Wicked Minds: Wicked Witch Academy, #2

By Russell Nohelty

My mother is alive.

 

I thought she died saving my life, but it was all a lie. The emperor held her in captivity for years. Now, Queen Gilda makes her way to the capital to stand trial for her crimes against the empire.

 

I must save her.

 

I will not let my mother die.

 

We will be united again, and together we will burn this kingdom to the ground.

 

It will not be easy.

 

Even with the help of a fiery rebellion, the odds are stacked against us, but nothing has never been easy for me. If this is my end, then I will make it such an end they will talk about it in the annuls of history books for the rest of time.

 

My people will be free. Destiny has prophesized it, even if I am not around to see it.

 

Join Ophelia in the fiery conclusion to The Wicked Witch Academy duology, and find out what happens when destiny crashes headfirst into the bond between a mother and daughter in Wicked Minds.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Russell Nohelty
• Release date: Dec 30, 2024
• ISBN: 9798227722232

Russell Nohelty

Russell Nohelty is a USA Today bestselling author, publisher, and speaker. He runs Wannabe Press (www.wannabepress.com), a small press that publishes weird books for weird people. Russell is the author of Gumshoes: The Case of Madison’s Father and My Father Didn’t Kill Himself, along with the creator of the Ichabod Jones: Monster Hunter, Gherkin Boy, Pixie Dust, and Katrina Hates the Dead graphic novels. He also edited the Monsters and Other Scary Shit and Cthulhu is Hard to Spell anthologies, which both raised over $25,000 on Kickstarter. To date, Russell Nohelty has raised over $100,000 on Kickstarter across eight projects.

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Special thanks

Adam Klagues, Adriana Anger, Amber Reeves, Caledonia, Chad Bowden, Chris Call, Chris Roeszler, Christina Lopez, Dave Baxter, David Irgang, Derek J. Bush, Elias Rosner, Emerson Kasak, Finley Wilson, Gerald P. McDaniel, Gia Claudio, James Kralik, Jamie Minnich, Janice Jurgens, Jeff Lewis, Jeffery Greathouse, Jonathan, Joshua Bowers, JP Mullens, Keino, Kelly C. Hughes, Kimberly Butler, Klikke Sietel, Kyle, Martha Carr, Matthew Johnson, Maxi Organ, Noah Carruba, Pat Shand, Paul E. Olson, Paul Rose Jr., Peter T, Rob Steinberger, Ryan Scott James, Scott Adams, Scott Chisholm, Seamus Sands, Shannon, Stephen Ballentine, Tawnly Pranger, The Alaskan Greywolfe, Tim Walters, and Victoria Nohelty.

ALSO BY RUSSELL NOHELTY

THE OBSIDIAN SPINDLE SAGA

The Sleeping Beauty

The Wicked Witch

The Fairy Queen

The Red Rider

THE GODVERSE CHRONICLES

And Death Followed Behind Her

And Doom Followed Behind Her

And Ruin Followed Behind Her

And Hell Followed Behind Her

And Conquest Followed Behind Them

And Darkness Followed Behind Her

And Chaos Followed Behind Them

Katrina Hates the Dead

Pixie Dust

OTHER NOVEL WORK

My Father Didn’t Kill Himself

Sorry for Existing

Gumshoes: The Case of Madison’s Father

The Invasion Saga

The Vessel

Worst Thing in the Universe

The Void Calls Us Home

The Marked Ones

OTHER ILLUSTRATED WORK

The Little Bird and the Little Worm

Ichabod Jones: Monster Hunter

Gherkin Boy

www.russellnohelty.com

Wicked Minds

Book 2 of The Wicked Witch Academy Duology

By:

Russell Nohelty

Edited by:

Lily Luchesi

Proofread by:

Katrina Roets

Cover by:

Raven Covers

This is a work of fiction . Similarities to real people, places, or events are entirely coincidental. Wicked Minds . First edition. July 2023. Copyright © 2021 Russell Nohelty. Written by Russell Nohelty.

CHAPTER One

Iwasn’t dead.

My eyes fluttered open to find the cracked ceiling above me and I took a big breath of air, letting it out slowly over several seconds. I continued on like that, breathing in and out for a full minute, letting my eyes focus on the light streaming in from the window on the plain room. I looked down at my arms to see that they weren’t covered with shackles, and the sounds of the streets sounded peaceful. There were not hundreds of guards rushing down them looking for me, or harassing people in the street.

Had I really escaped Saint Agnes’s academy with the book?

Panic rose across my face. The book. I had passed out and left it with...wait, did Fharin come into Miss Hectarin’s house before I passed out? Had she used magic to call him? The minutes before my blackout came back to me slowly, but my heart was racing as I threw off my blankets and kicked my feet onto the floor.

Oh good, Unestra said in my head. You’re up. I was getting bored.

How long have I been out? I asked, pressing my hand on my head.

