WitchCraft Academy (The First Book)
The Twenty-Fourth Chapter

We all begin to make our way out, ready to escape the chaos that has unfolded. But just as we're about to leave, The Sisters step in, blocking our path.

"Not you six," Harmony's voice cuts through the air, stern and unwavering. "Last time, Ember attempted to harm Sophia while under some dark influence. And now she is dead. How did your uncle manage to infiltrate the school?"

Silas, lost in his thoughts, gazes blankly at the rotating carousel. "I'm not certain. He possesses knowledge of magic that I have yet to learn. He's capable of anything."

Juniper and I cling to each other, our eyes fixated on Sophia's lifeless body. The weight of the situation bears down on us heavily.

"I hope this is all part of our trip," Juniper whispers, her grip on my hands tightening with anxiety.

"Me too," I echo, my voice barely audible amidst the heaviness of the moment.

Harmony's frustration is evident as she questions us. "A trip, you say? Let me guess, you all took a Illusion Elixir?"

"We didn't think it would matter," Juniper responds, her words tinged with a hint of mischief. I quickly silence her with a hushed giggle.

"Ethan, Andrew, you may return to your dorm. We know you had no involvement in this," Melody interjects, her tone gentle and understanding.

"You don't know that!" I interject, struggling to suppress my laughter. "They could be just as high as us!"

But my words fall on deaf ears as Melody dismisses the boys and leaves Silas, Axel, Juniper, and myself standing there, feeling like guilty children awaiting punishment from their disappointed parents.

"You four have shown great irresponsibility," Harmony scolds, her voice growing louder and more forceful. "We may turn a blind eye to teenage mischief like sneaking out, drinking, experimenting with drugs, and engaging in sexual activities. But murders are occurring! This is not the time for such recklessness!"

Melody steps in, attempting to calm Harmony's escalating anger. "For the next twelve hours, the four of you will be confined to a room until you regain sobriety. Once Silas is more coherent, we will continue our questioning."

Silas, seemingly lost in his own world, wears a perplexed expression upon hearing his name. He continues to fixate on the spinning carousel, still entranced by the hallucinations.

Axel's gaze remains fixed on Sophia's lifeless body, and my heart aches to offer him solace. But deep down, I know that Silas would never allow it so I don't do anything.

"We really are sorry. It's been months since the last murder, and we thought the protection spell would keep everyone safe," I attempt to explain as we trail behind them toward the staff dorms, where an extra room with a sturdy lock awaits us.

"We don't want to hear it. We'll discuss it tomorrow. Mr. Grimshaw has already brought extra bedding and supplies," Harmony declares, opening the door for us.

"Fuck, you told my dad?" Axel finally speaks up, his voice laced with anger and fear.

"Yes. He'll address it with you tomorrow," Harmony responds, shooting him a glare before shutting the door firmly, the lock audibly clicking into place.

"Axe... I'm so sorry..." I whisper, meeting Axel's gaze as he slumps against the wall on the opposite side of the room from Silas and me. Juniper is already sprawled out on one of the beds staring at the ceiling and singing Nickelback under her breath.

"Don't," Silas whispers sternly in my ear. "Remember, you said it yourself, you're not friends with him."

"But his girlfriend just died..." I argue, my empathy seeping through my words.

"Well, I hope now he realizes that I had nothing to do with it," Silas says, glaring at Axel.

"I don't believe that for a second. None of this started until you showed up. You're probably helping your uncle," Axel accuses, his voice heavy with suspicion.

"How dare you? I've proven my innocence to everyone," Silas retorts, his voice growing louder with each word.

"Yeah? Well, I don't buy it. I just wish everyone could see the truth like I do," Axel sneers, and I can sense Silas trembling slightly beside me.

"Enough, both of you. Axel, I'm sorry if I couldn't return your feelings, but Silas is right. He's proven his innocence. And Silas, I love you and want to be with you. Let go of your petty jealousy too. You are both acting like toddlers," I scold them both, hoping to bring some sense into the tense atmosphere.

The room falls into an eerie silence, and I rest my head on Silas's shoulder, trying to steady my breathing. "We should get some rest," I finally suggest, standing up with Silas and proceeding to make the second bed. Two small mattresses are laid out on the floor, intended for the boys. Axel wordlessly arranges his own bed, his clenched jaw and grief evident on his face. Our eyes meet briefly, but no words are exchanged.

Silas climbs into our bed and pulls me into his embrace. His lips meet him and he pulls me in, deepening the kiss and grabbing my body till a small moan escapes my lips and I pull away in embarrassment, hoping Axel didn't hear.

"Goodnight, Mo Chridhe," he whispers in my ear, planting a quick kiss on my lips before settling down and closing his eyes.

Nestling myself in his arms, I attempt to drift off to sleep, but the effects of the elixir haven't worn off yet, and my mind races with relentless thoughts. I can't stop replaying the events of the day in my head. Maybe taking those drugs wasn't the wisest decision, but how could I have known that someone would be murdered at the carnival? I'm not a fucking psychic.

It feels like an eternity has passed. Juniper's singing has ceased, and Silas's gentle snores fill the air beside me. I long to join him in slumber, but sleep escapes me. Rolling over, I observe Axel rising from his bed and making his way to the bathroom, flicking on the light without fully closing the door.

After waiting a few minutes, I carefully get up, making sure not to disturb Silas. I softly tap on the bathroom door and whisper, "Axel? Can I come in?" S~ᴇaʀᴄh the FindNøvᴇl.nᴇt website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

"Sure," I hear him whisper back. I open the door slowly and slip inside, closing it behind me. I sit on the bathroom floor, leaning against the wall next to Axel. He's smoking a cigarette and offers it to me. I accept gratefully, taking a few long drags before passing it back to him.

"I'm sorry about Sophia," I finally say, breaking the silence.

"I just feel so stupid. If I hadn't been tripping, I wouldn't have wandered off, and she might still be alive," he says remorsefully, taking another drag.

"Don't say that. You can't blame yourself," I tell him softly.

"I know she was targeted for a reason. It's not a coincidence that she died and you tried to attack her a couple of months ago," he says, his voice filled with conviction. "Well, not you you, but you know what I mean."

"I know. We'll find out the truth and get justice for her and everyone else. Tomorrow, Silas will help us catch his uncle," I say, trying to offer some reassurance.

"And you trust him?" Axel asks, raising an eyebrow suspiciously as he finishes his cigarette.

"With my life," I respond without hesitation.

"I hope you're right. I know you think I'm just jealous, but it's not that. Just please be careful," he says, grabbing my hand and giving it a small squeeze.

"I will be. You don't need to worry about Silas," I say confidently. "And don't blame yourself for Sophia. You couldn't have known. We'll uncover the truth."

"Thanks, Em. We should get some rest," Axel suggests, helping me to my feet. We quietly leave the bathroom, and Axel goes to lie in his bed while I return to Silas's arms, instantly falling into a dreamless sleep.

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