Reign of Night (Thorne Hill 7)

Thinking of that reminds me just how much things have changed and how much I’ve grown up in the last year. From making amends and forgiving Abby, to becoming friends with Ruby, I’ve realized how much I’d rather have good relationships with people than to hold grudges. I never knew just how important it was to let go and forgive people, either. Holding onto all that anger exhausted me in a way I wasn’t even aware of.

“I definitely think you need those horses,” Kristy says, zipping her coat up all the way and burying her face under her scarf. “Or some sort of heated shuttle service.”

“Don’t suggest that to Lucas or he’d probably do it.”

“What would you do with the horses when you go through the door?” Nicole asks. “Tie them up and hope nothing eats them?”

“Wouldn’t they just like go back to the barn?” I ask, and Naomi laughs.

“Perhaps, but you’d have to take their tack off so they don’t get caught on anything. You know nothing about horses, do you?”

“I’m clueless.”

Naomi smiles. “The years of riding lessons Gran insisted we take will pay off then. Are you really thinking about getting a horse?”

“It sounds nice, but let’s be real. I hardly have time to read anymore, let alone take care of a horse. And I’m kind of afraid it would become demon chow. It’s not like I can bring it inside and keep it safe the next time demons attack.”

“Horses attract spirits, too,” Nicole reminds me. “Not always dark ones, though.”

“I’ll hold off for a while. Four-wheelers would get the job done with a lot less maintenance.” We reach the door, and I pull a small pocketknife from my pocket. In order to open the door, you have to say a spell and offer a small blood sacrifice. The magic used to conceal it only reveals itself for certain people, and the blood of a coven member is like the key that unlocks it.

“Maybe I should do it,” Kristy says quickly, holding out her hand for the knife.

“It’s fine. I got it.” I start to push up my sleeve.

“No, let me.” She thrusts her hand forward.

I raise an eyebrow. “Why?”

Pursing her lips, she looks away and shakes her head. “No reason. You, uh, bleed a lot more than the rest of us on a daily basis.”

“Not so much daily anymore, and I also heal faster.”

“I have healing balm,” she quickly counters.

Narrowing my eyes, I shift my gaze from her to the twins, who suddenly are very interested in the footprints of other coven members who came through the door as well.

“What’s really going on?” I ask, holding out the knife.

“I don’t know if it’s a good idea to spill your blood on the ground,” Kristy admits. “Even a small bit. I don’t want to accidentally summon something or alert anyone of your presence.”

“Oh, right. Yeah, that makes sense.” And now I’m back to feeling awkward around my friends, which is a fucking great feeling. Naomi takes a broach from her jacket and uses the pin to prick her finger. She passes the pin to her sister, who does the same. I hang by while they say the incantation all at the same time.

“Invoco elementum terrae. Invoco elemuntum aeris. Invoco elemuntum aqua. Invoco elemuntum ignis.”

The door starts to appear in the large, old tree, glowing a faint blue. Kristy steps through first, followed by the twins. I take one last lingering look around the forest, being extra vigilant like I promised Michael, and step through as well, emerging into the enclosed courtyard of the Covenstead.

The large brick and stone buildings are right ahead, and we enter the building that houses the Gathering Hall. It’s connected to the Academy, along with the professor and student housing. The buildings have been around since the 1800s and have been modernized as minimally as possible. There’s heat, air conditioning, and electricity, of course, as well as modern plumbing. It always feels like coming home when I step through the door, and the Academy is safe and familiar, and though it’s just a building, it feels like an old friend.

A fire is roaring in the large fireplace, and the doors to the Gathering Hall are open. We walk past it, going down a dim hallway with stone walls and a cobblestone floor, making it much colder in here. Every lantern is lit on the wall, offering a tiny amount of heat as we pass them by.

The sound of happy chatter echoes through the hall, as it’s lunchtime for the students at the Academy. Grim Gate is a boarding school, and most students stay for the weekends. Those local to Thorne Hill often go home, but those who have come from out of town stay until a holiday break. The professors rotate who eats with the students, overseeing them and making sure everyone stays in line. We’re meeting Tabatha and Evander for lunch in the staff lounge, and walk past the large archway that leads into the Great Hall.