Following the smoky trail into the classroom, I scanned my surroundings to make sure it was clear. The first thing I noticed was that the lights were off and that the chairs were tucked neatly behind the tables. The blinds were left open allowing sunlight to pour into the room. Walking down the side aisle of tables and towards the windows, I looked out onto the football field that is hidden behind the building. Heading down to the field was the fox familiar, gracefully bounding its way.

Using the very limited power I have left from being exiled, for the time being, I flashed myself outside and started to follow the fox. Shifting the weight of the book bag onto one shoulder I started to sprint towards the field when I noticed the figure.

Slowing down to a stop, I crept around to the bleachers and stayed in the shadows. Watching the figure, I saw the fox playfully bouncing around it. The figure had a dark hood and cloak on. On his side was a spell book that was latched onto the belt around his waist. Dangling around his neck was an object that glared in the sun, making it incomprehensible of what it could be.

The figure unlatched the book and looked towards the fox familiar.

“Luka, did you see the boy today?” the figure asked.

The fox nodded its head as her tail swished about in the air.

“Good, then we know we are in the right place. You have done well today, you may be excused.” the figure told the familiar.

Shortly after the fox disappeared the figure looked towards the bleachers where I was hidden. I quickly ducked back behind the bleachers hoping I wasn't spotted.

“I know you're hiding behind there, you may as well come out. It's no use to keep hiding, ” the figure directed towards me.

Stepping out of the shadows and walking into the heat, I set my bag down and slowly approached the cloaked figure.

“You don't need to worry, I'm not here to hurt you, I have a message to deliver, ” the figure replied.

“Who are you, and is the fox familiar yours?” I questioned as I stood put.

“My name is Xavier, I am what you call a herald. I know all about you Sebastian, and I know you don't belong with the mortals, considering what you are, and yes, Luka is my familiar ” Xavier replied.

“How do you know so much about me, and I thought only witches and warlocks got the pet familiars?” I questioned.

“I got Luka as a special favor from one of my tasks I had to complete. I was told about your situation from a friend of mine, so I came to find you to try to help you out as much as I can, ” he stated.

“How can I trust you? When you appeared out of nowhere?” I fired back at him.

“You see this book I'm holding?” he asked as I glanced down at it.

The book was a dark green with silver swirls around the front and going onto the side. The edge didn't have a title but there was a symbol of the front of the book.

“This book holds spells which can aid you and potentially hurt others if you wish to use them for that purpose. I was told to give this to you and help see you succeed and earn your body back. I know you can do this, but it's going to take a lot of work, ” he said as he slowly approached me.

“Here take it, but don't let it out of your sight. If you let it fall into the wrong hands, things are going to get much more difficult for you, ” he continued, handing the book over to me.

“Who told you about me?” I questioned as I held onto the leather-bound book.

“A friend of a friend, ” he replied before vanishing into thin air.

“Well shit, ” I said out loud as I started my way back to the school.