A Raven Falls Academy Prequel
K.N. Lee
Graduating high school was a piece of cake. Try surviving a college where fairies make up the cheerleading squad, doorways open to other worlds, and finals are life or death. Literally.
Welcome to Raven Falls Academy.
Formerly known as The Red Queen
Copyright © 2019 K.N. Lee
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means without the prior written permission of the author except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.
This is a work of fiction. Characters, incidents, and dialogs are products of the author’s
imagination and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to actual events is strictly
coincidental.
1
While frost pixies buzzed outside the glass walls of the Hall of Dark Arts, the urge to play with magic overwhelmed Hailey.
Her nerves were shot, and lack of sleep made it difficult to keep from throwing small sparks of white light into the air with her fingertips.
Bored.
That’s what she was as she rolled out of bed that morning and headed to the first course of her senior year. As she wound a lock of silver hair around her finger, ice-magic flowed within. Still, she kept it at bay. Such an ability was addictive, especially after years of developing her strengths and learning how to control what unique gift she’d been born with.
She chewed her bottom lip and sighed as she and the other ninety-nine students in the classroom waited for their professor.
“I hear he’s very strict,” Marissa whispered while peering down at an ancient book on light shields. “Like an army general.”
“I hear finals are devastating. At least fifteen percent of each class either fails or dies each year.”
“Yes, Vanya,” Hailey said. “Don’t be so dramatic. We know.”
She hadn’t been studying relentlessly all summer for nothing. It wasn’t a rumor that students died during their final trials. It was fact. Her older sister’s best friend had died during a duel.
She’d attended the funeral.
Vanya shrugged. “Just saying.”
With long dark hair and olive-colored skin skin, Marissa resembled both the mermaids of her kingdom and the humans who lived above the sea. That was her unique lineage that made her stand out from nearly everyone on campus. That, and her shimmering silver eyes.
Vanya, on the other hand, was a human like Hailey. Her long blue hair reached the back of her knees, and her pale skin refused to tan no matter how hot the sun became or how long they lay under it. Her glass-blue eyes always seemed to look directly into your soul, and so Hailey usually avoided looking right into them. Even though they were best friends, she had some secrets she never wanted to see the light of day.
Hailey yawned and Marissa continued. “But, Professor Nolen is supposed to be a hard ass, a bit mad, but fair at least. Can’t say the same about some of the other professors.”
“Like Professor Barron,” Vanya said, tapping her pen on the desk that folded over their laps. “Why do all of the strict professors have to be hotties? Totally not fair. I hear Professor Nolen is hot…like movie-star hot. Not that Hailey cares. She’s still hung up on Cassius. The purple-haired freak.”
“Well, he is quite dreamy. I would have scooped him up if Hailey hadn’t first,” Marissa said. Then, she lifted a brow. “Have you heard from him, yet?”
Shaking her head, Hailey sighed inwardly. She knew they’d bring it up. The fact that she hadn’t heard from her boyfriend all summer didn’t help her nerves or the fact that insomnia had reared its ugly head once again.
“Sorry, love. I’m sure he was just busy with his usual family stuff. But, look at how lucky you are. While I’m stuck with Rumpelstiltskin, you get Professor Nolen as your advisor. That must count for something,” Marissa said.
“I don’t know how lucky she is. He’s Libby’s advisor as well,” Vanya said with a frown. “She’s been copying poor Hailey since freshman year. Like a little leech. I bet she requested him on purpose.”
Hailey shrugged, feigning nonchalance. Yet, she curled her fist around a pen and nearly snapped it in half. The mention of Libby’s name sent ice through her veins. Of course, Libby requested him. She wasn’t surprised. It was that girl’s sole goal in life to be a pest to Hailey.
“Whatever. I really don’t care what Libby does. I’d appreciate if we didn’t bring her name up again,” she said.
“Sure,” Vanya said, giving Hailey’s shoulder a squeeze. “One more year and you’re free of your little protégé.”
