Impossible Magic Read Online Free PDF Page B

up at him. “I don’t think I’m special. I do, however, think you’re an ass.”
    For the first time, he truly smiles, showing off his pure white teeth and the hint of a dimple tucked into his cheek. Despite its beauty, it’s a cruel smile.
    “I’m glad we understand each other,” he says coolly, and glides back down the hallway.
     
    ________________________
     
     
    Every move I make the next week is determined by anxiety. I can’t connect with my powers anymore, and I don’t know why. I wonder if my brief adjustment period was a fluke, and ponder the life back home that I left behind so irrationally. My head is a minefield of scattered thoughts and I can’t think in a straight line anymore. When I attempt a spell, it doesn’t turn out the way I want.
    In Spellcraft on Tuesday, I’m trying to make a tea with herbs to allow me to focus more clearly. The professor suggested it. I wave my hand over the cup counterclockwise three times, and chant, “My sight is black, my mind’s not free, let me have light, in all I see.”
    The cup glows green and then gives off a cloud of putrid smoke. People in class cough and wave their hands in front of their faces, glaring at me.
    “Sorry,” I mutter, as I dump the contents of the cup down the nearby sink.
    I don’t know what’s happening to me, but I’m determined to get back on track. I spend all of my off hours practicing my spells, but it seems like the more I practice, the worse I get. I almost set the curtains on fire in my room trying to light the fireplace. After I stamp out the flames, I open the window to let out the smoke and stare outside, looking at the witches walking down below.
    Maybe I don’t belong here after all.

     

CHAPTER 7
     
    I’m getting for a shower the same evening, and I slip off my jewelry, including the opal ring that Astrid gave me. I hold the band between my thumb and forefinger and turn it over, the black opal gleaming in the mellow light. Too bad it isn’t actually good luck. There’s a quiet knock on the door, and I turn and frown. Who would be here this time of night?
    I peek out and see Melody shifting excitedly from foot to foot, wearing her cloak with the hood up. She bounces on her heels and casts a glance down the hallway before sliding into my room. I close the door partway.
    “What are you doing here?” I inquire.
    “You want to get a little fresh air?” she asks.
    “What are you talking about?”
    “Me and some friends are going to have a little party in the woods. I thought you wouldn’t want to be left out.”
    I have to admit, I’m awfully bored. “Won’t we get in deep shit if we get caught?”
    “Of course we will,” she says impatiently, tugging on my arm. “But we’re not going to get caught. C’mon and follow me. It’s cold out, you’ll want your cloak, too.”
    I snatch mine from the coat tree and join her at the end of the hall, wondering how we’re going to slip out unnoticed. A garish painting hangs here, featuring a group of cherubs cavorting on pink-tinged clouds. Melody checks to make sure no one is watching, then pushes the corner of the painting’s frame. It sinks in, and part of the wall slides smoothly away, revealing a hidden passageway lined with brick.
    My mouth drops open in surprise, and she grins at me. “There’s tons of secrets you have yet to find out,” she whispers, with a giggly tone to her voice. I have to remind myself that Melody is younger than me; her immaturity can’t be helped. She reaches her hand out and snatches mine. “Let’s go meet the others.”
    We enter the passageway and the door clicks shut neatly. It’s almost pitch back inside, but I hear Melody snap her fingers. A bright, periwinkle orb appears, floating in the air and lighting the way.
    “Better than a flashlight,” Melody says.
    “You’ll have to teach me that one.”
    I follow her through the narrow passage as it loops around. It’s a tight fit, but we make our way around the curves