Wicked Bones: Enemies to Lovers Witch Academy Romance

By Candace Osmond and Rebecca Hamilton

In the shadowed halls of Arcane Academy, Lydia Laveau stands at the crossroads of destiny…and deception.

Following the revelations of the Conjuring test, Lydia is thrust into the spotlight, facing challenges darker than any spell. As questions swirl about her relationship with Anson and her connection to Nash, Lydia finds herself ensnared in a web of lies spun for protection—but whose?

With the Midnight Circle drawing closer and the bond with her father revealing the heavy mantle of her heritage, Lydia must confront the possibility of leading a battle she never wished to fight. But the more she learns of Talia's past and the enigmatic red witches, the more Lydia questions the very fabric of her beliefs and the secrets that shape her world.

Will Lydia's journey through shadowed corridors and darker magics forge a path to salvation for those she loves, or will the weight of secrets and the cost of power be too great a burden for the daughter of a Light High Priestess turned champion of the dark?

Fans of DIVERGENT, HARRY POTTER, and A DISCOVERY OF WITCHES will devour this edgy paranormal academy series with a slow burn romance!

Scroll up to one-click to continue the Touch of Darkness series with Book 3, Wicked Bones, today!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Evershade Publishing
• Release date: Apr 22, 2024
• ISBN: 9781949112535

Candace Osmond

Number 1 International and USA TODAY Bestselling Author Candace Osmond is an Award-Winning Screenwriter from Fogo Island, NL. Her more popular works include her Internationally Bestselling Series, Dark Tides. A Time Travel Fantasy Romance set in 1707 Newfoundland. She now resides on the rocky East Coast of Canada with her husband, two kids, and bulldog.

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

The illusion of happiness is a silent killer, and I was slowly dying on the inside.

Every camera flash, every recording device shoved in my face, every forced smile… I died a little.

It’d only been a handful of days since the Program ended.

Since I won it.

I longed for the comfort of my own bed, where I could fall apart in peace. But in the days since, it’d been interview after interview, meeting after meeting.

Members of the High Council were already here for the Program, but more had portaled in and brought with them an onslaught of press and other figures. And there was this unspoken duty to appease everyone.

We were the next leaders to join the ranks of the High Council one day. We were expected to start building a presence. Something I never thought I’d have to face.

Thankfully, when it came down to it, this was still a school, and Arcane East had rules when it came to the press and the student body.

We were all over the age of eighteen, so the reporters and journalists were permitted to take residence in the village and visit the school grounds. But only in the common areas. No classes. No private areas.

They were forbidden to even step foot down a hall of quarters.

But still…I knew. Some intrinsic part of me, deep inside the gallows of my gut, knew. I’d crossed a line. There was no going back to the life I once had. Those plans—foolish, desperate plans I’d made with Jade to come back after five years and start a life as a journalist—were over.

It felt like a distant dream now.

I didn’t know what the future held for me. I’d worried for my life as an unknown hybrid witch, but now...knowing what I truly was…

Red Witch. Red Witch. Red Witch.

The words constantly chimed on repeat in my mind. Fighting for a place to settle. But they couldn’t.

I had no idea what it meant, what being a Red Witch entailed.

Lydia, a reporter—a short, half-bald man—shouted up at me where I sat in the Grand Hall. How does it feel to be the youngest person in our history to win the Program?

I had to tell myself to blink. I-I have no words.

Are you looking forward to the start of the tour?

This was our first official press conference regarding the Program. All previous hounding didn’t count. And only because we were set to head out in a few days to tour the High Council’s city, Huna.

Yeah. My lips cracked as I pulled at them. I tried to hide the jitter in my knee. It’s going to be great, for sure.

To my right, I could feel Nash grinning wildly. He grew up in the city. A fact I’d only just learned.

I didn’t give him the satisfaction of even a glance and kept my stare on the few reporters who stood around the base of the short stage we sat on. Willa and Ferris stood behind us.

