“What they do isn’t right either,” I said, in a rare acknowledgment of the Moroi with her. I didn’t like that the abilities I found so twisted and wrong were allegedly within human reach too. “No one should have that kind of power over another.”

Her lips quirked. “You’re very haughty about something you have no experience with.”

“You don’t always need experience. I’ve never killed anyone, but I know murder is wrong.”

“Don’t discount these spells. They could be a useful defense,” she said with a shrug. “Perhaps it depends on who’s using it—much like a gun or other weapon.”

I grimaced. “I don’t really like guns either.”

“Then you may find magical means to be a better option.” She made a small, graceful motion with her hands, and a clay pot on the windowsill suddenly exploded. Sharp fragments fell to the floor. I jumped out of my desk and backed up a few feet. Was that something she’d been able to do this whole time? It had seemed effortless. What kind of damage could she do if she really tried? She smiled. “See? Very efficient.”

Efficient and simple, as easy as a vampire wielding elemental magic with a thought. After all the painstaking spells I’d seen in these books, I was stunned to see such “easy” magic. It kicked what Ms. Terwilliger had been advocating up to a whole new—and dangerous—level. My whole body tensed as I waited for some other horrific act, but judging from the serene look on her face, that was the only show of power she had in mind—for now. Feeling a little foolish at my reaction, I sat back down.

I took a deep breath and chose my words carefully, keeping my anger—and fear—pushed down. It wouldn’t do to have an outburst in front of a teacher. “Ma’am, why do you keep doing this?”

Ms. Terwilliger tilted her head like a bird. “Doing what, dear?”

“This.” I jabbed the book in front of me. “Why do you keep making me work on this against my will? I hate this, and you know it. I don’t want anything to do with it! Why do you want me to learn it at all? What do you get out of it? Is there some witch club where you get a finder’s fee if you bring in a new recruit?”

That quirky smile of hers returned. “We prefer the term coven, not witch club. Though that does have a nice ring. But, to answer your question, I don’t get anything out of it—at least, not in the way you’re thinking. My coven can always use strong members, and you have the potential for greatness. It’s bigger than that, however. Your perennial argument is that it’s wrong for humans to have this kind of power, right?”

“Right,” I said through gritted teeth. I’d made that argument a million times.

“Well, that’s absolutely true—for some humans. You worry this power will be abused? You’re right. It happens all the time, which is why we need good, moral people who can counter those who would use the magic for selfish and nefarious reasons.”