Hard to say, but it’s gone from morning to evening back to morning again, so it must have been at least a day.

My stomach flipped as I sat up, and I took another breath to calm myself before standing. A day?

They would be searching furiously for the book when they found it was gone. My only hope was that, with the destruction of the archives, they would have no idea what we took, if anything. I hoped Celeste, Sylvia, and Frida could keep their mouths shut in captivity. I had faith in Frida, since she was already a spy, but the other two were untrained children. They would likely buckle under too much pressure.

Perhaps they could convince Saint Agnes they were searching for a way out, and that alone was the reason we were in the archives, and our searching through the shelves was little more than the fighting off the clockwork robots that attacked us when we arrived.

Oh, no. Doctor Barclay was also captured, too, wasn’t she? Or worse. That’s four people who knew the truth who had been captured by Saint Agnes, and they only needed to break one to learn the truth. There was a good chance that nobody had broken yet if it had only been a day, but it would not take long.

I needed to figure out a plan, but first I had to know if I still had access to the book. I had searched for the Xhasharian nearly my whole life, and I might have lost it already. I pushed myself to stand and walked across the room toward the door.

The door clicked open, and I pulled it wide. As I did, a soft laughter filled the air from the direction of the stairs at the end of the hallway. I slowly walked forward until I could hear better. Miss Hectarin was talking to a gruff man whose voice I hadn’t heard before.

You’re sure she hasn’t come here? the gruff voice asked.

I think I would know if the most wanted fugitive in Everia was in my house, wouldn’t I? Miss Hectarin said with a chuckle. I may not be an agent of the court anymore, but I don’t want to ally myself with rebellious children, either. I’m too old for jail. It would not suit me.

The man growled. You have that right. I know you have seen the conditions of them, so I ask you to remember it if she should come here.

A chair groaned as it was pushed back. I certainly shall.

Two shadows rose at the bottom of the stairs, and I pushed myself back so only my eyes could peer over. A bulky man in polished silver plate armor, ornamented with the pattern of flowers on it, walked into the frame of the doorway. He had a thick, red beard and freckled skin.

The good news is, he said as I ducked my head down to avoid his gaze, every one of my guards is on the lookout for her. She won’t get far when she pokes her head up. I have a feeling we’ll get a tip on her whereabouts soon enough.

The door opened and Miss Hectarin came into the house. Well, if I can do anything, let me know. I certainly don’t like a commotion, as you know, Harold.

He cleared his throat. Can you call me captain while I’m on duty, Mum?

She laughed and kissed him on both cheeks. Of course, my dear—um, Captain Hectarin.

She saluted him with vigor, a smile beaming from her mouth. When the captain walked off and she closed the door, her face fell, and she let out a sigh of relief.

It’s hard to know what to make of her, Unestra said in my head. She seems to be on our side, but her son is the captain of the guard.

She protected us just now, I whispered back. When we were helpless. That means something. I just don’t know what.

You can stop whispering, Miss Hectarin said from the top of the stairs. You don’t have to work. He won’t be back for a while, and he left some scones uneaten. You’re welcome to them if you would like.

My stomach growled, and I stood. I so badly wanted to believe her. I had been betrayed before after trusting somebody, but it also led to everything good in my life, which wasn’t much. If I didn’t trust Celeste, Slyvia, and Frida, I would have never been saved, and then where would I be now?

You’re taking an awful chance, Unestra said.

I don’t see any other way, I whispered, before raising my voice toward Miss Hectarin. I’ll be right there.

She might still be waiting to betray us after we trusted her with more information, but we didn’t have many friends in the capital, and a lot of enemies who all wanted to see us dead.

Chapter Two

Miss Hectarin didn’t wait for me to come down the stairs. She simply clicked her heels together and walked off from the front door. I walked down the creaky stairs, wondering if Fharin brought me upstairs or Miss Hectarin used her magic to bring me to the bed.

I smelt fresh coffee wafting through the house. The closer I got to the table where Miss Hectarin seated herself, the stronger the scent became until I felt a little drool pool on the sides of my mouth.

Nice to see you again, my dear. She pushed a jar of lemon curd toward me. I hope you like blueberries.

I wiped the sides of my mouth as I sat down and pulled the fresh scones toward me. Do you know how long it’s been since I’ve had a scone?

No, she replied. But I assume it was back in your days at the Great Gate.

My face dropped at the thought of her knowing my deepest secret. Fharin told you, then.

She nodded. I insisted on it if he didn’t want me going to the police about the beat to hell girl laying passed out on my floor.

That’s fair, I replied with a nod. But if you don’t mind, I’ll ask you to tell me what you know about my past before I reveal anything about myself.

You aren’t very trusting, are you?

I shook my head. Somebody in my...unique position doesn’t get far if they trust easily.

Even after I saved your life in court, and kept you safe after you escaped, you don’t trust me?

My eyes narrowed. See how you’re beating around the bush, instead of whacking it with a hammer? It makes me think you don’t know anything.

