The Cultures of Love: The Druid Curse

Inside a derelict room not fit for the habitation of any sane human being stood a teenage boy slowly being consumed with darkness. The intense heat he was feeling in his body, which felt as though it were crafted from ice, resulted from flames that should have been intense enough to carry him into oblivion. Stifling a laugh, the boy realized oblivion happened three years ago when he was a typical teenager. Normal as can be when one is a witch, anyways. In those early days waking up to flames as his only light source was a nightmare. To his dismay, this was routine, and long gone were his days of learning magic with his friends at his prestigious academy.

At just 16 years old, the wizard named Jacob Severus Cohen found himself trapped in his youth in this godforsaken purgatory he called ‘home.’ As he combed back his long, flowing, brown hair, he dwelled on the past, as he often did every morning. Or evening. He was not entirely sure how time worked in this dark inferno. He was confident, though, of one thing. Two years ago, he suffered a fatal accident that left him lost in a personal hell of his own. The events of that night were somewhat foggy, despite his former headmaster and only visitor these days, trying to explain in excruciating detail where he was. Perhaps it was his subconscious protecting him from the ugly truth of what happened to him. Whatever it was, Severus found it best not to complain. At the very least, he could remember his friends’ adventures at their school in Ireland. It felt like eons ago. Everything then seemed simpler than in his limbo. That was until his untimely passing that, for some odd reason, was beginning to come back to Severus like a bad habit.

*Two Years Earlier*

Ireland

There was a small village off the coast of Ireland called Cailleach, or “Old Wife,” where the winters were harsh, and the rumors about Druids spread like wildfire. It was the village that Severus called him, along with his father and younger sister. His mother had died during particularly rough childbirth. Despite the incident 14 years ago, the tragedy remained fresh on Severus’ mind and heavy on his heart. Deeper within Ireland was the prestigious school of witchcraft, where most of the Druid legends started, The Morrigan Academy. Severus was recently admitted to the prestigious school with his two best friends, Jared Dean and Liam Sirius O’Shea.

Despite Jared growing up in London, the three had been inseparable since fate brought them together at the age of three. Their friendship managed to grow not only because of their shared magical abilities and subsequent avoidance of ‘normal’ humans but also because the boys had a taste for mischief. Although he never met the man, Liam was the son of a mysterious witch who had formerly taught at their academy before disappearing one night. According to Mrs. O’Shea, Liam inherited his father’s honey eyes, serious demeanor, and light brown hair he always kept short.

Jared, on the other hand, was a city boy from London. His father was not highly praised as Liam’s. Mark Dean was an infamous witch whose name sent chills down Morrigan Academy’s staff. He was a witch who firmly held the old beliefs of Druids and pagan Gods and believed witches were the purest beings compared to half-breeds and mere mortals. Luckily for Jared, he looked more like his mother with his electric blue eyes (Severus often compared them to the thunder by Thor, a praised god in the Norse mythology fed to him since he was a lad) and chestnut brown hair that he added his touch of flair to with red tips. Where Liam was the worrier, Jared was full of sarcastic charm and carried himself with a carefree attitude. It was nearly baffling how he befriended Liam and the ever-paranoid Severus. Ignoring their differences, the three always looked out for each other and currently found themselves inside the cozy Cohen Cottage.

“Are you guys looking forward to another year at Morrigan Academy?” Liam asked as he greedily reached for his third slice of freshly made Irish bread curtsey from Mr. Cohen. Jared was no more gracious as he answered with a mouth full of the savory dish.

“I can’t say I’m excited as you are too. School is not my thing. Especially when you’re too busy dodging questions about your serial killer father.”

“He isn’t a serial killer,” Liam said as he pointed his bread towards Jared as if to underline his point.

“Not a proven one, Sirius. Besides, I’m more interested in an independent topic.” Jared was one of two people who used Liam’s middle, the first being his little sister, Veronica.

“Do I want to know?” Liam asked Severus, who was quietly eating his father’s homemade snack.

