Hidden Magic (chapters 5-10)

8/13/2019 Hidden Magic (chapters 5-10)

1/15

Chapter VI

LucasInstead of going to work the next morning, I walked four blocks to the old orphanage. It

had been shut down a while ago, and I'd heard rumors that a group of really strange kidshad taken over it. If Acacio was anything, he was strange.

I opened the peeling old door, wincing at the loud creak. As I stepped in the hall, I took inmy surroundings. There was an old rickety staircase to my right that looked like it wouldcrumble under any weight. Next to it was a long hall, with empty doorways going who knowswhere.

Suddenly a body dropped from the ceiling. She landed like a cat, gracefully, her frizzyblack hair flying everywhere. I yelped and jumped back, startled. She wore something thatlooked like a variety of crimson and ebony silk, chiffon and lace pinned in such a way sothat it was both form-fitting and elegant, but did not restrict movement in any way.

"So you've come." She sneered and tossed her mane of hair. "This way."

I cautiously followed her through the house. As we passed the doorways, I peeked in therooms, but all I saw was broken furniture, peeling wallpaper, and a crumbling fireplace ortwo. One specific room had been taken over by clinging vines, which had snuck in throughthe broken window. It looked as though they had been grown at an unusual pace. As Ipassed that one, a small, diminutive pale girl with long, silky black hair looked up at me, andI shivered. She had silver eyes that almost seemed to glow. As soon as we made eyecontact, she ran and hid behind one of the bigger vines that populated the room, butcontinued watching me.

Come on, My guide called over her shoulder. I hadnt even realized Id stopped.The next room down was cleared of old furniture, and instead, a few charming couches

lined the walls.

"Sit." The girl commanded. She left the room. I remained standing.Acacios furious voice boomed from directly behind me."Dollie! Get back here, I whirled

around. Where did he come from? He didnt even seem to notice me. He brushed past me,and chased after the dark-haired girl. He grabbed her arm and hissed something hurriedlyinto her ear that caused her to spit out an angry retort and made her features twist. Hemuttered something and flung her away from him, turning back to where I was standing, anapologetic look on his face. He walked over to where I was standing.

Sorry. Dollie can get a bit overzealous at times, he said, grimacing, She wasnt evensupposed to be involved in this, but she has a knack for getting into things that aren't anybusiness of hers. I suppose thats my fault. He apologized, I taught her to be blue at themizzen. Gentlemen like a tough lady.

I just stared at him.


2/15


3/15

"Do you need some help?" a quiet voice asked. Startled, I looked up. It was the girl fromthe room with vines. She had on a simple white dress, tied around her waist with a light bluesash.

"I-I think I'm fine, thanks," I said trying not to wince from the pain."No you're not. It's not going to hurt as bad to accept help, will it?" She crouched down

next to me. I allowed her to grab my elbow and help me up. Leaning on her for support, shehelped me back into the orphanage.

"Do you think you can make it up the stairs? Acacio doesn't go up there," she whispered,"that's girl territory." I eyed the unstable staircase. Normally, I would refuse, but if Acaciodidn't go up there... I nodded. Painfully, we staggered up the creaking stairs which movedslightly back and forth under our weight.

The girl took me to a small room that had a neat bed, washstand, and an unshatteredwindow.

"This is my room," the girl whispered, assisting me to sit on the bed.

"Addie!" I shivered as I heard Acacio's silky voice come from downstairs."Just a moment!" the girl, who I supposed was Addie, yelled back."Would you feel comfortable changing out of your clothes?" she asked, "There's blood all

over them." With a start I realized that the scrape on my arm from the window was reallymore like a gash, from which blood was seeping onto my overalls.

"I guess." I shrugged. She disappeared from the room and came back a few minutes laterwith a clean opalescent blue dress.

"No." I said."It's all I have," she looked at me, pleading. Sighing, I accepted the dress and bandages

she had also brought with her. She silently left the room and gently closed the door, givingme some privacy.

First, I limped to the washstand and cleaned my arm, then wrapped it with some withbandages. Then I took off my muddy work boots and I bound my foot as well, hoping toblock some of the pain and keep it from swelling. I couldn't remember if you were supposedto or not, but I did anyway.

Sighing heavily, I stepped painfully out of my overalls and pulled off my dirty shirt. I

started struggling into the dress by sticking my legs through the top like pants. On secondthought, I stepped out of the dress and unwound the tight strips of cloth around my breaststhat made them almost invisible. Then I tried slipping the dress over my head.

