The exciting next steps can only be taken by you. As I’m sure we are not the only university you’re considering in the coming weeks, I encourage you to learn more about us and the legacy we share. We invite you to attend our next orientation weekend called the Witching Stick, coming up on August 25-26. You’ll be given guidance on your particular gifts, as well as an introduction to the curriculum crafted especially for you and the dynamic campus we have here.
Should you choose to matriculate, I am also thrilled to inform you that your enrollment has been fully paid for by a donor who wishes to remain anonymous. This is truly a once-in a lifetime opportunity and one I sincerely hope you do not miss out on.
Once again, I congratulate you on your admission to Windhaven Academy and welcome you to our family. We look forward to seeing you in August.
Sincerely,
Marva Arlo
Director of Admissions
I stand up, practically squealing. “Holy shit.”
My brain spins out of control as I read it again, but this time more slowly, paying close attention to certain parts.
I don’t know which aspects to focus on first.
Thoughtful application? Lineage? Legacy?
I stand up, clutching the letter in both shaky hands. The rest of the contents from the packet fall to the floor, but my eyes can’t move from one small phrase.
Fully paid for.
Confusion and excitement tussle through my mind, fighting for a ruler.
Without thinking, I move to the door, opening it wide, and running down the stairs to find Mom.
Her wide eyes greet me as I rush into the kitchen.
“You opened it,” she says softly, disappointment rolling across her features.
I ignore it, walk up to her, and take a seat at the dining room table. “Mom, it says here I have a free ride. As in, fully paid for—” I shove the paper at her. “Look, right here.”
“I don’t need to read it,” she says, eyeing me closely.
“But, Mom, it says I don’t have to pay for it—you don’t have to pay for it. I can go for free,” I repeat, stressing the part that immediately lightened an enormous burden I’ve been carrying around.
“You can’t go,” she says slowly.
“What are you talking about? Of course I can. They want me there,” I sputter, scooting my chair back.
“Everything comes at a price, Autumn. Including this. You might not have to pay for it, but trust me, it will have a cost. Besides, how do you think you’ll fare in a school with supernaturals? Have you even given any of this some real thought?”
“It doesn’t matter. I’ll figure something out. And what about this?” I say, pointing to the line about the gifts my lineage brings. “Any idea what this means?”
The blood drains from her face as she looks up, but she shakes her head a second too late.
“I don’t have any idea what they’re talking about,” she says, her eyelashes fluttering.
I narrow my gaze. An awkward silence stretches out between us. There’s more going on here than meets the eye.
“Mom, if you’re keeping something…” I warn.
“Young lady, I don’t like what you’re insinuating. I’ve put a roof over your head. I’ve given you everything—”
“That’s not what’s in question here. Answer me. Do you know something about this? Do you know what they’re talking about?” I sputter. My threatens to burst out of my chest and I can’t believe any of this is happening. Especially now.
Something resembling defeat flashes through her eyes, but she exhales slowly. “I wouldn’t blame you for wanting to be closer to your dad. Maybe that’s why you applied. Things haven’t always been easy here,” she says, ignoring the question.
“Mom, I’m not trying to get closer to Dad. I haven’t even talked to him for over a year. He barely shows an interest in my life. This is something else entirely. I don’t know what happened or why they think I applied…and you’re not answering my question,” I say, my fingers tapping nervously at the paper.
“It says here that you sent in a thoughtful application. So perhaps we both have things we’d like to gloss over,” she says, arching her eyebrow high.
“Ugh, you’re ridiculous. You know that, right? I’m not a child, and I don’t need your sideways answers.” Snatching the paper back from her, I fold it up and stand to slide it in my back pocket. “You know what? I just…I’m an adult now and I can make this decision with or without you. I’d just hoped you’d be a little more objective and less…you.”
I wave a hand dismissively, putting an end to the conversation as I head for the front door.
“Where do you plan on going?” she asks, shooting her chair back as she stands.
“Doesn’t matter,” I say. “Don’t bother waiting up.”
I walk out, closing the door harder than I meant to.
Truth is, I don’t have a clue where I’m headed. I just know I need to get out of here so I can think for myself. Mom’s always tried to steer me toward a reasonable direction, and I can’t fault her for it. But when life hands you something this big, you at least have to consider the possibility.
Regardless of the decision I make, there’s no doubt my life is about to change in a major way and I’m not sure I’m entirely ready for it.
Chapter 2
And then there was an angel
As I walk down the darkening streets, I try to shake off the conversation with my mom so I can rely on my own intuition to be my guide. The twilight streets and moonlight have never steered me wrong before, but I don’t know if they’re strong enough to tell the truth right now. On one hand, I don’t want to go to Windhaven as a knee-jerk reaction, but at the same time, everything inside me is screaming that this is the opportunity I’ve been waiting for. But can I really trust it?
The cool, crisp air assaults my senses, helping me snap out of my funk. I tip my chin upward, gazing at the full moon as I zip my sweatshirt.
Is Windhaven this beautiful? Would I like being there this time around?
It’s been thirteen years since the last time I was in Windhaven. I was seven, going on eight, and living at my dad’s house in the woody outskirts. He wouldn’t even let me leave the gigantic house to play outside in the courtyard. Forget talking to the neighbor kids or interacting with anyone besides him. I don’t remember where my mom was—I think it must have been during the separation. What I do know, however, is I was not fond of the experience.
I haven’t heard from him once in a year, which is surprising. He’s typically made a pretty big deal about my birthday at the very least. Maybe he’s just been giving me some space now that I’m an adult? However, he always had an open-door policy. Or so he said. I suppose I could always reach out to him to see what he thinks of this situation. He might have some insights that could enlighten all of this. Communication is a two-way street, and I’m just as much to blame for our lack of contact at this point.
“Are you really considering this, Autumn?” I say, pulling my insanely curly hair into a ponytail as I walk down the sidewalk. “What about Mom?”