Mixed— chapter fourteen: End of the world?

Across the room, Professor Thale’s quill paused mid-scratch. Her green eyes flicked up, studying us from behind her lenses.

The hair on the back of my neck prickled.

The door creaked open, and a second professor entered, ushering in a cluster of pale, trembling students. Their hands clutched confiscated staffs and wands, the wood still humming faintly with dark residue.

“These were being used to try to cause harm to another student,” the professor announced grimly.

Professor Thale’s jaw was tight, her lips pursed into a thin line. “Ravenwood. Kael. You may go.”

“What—?” I started, but her sharp look cut me off.

“We need more space,” she said flatly, turning her attention back to the trembling group of students.

I grabbed my satchel, numb, and followed Kael out. 

Kael blew out a sharp breath, his fists unclenching as we walked. “Those wands looked cool, though—” he muttered, forcing a crooked grin. It didn’t reach his eyes. I knew he was trying to distract himself just as much as me. “What kinda spells do you think they casted?” 

“Probably some’n you’d learn this year” I stopped mid-step.

Juniper was standing right in front of us. Grinning like she’d just committed a crime.

“Guess what, Ryder?” she said brightly.

Me and Kael tilted our heads at the exact same time. “What?”

“I learned your protection charm!” Juniper announced proudly. “Against those people in detention!”

Kael slowly turned to look at me.

I slowly turned to look at Kael.

“I studied and learned!” she added excitedly. “I think I like studying!”

Both of our faces broke.

Kael’s eyes went wide. Mine did too. We looked at her… then back at each other… then back at her again like we were trying to reboot our brains.

Juniper frowned. “What?”

“Nothing!” we both said at the exact same time.

Kael leaned in and whispered, horrified,

“Did… did she just say she likes to study?”

“I’m pretty sure that’s exactly what she said,” I whispered back.

Kael stared straight ahead, voice distant.

“The world is ending.” He turned and grabbed my shoulders and shook me violently “we’re dead! What do we do?!” 

“Dead? What are you talkin—”

Kael cut me off “Juniper likes to study!” He repeated “the world is over! We’re gone! Dead!” 

Juniper scowled “what?!” She shrieked, trying not to laugh. 

“Shut it worm. The world is ending because of you!” Kael said, I rolled my eyes “careful Kael, if you’re mean she might cast a spell on you” I say sarcastically 

“You think?!” He yelped. I groaned, he was being sarcastic too. I hoped, otherwise he’s dumb. 

“Yeah. Totally, one-hundred percent” 

Juniper scowled “well. According to the schedule, for Magibeasts we have a new professor, and we’ll be learning about tremor toads”