The dress fit me well. It was light blue with intricate silver designs. It was just long enoughto cover my feet. It was very soft, unlike the coarse clothes I always wore. I had never worna dress in my life, even as a small child, so I felt a little exposed underneath, and felt a littlesilly. If my brothers saw me like this - well, one of my brothers - they would never let me liveit down.


4/15

There was a knock at the door, then Addie came in. She was carrying a tray, but whenshe saw me she dropped it and everything clattered on the floor. I tried to bend down tohelp her, but my ankle acted up and I ended up falling next to the scattered dishes, makinga fool of myself. I grabbed the edge of the bed and pulled myself up as Addie stood with therearranged tray.

"I know," I said, "it looks terrible." Addie blinked and set the tray on a small table next tothe washstand.

"Oh not at all," she said kindly, "it's just... I had a hard time believing Acacio about youbeing a girl, but now..." I'm sure my face turned bright red.

"Would you let me put some makeup on you?" she asked. Before, there would have beenno way I would be caught dead in that stuff, but she had been so kind to me. I must havebeen out of my mind, but I agreed.

I tried to not squirm as she applied the sticky stuff, but when she was finished sheexclaimed, "There! Now, if only your hair was longer, and you'd be the prettiest girl ever!

You're practically gorgeous!" I smiled uncomfortably, as I had never had a remote chance atbeing pretty in my life. She was flattering me.

Wait. I forgot! she said as she ran behind me.What are you- I only got half the sentence out before she tightened the corset around

my waist. It felt like I was being suffocated.Suddenly the door burst in, and a blonde girl, ignoring me, addressed Addie urgently,

"You're brother's coming. He knows she -" she gestured to me, "- is here." She quickly shutthe door. Addie scrambled around the room, gathering my clothes and emptying the redwater in the washbasin out the window.

"Quick, in here!" she urged me into a small closet off of the side of the room. I stepped inand she shut the door not a moment too soon.

I heard the main door to the room open and Acacio's voice, "Oh, hey Adeline." HewasAddie's brother!? I almost gasped, but remembered I was hiding at the last minute.

"Hi, Acacio," she replied, What are you doing?"You know what Im doing. Youre not stupid, and I know you dont want it, he told her

softly, but Im only trying to help you. In order to do that, I need to know where she is. "She? What are you talking about, Nicholas?" she asked innocently."You know who. I know you know where she is. I can tell."

Addie didn't deny it. "Why her?""No reason. She simply has something we need, and is in a position to bargain. Please

tell me where you put her.""Shes hiding. And hurt. You need to be more careful."


5/15

"What does it matter? It was only a little teasing. Shes just not as willing as most girls." "What? You did what? She didnt kiss-" I heard a loud thump, as if Acacio had pounded

his fist against something."Of course not! Nothing can be simple with her. But if I don't get her to come tonight, our

whole plan is jeopardized.""The one you didn't include me in.""Only to protect you. You're not old enough to understand why we need to do these

things. Its for you Addie." He made a slight choking sound, and whispered, I just dontwant you to die.

"I'm as much a part of it as you are. And I dont want it.""...Point being, I need to know where she is. I have to somehow get her to come with

me!"There was silence, then Addie mumbled something I couldn't make out. There was some

loud swearing, and then the door slammed.After a few seconds, the closet door slowly opened and Addie helped me out."I'm so sorry," she said sympathetically, "to have to tell you this, but Acacio wants me to

inform you that you aregoing with him tonight."I sat on the bed and Addie sat next to me. "If I absolutely have to go, I'm not going like

this," I said, gesturing to the dress, "I'd rather wear my bloody overalls. Besides, I don't thinkI can walk."

"Hold on," Addie said. She jumped off the bed and kneeled next to my foot. Placing herhands gently on the bandage, she closed her eyes and muttered something. Suddenly thepain ceased. Addie opened her eyes and slowly unwound the bandages. I gasped when Isaw that my ankle was perfectly healed, as if I'd never sprained it.

"You're a witch too," I whispered. She nodded.

"In return, will you go with Acacio? Dress and all?""I guess," I mumbled unhappily. This was going to very possibly be the worst night of my

entire life.

Chapter VIIAcacio


6/15


7/15

Come home. You need to have protection tonight, even if you wouldnt need it undernormal circumstances. I grabbed a pocketwatch off of the floor and put it in my pocket. Wemust keep up appearances. Now, if you would excuse me, Addie, I sat back onto theground, I have preparations to make.

