Chapter 46
Chapter Forty-Six
Ender
That wasn’t me.
That was what I told myself for the millionth time throughout the night. That was what Priscilla had told me and what Selene would have told me if I hadn’t avoided her after the fight yesterday. I had control of my magic. Very good control.
I sat upright, no longer able to stare at the ceiling in my dorm room. Nick had checked in on me last night and offered me space, which I appreciated. I was sure he appreciated it too, as it gave him an excuse to sneak into Gwen’s room and stay with her.
My pajamas were soaked in sweat, and I decided to shower.
Nothing would help the blame I carried for the extensive punches I had thrown at David, but a shower was a good place to wash off last night’s sleepless sweat.
Nick had said David was being treated by Nurse Adair and would make a full recovery.
I would have to find David today and apologize.
The shower was cold. I spent extra time under the water. I grabbed a pair of joggers and a T-shirt, thankful it was Saturday.
Not that I would have attended classes today.
Someone knocked hard at my door as I finished pulling the hem of my shirt down.
I opened the door, expecting to see either Selene or Priscilla, but it was Guard Taylor.
He had escorted us to and from the academy when we went to Dominica.
I recognized the majority of the guards but wasn’t familiar with all their names, as they didn’t typically introduce themselves or wear a name badge.
“The headmaster would like you to meet him in his office.” He stared at me.
“Now?”
He nodded and left, not waiting for me.
Okay. I thought he had delivered the message because he was my escort, but he was already gone.
Sighing, I threw on a pair of sneakers and headed to the main building, keeping my head down. At eight in the morning, not many students were out. The sun wouldn’t rise for a few more hours and the paths were lit by mage lights.
One knock and I walked into Headmaster John’s office, the door already cracked open.
He sat behind his desk, going through papers.
Priscilla wasn’t present, which surprised me.
She had followed me into the forest last night, but I had asked to be alone when our conversation had gone nowhere—much from my own doing.
“Have a seat.” The headmaster waved to a chair.
Once I sat, he shoved a piece of paper in front of me.
From her spot on the corner of his desk, Aura stirred slightly.
“You are receiving a formal write-up for your actions and behavior yesterday. This is your first formal write-up since enrolling at Fives Academy. Three results in expulsion and losing a diploma. If an action of this type occurs again, you will not receive two more write-ups. You will be directly dismissed from the academy. Do you understand what this write-up is for?”
Nodding, I stared at the paper but did not read any of the words. I could be the occasional burden to the staff at Fives but never had received a formal disciplinary action.
“Good,” Headmaster John continued. “Now is your chance to tell me what happened and give your side of the events yesterday.”
I swallowed. David did not deserve what I had done. I should never have lost control like that.
The headmaster gave a curt nod at my silence and placed a pen on top of the paper.
“You need to sign the bottom of the paper with today’s date.
You will attend detention with Professor Eaten in place of training the next two weeks,” he said.
I stole a quick glance at him. His features were stern, but the edges of his eyes were softening.
“By signing this, you agree and take accountability for your actions.”
“Yes.” I cleared my scratchy throat. “I accept any and all consequences for my actions.”
After I signed the paper, he crossed his hands on the desk in front of him. “Ender. If there is anything you would like to tell me, please know that you are always able to.”
He didn’t prod for information, which most likely meant he knew Priscilla hadn’t gotten anywhere with me. There was nothing to say. I was disgusted with myself.
The door opened and Selene walked through without a warning knock. Her pants had many pockets, which differed from the leggings and jeans the other female students wore, and her loose T-shirt looked beautiful on her.
It made me internally smile—she made me smile.
“Selene.” Headmaster John dropped his voice to a scolding tone. “We are currently in a meeting.”
“Yes. I know.” She took up residence in the seat next to me as the headmaster sighed. “Please continue.”
The headmaster sat back in his chair. Warmth encased my hand and I glanced down to see Selene’s hand over mine.
“Ender shouldn’t be kicked out of the academy. He’s idolized by many of his peers. This behavior was an isolated event and will not happen again. I believe that with everything happening and his magic emerging, it—”
“Sal,” her father interrupted. “He is not being dismissed from the academy.” His gaze moved to me. “Not unless it happens again.”
She let out an audible sigh.
“Is there anything else, Headmaster?” I asked before she could begin rambling again. My heart warmed at the thought of her fighting for me to stay at the academy.
“No.” He waved toward the door. “You are excused.”
I stood, Selene following suit. Her presence had taken off some of the weight on my chest.
“Sal,” the headmaster called when we reached the door. “Meet me tomorrow morning. There are some things we need to discuss.”