M.J. and Leo smirked at each other before looking at Winter. From one second to the next, their demeanors changed. They both looked short and measly, relaying an aura that was easily overlooked. Michael was casting an illusion over the both of them. They must have planned it last night when they left the library together. She shook her head, pleased. They were finally starting to look like a real team. M.J. and Leo started pretending to fight. The illusion depicted embarrassingly weak punches and clumsy form. Winter hid her smile before saying loudly, "Why did I get paired with these two losers?" She flopped down on the ground and began examining her nails, the embodiment of entitled and prissy. She lazily dragged her eyes over the courtyard. Everyone was either sparring, throwing daggers, or honing their magic. Mr. Cornell stood by the podium, monitoring the courtyard. Winter's interest spiked when she noticed the rapiers were sheathed in a stand, ready for use. "What kind of a mock war is this?" Winter thought to herself. Leo looked away from the fight for a moment to glance at her, the answer written on his face. It was one she didn't like. While Leo was distracted, Michael landed a soft punch on his jaw. The corner of Leo's mouth twitched before he started whining, "You can't hit me like that! That's not fair! Spar the right way M.J.!" Cornell whipped his head around, "What's going on over here?" Leo pointed feebly at M.J. and stuttered, "He hit me." Cornell, annoyed, puffed, "I don't care. Do you think this is a game?" M.J. asked innocently, "Is it not?" Cornell glared at them, "I'm telling you right now you better take it seriously."
Cornell left to observe the other teams. Winter almost laughed, "That's what you get for listening to my thoughts without permission." She watched Leo roll his eyes. "You guys are doing good though," she thought, "keep it up." He shifted when she stood. Winter shook her head slightly and made her way over to the sword stand. She ran her fingers over them, "Why do they have the swords out? This mock war is not just an assessment of our powers is it." Suddenly, her magic knocked the wind out of her from the sheer force of its pull. It didn't take her long to determine why. Her hand hovered above the sword she used during her spar with Brenna. It's shades of red, orange and gold, clashing with, while at the same time complimenting, the purple and silver. The engraving on the hilt still as magnificent as the first time she saw it. She didn't know why but her magic tugged relentlessly until her fingers curled around the hilt of the sword. The pull of her magic ebbed when she picked it up, closing her eyes. Something about the weight of the sword in her hand comforted her. It also made her feel restless. Her head throbbed. Winter noticed all the noise in the courtyard stopped. The sudden silence put her on edge, so she opened her eyes and looked around. Leo and M.J. gawked at her, surprised. Everyone was watching her. This was not the plan. She did not want this attention. Winter glanced down at the sword. The sword that was once captivating because of the color scheme and design was now utterly breathtaking because it was illuminated. Every aspect of its beauty enhanced. She furrowed her eyebrows and brought it closer to her, the light getting brighter. Her hand started getting hotter. People began filing out of the gym and into the courtyard to catch a glimpse of the commotion. Almost like moths to a flame, it was as though they were being summoned by the glowing sword. A call from magic to magic. Lucas ran to the courtyard, gaping at Winter, breathless. She couldn't help but wonder why he seemed so distraught. She immediately lost her train of thought as her head swam. It was similar to the feeling she had when she thought of her father. The moment that thought crossed her mind, the pain intensified. She threw the sword on the ground in a desperate attempt to make the ache fade. Winter felt her magic protest in response. The absence of its weight in her hand was heavy. Lucas rushed forward, picking it up and placing it back on the stand. Winter smiled stupidly at the crowd and shrugged dismissively, "The sword is pretty."
Murmurs filled the courtyard as she purposefully stumbled over her own foot trotting back to Leo and M.J. The sword was a key. A key to what, Winter didn't know. But her magic did. Winter winced as a shooting pain ran down her arm to her wrist. She lifted her hand, moving her bracelet. There was a small burn where her bracelet rested. She examined it closer, pondering what the bracelet could be for when M.J. whispered, "What was that?" Winter shrugged. Leo came up behind her, "Why that sword?" He narrowed his eyes, "A key?" Winter sighed as she consciously blocked him from her thoughts. Winter was rubbing at the burn when the tall black haired healer came up to her and snatched her wrist, "Let me take care of it. It's my job." When the healer moved the bracelet to inspect Winter's wrist, it was already healed. Winter tugged her wrist free, "I'm okay. Thank you." She narrowed her eyes at Winter, huffing indignantly as she stomped away. Cornell bellowed, "Alright everyone. There's nothing to see! Get back to practicing." He glared at Winter's team and spat, "This isn't a game." In the corner of her eye, Winter saw Lucas hesitate to approach her. Before she could say anything to him, she noticed Endora Della standing near the doors of the school. Winter thought it was strange that Della made herself scarce for so long. Della cocked her head to the side, indicating for Winter to follow. Winter lowered her head. She willed her face void of expression. Della was silent until Winter followed her into a secluded room, the door shutting behind them. "Sit," Della said. Without objection, Winter did. Della nodded at two males in the back of the room. They came over and pulled up Winter's sleeves, holding her down. One of them sloppily stuck a needle into her forearm, piercing the vein. They were drawing blood. Della watched Winter with ravenous eyes. Winter stared back. Della was a small woman, yet she controlled people mercilessly. She followed no mandates outside of the headmaster's. Winter attempted imagining the person Della took orders from and almost smirked. Della tried so hard to have a stern countenance in front of Winter that she had to be one to cower before her boss. Winter said nothing, asked no questions. Della narrowed her eyes at Winter before shifting, dismissing the two men. They disappeared into the shadows. Della inched closer to Winter, brushing the hair out of Winter's face. Her eyes flitted over to the bracelet around Winter's wrist. She smiled knowingly at Winter before strolling out of the room.