19 return (1/2)

”I didn't show you around,” Nisha complained.

”We'll hand you defeat,” Catarina said with a grin.

And that was the send-off. It was a different car and a different driver. It took the same time, though. Clearly, both learned from the same teacher, and both took the lessons very seriously. I knew this, even though I slept through the drive this time too.

It was evening when we drove in through the gates of Gawkers Academy. Classes had ended. Students of runic archaeology were returning to the villas, when I stepped out of the car. The driver gave me a smile and drove away. He had to return to Fyler institute. With him gone, I stood at the centre of all the attention.

Everyone was looking at me strangely, but it was only Morgan who came over.

”Where were you?” She asked, gleaming with curiosity.

”Assignment,” I answered slowly.

”What assignment? Was it at another academy? Professor Gerard sent you? Where was it?”

There it was. The barrage of questions. How could anyone have so many questions?

The question I had, however, Dia asked before I could.

”What is wrong with you?” Dia asked in a severe tone, with an expression that matched.

Before Morgan could even react, Pratt took over.

”She's crazy of course,” Pratt sneered. ”She thinks anything's fine just because she's learned a few elementary runes. Mistaking a little praise for rights. So foolish.”

I was surprised. The twins weren't usually aggressive. What had happened in the last few weeks I was away? And if something really had happened, why hadn't they told me in all the times we talked?

”I'm not allowed to ask questions of a friend?” Morgan asked, with a look that was merely a step away from a glare.

Dia scoffed. Pratt was holding his sides as he laughed exaggeratedly.

”A friend wouldn't have to ask those questions. Know your limits,” Dia said sternly. ”Seems like everyone's forgotten. Let's see. Your mentor is Morris, isn't he? Morris, where are you?”

A collective gasp escaped the seniors as the first years looked confused. I was smiling as I realised the twins had quite the reputation. I had to ask them to detail the tale of their terror.

Before Morgan could speak further, Morris arrived by her side. Wrapped his arm around her shoulder, silencing her. And took her away as he voicelessly apologised to Dia. Everyone cleared away speedily, the first years following the seniors. Within a couple of minutes, it was just the three of us outside.