Nightworld Academy: Blackwood Magic by LJ Swallow

Author:LJ Swallow [Swallow, LJ]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2020-06-22T18:30:00+00:00

24

MATT

The sun shines down on the fresh green lawns bordered by roses as I blankly stare at the Blackwoods’ domain. The path running through the centre leads to a wooded area bordering the estate, where a lake with rowing boats lies. These surroundings create an idyll that's a world away from the barren and miserable island I left a week ago.

But the Blackwood estate shares one thing with Ravenhold—oppression.

The Blackwoods want me to learn their magic. That's the 'help' Ryker needed.

Two people sit on a stone bench nearby, taking advantage of our break in 'studies'. One of them, Edwin, scares me. Not due to his power, but because I see myself in him—the pride in his magic, the disgust that people on the outside held him back and threatened him. No, I’m scared because I don’t want to become him. He's spent six months with the Blackwoods, studying and practicing their spells. Edwin tells me he can feel his magic growing more potent as the weeks pass, and I can sense what he means. But that power comes from a darker source; one that he’s embracing and one I'm resisting.

But how long until I face consequences for that resistance?

Ryker appears; I haven't seen the bastard for days, but now know he's a distant relative of the Blackwood line who sought me out. Ryker kept away from me once the group brought me to the estate. With my powers returned, I would've set fire to the bastard. Or was that extreme reaction influenced by my new surroundings?

I clench my fists as he saunters towards me. The true Ryker has confidence in his movements, and I hate that he fooled me.

“I hear you're struggling with your new role, Matt.” He joins me, shoulder to shoulder, and looks ahead.

“You told me I wouldn't be working for the Dominion,” I say through gritted teeth. “You fucking lied.”

Ryker scoffs. “Blackwoods are their own people, Matt, not Dominion. You know that. We have freedom because nobody can touch us.”

“Why me?”

He smiles. “We need to recruit. Our numbers are too low.”

“By tricking people into becoming apprentices?” I spit.

“We need to bolster our ranks, Matt. The Dominion and Confederacy can continue their petty war, but while they're distracted, we'll continue our campaign.”

“And does this campaign involve killing people?” Dumb question—Blackwoods don’t negotiate.

“If we're threatened.” He crosses his arms. “Isn't this better than neutering by people who want to hold you back? You know the real reason you were in Ravenhold is because you're too strong, and the authorities worry you'll join the Dominion. That's the reason half of the students are here.”

I stare at the side of his head. “Why pick me out if there are other strong witches at Ravenhold?”

He turns to look at me. “That's bloody obvious, Matt. You've already successfully used our magic. You're an asset.”

“Fuck you,” I mutter.

With a mock offended look, Ryker jerks his head back towards the house behind. “Nikolai wants to see you to discuss your progress—or lack of.”

With those words, he strides away again, and I lift my eyes to the sky, heart hammering.

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