Hailey grimaced. “All that matters is that I pass this year’s courses with straight A’s. My parents would kill me. I can’t come home and show my face unless I am valedictorian.”
“They can’t kill you. You’re the future queen of the Red Throne.” Vanya snorted, a bit too loudly and several other seniors at Raven Falls Academy of Supernatural & Combat Studies turned around to look at her.
“Keep your voice down,” Hailey whispered.
“I’m just saying. No one would dare give you less than an A,” Vanya said, turning her blue-eyed gaze on Hailey. “And, of course you’ll be valedictorian. Even if you decide to stop showing up for class, no one’s going to not give you that title, your majesty.”
“Don’t give me that,” Hailey said. “We’re all equals here.”
“As equal as a filet mignon and a hot dog,” Vanya said with a snicker.
“Fair enough,” Hailey said.
The double doors to the lecture hall opened, and in walked their professor—the wizard they’d all heard about since they began their first year at the University. Now, as seniors, this was to be their toughest course.
Dark Arts 101.
For most students, this single course could determine their place in the world. Consequently, Hailey, Marissa, and Vanya were all royalty, known around campus as The Princess Pack.
Vanya was referred to by many as the Snow Princess, future queen of an icy land just north of Raven Falls, and Marissa preferred to keep her title as the Sea Witch, and not princess at all, despite her parents ruling much of the cluster of islands just south.
Their paths were set. That didn’t mean they didn’t sweat a bit thinking about the stories they’d heard about Professor Nolen.
Hailey selected him for a reason. Not only was he from Raven Falls, but he was the best dark wizard in the entire school.
All cNolen ceased as he walked into the room, carrying a stack of folders and a laptop satchel at his hip.
Her heart skipped a beat as he shot her a quick glance, and butterflies filled her belly.
Hailey leaned forward and licked her lips. “Goodness, you weren’t kidding, Vanya.”
Professor Nolen wasn’t just hot. He was on fire.
2
Despite the glasses on his face, Professor Nolen was astonishingly handsome.
He couldn’t have been more than thirty, with dark wavy auburn hair cut short, a tall athletic frame, and the style of a trendy librarian. With a collared shirt under an evergreen sweater and dark charcoal-colored slacks, he was just the kind of guy Hailey avoided. She usually went for soldiers, or warriors-in-training.
But, there was something alluring about Professor Nolen, especially when he cast his green-eyed gaze directly at her as if she were the only person in the room.
Her cheeks flushed red even though she tried to play it cool.
“Seems we have our future queen in this room,” he said, lifting his wire-rimmed glasses up.
Everyone turned to look at Hailey and she gave a slight nod of acknowledgment. It wasn’t a secret on campus. Most people knew exactly who she was and gave her the respect her title afforded her. Still, she wasn’t keen on being called out.
“Come on down,” Professor Nolen said, a mischievous smile coming to his lips. “You can be the first v
olunteer of the semester.”
Vanya nudged her, and Hailey tried to hide her fear. What was she volunteering for?
She came to her feet and sidestepped her way past the other students in her row to head down the narrow stairs that led to the front of the classroom. As she walked closer to him, her heart began to thump harder, louder inside her chest. From this distance, she noticed that he had freckles across his nose and cheeks, and a strong jawline. He was a warrior in geek clothing.
She absently smoothed the front of her red dress. “What’s the lesson?”
He held a hand out toward her, and a brief warning sparked in her belly.
The classroom was so silent, she could hear her own heartbeat and how her breaths quickened as she took his hand and he guided her to stand right before him.
“Right,” he began. “As you all must know by now, I am Professor Stuart Nolen, your guide through the most difficult subject you’ll ever learn. The Dark Arts.”
Hailey didn’t like the change in his tone as he said those words. They were menacing. She looked down, realizing that he hadn’t let go of her hand and she held in a breath as he pulled her even closer to his chest.
