Alchemy Academy: Destiny's End: Alchemy Academy, #4

By Jess Peters

The truth emerges, and now the cold embrace of cuffs tightens around my wrists as I'm thrust into the confines of a prison cell. Can the situation darken further?

A cascade of unfinished tasks looms—mending Lorrie, using the Ruby, breaking free from Erebus, and escaping this chaotic entanglement.
The path forward is unclear, yet, as always, I'll forge one.

The Finale of a magic academy series!

 

With Levi as my unwavering companion, I'm resolute.

Remember my name! I am Roxy Nichtos and Charles Baphomet is going to pay for doing this to me.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Jess Peters
• Release date: Jan 16, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224624751

Book preview

Alchemy Academy: Destiny’s End (Book 4)

By Jess Peters

This book is copyright material and must not be copied, reproduced, transferred, distributed, leased, licensed or publicly performed and used in any way without prior written permission by the author. Any unauthorised distributing or use of this text may be a direct infringement of the author's rights and those responsible may be liable in law accordingly.

Copyright © 2021 Jess Peters

All rights reserved.

Contents

One.

Two.

Three.

Four.

Five.

Six.

Seven.

Eight.

Nine.

Ten.

Eleven.

Thirteen.

Fourteen.

Fifteen.

Sixteen.

Seventeen.

Eighteen.

Nineteen.

Twenty.

Twenty-One.

Twenty-Two.

Twenty-Three.

Twenty-Four.

Twenty-Five.

Twenty-Six.

Twenty-Seven.

Twenty-Eight.

Twenty-Nine.

Thirty.

Thirty-One.

Thirty-Two.

Thirty-Three.

Thirty-Four.

Thirty-Five.

Thirty-Six.

Thirty-Seven.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Other Publications

Alchemy Academy: Destiny’s End

One.

Roxy

––––––––

The taxi ride was uncomfortably silent as the four officers escorted me towards the portal.

The fear I was feeling was crippling. My chest was stinging, the distress that Levi was feeling connecting from the charm which he wore. I was surprised that it was even working. My magic felt trapped, pushed deep within my body which left me with a deep void. It was like it was before I broke the lock when my magic was deep within my body with no way to be released.

I glanced down at the cuffs slapped around my wrists. I was being arrested. The truth was out, and I was going to be locked away.

I wanted to scream, but I couldn’t. No, I wouldn’t. There was no way that I was giving these officers the satisfaction of knowing how scared I felt. Levi’s expression as I got dragged away from him was playing in my mind. He must be going out of his mind. I could feel that he was distressed, and I could bet that he felt mine.

Now everyone knows that we’re Destined.

This whole situation couldn’t possibly get any worse.

But it has.

Lorrie.

A whole new breed of fear began to surge through my body. Lorrie had been corrupted and was locked in our room with everything relying on me to gain my freedom from Erebus.

No. Our freedom.

Miss Nichtos. Come on, one of the guards opened the door and spoke.

I hadn’t even noticed the taxi stopping in Rakevich. It was a miracle that we wasn’t attacked by Shadows, but then again, my magic was trapped deep within me right now.

Huh, I muttered. I was so lost in my own thoughts.

Get out, he hissed, grabbing my arm and yanking me out.

Hey, get off me, I growled.

Cute, he smirked. You’re under arrest, Miss Nichtos. You don’t get to make demands.

My blood was beginning to boil. I’m still a Nichtos.

What the hell had come over me? It took me getting arrested for me to finally use the Nichtos name.

And you’re still under arrest, the guard muttered as he dragged me towards the portal.

Another one of the guards grabbed my other arm, and the two of them dragged me through the shimmer.

Welcome to the Council building in New York, he said. Where you’ll be staying for the foreseeable future.

I sucked in a breath. Bsar saw this happen, although he thought that it was further in the future. Unfortunately, it wasn’t. This was happening to me now.

I looked around at the extravagant room. Everything was gold and red, the decoration elaborate.

Look all you want, because you may not see it again for a while, the guy smirked.