“He’s convinced of making that new girl from London, his new girlfriend. Good luck with that, though. I hear she’s from a very prominent bloodline. What was it again, the Ashcrofts?”

“Ashcroft? Do you mean like Victoria Ashcroft? I remember my dad telling stories about that woman. She makes your dad look like a fuzzy kitten. Why would you want to date her spawn?” Liam asked.

“My life has been one big bowl of crazy since birth. Why stop now? Besides, we both come from equally screwed-up families. If that’s not destiny, I don’t know what is. We also both were born in Numinous Falls.” Jared answered.

Numinous Falls was a nearly forgotten area of London that made even Whitechapel seem safe and homey. Unlike Ireland, magic was not as accepted in London, making the town and its resident take unwanted hiatuses from the busy city life. Numinous Falls was where Jared was born, a birth that was as unnatural as witches and where most pure-bred witches dwelled before finding a more secure location. Not even Jared knew where they had gone, and his father was among them.

“Be careful. I don’t think anything good can come from dating little Victoria.” Sirius said.

“Her name is Claire, and save your breath. Severus has already tried being the voice of reason. I’m a little shocked at you both anyways. You have known me the longest. When have I been one to follow orders?” Jared grinned. Before his friends could utter another word, he casually strode out of the cottage, shuffling his feet against the stone floor.

“Did we upset him?” Severus asked.

Liam shook his head. “Not on purpose. He hates talking about pure-breds and witches like Victoria Ashcroft. I mean, can you blame him? His father left his family to fight against the ’lesser beings. I don’t understand why he would date the enemy’s daughter.”

