Three’s a crowd. At least that’s what I’ve heard, and I’ve definitely come to learn that it’s true. My best friend’s new girlfriend is a complete pain in the ass, and if it wasn’t for me being on my last warning at Gilford High, I’d definitely do something about it. The consequences of my doing so aren’t just your usual slap on the wrist kind of punishments. When strange things begin to happen, and my eyes start to freaking GLOW, I’m whisked away to ... you guessed it ... the Winterwood Academy for the ‘Gifted.’ I don’t feel very gifted. In fact, I feel like the biggest freak in an entire school of freaks. As the hottest guy at the Academy would say, “I’m the Queen of Freaks,” but coming from him, it’s actually kind of sweet. Oh, and did I forget to mention that not only am I having strange encounters with a Goddamn Goddess, I’m also hearing voices in my head, and there’s a book in the Academy library that’s actually TALKING to me! They say that only a true Winterwood Witch is capable of opening that book, so why the hell does it want anything to do with me?

Winterwood Academy Book 1: Gifted

By the time that I’d changed into a pair of skinny jeans,a vest top and my favourite purple hoodie with‘New York’written in yellow on the chest,both Merrin and Nicola were waiting by the front door for me.


“I thought you could use a couple of these,”Nicole said,and she handed me a packet of what I at first thought were tissues.


Was she expecting me to cry?I kind of felt like I was going to,but a part of me thought it was better not to show any weakness in front of this strange,powerful warrior of a woman.I could feel Merrin’s eyes watching me as though she was judging every single move I made.


Upon closer examination,I realised that the pack was,in fact,a packet of wipes.


“Thanks,”I said,almost begrudgingly.I was still angry with Nicola,and the last thing I wanted was for her to be nice to me.But I did need to wipe my face.I could still feel the smudges of mixed makeup and tears hardening on my cheeks.I probably looked like a panda by now and not a very cute one.


Chapter 24