I knocked on the door of Lucilles house precisely two hours before the dance was to

begin. Not a soul responded, and I was sure she had gathered some common sense, Butjust then I heard her voice coming from the side of the building.

Im over here. Why are you soearly? she sounded like a petulant child. I tried not tolaugh, as it would only offend her.

I proceeded to talk to her door instead of turning around. Early? The ball is in two hours,my dear. I must bring you to my home, so I can have one of the girls teach you some properetiquette.

What do you mean? Why cant I-

My dear, you would make a fool out of yourself if you were to simply walk into a ball withyourmanners, not to mention you have no knowledge of how to dance, He ridiculed,Andanyways, you need to wear a wig. We cant risk anyone recognizing you. That would ruineverything.

A wig? I am notwearing a wig. she seemed slightly balled up.

Yes, you are. And yes, you will have to ride in a carriage with me. I smiled. She glared.so, are we going to depart anytime soon, Miss Cedarloff?

Its too early! she said stubbornly as I finally turned to look at her. I immediately forgot

what I was about to say. My brain stopped functioning the way it was supposed to, and it feltlike my stomach had dropped a mile. Except for when I teased her, I hadnt everacknowledged that she was a girl, but dang... I dont see how I ever missed it.

It was her turn to smirk. Got something to say, girlie? she mocked. Shocked? I shookmy head, a little offended, but smiled at her.

Just trust me, Miss. I continued, pretending it hadnt happened, No harm will come toyou if you are just a bit early. Which you wont be. I must get dressed, also. Best bib andtucker, you know.

Uh-huh. she said, walking past me. I didnt follow.Where do you think you are escaping to? I demanded.

Your place, she said, unperturbed, and I am not wearing a wig."That is preposterous. And of course we are not walking. Andyou will wear a wig. I

responded, There is this great phenomenon called magic. Would you like to try? I askedas seductively as possible.


8/15

No.

Transporting myself so I was directly in front of her, I grinned. Too bad, I whispered as Igrabbed her arm, and thought of home.

As soon as we entered the house, I had Maude, Sylvia, and Lillie take Lucas upstairs to

fix her up with a wig, and to touch up her face. Addie wasnt the best at it, Im afraid. Shewould be up there with them, of course, being dressed, and making conversation with ourguest. As soon as her appearance is solid, I will send others up to teach her the etiquette ofdancing, and also to show her the basic steps of the waltzes and minuets we would nodoubt be dancing to.

Thinking of Lucas made me feel better. She had it much worse than I do, no doubt. Atleast I know what Im doing when I dance.

I hate dressing up.I prefer rags and fisherman's clothing to any kind of gentlemen's

apparel. It tended to be scratchy, and constricted your breathing, as well as making youlook absolutely abhorrent. I should just dance as I am right now, I thought to myself, seewhat everyone else says.I quickly tossed the idea aside, though. The last thing I wantedwas to stand out. I couldnt jeopardize the girls position, or everything would be ruined.

I looked over at my pile of clothing. I knew what was appropriate and what wasntappropriate to wear to a dance. I kneeled next to the accumulation of clothes, and startedrifling through it, looking for my knee-length buttoned outer-jacket, a stand-up collared shirt,a pocketed vest, and the ridiculous belly-covering trousers I hated wearing. They all lookedabsolutely absurd.

Walter! I called, looking around the small room, Im missing my dance shoes! Have you

used them recently?

His irritated response came almost immediately. No! Im not even your size, pinhead!

Just checkin'! I shouted back. Where on earth have I put them?I thought quietly tomyself, looking around the room. Oh, well... I can find them later.

I donned my clothing, not caring that anyone could walk in at any moment and see meonly partially dressed. It had already happened several times. Most people who lived herewere used to it.

The ensemble fit together perfectly, just as I knew it would. Alone, each piece wasridiculous in its own right, only fit for a poor boy hoping to get into a country dance, but

together, it was impeccable. Except, I was still missing my shoes.

Clyde, are you in here? I yelled to the ceiling.Yes, of course! What do you need, sir? his voice shouted back at me from one of the

rooms down the hallway.Youre feet are the same size as mine, right? I hollered, even though I knew he could

hear me.


9/15

Yes! Why? His voice called back, escalating to new levels of loudness.I bellowed my reply. I need you to- I was cut off by Lucille, who had somehow ran all the

way to the top of the stairs without making a sound, screaming about how if we didnt shutour mouths, she would shut them for us in the most grotesque manner possible.

