Chapter 4After Cutting Ties, I Became the Royal Academy’s Only Dark

As soon as I woke up, I packed my things and left.

Anywhere would do. The farther away, the better.

They were all still celebrating with Liana. No one even noticed me leave.

Three days passed before they finally called me through the speaking mirror.

I ignored every call.

Caden was the only one who wouldn't stop. He called day and night.

Each time the mirror lit up, a dull ache tugged at my heart.

Three years ago, Caden had done exactly the same thing.

Whenever I got angry and refused to speak to him, he would call over and over until I finally answered.

Maybe he remembered those days too. Maybe some part of him still cared about me.

My heart softened, and I answered his call.

At first, the mirror stayed blank. After a few moments, Caden's face finally appeared.

"Ella, where did you run off to? Don't you know I've been worried? Give me the address. I'll come get you."

His worried tone warmed my heart despite everything.

I pressed my lips together and told him the address.

A second later, green flames burst to life in the fireplace, and Caden stepped out of them.

The firelight danced across his handsome face. For a moment, he looked just like the Caden I remembered.

"Hurry. Come back with me."

He walked over and took my hand as if it were the most natural thing in the world. "Or it'll be too late."

His hand was warm. Before I knew it, I was following him.

I asked without thinking, "Too late for what?"

Caden threw a handful of travel powder into the fireplace, and the green flames rose again.

"Even after drinking the power-boost potion, Liana still failed her entrance test. She has only one chance left."

He looked at me and sighed. "I'm sorry to put you through this, but we have to use plan B."

My heart dropped. I stopped walking.

"You called me nonstop for Liana?"

Caden blinked, then laughed casually. "I just cast a simple spell to make the mirror call you over and over."

I froze. A bitter smile pulled at my lips.

So he hadn't been calling me at all. It was just a spell. That was why his face had taken so long to appear.

His hand suddenly felt like fire against mine. I yanked my hand away.

"You should leave. I don't want to see you again."

Caden frowned. "Don't do this. Come back with me."

I drew my wand from my sleeve. "Don't push me. Go away."

"Ella, Liana needs your help. She's your sister."

Caden sneered. "You don't care about your family. You're heartless."

His words cut deep.

"And me? Who has ever cared about me?"

I threw out my hands, trembling. "What about you, Caden? Have you ever cared about me? What gives you the right to lecture me?"

While I was distracted, Caden drew his wand. "Bind!"

Thick magical ropes burst from the tip and wrapped tightly around my body.

"Caden, you're insane! Let me go!"

"Silence!"

After silencing me, Caden sighed. "I'm sorry, Ella. Everyone has decided to take your light essence and transfer it to Liana."

My ears rang. My eyes widened in terror, but I couldn't make a sound.

Caden lifted me into his arms and stepped into the green flames of the fireplace.

A moment later, we appeared in a dark room.

Two connected ancient magic circles had been carved into the center of the floor. Mom, Dad, and Marcus stood nearby.

Liana lay in the circle on the left.

Caden set me down inside the one on the right.

He nodded to the others. "Everything's ready."

Dad said grimly, "Then let's begin."

They all drew their wands and began to chant words I couldn't understand.

An invisible force grabbed the light essence inside me and began ripping it out.

A beam of pure golden light burst from my chest and poured into Liana's body.

I stared at their cold faces as they chanted with their eyes closed.

Whatever love I still had for them burned away with my rage.

When the last of my light essence was gone, darkness swallowed me.

I had no idea how long I drifted through the dark before an old voice suddenly spoke.

"Your mind is an open door, child. Come find me in the House of Shadow at the Royal Academy of Light. I am Gareth Bradwyn."

The next moment, my eyes flew open.