Her mind whirled at the first whiff of his intoxicating scent. She was certain her lashes fluttered as she drew in another breath of the tangy aroma of cedar and mint. From what she knew, he was one of the greatest wizards ever to be born in Raven Falls and lived in an old castle in the middle of the Dead Forest.
“Tell me,” he said, lowering his voice. “Do you feel this?”
Hailey gasped as a rush of cold filled her veins. It was euphoric and exhilarating.
She nodded as her eyes went to his full lips. She licked hers and flickered her gaze back up to his. “Yes, what’s happening?”
He tilted his head and lifted her into the air. When he let go of her hand, she reached down to hold her skirt around her legs as a gust of wind blew her higher into the air.
Eyes widened, she looked down at the classroom as she hovered a few feet above their heads. A collective gasp of awe erupted from the students as Hailey began to spin.
“Whoa,” she whispered as she spun and her hair wrapped around her face
“What you see here,” Professor Nolen said. “Is a simple levitation spell. Maybe one day, after years of practice, you’ll be able to master this art on both a willing subject and yourself.”
Professor Nolen flew into the air and wrapped his arms around Hailey’s waist. Their eyes locked as he slowly led her back down to the floor.
She swallowed as her feet found their footing.
College just got exponentially more interesting.
3
After her last class of the day, Vanya and Marissa met outside the Campus Green. Students filed onto the immaculately manicured evergreen lawn; all dressed with their Raven Falls Academy red cloaks over their clothes.
Young men and women came from all walks of life and from all over the world to attend, yet Hailey couldn’t muster a smile. Summer was rough. Instead of spending it in on Marissa’s island with her boyfriend like the year before, she was alone. Why, she still wasn’t sure. But, she had an idea, and the thought of it turned her stomach.
“What a day,” Vanya said, shaking her head. “The professors aren’t cutting us any slack. I already have four papers due by the end of the week.”
Hailey chuckled and shrugged. “Did you think it would be easy? I already knew they were going to try to kill us with assignments this year.”
“Not a word out of you, missy. It’s clear that Professor Nolen fancies you,” Marissa said. “Did you see the way he looked at her this morning?”
“I did,” Vanya said. “I saw it all. But, why would he choose Hailey over me?”
Marissa laughed and Hailey hid a secret grin. She could still smell him, and feel his hands on her back. For once she felt lucky. To have him as both an instructor and an advisor, she might just enjoy this semester.
“I think our Hailey might fancy him right back,” Vanya said, with a grin that lit up her face which shimmered with flecks of silver.
“I think you’re right,” Hailey said under her breath. Perhaps what she needed was a fling with the sexy professor. After months of loneliness, she deserved some attention. Cassius wasn’t lacking any from dear old Libby.
“I can see it on her face,” Vanya said, locking arms with Hailey. “She likes him. And, I approve.”
A bit overwhelmed by just how exhilarated Professor Nolen had made her feel earlier, Hailey breathed in the cool air and took a glance around the Campus Green. It was a parade of students and staff, all assembled on the Green, the large front lawn that faced the ancient castle that served as the university. The strong smell of fresh-cut grass lingered in the air, as did the sweet cinnamon scent of fairy dust. The entire cheerleading squad were out behind their welcome stand, in their skimpy red and black uniforms and clad with stacks of paper pressed to their chests.
Her eyes widened as one fairy buzzed over on translucent white wings and shoved a flyer into her hands.
“Cheerleading tryouts start tomorrow on the football field. See you there!”
“Bloody hell, Farah,” Hailey said. “When are you going to get it through your head that I’m not joining your squad?”
Farah shrugged, smiling. “Come on, Hailey, you—”
“Hailey,” she corrected, rolling her eyes. She hated being called by her full name. “Just Hailey.”
The fairy’s cheeks flushed. “Oh, sorry, —”
Lilith, the captain of the squad flew from their stand. It was odd seeing her on campus when back at the Raven Falls Palace, Lilith’s family stayed in the Mage’s quarters and was responsible for using their magic to keep the enchanted gardens in order.
