As punishment, the Elder Council has stripped them of their positions on all magical governing bodies. Additionally, they have been placed under magical probation for ten years, when they will be reevaluated.
However, we regret to inform you that we have been unable to carry out this sentence. Carrick and Calliope Voss are currently at large and presumably in hiding. Rest assured, we are using all resources available to find and bring them to justice. Should we succeed in that endeavor, we will notify you. But for now, please use caution when outside of school grounds.
Furthermore, your legal emancipation has been granted. All financial assets previously held in trust for you are now under your direct control. And we’ve attached magical passports for you and Mr. Thalassos so that you may visit his family home in Greece anytime you wish.
Should you have any further concerns, please contact our office.
Regards, Anastasia Calaxos
Elder Council
I lowered the letter, my hands trembling slightly. “They actually did it. They found out the truth.”
Nerion’s arms tightened around my waist. “You deserve this vindication, Teddy. After everything they put you through… but I wish the Elder Council could find them. It seems unfair that they should walk free after everything they did to you.”
“I know,” I sighed, leaning back against Nerion’s chest. “But they ran. That says something, doesn’t it? They knew what they did was wrong, and they couldn’t face the consequences.”
Nerion’s fingers traced gentle patterns on my arm as he considered this. “True. Cowards run when confronted with their crimes.”
I folded the letter carefully and set it aside. The weight that had been pressing on my chest for weeks finally lifted. Even though my parents had escaped justice for now, the Elder Council had validated everything I’d been through. I wasn’t crazy or ungrateful or just plain rebellious. I had been abused, manipulated, and controlled through magic by the people who were supposed to love me most.
“How does it feel?” Nerion asked, his breath warm against my ear. “Being officially free of them?”
“Surreal,” I admitted. “All my life, they planned everything for me. Who I knew, what I’d study, who I’d become... And now I get to decide all of that for myself.” I turned in his lap to face him, cupping his freckled face in my hands. “It’s terrifying and exhilarating all at once.”
His blue eyes searched mine, a small smile playing at his lips. “And what have you decided so far?”
“Well,” I said, leaning in until our foreheads touched, “I’ve decided I’m staying at Widdershins. I’m going to keep swimming, but on my terms. And I’m thinking about adding some art classes next semester.”
Nerion’s eyebrows shot up. “Art classes? Really?”
“Don’t look so surprised,” I laughed. “Someone I know makes it look pretty appealing. Besides, I’ve always wanted to try it, but my parents...” I trailed off, not wanting to bring them into this moment more than necessary.
“You’ll be terrible at first,” Nerion warned, but his eyes sparkled with mischief. “Everyone is.”
“Good thing I know a good teacher,” I replied, kissing the tip of his nose. “I hear he’s very talented. Maybe he’ll give me private lessons.”
“Private lessons, huh?” Nerion’s hands slid down to my hips, pulling me closer. “I think that could be arranged.”
A knock at the door interrupted us, and we both groaned in unison.
“Come in,” Nerion called, though he didn’t loosen his grip on me.
Linden’s massive frame filled the doorway as he entered, ducking slightly to avoid hitting his head on the frame. His eyes widened slightly at our position, but he just smirked.
“Sorry to interrupt whatever this is,” he said, gesturing vaguely at us, “but I just wanted to say goodbye. I’m heading back to The Grove for Christmas break.”
I reluctantly climbed off Nerion’s lap. “We’re gonna head out soon too.”
“Yeah,” Nerion groaned, getting up from the bed. “My parents old house in Greece is in pretty bad shape. Even with Teddy’s magic, it’ll probably take the entire break to fix.”
“But it’ll be worth it,” I added, already picturing the small stone house perched on the cliffs above the Aegean. “Plus, we can swim whenever we want.”
Linden’s green eyes lit up with interest. “The Mediterranean in December? Sounds pretty nice compared to trudging through snow to get to The Grove.”
“You could come visit,” Nerion offered, surprising me a little. He wasn’t usually one to extend invitations easily. “After you’ve recharged at your forest. The house isn’t huge, but there’s a guest room.”
“Yeah, maybe I will,” Linden nodded thoughtfully. “I’ve never been to Greece.”