A blonde woman pushed to the front and shoved a phone toward me, the screen showing that it was recording sound. Her black cat-eye glasses balanced perfectly on her nose as she gave me a smirk. Are you and Mr. Crane romantically involved, and will you be preparing leadership together or separately?

My blood seethed in my veins, and I crossed my arms tightly. Nash and I are not…involved. No. We’re just two talented Wicked Born who’ve been thrust into this together. We’re figuring things out as we go. I swallowed nervously as I suddenly caught the gaze of Mr. Black–my father–near the back of the crowd. Uh, with the help of the Elders and chosen mentors, of course.

I felt like a fraud.

Nash leaned into the frame. But it’s not off the table.

I flashed him a look that said, back off, Crane, and he had the right mind to straighten in his seat and drop the grin.

I turned back to the reporter. No, it’ll never be on the table. I’m…taken.

She stole a quick glance at her notepad. Yes, rumor has it that you’re romantically linked to Anson Abernathy. Is that correct?

Yes. My mouth dried.

One of the other contenders.

Willa stepped to my side, and I found myself relaxing in her presence.

I took a slow breath. Yes, Anson is my… We’re…together.

Someone else, a taller young man with shaggy brown hair, came closer and asked, Can you give us some details about what happened to Anson during the Conjuring test?

Each word was like a knife in my heart.

Willa’s hand gripped the back of my chair.

He was overwhelmed with his TA duties, classes, and practicing for the Program, I said. He was tired, and the demon was just too strong.

From the corner of my eye, I could see Nash beckon Ferris and whisper something in his ear. I could tell by his stiff shoulders and clenched jaw that Nash was getting pissed that all the questions were for me.

The thought brought me a sliver of pleasure.

How’s he doing? the guy continued.

I managed a smile. Well. He’s doing…well. In recovery.

The lies tasted like dirt in my mouth.

The blonde stepped into my line of sight again. That was quite the display of power you showed during the Conjuring test. Managing Anson’s Kappa while also maintaining your own. Do you have a comment on that?

Before I could utter a word, the whole crowd erupted into chatter all thrown toward me. Questions about my mother, my previous life, my role in the Dark Faction, school. All of it tied to one simple fact I could no longer hide.

I was powerful as fuck.

The dean had done a hasty press meeting within hours of my knock-out win. The moment that changed my life.

The moment I killed someone.

I shook away the thoughts, remembering that the dean had spun the story that I must have heightened abilities because I was once a Light Witch.

The questions compounded in the wake of my silence. I didn’t have an answer for them. My magic was still a wonder to myself.

And if they ever discovered what I truly was...

I shot up from my chair and stared down at Nash. It’s all yours.

I gave a lazy wave to the crowd and bounded down the few stairs behind the stage, toward the exit that would take me away from here. Willa ran after me.

You okay? she asked quietly as I spun around.

I nodded. Yeah, I’ll be fine.

Lies. I was barely hanging on. The fibers of my being were shredded. I’d put Anson in a cursed coma, Mr. Blackwood was my father, I won the Courtship Program with Nash Crane. And I took a life…

I’m gonna go check on Anson, I said.

Do you want me to come?

From behind her, Nash’s voice rang out: How about we hear from the Supplements!

Willa closed her eyes with a sigh. Never mind.

You don’t have to do that, I told her.

She gave a genuine smile and patted my arm. Yeah, I do. We’re in this together, girl. She nodded toward the exit. Go, be with him. I got this.

I raised my eyebrows. Hang later?

She nodded.

I pressed my lips into a thin line as I bit back tears. Love you.

Her big brown eyes sparkled. Love you, too.

She bounded back up onto the stage and took my seat before I ducked out the door and sped down the dark corridors of the school.

My footsteps echoed off the walls with every turn until I reached the infirmary. A couple of nurses wandered about and barely paid me any mind as I bolted for Anson’s room.

