WitchCraft Academy (The First Book)
The Thirty-First Chapter

"No!" I scream in sheer panic. "No! They're gone! Juniper vanished!"

Ethan is in a state of hysterical crying, cradling Andrew's lifeless body, while Harmony tries her best to console him. Mr. Grimshaw and Melody make their way towards me and Axel.

"Can you save him?" Mr. Grimshaw pleads with Melody, gripping his son's hand tightly.

"I will do everything in my power," Melody replies, placing her hands gently over Axel's stab wound. A faint blue glow emanates from her palms, and Axel's breathing becomes slightly steadier. However, the effort takes a toll on Melody, causing her to collapse to the floor, unconscious. This is a common occurrence when she channels her healing abilities. I rise from my spot and approach Ethan, enveloping him in a comforting embrace.

Mr. Grimshaw carries Axel to the infirmary, and I follow closely behind, accompanied by a silent Miss Reed, her worry etched across her face. It pains me to leave Ethan and the unconscious Melody behind, but I trust that Harmony will take care of them. Right now, my priority is ensuring Axel is okay. Yet, my thoughts keep drifting to Juniper, who was snatched away by Silas, that perplexing smile she gave me before vanishing. I fear for her safety, knowing the consequences she may face.

Simultaneously, I can't help but worry about Axel, desperately hoping that he doesn't die from his injuries. I never had the chance to express how much he means to me, and the thought of losing him while he sacrifices himself for our sake fills me with regret.

Mr. Grimshaw forcefully swings open the infirmary door and carefully places Axel on a bed. Miss Reed swiftly locates the necessary medical supplies from the cabinets. Mr. Grimshaw hastily removes Axel's shirt, revealing his well-defined muscles, adorned with tattoos, and a profusion of blood. I stand in the corner of the room, paralyzed by shock, uncertain of how to assist.

Miss Reed begins wiping away the blood with a cloth, audibly sighing with relief. "The wound isn't as deep anymore. Melody's healing proved invaluable. However, I still need to suture it closed."

"Do whatever it takes," Mr. Grimshaw urges, gripping Axel's hand tightly. His typically carefree expression is now etched with deep concern.

"He will pull through, Kace," Miss Reed reassures him, her voice filled with compassion as she begins the delicate process of stitching the wound. Axel lets out a faint groan, and I hear him whisper my name. At that moment, I snap out of my shocked stupor and settle beside him, grasping his other hand firmly.

"Everything is complete," Miss Reed confirms, her voice tinged with exhaustion, as she covers Axel's body with a blanket after patching up his wound. "He will likely remain asleep for quite some time."

Tears streaming down my face, I declare with determination, "I'm not leaving his side," tightening my grip on his hand. From the look on Mr. Grimshaw's face, it's evident that he has no intentions of leaving either.

Miss Reed offers us both a small, sympathetic smile. "Alright. I'll go check on Ethan and Melody. Poor Andrew, he was such a kind-hearted and innocent soul."

A wave of sadness washes over me as I whisper in agreement, "I know," finally allowing myself to fully grieve the loss of not just one, but two dear friends. "We have to find Juniper."

"We will find a way," she assures me before leaving the room.

Hours pass, and Mr. Grimshaw and I remain steadfast by Axel's side. There's no noticeable improvement, yet his condition doesn't worsen either. Exhaustion seeps into my bones, causing me to start dozing off, my body partially slumped over the edge of the hospital bed. Just as I'm about to succumb to sleep, I hear footsteps and lift my gaze to find Harmony entering the room.

"We have a plan to rescue Juniper," Harmony informs Mr. Grimshaw and me, her voice filled with determination. "Can we discuss it outside the infirmary?"

"Of course," Mr. Grimshaw replies, and we both stand up, following Harmony a few feet away from the infirmary door.

Harmony takes a deep breath before speaking. "Mr. Grimshaw and Melody will consume a potion that will transport them to Silas's realm to retrieve Juniper. They will be well-armed and well-prepared."

Stubbornly, I interject, "I'm going with them."

"I cannot allow that," Harmony says firmly.

"This is my fault, and I know Silas and his kingdom better than anyone," I plead desperately. "He betrayed and hurt me the most. Please, let me do this."

Before Harmony can respond, Ethan walks through the hallway, his eyes still red and swollen from crying. "I'm going too," he declares, his voice filled with determination. "He killed Andrew. I deserve justice."

Harmony sighs, defeated. "Very well."

Axel's voice surprises us all as he speaks from the doorway, slightly holding his side where his wound is. "I'm going too," he announces, determination burning in his eyes.

"No, you're too weak. You almost died," I argue, concerned for his well-being but also relieved to see him standing.

"I'm not going to let you have all the fun, my Snow Witch," he teases, flashing me a smile and a wink. I can't help but smile back at him.

Mr. Grimshaw breaks the momentary silence, asking, "When do we leave?"

"Tomorrow morning. Melody will heal Axel once more while I gather supplies for all of you," Harmony replies.

We disperse to pack our bags, and I quickly rush to my room, throwing some clothes, a blanket, water bottles, a knife, and other necessities into a duffle bag before hurrying back to the infirmary.

Melody lies in a hospital bed, likely having passed out after healing Axel again. I rush to his side, relieved to see him looking much better.

"I'm glad you're not dead," I whisper, wrapping my arms around his neck. He returns the embrace, holding me tightly.

As we wake up the next morning, nerves fill the air. The reality sinks in that we are truly going to Silas's realm, a world ruled by witches, warlocks, and various other creatures.

“What's today?” I ask Axel quietly.

“April twentieth. Why?” He questions me.

“It's June’s birthday.” I sigh sadly.

“We will bring her back home.” He says, squeezing my hand.

I offer him a small smile but I also know that this means my period is over ten days late… Please don't let me be pregnant with Sila’s child… I beg whatever high power may be listening.

Harmony joins us, distributing extra bags filled with food, water, weapons, potions, and anything else we may need during our journey. She emphasizes the importance of not losing the extra potion she has provided, as it is our only way back home.

Melody receives another potion, and we all gather, holding hands, uniting as a team. Melody opens the potion and drinks it, and in an instant, I can feel our bodies and souls being torn through time and space...

To be continued in The Second Book….. Sᴇaʀ*ᴄh the (F)indNƟvᴇl.ɴet website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

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