“I wouldn’t worry about Jared. He’s a fighter. What is the worst that can happen if he dates this girl?” Severus said. Before Liam could reply, a gust of wind slammed the door shut despite being an uncharacteristically hot, dry day in Ireland.

~~~

Liam and Severus were waiting in the grand hall of Morrigan Academy. Classes were scheduled to start in ten minutes, and Jared had failed to show up for orientation and breakfast, his favorite part of the new year. Severus’ foot was tapping loudly against the cobblestone, and his clattering teeth were on beat with each tap.

“Will you relax? I highly doubt that Jared is looking for a replacement after his old man left.”

As if on cue, Jared walked through the double doors beaming with pride as he laughed along with his lady companion, who was cuddling up next to him. The pair together was a sight that would have dropped jaws had it now been the children of two of the most infamous witches in the modern world. Both were unnaturally pretty and could have passed as a wealthy couple seeking admittance for their child instead of students.

Claire Ashcroft was the spitting image of her mother, whose picture once hung up inside the walls of the Morrigan (back when she was a professor and not full of murderous intent). Her luscious blonde curls cascaded down her perfect frame, nearly touching her voracious curves. Two shining emeralds glued to Jared’s face to match her lovely golden locks. Much like Jared, she too spoke with the irresistible British accent. Only hers carried a hint of Irish.

“I guess he achieved his new semester goals,” Liam said.

“I get the feeling this isn’t going to end well,” Severus added as he watched his friend and Claire exchange a laugh despite no spoken words being uttered. Both smiled infectiously at each other as they intertwined their hands. Even from his viewpoint, Severus could see the instant connection between the two young witches. He knew with chemistry that high, things would get serious between them faster than average for teenage love. Severus shook off that dread looming over him as he smiled at Jared, who finally peeled himself away from his new flame. Jared offered nothing more than a quick wink before walking away with Claire, a hand in her back pocket.

Months had passed, proving Severus right about the budding relationship between Claire and Jared. Nearly all their free time was spent together. Even during class, where Jared was somewhat of an attentive student, the two would giggle together and live as though they were the only two people n the room. More concerning, though, was that Jared had taken to calling her his girlfriend, something he vowed he would never do. Liam kept telling Severus to ignore it and let them be, but something kept nagging at Severus to end the madness before something worse happened. It wasn’t until one lunch period that Severus upped his mild concern to eavesdropping when he spotted Jared and Claire in what looked like a serious conversation.

Long were their usual harlequin romance novel faces and unspoken communications. The two stood at the table furthest from anyone interlopers and were not as handsy as usual. Jared looked near tears, a rarity for him, while his girlfriend held a face of worry.

“It’s been a month since their last correspondence, right?” Claire whispered. Severus knew nobody was paying attention or could hear them. His keen sense of hearing was something he picked up living on a farm and hunting with his father as a child. It didn’t hurt that he was not very popular and could assume the role of a wallflower with minimal effort.

“More like a year since he made real contact with us. He managed to track us down. I always told my mom staying in London wasn’t wise, but she was convinced he would give up on his eventually.”

“What did he say?”

“It was more a veiled threat. Not directed at my mother either. He found out about us and was more than a little furious. His exact words for you were harlot, and he refuses his youngest son, regardless of my lack of progress, to throw his life away with you because I have the potential to be the greatest witch of my time. It makes me sick. Growing up, he always compared me to my brothers and how I lacked their ‘special’ gift. Now he thinks he can just reappear in my life and dictate what I do because he thinks I can be his little prodigy?” Jared’s voice rose ever so slightly as Claire placed a warm hand over his producing a slight smile from Jared.

“The minute he joined that army, he gained eyes everywhere. All that matters, though, is this moment. I refuse to let this maniac ruin your life more than he already has. There’s this place just past the greenhouse. I think it used to be part of the school before some big renovation. It’s very private, very cozy. How about we check it out, and I promise to take your mind off Mark for the night?” Claire traced her index finger along Jared’s arm muscles as she spoke in a sultry voice.

“Alone time with my girlfriend? Name the time and meeting place, and I’m there.” Jared winked.

“How about in the gardens by the gazebo? It’s a short walk from there, and other than the alchemy lab, there should be no teacher roaming around. We could leave right after our final class.”

