“Yeah, vampires can easily survive off of animal blood,” she says, “so I don’t need to feed on humans. I’m a little nervous about it actually.”
If she could blush, I’m sure she would. I feel a sudden empathy toward her and put my hand on her shoulder.
“I’m sure you’ll be great at vampire-ing, you’ve got nothing to worry about.”
She smiles back at me.
“Hallie,” calls Tudor, “the vampire accommodations are underground, in the dungeons.”
“I’ve got to go,” she says to me. “Let’s find each other later, yeah?”
“For sure,” I reply sincerely, and she heads off with her Creator.
“Oh, my precious!” Millie engulfs me in a hug. “I can’t believe you’ve grown up so fast!”
“Ugh,mom…” I blush, as other students turn their heads in our direction.
“Let her breathe, Millie,” Astrid says. She kisses me softly on the temple as Millie lets me go, wiping a tear from her eye.
Lydia strokes me on the cheek. “We’re all so proud of you, love.”
“Iknow, mom…”
“We know Elmwood wasn’t your first choice. But I promise, it’ll be a great opportunity for you to learn more about your history, and craft…”
“And if you don’t like it, love, it’s only a year,” Astrid adds somberly. “And your mother will be nearby if you need her…”
“I don’t need you to watch over me, mom, I’ll be fine!” I protest, aware that people are still looking at us.
“Oh! Don’t forget this!” Millie grabs her bottomless carpet bag and pulls out a slender, black, leather-bound journal. She presents it to me with a flair.
I take it, running my fingers over its smooth surface.
“It’s your Book of Shadows,” Lydia explains. “You can use it to keep notes, record spells, track the cycles of the moon…”
“Craft herbal potions and remedies…” adds Millie.
“Perfect your favourite hexes and curses…” Astrid muses.
“Well, let’s hope you take after Millie,” Lydia sighs.
“You’re in school, young witch,” Astrid winks at me, “don’t forget to have some fun.”
It takes another half an hour to get away from my mothers, especially Millie, who keeps thinking of new herbs and charms she has to give me. Finally a witch with a long, blond braid comes to show me to my room.
Clutching my broomstick, Book of Shadows, and several bottles of who-knows-what from Millie, I follow her clumsily outof the hall. Lydia magicked my luggage to follow behind us, Pan sitting regally on top.
I thought the hall was particularly grand, but really the entire academy is imposing. I feel incredibly intimidated, but at least the other students are gazing around with similar expressions. They’re also balancing luggage, familiars…and for a sheepish new vampire student, a large, ornate coffin.
I follow the blond witch through several huge stone passages. The floors are draped with heavy, embroidered velvet runners. I have no idea how I’ll find my way back if I need to, and I hope Pan is keeping track of the floor plan.
“Is this your first time in a magic academy?” the witch asks primly.
“Um, yes,” I answer, wondering if that’s common for a witch of my age.
She beams at me from over her shoulder, but refuses to slow down so I can catch up. “I’m sure you’ll feel right at home soon. It can be intimidating starting at a new place. I remember my first time away from my coven, when I attended Twin Torches Academy. Of course, I’d had a lot of experience even then.”
“Oh, is that another witch school?”
