Chapter 12 · Dropped Into Witch Academy at Midnight - Chapter 12: Her Name's On the Order

Cassandra's boot cracks the doorframe. Splinters hit the floor before I can get off Vivienne's lap.

"Step away from her." Cassandra's voice is ice over a blade. She's still in her instructor coat, hair perfect, but her hand's already glowing that cold silver light. "Now."

Vivienne doesn't move. Her arm stays around my waist, fingers pressed into my ribs like she's anchoring me. "You're interrupting."

"I'm stopping an execution." Cassandra holds up a glass vial. It's Vivienne's blood vial, the one she gave me on day three. Except now it's not crimson anymore. It's black. Thick black, like oil, and it's got gold script crawling up the glass. "Academy law. Section nine. Any witch bearing the Summoner's mark who attempts possession or extraction shall be terminated on sight."

My stomach drops. "What?"

"She's lying." Vivienne's voice stays soft, but her grip tightens. "Alex, don't listen to her."

"Your blood turned into an execution order." I try to pull away. She doesn't let go. "Vivienne, let go."

"If I let go, she'll kill me."

Cassandra steps into the room. The temperature drops five degrees. "If you don't let go, I'll kill you anyway.