It was quiet for a moment. Then, Clyde was at my door whispering, Sir? What did youneed?

I need a pair of dancing shoes. make sure they have a low heel. I whispered back.Okay. will do. he responded as quietly as possible, leaving the room.I checked the time on my pocketwatch, and then stored it in one of the many pockets on

my jacket. We still had one more hour to go before the Ball. I better go check on Lucassprogress, I contemplated, Make sure she doesnt run off and break another window. If Iwere in her position, I know I would.

Chapter VIIILucas

Not for the first time, I wished I wasn't a girl. I wished my brothers hadn't suffered fromScarlet Fever, which rendered them incapable of work. Or that my mother didn't have short-term memory loss. She thought I really wasa boy. If only.

But wishing wasn't getting me out of this ridiculous dress, or cakey makeup, or painfulshoes. They even made me wear a silver sash draped over my arms to hide the bandage

on my arm. Finally I was ready to go, but first the girls wanted to teach me how to dance. Isaid I already knew how. They said prove it. And so I did. Addie started laughing,exclaiming that I was dancing the guy's part. I blushed, and spent the next hour learning theopposite moves.

I felt half relieved and half scared when the time to leave for the dance came. What if Idid something unladylike? I had been a boy for so long I'd forgotten about women's rightsand things like that.

Acacio was waiting at the bottom of the staircase as I descended, trying my hardest notto trip on the long skirt. He'd actually combed his hair, which didn't look half too bad, andwas dressed smartly. I almost couldn't remember what he had looked like before.

"Did they get you shoes? he asked me, not seeming to really care either way.I didn't answer. He shrugged and offered me his arm, which I brushed aside, exiting the

orphanage. I heard him give a frustrated sigh, and call Adeline downstairs. He asked her Ifshed even attempted to teach me proper etiquette.

I smiled. I'd be good at the dance. But just because I was going with him didn't mean Iwanted to go with him, and I'd rather not pretend until I had to.


10/15

Acacio and Addie then came outside, Addie glowing in her radiant new apparel.Someone had braided her silky hair and twisted it around her head in a very stylish updo.

He helped her in first, and tried to help me, but I gave him a death glare. He glared backand pushed me in. I sat awkwardly in the poofy dress while he got in and sat on the otherside.

"Lucille, you cant act this way when we get to the Ball, he said earnestly, It couldseriously compromise your identity, and then where would we be? he seemed so irritated.It was almost comical.

"I'll be good," I said, "but don't expect me to ever do this again."Oh, Im counting on it, he said, grinning mischievously, We dont want to take the fun

out of everything, do we? He raised his eyebrows at me, and Addie leaned over to punchhis arm.

Dont be so weird, cacio. she said playfully, You arent married, yet! she smiled.Addie! he complained, giving her a pleading look, Were not getting married! Just look

at her! he smirked, gesturing at me, Sure, shes beautiful and all, but shes the devilincarnate!

"And don't forget it!" I exclaimed, winking at Addie, who laughed.The carriage finally rolled to a stop in front of a fancy church. My breath caught. This was

the beginning of the end of my life.

Chapter IXAcacio

I watched Lucilles face melt into dread of the upcoming event with amusement. This wasgoing to be so much fun. But there was still one more issue to resolve. The girls hadntbeen able to pressure her into wearing a wig, and all she had was a shorn head of lightbrown hair. There were multiple solutions to this dilemma. I could make her hair grow at anunnatural rate, which would be excruciating, summon a wig off of one of the mannequins ofthe fashion store down the street, which she would tear off at the first chance, or I could puta glamour on her, which other witches would be able to see through. It would wear off aftera few hours, but she wouldnt be able to see it at all. I toyed with the second option for alittle while, trying not to laugh, as she would suspect something, but ultimately decided onsettling a glamour on her. Although it would put her in danger of other magical beings, itwouldnt cause any screaming, as the other choices would.

I smiled at Addie, flicked my gaze over to our guest, and casually ran a hand through myhair, so she would know what I was about to do. She started laughing, and Lucas lookedover at her, concerned, and then back at me. I smiled, and thought of how I had pictured


11/15

her earlier, so that it would appear to others as if she had a simple but elegant braidwrapped arond her head, letting a few locks roll over her shoulders. Perfect.

Addie gaped at her. Wow, she whispered, you are so beautiful. I want to be just likeyou when Im older. I smiled at that. It was one of the biggest lies I had ever heard herutter.

