Right after Haley spoke, time froze, leaving everyone in the hallway and the classroom stuck in place except
for Josie. After Josie realized what was going on, she tried to wish for time to unfreeze, but nothing
happened.
"That incident in the classroom wasn't real you know."
Josie looked around for the source of the voice. There was no one in the hallway or the room. It took her a
moment to realize the voice was coming from her mind. She recognized the voice.
"What? Is this Livia Blacksmith? The sorceress I just met?"
"Mmm hmm" answered Livia.
"You're talking to me telepathically?"
"You got it. The incident you just took care of was an illusion cast by me. None of your fellow students
remember what happened, and no one was harmed. This is my little way to let you know that my eye is always on
you, dear."
To some, being told that someone was going to watch you without your permission would come off threatning.
Josie however felt confident that Livia wasn't going to hurt her.
"It was a test of my resourcefulness. My reaction speed too" asked Josie, getting the hang of talking to
herself without looking outwardly crazy.
"Yes. And the sprites were imaginary. Good thinking sending them to the moon, but I must warn you that real
sprites can breathe in space. There will be more tests, and none of them will be so easy. I have faith that
you'll do well, Josie. Ta!"
"Wait!" yelled Josie.
"Yes?" came Livia's voice again.
"What should I tell Haley? Should I let her know about our future together?"
"My dear, that is none of my business. Either way, Haley will accept your answer. Though later on, decisions
will come that Haley indeed will not be supportive of. You will cross that bridge once you reach it. Now I
must go."
Time unfroze, leaving Josie to ponder what to do next.