Trial By Nightmare (Academy of Broken Dreams Book 2)

by Rose Alexander

  Trial By Nightmare

  By Rose Alexander and K.N. Thompson

  ©K.N. Thompson and Rose Alexander, 2019

  All rights reserved.

  Without limiting the rights under copyright reserved above, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the prior written permission of the copyright owner.

  The scanning, uploading, and distribution of this book via the Internet or via any other means without the permission of the copyright owner is illegal and punishable by law. Please purchase only authorized electronic editions and do not participate in or encourage piracy of copyrighted materials. Your support of the author’s rights is appreciated.

  Cover: KT Graphic Design

  Editing: Muddy Waters Editing

  Table of Contents

  Title Page

  Dedication

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  About the Authors

  Other Books by K.N.

  Rose Alexander

  More by Rose Alexander

  We dedicate this book to the amazing Rachael. This story wouldn’t be possible without you.

  Chapter 1

  “Now’s the time to kill it!” I blurt out as soon as the vision leaves.

  I'd never seen anything like that in my life, not even with all of the conspiracy theories Sam and I had went through. The Frankenstein of monsters, was the only way to describe it. Head of an elephant, with a claw on its truck. Feet of a tiger with retractable claws. And the teeth, so sharp and thick they could cut a person in half with just one bite.

  "Excuse me Miss Lawrence?" Gandore asks, now sitting across from me. I shake my head, staring at him for a moment before recounting the memory I witnessed as he rubs his chin and listens.

  “Most interesting. Definitely useful information. I will call the Praesidium now and let him know. You are dismissed,” he waves me off as he grabs the phone.

  I leave the headmaster’s office and head back to my room. I’m surprised to find all of the guys, including Korbin, waiting there with Lydia.

  “What happened?” Lydia asks.

  “Why did the headmaster need to see you, Whisper?” Max asks.

  I realize only Lydia knows about the box incident. This is going to be a complicated conversation.

  “So we all know how I’m different than other Nightmares. I kept hearing a humming sound in the library from one of the artifacts. Every time I accidentally teleported, I would end up right in front of it,” I explain. “One of those times Alexis was nearby and pushed me into the display case, which broke. The box fell out and opened when I crashed through the display. There was the beautiful moonstone inside and everything inside me was compelled to touch it. Gandore showed up, told me not to do it, but it was like I was on autopilot. I couldn’t stop myself. I grabbed the stone.”

  “That wasn’t smart. What did you feel? What happened? Were there side effects?” Finn peppers me with questions.

  “I realize it wasn’t smart, Finn. Anyways, I passed out and it filled my head with memories that aren’t mine. Every so often I have a memory, and it is always of stuff we don’t have recorded in history. Gandore asked me to listen to that boy’s interview to see if it would trigger a memory,” I say.

  “Well, did it?” Finn asks.

  “It did actually. Kelly was attacked by a Baku. That claw Gandore picked up grows on the end of their trunks. The good thing is, once it’s cut off you can kill them easily. He’s calling the Praesidium to take care of it now,” I answer.

  “That’s some crazy shit, Whisper,” Sam stares at me with wide eyes. “But what the hell is a Praesidium?”

  “The Praesidium is the leader of the Nightmare government. He is chosen by trial each time the one before him dies,” Finn explains. “Our current Praesidium has been in office for two hundred years.”

  “Oh wow,” I reply, my eyes opening wide. That’s a long time.

  “Back to the Baku. How long does it take the claw to grow back? Are they completely defenseless?” Finn asks.

  “I don’t know. The memory didn’t go into that much detail. It just said the way to kill a Baku was to cut off the claw, then they were easy to kill,” I reply.

  “Hopefully your new memories are right,” Finn shakes his head.

  “Why do you say that?” I ask, placing my hands on my hips.

  “We’ve always been taught there is no way to kill a Baku,” Korbin says quietly. “If what you are saying is right, this is a game changer.”

  “They’ve called a lockdown; we should probably get back to our own rooms,” Max says, glancing at the door. “We just wanted to make sure you were ok.”

  “Thanks for checking on me, but I’m fine. I just had to try and help,” I shrug.

  As soon as the guys are gone and enough time has passed for Ryland and Sam to be in their room, I turn to Lydia.

  “I want to see this Baku thing for myself. The government is supposed to be killing it right away so it should be safe enough,” I explain.

  “I like my life, Whisper. Don’t look at me. I’m keeping my tiny butt right here in this bed,” she crosses her arms across her chest.

  “That’s fine. But I’m still going,” I tell her.

  “Be careful,” she gives me a worried look. “I would try and talk you out of it, but I can tell you won’t listen.”

  “You’re right, and I will stay close to the entry point so I can run back through if there’s trouble,” I try to reassure her.

  I close my eyes and picture the courtyard in front of the school. I feel the black tendrils wrap around me, then as they dissipate I barely hold back a shriek. Korbin is standing in front of me, tendrils still falling off of him.

  “Looks like we had the same idea,” he grins.

  “You want to see the Baku too?” I ask.

  “Might be the only chance we get to see one safely,” he shrugs. “I like to know what I’m up against, and I want to know if these memories you are having are right.”

  “Let’s get out there before it’s too late, but we need to be careful. Stay close to the entry point, and stay hidden from the government men,” I reply.

  “I’ve had lots of practice at staying invisible,” he lets out a self-deprecating laugh.

  I realize he’s more broken than he appears. Maybe Lydia and he can help each other.

  We approach the entry point, no way of knowing what’s waiting directly on the other side. I take a deep breath then slowly step through. As soon as I’m on the other side, I crouch down in the tall grass. It’s winter so it doesn't provide much cover, but some is better than none at all. Korbin crouches next to me and we watch as seven men in suits teleport in, several feet from us.