As if," Lucille rolled her eyes, "I will never be pretty. I'm just doing this because of youand Acacio. After this, I'm back to being a guy."

I laughed at that. You might be stuck with us for longer than you would expect, love. Iknew it. There was a different feeling about her. She wasnt like the others. She wouldsurvive.

She stared at me, forced a laugh, and said, "You're kidding, right?"I met her stare. Well, honestly, no. I replied, If its your family youre concerned about,

dont worry! I exclaimed happily, I can make sure money is sent there daily, or that they

have protection, whatever you want, sweetie! Just name it!

Swearing, she exclaimed, "Cut it out with the pet names! I am notthat kind of girl. Andleave my family out of this. I'll give you what you want, and that's it. Kapeesh?"

I held up my hands in a mock-defensive gesture, and said, Sheesh! I wasnt threatening!Only offering help! I smiled wickedly in her direction, and before she could respond, tookher arm, and shoved her out of the carriage. She stumbled out, and turned to glare at me,but remembered the rules quickly enough to turn it into a somewhat disgruntled grimace. Istepped out, and helped my sister out of the carriage, and turned to Lucille, offering my arm.She looked at it, and laid her hand down on it and squeezed as hard as she could. I triednot to frown as pain shot up my arm. I walked her to the doorway, Addie trailing behind us.

When we reached it, the host and hostess, Mr. and Mrs. Adams, greeted us, and gave useach a programme.

Lucille looked at me, confused. What are these for? she hissed.Sweetheart, smile. I dont want to get booted out due to you not being able to deep a

pleasant facial expression. Ismiled down at her. To answer your question, this is bothyour programme and your dance card.

My what? she asked, an irritated smile on her face.When someone asks you to dance, you will either reject them gracefully, or let them sign

your dance card, I responded, You will be occupied for every dance. As your gentleman, I

am expected to dance the first waltz, the Grand March, and the last waltz with you, mydear.I smiled down at her and said, As your escort, I am also obligated to introduce you tomen you may dance with, before the ball even starts. All dance requests go through me,although you may reject those I choose if you so wish. I dropped the volume of my voice,and turned her to me as we walked towards the far end of the ballroom, Addie can be yourpartner for one of the dances, if she is not otherwise preoccupied. That dance has alreadybeen approved by me. Try not to be a wallflower, miss, unless you want the host to come


12/15

and have you dance with an unoccupied male. I smirked. It would be less than pleasant,Im sure.

She gave me a fake smile. "How did I get into this again?I steered her towards one of my people. I had brought about half of them with me to the

dance, without hers or Addies knowledge. I have a few friends to introduce you toalready. I looked down at Jake, and smiled. He wasn't the prettiest figure, what with hisscar on one cheek and his ruff appearance. He did have his blonde hair cut in the latesthairstyle, longish with a slight curl. His big brown eyes tried to avoid mine. He knew I wasstill mad at him for letting Addie get caught, but he would make a good dance partner forLucas. He was kind, charismatic, and all the girls loved him, especially with his kind ofmuscle. Jake, this is Lucille. Jake smiled, took her hand, bowed, brushing his lips over herknuckles, and quickly stood back up again, not yet relinquishing his hold.

My lady, It would do me the honor of dancing with you for one of your dances. Wouldyou allow me the honor of dancing the foxtrot with me later? She nodded, and handed himher dance card for him to sign, which he did, with a Well, miss, heres my signature. See

you for the third dance.Lucille looked up at me, confused. I chuckled. There are twenty dances, and not much

time to get you a dance partner for each individual one. Perhaps you will be stuck with mefor a while yet. She looked horrified for a momentbefore I told her to school her features.

I introduced her to most of my people, and granted requests from a few strangers duringthe next few minutes. She revoked a few of their offers, which didnt surprise me, but Imanaged to fill her dance card up, so there would never be a time when she wasntdancing.

I would dance with her for five of the dances, although I was only required to do so for

three. She wasnt pleased. I had to constantly remind her that people were watching, andthat she had to keep her features in check.

She was terrible at faking happiness. Every time she tried, it was as if she had smelledsomething horrific. It was amusing.