“Sounds like a plan.” Jared grinned.

“I can tell you’re delighted.” Claire giggled before passionately kissing Jared nearly to the point where Severus himself was turning red. Not wanting to watch another minute of this R-rated movie, he quickly evacuated the dining hall and ran for his next class, where luckily, he could confer with Liam on how to break up Jared and Claire before it managed to explode in their faces.

“You’ve resorted to spying on Jared now?” Liam, who had gotten to class before Severus in a shocking turn of events, said.

“What are you talking about?”

“I saw you in the dining hall earlier. You might be a ghost to the rest of Morrigan Academy, but your presence is rather large to me. I understand your concern for him, I’m worried too, but he seems happy. Don’t you think we could be more supportive of him as his best friend? After all, this is the first serious relationship. Usually, he finds a girl, makes out with her and moves on to the next one. Half the time, they aren’t even witches, so at least this time, he found someone who understands him deeper.”

“Yeah, a homicidal witch.”

“You can’t compare her to her mother. Jared isn’t like his father.”

“But what if she hurts him? What if something terrible happens, and we feel guilty for not trying to stop it?”

“That’s a risk in any relationship. Even friendships. Don’t you remember your first love, Severus?”

Severus felt his heart skip a beat as the image of his serious girlfriend, Minerva Catalano, flashed into his mind. She transferred to an all-girls school focused on religious teachings instead of magic. Unlike most of his friend’s family, her mother refused to accept magic and wanted her to live a ‘normal’ existence. It was all fine with Severus until he realized she left in the middle of the night without so much as a goodbye note. Severus had hoped he would receive a letter to her explaining her actions. After four months into the new semester, he realized it was foolish of him to keep pining for his lost love.

“Maybe love is just something to be avoided then.” Severus bitterly said.

“Maybe. Or maybe Minerva wasn’t your soulmate. Did she ever look at you like Claire looks at Jared?”

As much as he hated to admit it, Claire did look at Jared like he could walk on water. He wasn’t one to take much stock in faith and destiny, but he also couldn’t argue with Liam that perhaps Jared and Claire were soulmates.

After class, the boys dwelled in their dorm until Severus and Liam thought it best to retire at around 10:00 p.m. They had midterms, and the worrier in Severus was not about to take them with anything less than eight hours of sleep. Jared offered a lame excuse of needing to finish reading something for class acceptable to Liam but caused Severus to roll his eyes. Too tired to argue, though, he allowed Jared to sneak out of the dorm for his clandestine meeting with Claire in the gardens.

Aside from being famous for being one of the few magic schools, Morrigan Academy was known for its beautiful vast gardens. It housed several exotic and rare plants used for several alchemy recipes, some taught at the school and others best-kept secrets to the more powerful witches of the world. A cozy gazebo was deep in the garden past the greenhouse, home to rare herbs and plants that could grow in all seasons with minimal problems. If one believed the rumor, many students and teachers utilized the gazebo to have private sessions with their significant others. The gazebo could be seen for miles, all white, never seeming to age or crumble under harsher weather conditions. Vines were wrapped around the lattice design, and various rose bushes surrounded the entire structure providing total seclusion. The whole gazebo, and alchemy lab, were several blocks away from the main campus. The only other building disrupting the picture-perfect garden was the alchemy teacher’s private quarters. But even her cottage was hidden behind large willow trees and various plants.

Claire had her nose pressed against a yellow rose, grown by the alchemy teacher that awed her students and made professors envy her talent. “I always feel so relaxed out here. It’s like nothing can hurt you out in these gardens. Did I ever tell you that my mother adored alchemy when she was a student? She even went on to teach for a while. That was when she would sneak me out after classes were done and the students were asleep. She would try to teach me something new every day, but most of the time, I was too distracted with growing the herbs than making them into some potion. I made some good memories, but I think I’m more excited for the ones I’m going to make.” Jared said before wrapping his arms around Claire’s waist while she rested her head between his shoulder and the crook of his neck.

“These gardens are lovely, aren’t they? I could spend an entire here with you, but this isn’t what I wanted to show. Up for a little walk?” Claire asked.

“Where are we headed?”

“Somewhere very special to me. Before she changed, my mother and I used to go there all the time. I don’t want to ruin the surprise for you, though. All you need to know is what I already told you. It’s just through these trees by the cottage. Trust me; it’s safe.”