They dragged me down the corridor to an elevator, their grip staying firm on my arms. It was like I was some sort of criminal.

That’s exactly what they think.

This was so shit. I wasn’t a criminal. I hadn’t done anything wrong. I wasn’t dangerous.

But I was.

Erebus was making me shift more and more regularly. Except I now had the Ruby back, and I could gain my freedom from Erebus.

But I couldn’t because I was about to be locked away.

The elevator doors opened, revealing a dark corridor. They dragged me forward towards a metal gate where one of the guards pulled out a card, scanning it and opening it up.

My feet were beginning to freeze, the fear I felt becoming more intense by the second. The constant distress I felt in my chest radiating from Levi wasn’t helping.

The guards clearly noticed because the one holding onto my left arm began laughing. Better get used to it, Princess.

Don’t call me that, I snarled.

Or what? You’ll attack me? Your Chaos is locked away deep, and it isn’t being set free any time soon.

I gulped, the truth in his words cutting deep.

They dragged me forward, forcing my feet to move.

There were cells on either side of me, some occupied, others not. They led me all the way to the end of the row before opening one up and pushing me inside.

They released their grip on me, one of them holding their hand over my restrained hands.

Dilungo, he muttered.

The linkage between my wrists separated, allowing me to move my hands.

Someone will be along to question you shortly, Miss Nichtos, one of them said.

The guards left the room, the barred door slamming closed behind them.

I was trapped in this dimly lit cell, in the middle of the night, alone.

I sighed and looked around at my new surroundings. A small bed sat in the corner, and behind a small screen was a dingy toilet and sink.

At least there’s a little privacy.

I sighed again and moved over to the bed. A bottle of water sat on the table, which I grabbed and opened, taking a large mouthful of the liquid.

I was so screwed. A few hours ago, I was a double National Duelling Champion, and now I was a criminal.

I groaned, and leaned back, closing my eyes and hoping that this was all a bad dream.

Miss Nichtos, please come with me. The cell door squeaked open eventually.

I opened my eyes and sat up, finding a tall guard, once again dressed in a pristine white uniform.

I got up and followed him out of the cell. Another guard flanked us, but clearly they thought that I was no threat with these stupid cuffs on.

Take a seat, he said, holding a door open for me.

I stepped inside the room to find a table with a chair on either side. I walked over and slumped down into the seat. I felt deflated, and I was pretty sure that I looked it too.

The guard sat down opposite me, staring at me intently.

So, Miss Nichtos. You have been detained under Magicfolk Law for withholding your true affliction. This interview is being recorded as evidence that may be used in your trial. Do you understand?

I released a sigh. Yes.

Are you of Erebus?

I gritted my teeth. Am I entitled to a lawyer?

You are, however, this interview is just to clear up some facts. I’d recommend answering the questions.

Yes, I’m of Erebus.

It was obvious now anyway.

The guard nodded. And did you hide your true affliction?

Yes, I growled.

He nodded again. And were you aware that it is against the Law to hide your affliction?

No, I wasn’t aware.

Like I thought about the Law when I hid who I was. I was only thinking about my safety.

Very well. You’ll be detained until further notice. You are entitled to a lawyer and a phone call which can be arranged for you tomorrow. A trial in front of the National Council of Magicfolk will be set up for you to fight your case. Do you understand?

Yes, I whispered.

Reality was crashing down on me. I was under arrest and trapped inside of this place. They were never going to let me out, especially when they realised who my father was. They must already know. It wasn’t exactly hard to figure out since there was only one of me.

I was never getting out of here.

Miss Nichtos, we’ll get you a change of clothes shortly, now if you’d like to follow me back to your cell.

I nodded and stood, following the guard back to the dark, cold cell.

I slumped down onto the bed, laying back and closing my eyes.

Levi.

My chest was still aching, his distress not easing.

What was he doing now?

Eventually, the door opened again. A change of clothes, Miss Nichtos.

I looked up and groaned when I saw what he had placed at the end of the bed.

The guard left, the door slamming behind him.