The bells were rung, and everyone was called to attention. The first dance, Grand March,was about to begin. Lucas and I claimed a position on the edge of the dance floor as itstarted. We marched with the rhythm of the music as we weaved through other couples. Itwas all a blur. One minute, we were together, and the next, we were alone. We never losteye contact, though, watching each other like predators searching for weaknesses in theother. We stood out, as everyone else was facing forward, backs perfectly aligned, we were

always facing each other, alert for danger.I didnt even notice when the dance had ended. All I was aware of was her clumsily

curtsying to me, as I bowed gracefully back. It was then that I snapped out of my reverie.The First waltz was about to begin.


13/15

Chapter XLucas

We bowed and curtsied again, then moved into dance position. I was getting slightlyfrustrated, because I did not want to be stuck here all night long. I wanted to know why Iwas even here, why Acacio insisted I come, and what he wanted from me.

The music started, and I numbed my feelings, staring at his left ear rather than his eyes.

"Are you going to tell me now?" I whispered, trying not to sound impatient. I knew whatwould happen next: he would smile sneakily, then give me some insult, knowing it wouldbother me. When I asked him again, he would smirk and tell me he would reveal his secretlater, and I would be condemned to another day of unrestless curiosity.

But this time I was surprised; he answered me straight out."I need to get you alone first. Away from Addie, away from all of these people. Can you

handle that?" he whispered, looking serious, "Unfortunately, you've already accepted a fewfine young gentlemen to dance with you for the rest of the night." I sighed unhappily.

"Seriously?"He smiled, almost sympathetically. "Meet me during dinner. No one will miss us then,

honey."The song finally ended, and we exited the dance floor. Waiting for me was Jake, smiling

crookedly in the soft candlelight. I allowed him to take my elbow as he escorted me to the

left-hand side of the room, out of eyesight of Acacio.

We started dancing, me trying my best not to be clumsy."So, tell me about yourself," Jake said, passing me behind his back. He twirled me and I

just about tripped, but made it to the next step."Well, obviously I can't dance!" I exclaimed. Jake laughed. I accidentally stepped on his

foot, and he laughed harder. I forced a smile, secretly wishing I was dancing his part."So you're not a dancer. Tell me about your family." He made a move for me to pass him

on the left, which I mistook and did so on his right."There's not much to tell. I've got my mum, I mean my mother, who can't remember who I

am every ten minutes.""I'm sorry," he said, actually looking sorry. I had a feeling he meant it."And there's my two brothers - " I began, but Jake suddenly lifted me up around my waist

and spun me in circle. I tottered as I landed, but Jake steadied me.


14/15

"I had brothers, too, once upon a time," Jake said thoughtfully, "but my mother disownedthem. They joined gangs and got involved with drugs and other sins. Not very respectfulbehavior for two promising gentlemen." I nodded. The dance finished, and I was actuallysorry to part with Jake. A voice in the back of my head whispered, you like him you like himyou like him!I quickly pushed the thought away, embarrassed. I could not like him,especially since this was my first and last night as a girl. Even though he had been very kindand forgiving of my dancing...

I searched for my next dance partner, trying to find him, when I remembered he wassupposed to come to me. Sighing, I waited.

Four more dances passed, and I wished with all my heart to leave, to escape. The heels Iwas wearing were beginning to cut into my skin, and my throat was sore, my mouth dry.

I checked my programme to see what was next. The ladies' waltz! Thank goodness tohigh heaven!

Addie's dance was probably the second best all night, only lower than Jake's. She lead

me in a easy manner, and didn't mind when I made mistakes either."So, do you like him?" she asked."I beg your pardon?""My brother!""Acacio?""Yes!" she grinned happily up at me.

I was silent for a few moments. "I can't say that I likehim exactly..." I said, not wanting to

hurt Addie's feelings."That's okay. He's kind of weird sometimes... uh, a lot..." I smiled. So I wasn't the only

one with that impression."But it isn't his fault, you know," Addie continued."It isn't?" I asked, curious."When our parents died... well, they were working for the government, but then my dad

made a huge mistake. The other workers began to suspect them as witches, so my parentsescaped to the Soviet Union. But Acacio thought they died. And he thinks it was his fault."The song ended. "I'll have to tell you the rest some other time. Don't tell Acacio that I toldyou!"

"I won't!" I promised.I walked back to the sidelines, knowing the next dance was with Acacio. Suddenly, I saw

something across the room. A man, wearing a tall hat that shaded most of his face. Hereminded me of someone...


15/15

All of a sudden he turned and looked directly at me. I was mesmerized for a moment, butthen suddenly Acacio had my arm, and was dragging me onto the floor.

Documents

Hidden Magic (chapters 5-10)