The door groaned on its hinges as I peeked inside. Utter silence filled the space, cut only by the slow, gentle beeping of the medical monitor next to where he slept. A hazy bubble hovered over his slumbering body, and I let out a jittery sigh.

Science and magic, working together to keep him alive.

My usual chair sat empty to his right, and I took a seat. For a moment, I just sat there. Unmoving, unspeaking, and staring at Anson’s face. So slack and peaceful. No sign of distress. Forever enraptured in a state of perfection.

He wouldn’t even age. As long as my Mors Velox spell held.

I leaned over the edge of the mattress and slid my hand across the grey blanket to slip into his.

His mere touch made something in my chest cave in. A small hole. I let out a little cry and stifled it with a hand over my mouth. I couldn’t afford the breakdown I so rightly deserved.

After a few deep breaths, I calmed, but I couldn’t let go of his warm hand. It was comfort, something I desperately needed. I laid my head down, pressing my cheek to the pillow as I stared at his perfect face.

I’m going to make this right, I whispered to Anson. I promise. I’ll find that bone and break the curse so you can come back to me.

Tears stung my eyes as I continued. "Because I need you. I need you so bad. You have no idea. I’m scared. I’m terrified people are going to find out what I really am. What we really are. And… My voice dropped to a barely audible sound as I struggled with words. I…killed Carol."

I scooted closer and brought his knuckles to my lips. Here, with Anson, I could let the weight of the world crash down on me. I was fine, as long as I had his hand in mine.

But my mind began to wander, and a nagging voice picked at my ears.

If I didn’t find Talia’s bone, Anson would be stuck in this state forever.

CHAPTER 2

I stalked the dank halls of the school as people screamed at my presence.

Everything felt so real, and yet…I could feel the rubber-like confines of a dream. A nightmare.

Wicked Born filled the corridors, and magic seeped from my skin. A hazy green smoke billowed around me like a snake. Curling over my fingers.

I shot my arm out, flinging a whip of emerald lightning across a group of students. People screamed with nowhere to run. Because my nightmare had no way out. For any of us.

My power grew with every step, and I decimated everyone in my path, stifling the cries of strangers. Then Anson and Willa appeared at the end of the hall, and I stopped, my chest heaving.

They stared at me, but something deep inside me sneered at them. Something…not of myself. An…other.

In the blink of an eye, my magic crackled through the air toward them just as a strong hand grabbed my shoulder, jostling me awake.

I sat back in my chair with a gasp and glanced up at my father.

Holy hell. I pressed my hand against my chest. My other hand still held Anson’s. I’d fallen asleep at the side of his bed.

Are you all right? he asked, his face wrought with concern.

My lungs protested as I sucked in a sigh and ran my fingers through my hair. I’ve been better.

May I sit with you?

His usual charcoal vest hung open, the silver buttons shining in the light, the sleeves of his black collar shirt rolled up to his elbows.

I slowly nodded and tipped my chin toward a wooden chair in the corner. Please do.

My father took two casual strides toward the chair and moved it to my side. He sat down, his knees level, and stole a quick glance at Anson. For a split second, I saw regret. I caught his eye, and he managed a smile.

How are you doing with the press?

I shrugged and picked at the hem of my black T-shirt. Fine, I guess. They’re getting…invasive, though.

I’ll see what I can do about that.

Part of me believed him.

He cleared his throat. Are you ready for the trip to the city? And…are you comfortable with the story we’ve created?

Something warmed my chest at his tone. I nodded. "Yeah. I mean, it’s not really a story. It’s not untrue. I was born a Light Witch. Was chosen for the Dark. I already had a strong aptitude for magic. Who’s to say that’s not the reason I did so well in the Program? I mean, that’s why you chose me, right?"

He held my stare for a moment. It’s only part of the reason. When I rolled my eyes, he chuckled. Listen, I have nothing to hide from you now. He leaned back. Ask me anything, and I’ll answer honestly.

