. And on those were figures with stern expressions.

Sitting in the middle was Dean Thorne. Followed by Professor Amelia at his side. Another older man with a thick beard with the aura of a wolf. And a woman in her forties with clear sigils of a Hunter etched on her skin.

Professor Varrick stood aside, placing his arms in front of himself.

"Miss Bloodoak," Dean Thorne was the first to speak. "This council gathered as soon as we heard what happened at the Combat Lab."

He paused, eyes scouring past the rest of them. With clear surprise. "And you brought your friends with you, why exactly?"

"We decided to come on our own," Luther spoke up first. "What is this by the way? Some kind of secret society?"

Professor Amelia scowled. "Mr Hale. We advise you to desist from being crass with this council."

The woman’s demeanour looked different from the usual kindness and friendly smile she almost always had.

"And I’ll advise you to make this quick." Luther shot back. "We all have classes. Especially Celeste. She didn’t kill or maim anyone—"

"But she disrupted an important exercise and injured a good number of students." The bearded man sneered.

"Not to mention destroying school property," Professor Varrick added. "Of course, your parents will sort that out but then... that power you unleashed."

Azrael’s gaze shifted to Celeste.

Her head was lowered, the side of her face alone reddened with embarrassment and guilt. He noticed the way she kept her arms hidden behind her back.

Those Dark sigils had appeared again, even if briefly. And at this point they meant chaos.

"It wasn’t exactly magic," Professor Varrick continued at the behest of the council members. "It was something more chaotic. Something that didn’t follow the set rules of magic and witchcraft."

These people clearly didn’t know enough about the Vein to just call it out. Which was understandable... knowledge on the continent’s well of chaotic magic was scarce to the general public.

But there was a glint in the Dean’s sharp eyes. Like he knew what was transpiring here.

"Do any of you know what this means for my sister?" Caelum stepped forward, placing himself in front of her. "I believe she deserves to know."

The female Hunter snorted. "She’s the one clearly hiding something. If anything, the answer to that question lies with her."

By Hades gates... this wasn’t heading anywhere.

"Until we can understand what’s going on with her and her magic," Professor Amelia’s chin lifted, "we need to... put necessary limitations in place."

Silas’ confusion was sharp. "Limitations?"

"Yes," the professor confirmed, looking at the Dean as if seeking some kind of validation. "She can no longer use her magic, especially in the academy grounds. Indefinitely."

Luther snarled. "How the fuck do you expect her to cope with classes where she needs magic then?"

This time the Dean gave his input. "Professor Amelia is right. If this persists, next time we might not be talking about damages. But lost lives."

"The academy can’t afford to lose any student life," the bearded man agreed. "I support this motion."

"As do I." The female Hunter nodded.

Azrael’s jaw worked.

What a typical conclusion they’d all come to.

"Wait a minute," Caelum shook his head, waving a hand frantically. "Before you decide anything rash, shouldn’t our parents be involved?"

Dean Thorne’s mouth parted to say something.

It never got the chance to come out.

"I’m one step ahead of you, sweetheart." A voice, equal parts soft and fierce cracked through the hall as the sound of the doors bursting open filled the space.

All heads turned only to spot the North American Luna Queen herself. Odessa Bloodoak. Striding into the hall with a casual pair of jeans, a bohemian white shirt and boots that clicked with each step.

Her eyes scanned the group first, lingering a little longer on Azrael before darting to the council members.

"No one is going to make my daughter a prisoner in her own powers," she stated firmly. "Not while I’m alive."