I woke up early, looking into the embers that were still glowing in Josh’s living room. Exhausted, I dragged myself to the kitchen to put the kettle on, before rummaging through the pantry to prepare breakfast. If I kept busy, I would not have to think more than a few minutes ahead of myself.

“Morning,” Josh said as I was putting the freshly made garlic and rosemary flatbread on the table. “Impressive! Have you been up long?”

“A little while.”

Josh started preparing coffee. “How are you feeling today?”

“Exhausted. I’m not sure how long I can keep hiding.”

“I’ll talk to the dean today,” he said. “And I’ll walk with you through campus as much as you need. It’s no problem.”

“Thank you.” I didn’t know what else to say.

We sat down to eat. When we picked up our coffee cups simultaneously, the electrifying sparks of connection began again. We were united with warm coffee and warm hearts.

“You see that?” he asked.

I nodded and smiled.

I permitted myself to look into his eyes. I was not intending to practise magic, but I wanted to see. Immediately, right before my very eyes, flashed all he ever was and all he ever will be. I could see it all. We were connected through the infinite threads of time. This was beyond anything I currently understood, but I knew the information was spelt out in the basement books at the library. With each breath I could see the connection grow stronger until the room felt like it was spinning. I wanted to tell Josh about my life as a magician, but I could see that he already felt it in his body. This magic was tangible for both of us.

“You’re looking better today,” Clarrie said as we sat down in class.

“Thanks. I’m glad I didn’t have to go home alone last night.”

I did my best to concentrate in Mr Hatter’s class, but my mind was stuck on Mr Bishop. I trusted that Josh would make a complaint to the dean about him, and I knew Clarrie would do the same in the afternoon. I just didn’t know if it would be soon enough. I was gravely worried, not just for myself, but for the whole town of Dunkel.

“Clarrie, there’s something I need to tell you,” I said as we walked towards the administration building, where she was going to meet with the dean.

I could not contain the enormity of it any longer. I told her everything. That I, Arcadia Guzmata, was a magician who specialised in the dark arts. That I was Mr Bishop’s apprentice. That I was here after escaping from Mr Bishop.