Dearest readers,
Lola already knew she was a Traveler. She didn’t know she was something rarer: a Time Walker, capable of opening doors not just across space but across time itself.
She also didn’t know she had a brother.
Devlin Evers arrives at the Academy with no living relatives, no knowledge of the magical world, and the same impossible father Lola grew up without. The Headmaster’s investigation has confirmed it: they share a bloodline, a heritage, and a destiny neither of them asked for.
As Lola navigates a growing connection with Tom, the complicated feelings she still has for Jackson back home, and the strange responsibilities that come with being a Time Walker, she and Devlin begin to piece together the truth about Simon Evers—a man who didn’t die so much as disappear into time.
The Time Walker deepens the world, the family, and the magic in all the right ways. Warm, funny, and quietly propulsive, it’s the Evers Series at full stride.
Happy reading!
Marie-Hélène
👉Have you read it? I’d love a review on Amazon, Goodreads, or Bookbub.a
“Did that just happen?” asked Lola, shell-shocked, the injured finger in her mouth. Devlin was still holding the piece of parchment, staring blankly at it.
“Yes, we are siblings . . .” he agreed blankly.
The nurse gathered her effects, did a quick mini-curtsy to the Headmaster, and took her leave.
“Well, that’s settled. Isn’t it good news?” asked the Headmaster.
Lola and Devlin wore identical shocked expressions.
Smiling from one to the other, the Headmaster blanched visibly as a thought occurred to him. “You’re not dating each other, are you?” he asked aghast, rushing towards them.
They both cried, “No!” and then started laughing. Suddenly, the spell was broken.
“That’s a relief. It would have been an unfortunate turn of events,” said the Headmaster, running a hand through his silky silver hair. He put a hand on Lola’s shoulder and asked, “Are you alright?”
She shot a glance at Devlin, then looked up into the Headmaster’s serene face. “Yes. I’m just surprised. Though I really shouldn’t be after everything that’s happened in the last few months,” admitted Lola, throwing up her hands. She glanced over at Devlin, smiled, and added, “But I’m very happy to have a brother!”
Devlin locked eyes with her and a huge grin spread over his face. “And I have a sister. And a family! I won’t have to be on my own,” said Devlin, getting up quickly.
Lola rose and faced him. “I can’t wait for you to meet Phyllis!” Lola said, excited now. Devlin grabbed Lola and wrapped her in a bear hug. Lola responded by wrapping her own arms around his waist. They hugged tightly for a minute or so then separated, still holding hands.
“Headmaster, do you think you could write to my aunt and break the news to her before she comes tomorrow?” asked Lola. “It might be easier. My aunt also has a tendency to faint . . .” she trailed.
“Yes, of course, of course,” he murmured, nodding absently as he headed back towards his desk. His lithe frame eased into the chair, then he grabbed a quill and parchment and started writing immediately. Then, realizing Lola and Devlin were still just standing there, he looked up and said, “I think that’s enough excitement for one day. I shall write to your aunt presently. Am I correct in presuming you would like to picnic together?”
Lola and Devlin both nodded. “I had already invited Devlin to join us since he had no one to visit him,” explained Lola. “Now, it’ll be an even bigger surprise!” she added, beaming. She looked down at their clasped hands. Devlin looked down as well and, as though realizing this was a bit much, they let go.
“Indeed,” replied the Headmaster ruefully. “Why don’t you both go enjoy the rest of the afternoon with your friends. If I have any more news or information to impart, I’ll let you know at dinnertime.” He waved them away and started writing to Phyllis.
“Yes, Headmaster,” said Devlin, heading for the door.
“Thank you so much, sir,” said Lola, following Devlin out the door and down the stairs.
They said nothing as they reached the landing and headed towards the Main Hall door. All the students were meant to be outside. Devlin checked his watch and frowned.
“What is it?” asked Lola, stopping once they were outside.
“It is already four. We have probably missed the group activities. What do you want to do?” inquired Devlin.
Lola shielded her eyes from the sun and her gaze swept the lawns. She could see groups of students here and there, talking, throwing a football, or practicing spells. In the distance, she could see the girls sunning in the lounge chairs.
When she looked back at Devlin, she saw he was looking at the guys. They were kicking a soccer ball in a circle. She could tell that Devlin was itching to join them.
“Do you want to go play soccer, I mean football, with the guys?” asked Lola.
“I do. But I really don’t want to have to answer questions about where I was this whole time,” he said.
“I know! I’m dying for a nap, but there’s no way I could just plop down on a chair unnoticed,” replied Lola.
They both looked towards the meditation platform, nodded, and started walking.
* * *
Two hours ago, they had been having fun at the BBQ with their friends. It was Saturday at the Academy, one week into their very first two-week Summer Program.
The Academy was a University for Traveling Students: students who, with a magic key, could open doors to anywhere in the world. Some Travelers, like Lola, were also Time Walkers: Travelers who could open a door to anywhere, and any time. A rare few, like Devlin, were World Jumpers: Travelers who could Travel to and from other worlds and dimensions.