I grabbed the clothes and looked around at the cell, deciding that the toilet was literally the only place I felt comfortable enough to strip.

I slipped out of my dress and put on the orange slacks and orange t-shirt. Now I actually looked like a darned prisoner. I slipped my feet into the plimsoles which were a few sizes too big.

Brilliant.

It was more comfortable than staying in my dress though.

I laid on the bed and tried to slow my mind down. My thoughts were haywire, running at a hundred miles an hour.

My body felt so raw and bare with my magic locked away. Over the last few months, I’d gotten used to feeling the power surging through my veins, and now it was gone.

Charles had done this. He told me that he saw the shift. He told me that he knew there was something different about me and told me that he knew I was hiding something, and now he knew the truth.

Everyone did.

Would I ever be free again?

Would I ever get back to Levi again?

Would I ever get free from Erebus, or would I suffer the same fate as my father?

Only time would tell, but right now, I felt utterly helpless.

Two.

Levi

––––––––

I felt Roxy’s distress, the ache pulsating through the charm on my wrist.

Roxy was gone. She’d been ripped away from me.

Dad, Roxy... I muttered as I followed him through the room.

Everyone was staring at us, but at least the music had started up again.

Levi, I know. We’ll be there for her soon, but I need to confront Charles first.

He did this, I growled.

Son, just let me deal with this, and stay quiet, my dad said, running his hand through his hair.

He was always in control of himself, but I could see his resolve slipping.

Charles, a word, he hissed as he approached the large, broad man.

Conner, you know-

It’s best if we do this in private, don’t you think? My dad said. I don’t think we need an audience for this.

Charles nodded and turned towards the door.

We walked through the crowd and their prying eyes, and entered the small side room.

Conner, you know that I had no choice but to inform the Magicfolk Force.

You could have spoken to me first, my dad hissed.

No offence, Conner, but could I? You clearly knew the truth this entire time, and you’ve been withholding it.

She’s Destined with my son for heaven’s sake, my dad practically shouted.

She’s broken the Law, Charles hissed loudly. And she’s of Erebus. Do you have any idea of the threat that she poses?

I’ve been around her for months now, and I can assure you that she isn’t a threat. She has a way of escaping his influence. We were going to come clean once she was ffee from Erebus, my dad shouted at him.

I stayed back in silence. Both of them were angry, and I knew better than to get in the way. They were the two most powerful Magicfolk for a reason.

No. Roxy’s the most powerful.

That’s not your decision, Conner. The Law is clear. She’ll be put on trial before the Councillors and given a chance to explain, Charles shouted.

Whatever game you think you’re playing, I’d think again, my dad replied. You know I’ll be fighting her corner, right?

All I did was abide by the Law. I carried out my duty, Charles said through gritted teeth. And I’ve gathered that you’ll be on her side. I’m not so sure that’ll help her, Conner. Not with her being Salvador’s child. Not after Marleen-

She was my friend, my dad roared, cutting him off. Don’t you think that I don’t know what happened? Everyone’s well aware of what he did, but Roxy has had her affliction under control this entire time.

She shifted in front of everyone, and those Shadows, Charles shook his head. She put everyone in danger.

"No, Charles. She put herself in danger. She didn’t let them in, and you know full well that those creatures wanted her and nobody else. She has this under control, and she has a way to break free. She won’t end up like her father. You could have spoken to me before getting her arrested."

It’s too late, Conner. It’s down to the Councillors to decide now, Charles shook his head again. I expected better of you.

Cut the bullshit, Charles. Now if you’d excuse me, we have somewhere that we need to be.

They’ll be questioning you and your son as well. You know that, right?

I’m well aware of how it works, Charles, but I still hold plenty of influence in this community. Roxy is not staying in that cell any longer than necessary, my dad said carefully with his back to Charles.

Levi, come on, my dad hissed, striding past me and out of the door. I glanced back at Charles and the smug grin slapped across his face.

He knew exactly what he was doing. He had this all planned from the moment that he realised what she was.

Dad, she’s distressed, I whispered.