I pressed my lips together in thought before hitting him with a whopper. Did you love my mother?

He didn’t so much as flinch. Yes. Very much so. A smile tugged at his mouth. More than anything in the world.

Then why did you leave? I asked. Why not decline to do your pledge and live in the mundane world?

The dean tipped his head. There’s a lot you have to learn about the Blackwoods, darling. I was expected to take the five-year pledge and do great things in the Dark Faction. I couldn’t turn my back on a greater cause.

Would you have stayed… I swallowed a sudden lump in my throat. Would you have stayed if you knew about me?

My father crossed his arms. "If I had known Lace Laveau was pregnant with my child, with you, not only would I have stayed in the mundane world, I would have convinced her, too. And I would have loved you both to this very day. He guffawed to himself. Part of me always wondered if that’s why she kept you a secret. Because she knew what I’d do."

My eyes stung with a teary film. "A yes would have been fine."

A laugh escaped us both, and he visibly relaxed.

So, who expected it? I asked.

What? His thick, dark eyebrows pinched together.

You said you were expected to take the pledge, I replied. Expected by whom? Your family or this council you mentioned?

My father gave a half grin. A bit of both.

Who or what is this secret organization? Even though we were alone, I still lowered my voice. The Midnight Circle?

An impressed look filled his expression, but then he shook his head. I heard you were getting mixed up with them. He sighed. How deep are you?

I thought I was the one asking the questions here.

We shared a stifled laugh, then he replied, "No, it’s not The Midnight Circle. Although their coven had actually begun with good intentions, it slowly became corrupt over the years. But the organization I’m working with—"

A nurse poked her head in the door. Sorry to interrupt, Dean, but you’re wanted in your office.

Mr. Blackwood lifted a hand with a smile. I’ll be right there.

She closed the door, and he turned to me, his eyebrows raised high. Shall we continue this later?

Sure. I’d…like that.

My father stood from his chair and straightened his vest before working the buttons. Lydia, have you chosen a mentor yet?

No, I haven’t had a chance with everything, and… A thought occurred to me. Why?

I’d like to be your mentor for the remainder of your pledge. A mentor is required for those who win the Program. And I can’t think of a better person than me. When I narrowed my eyes, he continued. I can protect you while preparing you for a future unlike anything you could have imagined. He waited for me to respond, but when I failed to, he added, Think on it.

So, I nodded because my mind was still processing what he’d said. It was all right. It made sense to choose the dean as my mentor, regardless of the fact that he was also my father. But I wasn’t sure if he wanted the world to know that.

As he reached the door, I called after him, What do I call you?

He stopped and turned, a hopeful look on his face.

"To others. What do I refer to you as besides dean?"

He gave me an endearing smile. For now, call me Arthur. When you trust me, you can decide what to call me yourself.

He left me alone in the hollow echo of my mind, the annoying beeping of Anson’s monitor bouncing in my ears.

Trust him? Would that day ever come? I wasn’t sure I could trust anyone in my life.

But I wanted to, with him. My father. I wanted to bridge that massive gap dug into our existences, the one put there by the years spent not knowing one another. I wanted to know him, trust him. But part of me worried he’d just betray me in the end.

Like everyone else in my life.

My feet felt like lead weights, anchoring me where I sat. My body was simply too tired to move. So, I remained by Anson’s side for a little while longer, staring and admiring his face, imagining a day when those eyes would open and look at me once more.

When I was sure my legs could carry me all the way across the school, I kissed Anson goodnight and slugged through the empty halls as I headed back to my quarters.

In the empty, narrow corridor, the rubber soles of my boots slapping against the stone were the only sounds to be heard.

I found the door to our room locked—a careful precaution we’d taken habit of since acquiring Talia’s grimoires—so I fished in my pocket for my key. I slipped the gaudy iron thing in the lock and turned it with a loud clunk before shoving the door open.

Willa lay sprawled on her bed, surrounded by open texts. One of them covered her chest while gentle snores