In the summer, the Academy opened its doors to students from thirteen to eighteen years old so they could learn how to use their keys safely and appropriately. The curriculum included History, Latin, Magic, Traveling, Martial Arts, Meditation, and Magical Communities. These classes were also prerequisites to attend the University. Any Traveler who had attended the Summer Program and completed their Secondary education could attend the University. However, attendance was mandatory for potential Custodians—Travelers who were the last of their family line. Custodian duties were still nebulous.
Both Lola, sixteen, and Devlin, eighteen, had been summoned to the Academy a handful of days before Orientation, following the deaths of their remaining parents. Lola’s mother had died of cancer while they were living in Baltimore. She was sent to live in a mansion in the deep south with her aunt Phyllis Evers. Phyllis was her father’s sister, whom Lola had last seen when she was two years old and obviously didn’t remember her. Devlin’s mother had died in a car crash and he had no living relatives.
Their parents had not attended the Academy, and neither of them knew anything at all about Keys or Traveling before their parents’ deaths. But they were all caught up now after spending a week cramming five summers’ worth of classes so they could be ready for the fall semester.
Today was their first day off. They were meant to be relaxing and having fun. Instead, they had just spent the last two hours with the Headmaster who, finding the circumstances of their arrival, their mothers’ deaths, and their rare abilities a bit too coincidental, had started investigating. The result of this investigation was finding out that they had both been fathered by Simon Bartholomew Evers. Lola had grown up without her father because, like her mother, he had died of cancer when she was two. However, after she had arrived at the Mansion, Simon had time-traveled so he could spend some time with his daughter but had disappeared on her sixteenth birthday. For his part, Devlin had been told his father had died before he was born and his mother had never discussed him.
* * *
As they neared the meditation platform, they saw it was already in use. Since they had a lot to talk about, Devlin nodded toward the Greenhouse and they set off again in companionable silence. They headed for Lola’s favorite bench and sat down. The last time they had been here was when they had gone flying with Professor Elderberry. On impulse, Lola turned to see if she could spot the fairy in the Greenhouse or buzzing about the gardens but couldn’t see her.
“Tell me about Simon and Phyllis,” murmured Devlin.
Lola turned to face him on the bench and smiled.
“Phyllis is like a fairy godmother! But she’s not a fairy, obviously,” replied Lola and they both laughed and relaxed.
Lola told him about her bus ride to Williamsburg, the car ride with Jackson, and the welcome she got when she had arrived at the Mansion. She described the house and the Estate. There were extensive details about the food, which Devlin lapped up like a starving man. She told him about their father, his paintings, and his bond with Phyllis. She talked about her own relationship with Phyllis and how she was sorry he had missed not only meeting their dad, but also the huge birthday party.
“We’ll have to throw another one, to introduce you to society too!” she exclaimed.
“I’m sure that is not necessary. Just having a home and a family is more than enough for me,” he replied wistfully.
“Well, at least you already know how to dance. You’ll be on everyone’s guest list in no time,” quipped Lola and they laughed again.
Growing serious again, Lola explained how she was told that there are usually two children, a boy, and a girl, in every generation of the Evers.
“Now it makes sense!” she said. “I guess that makes you the Custodian as well as an heir,” she added.
“I don’t care about money. I can get a job and pay my own way,” he replied stiffly.
“Now I know we’re related. That’s exactly what I said!” Lola cried. “Until I found out there was so much to do and, honestly, so much money that managing it is someone’s job,” she continued.
“Would that be Jackson?” asked Devlin.
“Yes. He and Phyllis are doing it together until he gets his degree, but he’s really good at it,” said Lola.
“And what else is he good at?” asked Devlin, wiggling his brows.
Lola’s face turned beet-red and she mock-slapped him. “Stop it!”
They grew serious after a while. Devlin was staring off into space while Lola was studying his profile, trying to catch a glimpse of Simon. But he just looked like Devlin to her.
“Do you think she will like me?” he asked, barely above a whisper.
“Phyllis?” she asked, and he nodded.
“Of course she will! She’ll be overjoyed at another family member. She’s been so lonely since Simon died. I bet she’s already prepping one of the bedrooms for you. When I got there, she had a whole wardrobe ready for me. But I’m thinking that’s a girl thing. If you come and live with us, she won’t feel so guilty about spending time with Boris, her boyfriend. Or about leaving Jackson and me unchaperoned . . .” said Lola.
“Indeed, you should NOT be spending too much time alone with any boy. But certainly not one who basically lives with you. At least here at school, there is no privacy so couples can’t get into too much trouble. On that note, what are you going to do about Jackson and Tom?” he asked.
Lola exhaled deeply and shrugged.
“I have no idea,” she confessed.
Comments
Nothing yet. Say the first thing.
Sign in to join the conversation.