Jared offered a kiss to show trust as he let Claire guide him through the forest. After several minutes of walking, the two found themselves outside a derelict building that looked centuries old. Vines were growing around the entire building; not a single window that Jared could see was intact. A rusty chain surrounded the handle to the gate surrounding the place. Faded caution tape was on the floor, flapping in the wind as it was stuck between a crack on the floorboard leading up to the main entrance. Jared would have assumed it was a medieval insane asylum without being so close to the school.

“This used to be part of Morrigan. My mother told me the professors used to live here, so it’s basically like a hotel. Before pure witches’ nonsense consumed her, we would come out here to escape Numinous Falls.” Claire explained.

“You didn’t like our town?” Jared asked.

Claire shook her head. “It’s nice, don’t get me wrong. But it got to be too much after Ivana started running the place and banishing those who didn’t think like her. Your family left just in time. She despises the Deans.”

Ivana, need no last name, Castellanos was the leader of the pure-bred magical beings. She was a vampire and a powerful one at that. The Castellanos were one of the original vampire families, further adding to her ego and need to dominate the mortal world. Her many faithful followers included Jared’s father and Claire’s mother.

“I didn’t realize it had gotten that bad. Is she still there?”

“No. After I applied to Morrigan, I went back to Numinous Falls to tell my mother, but she was gone along with Ivana and some other cronies. I never asked questions because I couldn’t bear the thought that my mother was in her group. I never felt safe telling anyone that she vanished that night because I knew everyone would judge me and think me evil like Ivana. But you’re different, Jared Dean. I feel safe with you. I know you understand because she got your father as well.”

Jared gently lifted Claire’s face, so their eyes were piercing through each other. “The choices your mother made are hers alone. You are not like her, just like my father’s choices don’t dictate my future. All that matters right now is you and me. I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else than with you. I know you aren’t your mother; otherwise, I wouldn’t be so in love with you.”

“Did you just say you love me?”

“I love you, Claire Ashcroft, until the stars stop shining.” Jared placed a tender kiss upon Claire’s lips.

“You say it’s like a hotel in there?” Jared whispered seductively.

Claire nodded. “Why don’t we go inside and get away from the cold?”

“Are you suggesting we…well, I’m not saying no, but are you sure?”

“If you thought it was hard opening up about our pasts….”

“Shut up.” Claire playfully nudged Jared as she took his hand, leading him to the ‘hotel.’

It had been days since Jared and Claire shared their intimate moment in private. Nobody ever mentioned it, despite Severus and Liam waking up to an empty bed in their dorm room. Nor did either mention a word to anyone. Liam and Severus knew that something had changed between them because Jared started becoming more active in class and seemed more at peace than he had since his father left him for Ivana’s elite army. It was almost as if nothing could bring him back down to earth. Until one stormy night would shatter the cloud he found himself on.

Severus, who promised Liam he wouldn’t eavesdrop on Jared anymore, couldn’t help when Claire approached Jared in the dining hall one afternoon. “I have something important to tell you,” Claire said without offering a hello or embrace. In an attempt for privacy, the two snuck into an empty classroom. Severus lingered just outside the door.

“What’s wrong?” Jared asked, trying to conceal the fear seeping into his voice.

“I have been thinking a lot about us and that night, you know, at our special place. I don’t regret it, trust me. I do love you, but I can’t do this. Not right now. Trust me, you don’t know how hard I tried, but something doesn’t feel right. Between the bad blood of our parents, I don’t think it’s right we form such a close bond. Even your friends aren’t overly fond of me. I can tell. I don’t want to hurt you, Jared, but it’s just too much. I’m sorry.” Before Jared could argue or fight for his love, Claire ran off towards her dorm, sniffling along the way.

Numb and unable to move, Jared made one with the intricate wallpaper that lined Morrigan Academy. The boy, afraid to love because of his father, could not utter a word nor stop the only women he truly cared about from walking away. Claire Ashcroft, despite her background, was the girl who made Jared feel safe in the chaotic world both of their parents were creating. Severus watched from a distance, debating whether to make his presence known to comfort his friend or to merely remain one with the shadows. Fortunately for him, the headmaster James Grogrovitch chose him. Seizing the opportunity to flee before his friend discovered him and evitable grew angrier, Severus slipped out of the dining hall.

