Chapter 18 Defiance
Defiance
Heaven
“What’s that?” Holden asks, his brows furrowing.
I arch an eyebrow questioningly. It’s the following day, and we are in class.
“You have a bruise on your neck?” He tries to reach for it, but I shake my head, moving back slightly. The collar of my suit covers most of it, and I had applied some concealer.
“It’s nothing…” It’s something because even my healing spell didn’t work on it. Whatever it was, it wasn’t a normal bruise.
“How did it happen?” he murmurs.
I don’t want to lie to him, but it’s hard to tell him the truth, too. “It happened on the week-”
“Your mother might be a High Witch, but you have a lot to learn, Aldona. Not paying attention in my lesson will cost you.” Professor Loraina’s cutting voice makes me look up.
I don’t appreciate her tone, but I should have been paying attention. “I apologise for getting distracted, but I am well-versed on this topic, I assure you.”
She pauses, her eyes narrowing, and I wonder if my tone still sounded disrespectful even though I spoke calmly.
“Are you? So, care to enlighten us about the Battle of Hecate’s Betrayal? Do you know how many died?”
We aren’t even discussing that battle.
“One thousand, two hundred and fifty-seven, including my paternal grandparents, my maternal grandmother’s brother and many more.”
“Any names that aren’t of your own blood?”
“The biological mother of our Queen – Indigo Westwood, and her father, Alpha Jackson-”
“Wrong! He was her stepfather.”
I look at her sharply. “Still her father,” I correct obstinately. Alpha Jackson was the father that the two sisters never had.
“History does not go by sentiments. For the record, we have to be thorough with facts, Aldona. The pen is mightier than the sword, and if the history books are not written as they should be, well, that would be dangerous.” I remain silent, knowing she is looking for a reaction.
I didn’t mean it like that; I just meant she didn’t need to point that out when we are simply talking.
When I don’t respond, she scoffs and turns back to the board. “Pay attention, or I will have to punish you.”
“Yes, Professor,” I reply emotionlessly despite my irritation. But I won’t let her think she’s getting to me. That is not a win I will give anyone.
“So, we’re talking about Hecate and her part in the many battles, some… have been questionable. But primordial beings don’t need our approval, that we can agree on-”
“I don’t agree.” The words are out of my mouth before I can even stop myself.
Silence.
Professor Loraina spins around her, her lips pressed in a tight line, her greying hair only adding to the cold expression on her face.
“Excuse me?”
Some of the students exchange looks but don’t speak. Holden places a hand on the small of my back, a slight frown on his face. He’s about to speak, but I place my hand on his thigh. I don’t need him to get in trouble for speaking for me.
“I think the majority of us can accept that Hecate has and does play both sides.”
“So, you’re saying that the goddess who has bestowed you with so much is evil?”
“I am not saying she is evil, but by our standards, she has committed many wrongs, and I am not going to pretend it’s not true.”
The professor puts the book that she’s holding down with a harsh snap, her eyes now steely. “So, you are going to be the judge of the gods?”
She isn’t our lore teacher; she’s just an angsty werewolf who has a temper. I nod.
“Why can’t I? I’m entitled to my opinion, one that is based on facts and findings.”
“Enough!”
“I didn’t realise a simple discussion was disrespectful.” I should stop, shouldn’t I?
“Well, it is.” She turns back to the board when I speak.
“But if we don’t speak and simply follow without question, then we’re all fools.”
“You are in a training academy. Your job is to follow, Aldona.”
She really doesn’t like to be wrong. Well, too bad, neither do I.
“In this Academy, we are leaders, and it is our duty to question.”
“And that means voicing our opinions. I mean, if we all followed blindly, that would be dangerous,” Holden says, his voice level yet clear.
Her eyes flick to him disapprovingly. “Yes, we should do our research, but I am teaching, and it is your job to listen.”
I don’t bother replying. This is getting us nowhere. I flick my hair back, but that only angers her even more.
“What do you want to say now?” she asks sarcastically.
I purse my lips; I want to walk out, but I won’t.
“I was taught by some of the greatest leaders of our times, and I was taught to always question everything and to follow your instincts, within reason.”
“Within reason.” She scoffs irritably.
“Yes. Like right now, this class is a waste of my time. However, being reasonable, I am staying.”
A few students snicker, but I pay them no attention.
