-Victoria-
For the next week and a half, while we waited for the other students to return, Azax avoided me like the plague. At least, he avoided talking to me. I saw him lurking around but whenever I tried to approach, he would scurry off, the coward.
I wanted to talk about what happened. About what he did. I was upset and concerned about it all but I did understand my viewpoint was probably different. I came from the modern human world, where things like torture people for information was generally frowned upon and mostly illegal. For all the advancements made in Evania, I had learned they were still well behind humanity in some aspects.
I had, also, noticed an uptick in Aivorian soldiers around the school. They patrolled the halls and grounds, keeping the only two residents safe from harm. I asked one of them if they were going to stay once school started up. He explained how the teachers were the main guards of the school, all of them being powerful in magic.
Finally, the students returned to Pelmora and I could not have been happier. We all met for dinner, well not all. Azax, Itrix and Wall were noticeably absent.
"Where's the other half of the group?" Ani asked as we all sat down, "Did something happen over break?"
"You mean besides Azax torturing someone from the Order of Destruction." I replied with a shrug.
Ani, Anna, and Nothall all nearly fell out of their chairs in shock. I looked at them shocked by their reactions.
"The Order of Destruction!?" Anna shouted, having been the first to recover, "When did you meet them?"
"They tried to kidnap me," I said shrinking away, "Didn't you guys hear?"
"NO!!" They all yelled causing me to jump and everyone to turn to look at us.
"When did this happen?" Ani asked concerned.
"Only a few days after everyone left," I responded, which only caused more shock, "I thought you guys would know. There were Aivorian soldiers everywhere."
"They must've left before we arrived." Nothall said, "But why would they want to kidnap you?"
"Yeah, no offense, but you're a nobody found in human realm." Anna pointed out.
"Could they have been after the prince?" Ani asked, "He was here with you with no protection."
"Nope, the two guys were specifically looking for me." I informed them.
"But why you?" Ani asked again.
"That's the question." I replied with a shrug.
"No," Itrix's voice came from behind me, I turned to see him and Wall approaching, "The question is, how did those order members enter school grounds?"
He took a seat next Nothall who gently took his hand. Wall sat next to Ani.
"Where's the prince?" Ani asked, looking around the room.
"Still avoiding me." I replied.
"Victoria." Itrix said, throwing me a look to drop it.
"I just want to talk with him, Itrix," I said, before raising my voice, "And you know where I'll be all day."
We all sat in awkward silence, pushing food around our plates. It was Anna who finally spoke up.
"So how did the order get in?" She asked Itrix.
"We're pretty positive they were invited by the headmaster." Itrix informed us.
"Really?" Anna looked shocked.
"The headmaster has always had it out for Victoria," Nothall reminded everyone, "Since the moment she got here."
"But why?" Anna threw her arms up.
Itrix and Wall both shared a look before their eyes came to me then back to each other. One thing was very clear.
"They know why they're after me." I stated, causing a shockwave through our friends.
"We think we know." Itrix amended.
"Well, what is it?" Anna perked up, "What's the theory?"
"We…can't tell you." Wall informed us.
"And why is that?" I asked, my face beginning to betray the anger I was feeling.
"Because our Prince ordered us not too." Itrix stated, his face serious.
"Of course, he did," I stood up from the table, "Well if your Prince wants to inform the rest of us peasants on what the hell's going on, he's welcome too any time. Until then I'll be in my room."
I didn't listen as my friends called after me. I just left. I kept going, almost to the entrance to the stairs down, only stopping when I felt a small tug on my arm. I looked beside me to see Nothall standing there.
"Itrix sent me after you." She said.
"Nothall," I sighed, "I'm not exactly happy with your boyfriend right now."
"Or yours," She pointed out with a small smile, "But that's why Itrix sent me after you. The Prince just wants to keep you safe."
"And I just want to talk to him," I responded, "To understand what's going on and why I'm at the center of it."
"I know," Nothall said, her head hanging slightly, "That's why Itrix sent me with a message."
"What is it?" I sighed.
"He said you should go to see Professor Zekora," She relayed, "That you'll find answers with her. Also, you need to remember how Evanian typically gain access to their magic."
"How Evanians gain access to their magic?" I repeated, "What do you mean by that?"
"He said I shouldn't give you the answer," Nothall looked apologetic.
"Ok then, so I'll try to remember on my way to see Professor Zekora?" I asked.
"That would be best," She smiled, "Good luck."
She disappeared after that. I felt even more confused as I started walking towards the professor's office. Where had I learned about Evanians gaining their magic? It wasn't from Professor Zekora. Hopefully it wasn't during one of the many history classes. I practically slept through all of them.
Finally it clicked. Professor Ethar! The first night we met he informed me about how when babies are born and are touched by their parents magic it activates their own. But why would that be relevant here?
I had reached Professor Zekora's office. I raised my hand to knock when I heard shouting on the other side of the door. I was thinking to just come back another time. At the moment, I heard something that would change my life forever.