My dad turned to me, grabbing my shoulder and forcing me to face him. Son, you need to be strong. I know you can feel her distress, but she’ll also be able to feel yours. You either need to be strong for her or take that bracelet off. We’ll get her out, and we’ll win this trial.

I sucked in a breath. Yeah, you’re right. Let’s go and get her.

Like hell I was taking this bracelet off.

I followed my dad back to the main room, straight through the crowd again and over to my mum.

Conner, did you know?

Of course I didn’t, he replied. Charles did this to her.

Levi, Roxy... Miles came over with Leo.

We’re going to get her, Miles, I said.

He creased his eyebrows and nodded. I can’t believe my dad would do it like this.

He wanted to make a point, my dad growled, glancing at Miles. It’s best if you all stay here while Levi and I go to New York. Leo, Miles, you need to deal with Lorrie while Roxy’s gone. Obviously, her plans have been delayed, my dad lowered his voice. Speak to the Shadowmaster if need be.

Of course, Conner, Leo said.

I’ll see you at home, Athena, my dad said, placing a kiss on my mum's cheek. And remember Roxy’s trophy out the back.

I’ll remember it, but you bring our girl home with you, she replied.

My mum and dad had wholeheartedly accepted Roxy into our family, and I couldn’t have been more thankful for it than at this moment. My dad held a great deal of influence amongst the Magicfolk community, and that influence was more important than ever right now. If anyone could help my girl, it was him.

I don’t plan on leaving without her. My dad looked down at me, Come on, Levi.

We left the annexe and moved over to the driveway where a row of taxies was waiting.

Councillor Nichtos, a driver greeted us.

To the portal, he replied.

Certainly.

Dad, how are we getting out of this one? I muttered.

My dad sighed and threw a sound vacuum up around us. You know the drill, son. She should be allowed to be bailed out within the next twenty-four hours, pending trial in front of the Councillors. She’ll probably be placed on magic monitoring as a precaution though.

She’s done nothing wrong.

I know that, son, but she did hide her affliction, which is breaking the Law. Her trial will go fine. I’ll be fighting her corner, and rightfully, she has a spot amongst them. She may not want it, but if she wants to get out of this situation with the least amount of consequences, she’s going to have to embrace who she is. She is of Delvin blood.

You know she doesn’t want it, I frowned.

As I said, it’s going to be the easiest way out of this. Charles is firmly against her, we know that, but the other Councillors may not be, especially if she acts strong and puts a claim down on her spot.

She could take the Council from under Charles.

She could, my dad whispered. Let’s just get her out of those cells first.

I released a sigh and nodded as my dad dropped the sound vacuum.

My dad presented his card to the driver once we reached the portal, and then he grabbed my arm and pulled me through the shimmer.

We emerged into the elaborate, golden room of the Council building in New York. It was still night time, the time difference a few hours behind here, but that only meant a longer night in a cell for Roxy.

I followed my dad down the corridor to an elevator where we went down to the lower level floor, and then stepped out into the dimly lit corridor. In front of us was a locked gate, but my dad turned right and walked straight into an office.

Councillor Nichtos, an officer said, quickly jumping to his feet.

You know why I’m here, now let’s get this sorted so that she can come home with me.

It’s not that simple, Councillor Nichtos, he frowned.

I think you’ll find that it is. I’m bailing her out.

I’m not authorised to do that, sir.

Well get me someone who is, my dad practically roared.

The guard flinched and nodded while reaching out for the phone.

Sir, I have Councillor Nichtos here.

Yes, I told him that.

No.

Ok.

He put the phone down and looked up at us. Someone will be with you shortly.

My dad nodded and took a seat opposite the guards' desk while staring at him.

I could see that it was making the guard uncomfortable. My dad was an intimidating man if you didn’t know him. He was second in charge to Charles and extremely powerful, not to mention his sheer size. He was tall and muscled.

I think you’d have to be stupid not to be intimidated.

Eventually, the door opened behind us. Councillor Nichtos. Apologies for keeping you waiting. A man stepped in dressed in a suit.