James, born in Numinous Falls just as Jared, was a sensible man with far too good a heart. A man who could never say no was often tired but wore a confident smile on his face. His skin was as pale as snow, causing many students to spread nasty rumors that he was secretly a vampire, not a witch. He dressed in the finest Victorian suits, further adding fuel to the rumors of being a century-year-old being, which complimented his long black hair and icy blue eyes. For reasons only James could explain, he took an incredible likeness to Jared Dean and tried his best to act as an encouraging male role model. As he spoke to Jared, he offered him one of his classic smiles that could sell ice to the Irish arctic seals.

“Is everything alright, Mister Dean? You have stood in this spot for the better half of the luncheon period. Do you require aid?”

Jared refused to answer the headmaster, not out of disgust for the man, but simply because he felt his tongue was made of clay and could not utter a word if he tried. After several tries of James trying to get the young boy’s attention, Jared finally found the courage to speak instead than mutter.

“I can’t stay here. I must leave. Now.”

“Pardon me? Are you referring to the outside of the dining hall? Well, I suppose you must look at some point, Mister Dean. However, I do suggest trying to stomach some of your meals. Your final exams are fast approaching, and you will need all the energy if you hope to excel, just like your older brother. Though I’m sure you grow tired of hearing those comparisons, I apologize.”

Out of admiration for James, Jared allowed the man to ramble, as he often did. Jared didn’t believe it was out of narcissistic tendencies but because James had a burning desire to help everyone through words and love.

“I mean Morrigan Academy,” Jared said, not to explain his hasty decision.

“Mister Dean, I must insist we have this conversation in my office. The dining hall is hardly the place to discuss such serious matters. I will offer this advice; love is the most powerful magic, Jared. Sometimes we cannot understand said magic, but without proper guidance, you will only find yourself lost in the darkness.”

“I was born into the darkness, Headmaster.” Jared slumped his shoulders as he brushed past James making his way to the fourth floor, where the headmaster’s private quarters and office resided.

James’ office was a mirror image of his personality. The colors of his wall were mostly black with Celtic symbols, usually used for protection charms and family symbolism, etched in the background in a spiceberry color reminiscent of a finely aged wine. His desk was neatly arranged in the middle of the room with inviting velvet seats for his guests that matched his berry office desk. A single portrait of a young woman nagged at Jared’s subconscious was upon the table. To the side of his office was an old fashion British tea set with cups baring the Morrigan Academy school logo, a Wolf surrounded by various Irish Runes standing for magic, and the various deities preferred by the Celtic witches. Books lined the walls ranging from spell books, potions, Celtic charms, and various novels dating back to before Jared was even a thought. Jared was looking at a book for charms when James finally spoke.

“I assume you will want to transfer schools. If that is your wish, Mister Dean, I cannot stop you. I will get in touch with your mother posthaste. My only suggestion would be to reconsider, or at the very least, consider Chimerea Academy in Russia. It is perhaps the second-best school of witchcraft, but I daresay learning Russian might be harder than dealing with whatever ails you here at Morrigan. The choice is, of course, yours to make.”

Jared, grateful that James did not harp on his request to leave, took a deep breath as he stared into the softness behind James’ eyes. “I think I would like to give Chimerea a try. If you don’t mind.”

James crossed his hands together as he placed his elbows on his ebony desk. “Very well, Mister Dean. I hate to see you go, but I will not force you to stay. I shall contact Miss Adailia Dean and inform her of your wishes. You may wait outside if you prefer.” James smiled very weakly as Jared saw himself out of the office.

Severus and Liam were whispering when both immediately grew silent as they watched Jared leave James’ office with a melancholy look. “Do you think it has something to do with what you overheard?” Liam whispered. Severus shrugged as he made his way to Jared, who barely had enough strength to prop himself up on the bench just outside the headmaster’s office.

“You can tell me I told you so, Severus.”

“What are you talking about?”

“Claire. She just…we broke up. And I’m transferring schools. Before you criticize me for being dramatic, let me just say it’s something I must do. She was too much like me, and I couldn’t stick around seeing her every day. She knows too much about my past. She relates too much, and I want a fresh start. I want to be somewhere I’m not Matthew’s brother or Mark’s son. I want to be Jared. I want to get away from Ireland and the druidic legends.”

Liam and Severus said nothing as they sat on opposite ends of Jared and merely held onto his hands. The trio sat in comfortable silence, waiting until the headmaster informed Jared that his mother was coming by the end of tomorrow to take him to Russia.

