“Cerise Thornheart?”
“That’s the one.”
Coen grimaced. “Good luck with that. I’ve heard she never quits working. Trying to follow in her mother’s footsteps it seems. Have you ever met her?”
“Not officially. But I attended a conference where she was the keynote speaker several years ago. And you’re right, she’s intense.”
Intense was an understatement. Cerise was brilliant, yet ruthless. Her mother was a world-renowned beastologist, famous for being the youngest witch to ever hold the title of headmaster in the entire country. Her research on a rare frog was unparalleled. If Cerise was anything like her, I would be in for a world of frustration on this trip.
Despite my pedantic partner, I looked forward to getting away from the stuffy confines of teaching. I enjoyed my students and their enthusiasm, but I loathed the paperwork and other duties that came along with it, much preferring to be in the field. The last time I’dhad the opportunity was when I was twenty six, five years ago.
“Well”—Coen clapped his hand on my shoulder as we stepped outside—“I’ll see you when you return. Enjoy yourself and don’t cause too much trouble for poor old Rosenshield.”
“As long as you promise not to torment my students!” I shouted after him as he walked away.
He ignored me.
I jerkedawake at the sound of my phone ringing. Scrambling to untangle myself from the sheets, I leaped out of bed, tripping over a random shoe, and ran to the hallway.
“Yeah?” I answered, breathless.
“Doctor Pendragon. We expected you fifteen minutes ago. You are coming, yes?” the voice of Dr. Rosenshield spoke on the other end of the line.
Shit. Shit, shit, shit.
“Of course. I was just about to walk out the door. I got held up but I’ll be there quickly,” I lied, not wanting to admit I overslept.
“We shall wait. Please be swift.”
He hung up before I had a chance to respond. I frantically changed into a thick pair of dark green trousers, a tan button-up that would breathe easily in the heat of the jungle, and laced up my tall leather boots. Fastening my belt, I finger combed my hair, cursing under my breath at my disheveled appearance in the mirror.
It would have to do.
I put on my glasses and gathered my luggage, hoisting the large backpack over my shoulders, and rushed down the stairs.
The home I had inherited from my parents was large and three stories high. With a steeply pitched roof and half-timberedwalls, it was crammed full of knick-knacks and keepsakes. Little seashells from a trip to the ocean; feathers shed from tropical birds in the jungle; beautiful stones that caught my eye. Honestly, I didn’t care for the large space. It reminded me too much of my childhood. The loud parties where my parents would schmooze with the other wealthy in town, everyone trying to one-up each other with their most recent extravagant vacations or purchases.
It was where I grew up before my parents made even more money and bought a ridiculously pretentious estate, leaving this house to me.
I didn’t give a shit about money or notoriety. It was why I became a professor. I reveled in shaping young minds, the enthusiasm of my students, and spending time outside, much to my parents’ chagrin.
With one last look around the mess of a living room, I walked out the front door and locked it behind me, heading to wave down a carriage to meet the members of my party.
I smiled to myself as I realized I wouldn’t have to do any paperwork for months.
Chapter 3
Anger is a Waste of Time
Cerise
Iglanced at my watch again, tapping my booted toe as we waited beneath a large tree beside the hitching posts where our horses were tied up, saddled and ready to go. One horse for each team member, plus several extra to carry our supplies.
I wore an outfit of thick brown trousers and a linen button-up with plenty of pockets for my notebook and pencils. Sighing loudly, I toyed with my long brown braid over my shoulder, scanning the area for our late arriver.
“Whoever they got to replace our original beastologist is already frustrating me,” I whispered to Emberly, who had joined the expedition as our cataloger. Her artistic skills were unparalleled and it would be her job to sketch and document the species we found. She was also adept with enchantments and her magic would likely prove useful on our journey.
“Everyone frustrates you,” my friend quipped, suppressing a small laugh.