Percival, my dad greeted him.

Jones, could you give us the room, please.

Certainly, sir, the guard said, getting to his feet and leaving us.

Percival claimed the vacated seat and leaned forward with his elbows on the desk. Councillor Nichtos, as you know, this situation is a little unusual. Councillor Baphomet solicited her arrest.

I know, my dad growled. I’ve spoken to him, and he’s well aware that I’m here. Now I’m bailing her out, so I suggest that you make it happen.

The guy sighed. It’s not that simple. You need a judge.

Well make it that simple, my dad raised his voice. I also know that it can be done without one, so do it.

Percival looked at him for a moment before sighing again. I can process the paperwork, but you both need to be interviewed first due to your involvement. Councillor Baphomet isn’t going to like this either.

My dad stood up and slammed his hands down in front of the guy, who flinched, leaning back in the seat.

I don’t have a choice, Councillor Nichtos.

I know the process, Percival, but you’re testing my patience, my dad growled. We’ll be interviewed together, and I don’t care whether Charles likes it or not. Leave him to me. Now let’s get this over with.

My dad was absolutely bursting with fury, which even had me on edge. I’d seen him like this before plenty of times, but not in a very long time.

When he was like this, flies didn’t even dare to fly.

Very well, Councillor Nichtos. If you’d please follow me, he gulped.

My dad stood up straight and adjusted his bow tie as the man walked out of the room.

Come on, son, he muttered as he passed me.

We followed him across the way to a room with a desk inside which had two chairs on either side of it.

I’ll be with you shortly, Councillor Nichtos.

My dad walked over to a chair and sat down without another word, and I silently followed him.

What’s this all about? I muttered.

"We knew of her affliction, son. She’s broken the Law and we knew about it. We are the only ones who knew about it, he said carefully. I’ll speak on your mothers behalf."

I nodded, understanding what he was saying.

Don’t mention Miles, Lorrie or Leo otherwise they’d need to be interviewed too.

Just follow my lead, Levi. Roxy hasn’t done anything wrong except for hide the truth. It shouldn’t be this much of a big deal.

Then why is it?

Because ultimately, it’s going to come down to whether or not she’s a threat. It’s because of her father. We know that she’s not, but we’re going to need to discuss her trial further. Let’s just get her home first.

I sucked in a breath and nodded.

This was so shit.

My girl was alone and scared somewhere up that corridor.

I don’t know how long we sat waiting, but eventually, Percival returned and sat down in front of us. Apologies for keeping you waiting, Councillor Nichtos.

I don’t appreciate it, so get on with it.

He cleared his throat and straightened his tie before looking back at my dad. As you know, under Magicfolk Law, Roxy Nichtos has been arrested for withholding the truth about her affliction. Both yourself, and Levi knew about this, and also withheld the truth. You are required to be interviewed which will be recorded for evidence. Do you understand?

You know very well that I do, my dad growled.

The guy looked nervous, and although he was just carrying out his job, I was glad that he was intimidated.

You know that this is just protocol, Councillor Nichtos.

You’re trying my patience, Percival. Get on with it, my dad hissed.

When did you and Levi first learn about Roxy Nichtos’ affliction?

I learnt about it over the Christmas holidays when Roxy came to stay with us, my dad replied before looking at me.

October, I replied stiffly.

The night of that party. The night that I saved her life.

Why did you both hide the truth?

Because of her family history. We all know what happened to her father. Roxy has a way to gain her freedom from Erebus, and we were going to come out about it after her freedom was guaranteed. She’s Destined with my son and so I would never betray their trust. I protected my son from a potential heartbreak if something like this was to happen.

Percival nodded and looked my way.

I think my father’s answered the question, I muttered. Those were my reasons for staying quiet. She asked me to and I couldn’t betray her. We’re Destined, and you have no idea what this bond is like.

Percival nodded. Do you know why she managed to hide her affliction for so long?

I sucked in a breath, which both of them clearly noticed.