“Oh? Well, thank you for being so considerate. But I don’t want you here. You’re dismissed then. Get out. The Head will hear of this.”
“I look forward to it,” I say haughtily as I stand.
“That’s not fair, Professor, come on,” Holden wrings his hands in frustration.
“I’ll be fine. I have better things to do.” I smile at him. “I’ll see you later.”
I want to kiss him, but that would only get him in trouble.
“See you.” He winks at me, checking me out for a moment, and I turn, walking out. These suits are skintight.
On my way out, my mind wanders to my own records that I’m compiling. Well, I was compiling them with help from Dad, but I haven’t really touched them since he passed because no one really tells me everything. How can I have things completely and thoroughly written if so many facts are withheld?
One day, I want to write a proper account of what we have faced. History books that can be passed down through the generations.
Just imagine: Volume I, Section III, The Battle of Hecate’s Betrayal, faithfully preserved through the ages by High Witch Aldona, Keeper of the Records. That sounds so fancy.
Since I’ve been removed from class, I decide to go to the greenhouses and get some stock for myself.
I leave the building and make my way towards the greenhouses that are located at the back of the school, on the opposite side of the training grounds, but not far from the sports hall.
Reaching the greenhouse, I slip inside. It’s empty at this time, even though I know my presence has been registered with Professor Magdalia by the spell cast for security. She’s our herbs and potions teacher, and she’s also in charge of the greenhouses.
All herbs and plants have to be put in separate greenhouses depending on their properties. We can enter some of the greenhouses, like this one, but the ones containing lethal herbs can only be accessed with someone accompanying us, and even then, it depends.
Walking over to the shelf not far from the entrance, I write down what I’m taking in the ledger and take two glass bottles and a zip pouch. I then put on some gloves and take a pair of clippers.
I take my time making my way through the rows of plants and pots, looking into the earthen trays. I feel happy, the smell of the herbs, the earthy scent that I love so much and the life I can feel from them. I clip some whistletooth off, glancing at the tray beside it.
The plant is dying…
I remove my glove and place my hand in the earth of the tray, closing my eyes as I reach for the source of their pain and eliminate it. I allow my energy to fuel them, and after a moment, I remove my hand and smile. Now they will grow perfectly.
I didn’t use magic, just my element, to heal.
I add the whistletooth stems to my bottle and move on to the next one. Once I’ve collected all three, I leave. The Academy herb collection is not as large as I’d have liked it, but it does the job. I have a collection of herbs and stock, although there are some that you just need fresh.
Theo, I need to talk to him. He still hasn’t filled us in on what Hades said. He really annoys me; I don’t have the patience for this. I have a little time. I wonder if he’s in class.
What is his schedule? I had gotten a copy of it; let me see. I take out my organiser from my bag, whispering the spell to unlock it and pull out the folded paper showing Theo’s lessons.
Tilting my head, I raise an eyebrow. So, according to this, they would be in training. In Storm. Well, that’s where I’m going then.
He can’t keep avoiding me, and he wouldn’t expect me to show up during lesson time.
I toss my hair over my shoulder, determined.
Reaching Storm Training Hall, I slip inside.
The shouts and grunts as the senior years all train echo around the hall.
I’m barely making my way to the bench on the side when Theo, who is currently sparring against someone, glances my way and groans.
I turn my attention to Tatum, who has also spotted me, and give him a small smile as I take a seat and cross my legs, observing them.
Jayce is here, too, so maybe I should have asked him to get Theo to listen. I mean, I understand Theo doesn’t care for Sienna, but does he really not want to help? Does he even have a conscience?
I watch him as he knocks his opponent to the ground, a smirk on his face as he raises his arms, palms upwards in victory. How cocky.
“What are you doing here?” Tatum asks after he floors his opponent and walks over to me.
“Well, I was removed from class, so I thought I’d come see how training is going,” I reply, partially honest.
He frowns, concerned. “What happened?”
I shake my head. “Nothing of importance…” Shit, where’s he gone? I skim the room, but he’s gone.
Urgh, Theo!
“Heaven?”
I glance at Tatum and smile. “I’m fine. Excuse me!” I turn and hurry from the hall, as Alpha Matherson shouts at Tatum to get back on the mat.
I don’t go far; he didn’t leave. Of that, I’m certain.
Well, if he wants to play like that.
Sorry, Mama.
I know this is a spell that she didn’t want me to use, but I have no choice.