Chapter 46: Shadows of War with Audiobook

By: Asa Montreaux (Andrew Mccarthy)

The days grew increasingly tense at The Andrews School, the weight of the impending threat of Crimson Dawn pressing down on everyone. Students whispered in hallways, and worried glances were exchanged over lunch. Rumors of the terrorist group attempting to hack not just banks but also key personnel in magical institutions floated through the air like the scent of winter in the wind. It was a dark time, and everyone could feel it. 

In a small study room, Mish sat hunched over her notes, her brow furrowed in concentration. She was surrounded by stacks of books about elemental magic and protective spells, determined to find something—anything—that could turn the tide in the ongoing war. With every passing day, the chaos in the outside world seeped further into their lives, and she couldn’t shake the feeling that time was running out.

“Mish, you look like you’re about to summon a thunderstorm,” Hugh said, leaning against the doorframe, arms crossed. 

“I might have to,” Mish replied, glancing up with a determined spark in her eye. “I’ve been researching how to manipulate fire in ways I’ve never considered before.”

Hugh raised an eyebrow. “What do you mean?”

“What if,” she began, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper, “I could stop planes from catching fire? What if I could create a shield around them when they’re attacked? It could save lives, Hugh! We need to prepare for whatever Crimson Dawn is planning next, and I think I might have found a way to contribute.”

Hugh stepped fully into the room, curiosity piqued. “You really think you can do that? It sounds incredibly ambitious.”

“It is,” Mish admitted, “but if I can learn to control fire with more precision, I could create a barrier of cool air around the planes. If they’re trying to attack, I could redirect the flames or cool down the engines. It could make all the difference.”

“Have you talked to Eliza or anyone else about it?” Hugh asked, his mind racing at the possibilities.

“No, not yet,” Mish replied, biting her lip. “I want to figure it out on my own first. I don’t want to get anyone’s hopes up if I can’t pull it off. But I need to practice—now more than ever.”

Hugh nodded, his expression thoughtful. “Well, if you’re serious about this, I can help you practice. I can help you focus your magic. We can make a plan together.”

A smile broke across Mish’s face, a glimmer of hope in the chaos that surrounded them. “Really? You’d do that for me?”

“Of course,” Hugh said, stepping closer. “We’re all in this together, right? And if you can help make a difference, we have to try.”

Mish felt a warmth spread through her, bolstered by his support. “Alright. Let’s gather some materials and find a secluded spot to practice.”

The two quickly set to work, gathering supplies and researching spells that could aid Mish in her endeavor. They slipped out of the school and into the expansive grounds, where the snow had started to melt, revealing patches of grass and earth. 

They found a quiet corner near the edge of the woods, where the trees offered some shelter from the wind. Mish set up a small area, placing candles and stones in a circle, preparing to create a controlled environment for her training.

Hugh watched her, admiring her focus. “You’ve got this, Mish. Just remember to breathe.”

Taking a deep breath, Mish closed her eyes and began to channel her energy. She envisioned the planes, the flames licking at the engines, and the people aboard, their lives hanging in the balance. “Aegis Ignis,” she whispered, a spell she had come across that promised protection against fire.

As she spoke the incantation, she could feel the air shift around her. A cool breeze seemed to flow from her hands, swirling around the candles before rising into a misty barrier. She opened her eyes, amazed at the small cloud of cool air she had created.

“Whoa, that’s incredible!” Hugh exclaimed, taking a step back. “It’s actually working!”

Mish grinned, her heart racing with excitement. “I can feel it! I can shape it!” She extended her hands further, willing the air to rise and expand, creating a larger dome around them. 

However, as she pushed harder, her focus faltered. The barrier flickered and wavered, and she stumbled slightly. “No! Come back!” Mish exclaimed, trying to stabilize her magic.

“Focus, Mish! You’re doing great!” Hugh encouraged, stepping closer. “Remember the intent behind it! Picture the planes, the people, and hold onto that.”

With his words grounding her, Mish took a deep breath and visualized the planes soaring through the sky, free from the threat of flames. Gradually, the barrier stabilized again, shimmering with an ethereal glow. 

“There! It’s solid!” she shouted, triumph flooding through her.

Just as she reveled in her success, a distant rumble echoed across the grounds. Mish’s heart dropped as she turned toward the source, recognizing it as the sound of the school’s emergency alarms blaring. 

“What’s going on?” Hugh asked, worry etching his features. 

“They must have detected something,” Mish said, her pulse quickening. “Crimson Dawn… they’re making their move.”

The two rushed back towards the school, the alarms ringing in their ears. As they entered the main hall, they found students gathered in anxious clusters, teachers moving with urgency. The atmosphere was charged with fear and uncertainty.

Agent Macomb stood at the front, his face grave. “Listen up, everyone! We believe that Crimson Dawn is attempting to breach our security systems. They’ve targeted several teachers, trying to extract sensitive information about our magical defenses. We need to be on high alert.”

Hugh and Mish exchanged worried glances. “They’re coming for us,” Hugh murmured, the reality of the situation sinking in.

“Exactly,” Mish replied, her determination reigniting. “But we can’t let them win. I need to keep practicing my spells. If they’re planning a major attack, I have to be ready to help.”

As the students braced themselves for whatever was to come, Mish’s resolve hardened. She was determined to make a difference in the battle against Crimson Dawn. If they were going to stand a chance, she knew she had to master her powers and protect those she cared about. 

With each passing moment, the shadows of war grew closer, but within that darkness, the light of friendship and hope shone brighter than ever. The fight was far from over, and together, they would prepare to face whatever came next.