The weeks leading up to the end of the semester felt like torture, so much so that Severus and Liam rejoiced at the end of the final exam. “Can you imagine next semester? Getting through half a year without him was hard.” Liam sighed as he and Severus began collecting their belongings for the summer vacation. With nowhere to go, Liam was looking forward to spending the summer with Severus and his family. He was hoping it would fill the void in the pit of his stomach.

“I think it’s harder seeing Claire walking around. She looks so happy, as if she doesn’t care about breaking Jared.” Severus had finished packing his stuff and walked over to the window. The boys’ dorm was on the 8th floor, the top floor next to the roof. Outside their window, Severus could see the greenhouse, alchemy lab, and the large purple tree, magically grown by the past herbology teacher. Jared had enjoyed studying under the majestic tree for the past year and was convinced it helped him concentrate. Severus used to laugh at him. He smiled as he kept Jared’s tradition alive and received the highest marks on his exams.

“Don’t get me started on Claire. Did you also hear about all the new students that are set to arrive next semester? I heard there’s this one girl, Cameron, I believe, that could give Claire a run for her money.”

“Good thing Jared isn’t here then. I don’t think he could handle another Claire. I have a few things I need to take care of before my dad comes to pick us up. Shall we meet back here at, say, 6?”

After watching Severus depart, Liam nodded and found himself isolated from the rest of Morrigan Academy. Lately, he dreaded the silence as his mind drifted to Jared. Deep down, he knew Jared was alive and well, but over the last ten years of their friendship, they were apart for maybe a few months. He constantly worried about his best friend, given all that had occurred to him in such a short window, but primarily because of the secret Jared had bestowed on him two years ago. It was a secret not even Severus knew, and it was one Liam intended to take to the grave. Liam looked over at Jared’s former bed and sighed. “Jared, I wish you would come back. You would have stayed if he was here, wouldn’t you?” Without thinking, Liam rested his head on Jared’s pillow, the scent of his coconut shampoo still lingering, and slept soundly for the first time in over a month.

A blood-curdling scream woke Liam from his rest. After untangling himself from Jared’s bed, Liam turned to the alarm clock Jared had left behind (he stated that he had no desire to remind himself of the time that would continue to pass him by each night) and realized it was 7 p.m. He not only slept for five hours but was struck with the realization that he was supposed to have met Severus here in the dorm room, yet he was still the only occupant. Hastily, Liam ran out of the dorm in search of either the scream or at least Severus to give him the much-needed courage to seek out the noise.

As he made his way down the spiral staircase, he quickly realized most of the students and teachers had already left for their summer vacations, making the scream more terrifying. Promising himself not to lose his edge, Liam descended the stairs landing on the 6th floor, where the girl’s dorm was housed and where he was confident the scream had originated. He called out the only name he could think of that would answer on this floor, to his dismay. “Claire? Is everything alright down here? I thought I heard screaming?” Liam made his way further down the hall and closer to the dorm. Instead of finding Claire, he spotted Severus on the floor, huddled next to large cargo bags and something else Liam could not verify from his vantage point.

“Severus? What are you doing here? I thought we were going to meet up at the dorm. Severus?” As Liam approached, he was suddenly hit with the disturbing realization that what he assumed were Severus’ bags was a body. A teenage girl’s body was covered in a familiar crimson.

“Sev, what’s going on?” Liam hesitated before placing a gentle hand on his friend’s shoulder. From behind Severus, Liam finally saw the entire scene before him. He let out a gasp. On the floor, covered in fresh blood still soaking through the Morrigan Academy sweater, was the limp body of Severus’ little sister, Lilian. She had just started school last year and was always full of life. Lilian was always smiling and more interested in herbology and potions than magic and mayhem, more like a fairy than the Celtic druids that made up her heritage. Liam could see no visible wound but was not a stranger to the destruction caused by black magic.

Severus was hysterical and uttering words of madness. Liam, unsure of what he could do, stood there with his hand on Severus’ shoulder, gently stroking. Before deciding if calling the headmaster was ideal, he heard the faint sounds of a motorcycle approaching. One person immediately came to his mind. Jared. Not quite the bad boy people expected, Jared liked to have the rebellious ride. A ride no other person at Morrigan Academy would be caught dead riding.

“It’s him. He came back.” Severus said. While Liam was excited at the prospect of seeing his best friend, Severus sounded venomous. Before he could question him, Severus bolted out of the academy, leaving Liam behind with his sister’s body. Liam, thinking quickly, made a quick call to the headmaster before chasing after his bloodthirsty friend.