I rigged her affliction test results. As you know, I’m a teacher at Alchemy Academy. She hid the truth under the advice of the Shadowmaster, and I agreed with the reason, which was the ones my dad just said. She kept a fourth element hidden. This was all at the beginning of our relationship.

Roxy kept it hidden under our advice, as well as the Shadowmasters. As I said, it was just until she gained her freedom, my dad added. She just played the part of being a Nyx.

How is she meant to gain her freedom exactly? We all know the history of Erebus leaners. They either turned into Shadowmasters, or killed themselves. He paused for a moment. Or ended up like Salvador Delvin.

Salvador was the only one like that, and Roxy isn’t like her father, I growled.

The Shadowmaster found a way, and she’s ready to do it now. How isn’t of your concern. If anything, it stems into a Council matter or a concern for the trial.

Very well, Councillor Nichtos.

Now are you quite done?

Erm, yes, for now. You’ll have to excuse me while I process the paperwork. It could take some time. The terms of bail will need to be written and agreed by the prison warden, yourselves and Miss Nichtos.

Well I suggest that you go and start then, my dad said.

He nodded and left the room.

Dad, Roxy’s trial isn’t going to go well, is it?

My dad’s eyes finally softened as he glanced at me. Levi, it will work out fine. It’s going to be a conversation that we all need to have. Let’s just say that she’s lucky that we’re such a powerful family.

I nodded, although the dread that I felt in my gut didn’t subside.

Maybe it was partly Roxy’s distress which I was feeling, or maybe it was my own. Either way, I knew that there was a long road ahead.

I don’t know how long passed by, but it must have been hours. Time seemed to have frozen for me. I felt nothing but a deep longing to hold Roxy. Besides that, I was numb inside.

My dad began pacing the room before sitting down again.

Eventually, after what must have been an hour or two, the door opened and Percival walked in and took a seat in front of us.

Councillor Nichtos, you’ll need to sign these forms for Roxy’s bail. This is how much it’ll cost you, he pointed to a figure.

Five-thousand Ankors.

It was a lot of money, but my dad didn’t even bat an eye. It was obvious that they had purposely picked an extortionate amount because of who we were.

He pulled another page out from the pile. These are the terms of Roxy’s bail. She’ll have to wear Chaos monitoring cuffs which will track the magic she uses. Due to her affliction, there’s a clause saying that she will be detained again if she carries out any dark magic.

My dad glanced at me. Yes, that’s fine.

Now for her residency. She’s not allowed to stay anywhere not agreed and documented.

She’ll be staying at my estate, or at the academy with my son, my dad replied.

As long as she’s inside the building, that’s fine. The guy clicked his fingers and her residency was added to the form.

She’s not allowed to do any magic on her own, although this won’t be tracked. We’re putting it in good faith that you’ll abide by this term. Finally, she isn’t allowed out of her agreed residency past nine in the evening. She’ll be under curfew.

My jaw clenched.

That’s fine.

Then just sign here, here and here, he pointed to each page.

Thank you. I’ll just go and get her as she’ll also need to sign the paperwork.

My dad watched him leave the room before looking at me. Son, you need to keep an eye on her until her trial.

I will. Dad, she won’t be able to-

"We’ll talk about that later."

I nodded and got to my feet. I was so anxious to see my girl and desperate to get her home. Once she was back in my arms, I was never letting go of her. I would never break my promise to her again.

Three.

Roxy

––––––––

The ache in my chest had eased slightly, but it wasn’t completely gone. Levi was still distressed.

I’d been laying on the bed for hours staring at the dank ceiling.

I was exhausted after the days' events, but I couldn’t sleep.

I’d won the team duel with Miles, and then my solo duel against Antonio, plus fought off some Shadows, and attended a ball before being arrested.

What a day.

Miss Nichtos, come with me, a guard in a pristine white uniform said as he unlocked the barred gate.

I dragged myself up and followed him out of the cell and down the corridor.

He opened a door and ushered me inside, but the moment I stepped through the doorway, my feet froze.

His arms were around me in seconds which was enough to open up the floodgates.

Rox, love, I’m here, he whispered.

