Free Bloodcraft by Amalie Howard

“Now, Aliya suggests that you would benefit from some of our accelerated courses. She has also said that you’ve gained some rudimentary knowledge from your familiar. Is that correct?”
    “Yes, I’m familiar with the basics, but I’d also like to understand more about magic and its use. I am not accustomed to your laws and rules, and I’d like to know them.” Victoria hesitated. “I know I’m not a part of your coven, but it’s important for me to appreciate how it operates.”
    Madame Starke was nodding as Victoria spoke, a hint of a frown drawing her brows together. “Excellent. We have already assigned you a mentor. Here’s your course schedule for the next few months. You’ll start immediately.”
    “My mentor?”
    “A senior graduate who has to complete a year of apprenticeship, which includes mentoring younger students,” she said. “I’ll introduce you to him in a moment. And as discussed, it’s your choice to take anyone into your confidence regarding the Cruentus Curse.” Victoria flinched inwardly at the mention of it, but displayed no outward reaction. “You’ll also need to do a standard assessment examination, which is required for any new matriculating students.”
    “Assessment?”
    “Yes, we need to gauge your abilities.”
    Victoria bit her lip, fear making her stomach dip at the thought of showing what she was capable of. She didn’t want to hurt anyone, or worse, be ruled a danger to people at the school.
    “ All my abilities?” she asked. Madame Starke’s answering nod was firm, but Victoria thought she saw something wary flash in their depths for the barest moment. Anxiety or maybe concern, but she couldn’t be sure. Just as she was about to object, a knock on the door interrupted them, and a tall young man walked in.
    “Ah, Panthèse. Perfect. This is Victoria Warrick, the new student we discussed. I trust you will take her under your wing.”
    “Of course. Call me Pan,” the boy said in a jaunty voice, clasping Victoria’s hands in his. Something warm and familiar leapt between them, putting her instantly at ease. She stared at him with a shy smile. Pan was the most beautiful boy she’d ever seen. Spiky white blond hair framed his heart-shaped face, making him look almost elfin. His eyes were as blue as pansies, and his ears—oh my god—her eyes snapped to his. Pan winked and grinned at her slack-jawed expression.
    “Ah, I see you’ve noticed my Achilles heel, my fatal flaw,” he said with dramatic flair. “That’s what happens when there’s elf blood in the family. It shows up in the most unexpected places.” He waggled his pointed ears and Victoria giggled in spite of herself. She liked his unaffected warmth already.
    Madame Starke cleared her throat. “Pan, her assessment is this afternoon, so if you could escort her through the basics of the school program until then, that would be most appreciated.”
    Victoria’s eyes widened at the timing. She’d expected some time to prepare, talk to Leto, and figure out how she could perform magic without going blood crazy. “Wait, what? This afternoon?”
    “The sooner, the better,” Madame Starke said. She straightened, her manner becoming dismissive. “It was a pleasure, Victoria. Please do let me know if you have any questions about our school. Pan will take it from here.”
    “Thank you.”
    In a daze, Victoria followed Pan outside, saying goodbye to Aliya, who had some business to attend to. Pan chatted nonstop during the brief tour of the academic program and the premises, and she struggled to take it all in. After the tour, she decided to explore at her own pace since Pan needed to check in with his advisor.
    “Don’t worry, I’ll find you.”
    “How?”
    “You’ll see.” He smiled and winked.
    Victoria shook her head, grinning at his confidence. Part of her blood’s magic included a special cloaking ability, but she was interested to see how he would fare.
    The compound was picturesque, its