Page 9 of Shadow Seer (Scythe Grove Academy 1)

Before I can answer, Mathias leads me through a pair of double doors and out into the small forest I thought I'd seen from outside the academy. Except that label doesn't do it justice.

The trees are uniform, with different sections seeming to belong to different kinds. A peaceful air surrounds it all.

But there's something beneath it that I can't put my finger on. Almost as if something about the surrounding area is calling to me.

"It's reaper magic," Mathias explains without me having to ask.

"How did you know?"

"You have the same expression on your face that my brother did when we were first shown this place. I'm sure I had it too, but I can't see my face."

"You have a brother?"

"I do, Tobias. He's the Captain of Ilex Grove. I'm sure you'll meet him at some point."

I shift the bag on my shoulder, trying to make it more comfortable to carry.

"Why don't you let me?" Mathias asks. "You'll be able to focus more if you don't have to constantly make sure you're not dropping your bag."

I consider his offer for a moment. A small part of me doesn't want to let my belongings out of my sight. And while Mathias seems nice, I have no actual reason to trust him. I barely know him.

But I have to start somewhere. And it's not like there's anything particularly expensive in the bag anyway.

"Thank you, I appreciate it." I slip it off my shoulder and hand it to him.

He takes it instantly, not questioning the weight or acting like it's a burden in the slightest.

I take my chance to walk slightly ahead of him, taking in the atmosphere of the grove. A few students are milling around in the grove, doing various things from chatting with their friends to reading a book. There's something very peaceful about the whole setup. It's so at odds with the way people hang around in the house I left.

Guilt wells up within me at the thought of just leaving, but I push it aside. I don't think any of the people there actually cared what I did so long as I followed the rules and that doesn't make for a good living environment. Add in the fact I didn't have a choice about the Shadow Oath, and it makes sense that I want to get out of there. I'm making the right decision for me, I'm sure of it.

But that doesn't mean it's fair to just disappear. Once I'm settled into my new room, I should write them a letter so they know I'm safe and that I'm not coming back.

"We need to go up here," Mathias says, directing me down a small winding path that disappears through the trees. "But you need to put this on." He holds out a blindfold.

My eyes widen. "Why?"

An expression of discomfort flits across his face. "I'm sorry, it's part of the Grove ceremony. Part of it is about feeling which of the trees calls to you the most magically. If you really don't want to, you just have to promise to keep your eyes closed."

"I'd rather do that, if it's okay with you?"

"Of course." He shoves the blindfold back into his pocket and holds out a hand for me. "I'll have to guide you," he explains.

"Oh, right." I take his hand in mine, surprised by how comfortable it feels to do so. I'm not sure if it's because of Mathias himself, or because of the magic in the grove making me feel that way.

I close my eyes, letting my other senses take over as Mathias guides me through the trees. The magic thrums through me, even stronger than before. Something about it is electrifying. I can't believe I ever doubted that I'm a reaper. They should have brought me straight to the grove and I'd have believed it. There's something about this place that feels right to me, even if I can't explain why.

"Just a couple more steps and you'll be in the right place," he assures me.

"Mmhmm." I don't think I can hold a conversation very well while trying to keep my footing at the same time.

"All right, I'm going to let go of you now, and then you need to follow Professor Montgomery's instructions," Mathias says. "You're going to be fine."

I nod.

"Don't open your eyes," he reminds me.

"I got it," I promise.