Levi, I choked through my tears.

We’re getting you out of here. He stood back, his hands on my arms as he stared into my eyes. I love you, baby, he whispered. His thumb wiping my tears away before his hand grabbed mine and pulled me towards Conner.

Conner, thank you, I whispered.

His firm arms pulled me in for a hug. You’re family, plus my son needs you.

I sucked in a breath, pulling myself together. They were both dressed in their exquisite three-piece suits and looked as though they’d come straight from the winners' ball. They looked better than me, dressed in these orange prison clothes. So, what’s happening? I asked, my voice weak.

I’m bailing you out, Roxy, but there are terms to it. Someone will be along to discuss them with you shortly, but we’ll discuss it all further at home. You’ll be put on trial in front of the Councillors soon enough.

I nodded. So everyone now knows the truth. At least I don’t need to hide anymore.

Yes, the truth is out now. Unfortunately, you’ll be in all of the papers this morning for more than one reason. I’ll have you well prepared for your trial, so don’t worry over it, Conner said. Charles isn’t going to win this, he lowered his voice.

I nodded just as a suited man entered the room. Miss Nichtos, please take a seat.

Levi led me towards a chair and pushed me down onto it, before standing behind me with his hands on my shoulders, while Conner took a seat beside me.

Miss Nichtos, as I’m sure they’ve explained to you, you’re being released on bail. These are the conditions of your release, and should you break any of them, you’ll be detained until your trial. I’ll give you a moment to read them. He pushed a sheet of paper towards me.

You are required to wear Chaos monitoring cuffs.

You are not allowed to carry out any dark magic of any kind.

You must reside in Alchemy Academy or the Nichtos Estate.

You will be under curfew from nine at night until seven in the morning.

We recommend that you do not carry out any magic on your own, although this will not be tracked.

I looked around at Levi and noticed his clenched jaw as he read the page over my shoulder.

Please sign next to where Councillor Nichtos has if you agree to these terms.

I glanced at Conner and he nodded.

Clearly, I didn’t have a choice because I really didn’t want to be stuck in a cell.

I signed my name, and then the guy pulled another sheet out. This is to say that you understand that you’ll be summoned to a court hearing before the National Council of Magicfolk. Failure to attend on the agreed date will call for your immediate arrest until a new date is arranged.

I nodded and signed again.

Right, I’ll go and get a guard to swap your cuffs over, and then you’re free to go.

Ok, I muttered.

My gut was twisting with dread as reality dawned on me.

How could I challenge Erebus now? I just knew that spell had dark magic all over it, especially since the Ruby was a dark object.

Levi pulled me out of the seat before sitting down himself and pulling down onto his lap.

I’m sorry, Rox, he whispered.

None of this is your fault.

I broke my promise. I said that I’d protect you, and I couldn’t. I could hear the pain in his voice.

Levi, this isn’t your fault. What’s done is done. We just have to deal with this now.

I felt him nod on my shoulder.

At least we don’t need to hide the fact that we’re Destined now, I forced a smile.

A small feat, he whispered. I’m still so proud of you, love. The youngest double National Duelling Champion in history.

A smile grew across my lips, and this time it was genuine. It does sound pretty good, doesn’t it?

You’re a remarkable woman, Rox. He cupped my cheek and turned me so that he could kiss me. His lips were filled with passion and longing, but he tasted of sorrow as his tongue slipped into my mouth.

Eventually, the suited man and a guard returned, and I could have sworn that the suited guy smiled as he looked at me and Levi.

Levi pushed me to my feet at the same time that Conner stood. The guard hovered his hand over my cuffs and whispered something. The cuffs clicked open, and he removed them, attaching them to his belt and pulling out another pair.

These cuffs will monitor your Chaos usage, as well as track your whereabouts. They won’t limit your power or affect how you use it. It will just log what spells you do and how you use your Chaos. Should they be tampered with, an alert will be sent to us which will call for your immediate arrest.

Ok, I muttered.

He attached a cuff to each wrist and held his hand over them while muttering something under his breath. They flashed green, and then the