“Good day, your highness,” Lilith said, bowing her head to Hailey.
“You don’t have to be so formal, here.”
Lilith twirled one of her red pigtails and gave Hailey a sheepish look. “Of course. My apologies. You see, though…we have spots for the three of you. Imagine if we had the entire Princess Pack. All of the girls would be ever so pleased.”
“Yeah,” Vanya said, feigning excitement. “Keep imagining. Let me know how that works out for you.” She grimaced at the flyer.
Snatching it out of Hailey’s hand, she froze it into a sheet of ice. A wicked grin came to her shimmering pink lips that always looked as though they’d been dusted with snow.
“Oops,” she said as she dropped it onto the white stone walkway and watched it crumble into tiny shards of ice. “Let’s go, ladies.”
Hailey blew her bangs out of her eyes as she followed Vanya and Marissa away from the welcoming squad. “Well, you could have been a little bit nicer to those girls. They look up to us.”
“As they should. We’re going to rule each and every one of them one day. But, please kill me if I ever become that desperate,” Vanya said, marching Hailey away from the student quad.
“Just saying, you don’t want to see any of the fae girls get angry,” Hailey said, shaking her head. “Not pretty.”
“Sure. But, I bet they don’t want to see me get angry,” Vanya said with a laugh. “I’ll freeze their tiny noses off their faces. Cheerleaders, sororities, sports teams. Like, who has time for any of that nonsense?”
“Um,” Marissa said. “I kinda wanted to join the swim team.”
“Attention whore,” Vanya said. “You’re a sea witch. Do you really have to show off amongst the humans?”
All sounds seemed to fade into the background as a very familiar laugh cut through the chaos. It was light and cutesy.
Fake.
Here we go, Hailey thought as she inhaled the crisp autumn air and turned around.
It was as she’d expected. As she’d feared.
Her heart sank into the pit of her stomach as Libby and Cassius walked hand-in-hand across the lawn and toward the dining hall.
As she glanced to her left, her heart broke.
; She braced herself, grabbing Marissa’s arm.
No.
“You’ve got to be kidding me,” Vanya said as they watched Hailey’s ex-boyfriend, Cassius get out of the passenger’s side. “What a moron.”
Hailey looked away. She inhaled and clasped her hands before her. After squeezing her eyes shut and wiling herself to remain calm, she looked to the setting sun and shook her head. “It’s fine.”
Heartbroken and sick to her stomach, she refused to show weakness. So, she shrugged her shoulders and flipped her long, silver hair over her shoulder.
“Like hell it is,” Vanya said, lifting both brows in surprise. “I’m going over there to set that little Barbie doll straight. I might even slap some sense into Cassius while I’m at it.”
Hailey caught her by the arm. Calmly, she shook her head. “No. I mean it. I’m letting it go. So should you. They deserve each other.” Her arch-nemesis and the only man she ever loved. No one believed her hollow words.
“Are you sure you’re okay?” Marissa asked.
“Yes,” she said, forcing a smile. “Let’s skip the dining hall and go out to eat.”
Vanya studied her face, clearly not believing her, but keeping her mouth shut.
That’s all Hailey wanted was for everyone to stop making a big deal out of it. She’d survive.
She always did.
“Good idea,” Vanya said, taking her by the hand. “No need to eat with the peasants when we have perfectly good credit cards waiting to buy the best sushi in all of Raven Falls.”
Giddy, Marissa nodded. “Yes. I approve. To Upstream we go! We can take my car.”
The first day of her second year at the most prestigious school in all of the magical realm, and she was already physically and emotionally exhausted. Still, as they left the Campus Green and headed to the valet parking to retrieve Marissa’s car, Hailey made a pack with herself.
She wouldn’t let Cassius or Libby get her down. One day she’d be queen, and one day they’d both bow to her.
Paranormal Academy Page 67