“How did I let this happen? Jared, you would have been more careful than I. I promise you, fillium, I didn’t mean to hurt her. She was just there, and well, I couldn’t control myself. You understand the urges, don’t you?” the owner of the motorcycle was talking to himself as Severus arrived looking refreshed despite running down six flights of stairs. He heard all he needed to know that the motorcycle owner was responsible for the death of his sister.

“It was you! How could you! I thought we were friends!” Severus angrily said as he approached the bike. The owner, slightly taken aback by the sudden appearance of another person, quickly jumped on his bike.

“I’m sorry, but I can’t have any more trouble.” The shining lights were the last thing Severus saw before he felt tons of metal collide with his body. Not sure of what was broken or if the attacker used magic in addition, Severus fell to the floor with a fresh stomach wound. Before blacking out, he noticed a student ID attached to the boy’s blazer. Lucian. In his photo, the boy had platinum blonde hair, neatly gelled back, that provided a view of his electric blue eyes. Those same God-like blue eyes that used to give Severus comfort.

“Your eyes… like Thor’s lightning. But you’re not Jared. You’re a murderer.”

“I didn’t mean to do it, Severus. I can’t control what I am. I’m sorry.” Lucian said.

“How did you know….” Severus couldn’t say his name. The blood leaking from his wounds was taking its toll on his body. He knew then it wasn’t just the bike that hit him. Lucian, whoever he was, was not only an imposter but a fan of dark magic. Severus knew within seconds he would be joining his sister in Valhalla.

“Jared,” Lucian answered the question Severus couldn’t ask and drove off into the woods without another word. Liam caught the briefest glimpse of his platinum blonde hair sticking out from his helmet as he drove off into the night. Something urged him to follow until he spotted Severus from the corner of his eye.

Liam quickly dropped to his hands and knees, tearing off the scarf he was wearing to use as a compressor. “Hold this to your stomach. You’re going to be okay. I’ve already called James. Just hang in there, Sev.”

“Did…you see that guy. The one…with the motorcycle. He looked…those eyes…like Thor. But why would he….” Severus was slipping in and out of consciousness as Liam helplessly watched his eyes roll to the back of his head.

“Severus, no! Headmaster! Anyone! Help!” Liam was heavily crying when James ran towards him with his assistant and professor, Rebecca Quartz. Rebecca was the female version of James when it came to sincerity. She treated all her students with the utmost respect and dedicated her magical abilities to helping others and making a positive change wherever she went. Appearance, she was the opposite of the lean headmaster. Aside from their mutual attractiveness and British accent, Rebecca had strawberry blonde curly hair with blue eyes so bright they bordered on lilac. She placed a comforting hand on Liam’s shoulder and guided him to his feet.

“We need to get you back inside, Liam,” Rebecca spoke like a mother trying to soothe her crying toddler in the middle of a storm.

“I can’t just leave him here! I must help!”

“We will get him the help he needs.” Rebecca offered a soft smile. Liam nodded in agreement and followed another professor inside, leaving Rebecca and James outside with Severus. While still holding, Severus was growing weaker each time he tried to suck in air.

“This isn’t looking good, James. First Lilian, and now Jacob? Whatever happened back there was the work of dark magic. Was it him? Please, James, be honest with me?” Rebecca asked.

James took a deep breath as he reached for Rebecca’s hand. She willingly offered it to him and gave it a gentle squeeze. “I cannot say for certain, but I will not exile him for it. He is just a boy Rebecca, a student, the same as the rest of them. He needs more guidance, and you and I both know he would never receive that kind of attention at home. Jared never did. Besides, I am confident that young Lucian will find serenity when Jared arrives. Do you not trust your headmaster?” James said with a devilish smile and a wink. Despite herself and the situation, Rebecca smiled and giggled softly. “Alas, James, it is not you have a hard time trusting. But what about Severus? Is he going to be okay?”

“Okay is a relative term at this point, Rebecca.”

“What are we going to tell their father? Both of his children suffered a fatal accident on the last day of school. What is the town going to say? They already banish magic and talk of druids. Now they have every reason to.”

“Ah, I never said he was gone, Rebecca. I have a way of fixing this. I know people. Never you worry, my dear. Come next semester. Everything will be right as rain. You need only worry about Liam. I will finish up here.” James offered a signature smile. Rebecca smiled back, feeling a flutter in her chest and the color rising in her cheeks before heading towards Morrigan Academy.

“Come, little Cohen. It is not your time yet.” James spoke in a language that was foreign to Severus. One he was sure he had before in his village

—the language of the old Druid legends.