She smirked. Your name is Ophelia, daughter of Gilda the Usurper... She must have seen my face contort because she backpedaled slightly. Or as her followers call her, Gilda the Unbreakable. She was captured by—

She’s not captured, I growled. She’s dead.

Oh goodie, then you don’t remember everything yet. She stopped for a second. You’re wrong, dear. When Fharin came here, he told us both your mother was alive. I have since used my contacts in the palace to suss out the truth and came to the same conclusion.

My mother...alive? I stuttered, barely able to get out the words. Why...why would they say she was dead?

Miss Hectarin shrugged. I don’t know, but I can think of a few reasons. Like not wanting to start a search for her, or not keeping hope of the rebellion alive. I can think of several reasons why they would keep her alive, too. Namely, to drain as much information out of her as possible, but she must have outlived her usefulness alive, so they only have one more card to play.

Killing her publicly to squash the rebellion once and for all.

Miss Hectarin nodded. And draw out anyone who wants to rescue her. Oh, the traps they will set for you.

She looked at me for a long, lingering moment before picking up her cup and putting it to her mouth. She never wavered as she watched me for an uncomfortably long time, waiting for me to make a move.

She wants you to admit you are going after your mother, Unestra said. Obviously.

Of course I’m going after my mother, I replied, both to Unestra and to Miss Hectarin at the same time.

I know you will, dear, even if it is the worst idea on the planet.

I don’t care, I replied. I have to get her back.

Do you think that’s what she wants? Miss Hectarin took another sip of tea. For you to risk yourself, risk everything to find her? The prophesy says—

The prophesy said I would bring back the gods and light the way for a new era. It was rubbish, and I hated it.

Oh, screw the prophesy. She looked down at herself. Do you think that prophesy knew Unestra’s attempt to take over my mind would fail? Do you think it knew I would just be some kid, instead of a god?

She stared in silence for a moment. Frankly, I don’t know. It never said anything about whether Unestra would be the one or not, just that Gilda’s child would usher back the age of the gods.

And what if I’ve already done my part? Maybe getting the book was my destiny and now my part is done. Maybe you all could figure the rest of this out and leave me alone to save my mother in peace. 

I’m afraid that’s not possible, she said, holding up her hands. You have a part to play in this still. I know because you are alive, and the gods have not returned. She smiled. I like you, Ophelia. You have a good heart, and this is not fair. I would like to see you live through this, because I am your friend.

I scoffed. I don’t have friends. I have people who follow me, people who work for me, and people who are my enemies. But I do not have friends.

Really? What about the little girls that helped you escape? Are they not friends?

I— I bit the inside of my lip. I never thought about it.

I’ll bet they consider you friends.

Not Frida. I sneered. She was very clear that she hated me.

Well, fine. Not her, but the other two.

I...guess.

Then I will be your third friend, if you would allow me the privilege.

I looked her in the eyes. Things don’t end up well for people in my orbit. Those girls you talked about...they have been taken prisoner, or worse.

Oh, they are prisoners, Miss Hectarin said. I’ve checked into it. They are being held in the Academy until trial, which they have held off on scheduling for some reason that eludes me.

You are pretty connected, Miss Hectarin.

I am old, and my roots run deep. Which is why I know saving your mother would be a very bad idea.

It’s not just my mother, I replied. I also have to save Frida and my friends.

Are you sure that’s a good idea, given the situation? After all, they knew what they gave up for you.

Foolishly, I replied. I can’t let them die for me. I can’t let them go to prison for me. I can’t let them—

Is that not what happens in a revolution? She sipped her tea again. You believe in something better than yourself, risking your life for the betterment of everyone? How do you think they would feel if you abandoned it for them?

I leaned forward. That’s great in theory, but I’ll bet right about now they would do anything to get out, and if you believe in that prophesy bullshit at all, then you have to believe in me as well, don’t you?

I don’t have to do anything. She put her tea down. And if you think this is the best course of action, then I’ll do everything I can to help you, even if I think this is foolish.

Foolish is my middle name.

You do not have a middle name, she said. Now, let us get you something to wear. We’re going out, and you stick out like a sore thumb.

Chapter Three

C ouldn’t you have just brought the food upstairs? I asked as I followed Miss Hectarin upstairs. I don’t feel so good going up and down stairs so much.

I could have, but I am not a maid, she said, snapping her fingers before I heard the dishes clanging and washing themselves.

I burped. It was food worthy of walking down and up a flight of stairs for.

Excuse yourself, Unestra said, but I didn’t listen to her. When Miss Hectarin didn’t seem to take notice, I kept walking behind her like it was nothing.

We’re going to have to change your hair, and maybe darken your complexion. You are a pretty girl, so it wouldn’t hurt to crook your nose and add some droop to your eyes.

Are you going to beat me up? I asked, reaching the top of the stairs and starting down the hallway. "Just know, if