  “That’s the Praesidium, Albert Du Bois,” Korbin whispers, pointing to a tall, dark haired man.

  “Remember, capture him alive. We need to see what makes these things tick,” the Praesidium booms.

  The men approach a crouched creature that’s about the size of a horse. The Praesidium approaches and suddenly the trunk whips out and imbeds a large black claw in his che
st. I almost scream, but Korbin covers my mouth.

  One of the Praesidiu’s men pulls out a sword and cuts the claw off and the Praesidium falls to the ground. The Baku let's out a deafening howl of pain as the other men cover it in a net and drag it into a large, steel cage. Black tendrils wrap around the group, and the Praesidium’s body, and they disappear, never noticing us watching them.

  “Oh my God!” I whisper. “Did that really just happen? How did its claw grow back so fast?”

  “I don’t know, but we need to get back before anyone notices we are gone,” Korbin says.

  He grabs my elbow and pulls me to my feet. I follow him through the entry point, but he doesn’t let go. He teleports us back to my room.

  “I’ll explain later,” he tells Lydia, who nods in return, then he teleports away again.

  “Whisper? Are you ok?” she asks gently.

  Tears pour down my cheeks. “We just watched the Praesidium die,” I say then sit on the side of my bed as another memory overtakes me.

  “This is barbaric!” the white-haired man says.

  “No, it’s practical. We need the strongest to be able to lead the people when we are gone. The trials will assure that happens,” the bearded man says.

  “Alexander, please reconsider. There will be consequences. The system will be perverted,” the white haired man pleads.

  “No, the first trials will start next week. One from each of the three branches. The winner will become leader, the losers can be the advisors,” he says.

  “If they don’t die, trying to win,” the white haired man grumbles.

  “What was your memory about?” Lydia asks.

  “How they used to pick their leaders. They came up with a system of these trials. There were only three branches of Nightmares at the time. They didn’t even call them houses yet. The winner became the leader and the losers the cabinet. One of the men was afraid they would take the system and break it, make it worse,” I explain.

  “They probably did. Let’s check our government book,” she suggests.

  “You’re so clever,” I smile and stand up to find my book.

  I flip through the pages until I find the trials. My stomach sinks as I read about what they’ve become. Now it’s a fight to the death. There is only one winner, the rest walk away empty handed, if they survive. This book is glossing it over, it’s obvious, but it’s still a far cry from what they had intended to happen.

  “I think I need to lie down for a while,” I say, my stomach churning.

  “Get some rest. Hopefully things look better in the morning,” Lydia says, grabbing her own pajamas.

  Chapter 2

  After breakfast the guys, Lydia, and I head for the auditorium. Headmaster Gandore has called an assembly this morning. The halls are full of students talking about the death of Kelly and wondering if the school is even a safe place for us now.

  Looking over at Lydia I ask, “Do you think we’re still safe?”

  “I don’t know. I mean the Baku that killed Kelly didn't get through the entry point,” she says, shrugging her shoulders.

  We enter the auditorium and take our seats. Gandore walks up to the podium and clears his throat. It's so quiet you could hear a pin drop.

  “Welcome students; I hope you have enjoyed your first few weeks at the academy. I have a few announcements to make and then you can be on your way. First, I want to assure you all that you’re still completely safe here. The teachers are well informed on what has taken place and are working together to make sure the school is protected.

  “We have also been informed that the Praesidium has died and school will let out early today,” headmaster announces.

  The auditorium explodes in a roar of hushed whispers.

  “Calm down. Your guardians have been contacted and will be arriving to collect you. The trials will commence next week to choose a new leader and Christmas break will follow the trials.

  “We hope you all have a very happy Christmas. Thank you. You’re dismissed to pack up your things,” he says.

  I look over at Korbin with wide eyes, and he curtly nods his head and stands up. As we file out of the auditorium, I nudge Lydia's arm.

  “How do you feel about going to the trials?” I ask, as we make our way to our room.

  “I’m a little excited about the trials, but more excited to see my aunt Helen.” she responds.

  We make it back to our room and the guys all crowd in.

  “Don’t you guys have things to pack?” I ask, chuckling.

  “No, we have time,” Finn says, running his hand through his blonde hair.

  “You trying to get rid of us?” Max asks, a cocky smirk on his lips.

  “Never,” I reply rolling my eyes and smiling at them.

  I walk over to my closet and pull out my suitcase and duffle bag and begin to pack up my clothes and shoes, while listening to the guys make plans to hang out over Christmas break. Then I realize I don’t have Lydia’s number or anyone’s number so we can keep in touch.

  “Did we ever exchange cell numbers? ” I ask randomly, zipping my duffle bag shut.

  “Umm, no actually we never did,” Ryland answers with a sexy smirk on his face.

  “Well I thought maybe during break we could meet up and hang out sometime,” I tell them, placing my shoes in my bag.

  “Hey! You know, that sounds like an awesome idea!” Lydia squeals.

  The guys all pull their phones out and start passing them around.

  “Here, catch Sam,” I say, tossing him my phone as I take Lydia’s and begin to enter my number.

  Sam catches my phone and passes it to Max. After we all have exchanged numbers, the guys start leaving to pack up their things. Ryland walks over, handing me my phone.

  “Thanks Ryland,” I say zipping my bag shut.

  “So, would you like to… um,” he says, nervously running his hand through his hair. “What I’m trying to ask is, would you like to have dinner with me while we are on break?”

  I feel my cheeks heat up as I look at him.

  “That sounds like fun!” I reply. “Maybe you can show me around? I’ve only been to town during quick shopping trips.”

  “That sounds like a plan,” Ryland responds, his face lighting up like he just won first prize in a contest.

  “See ya later, Lydia,” Ryland waves as he walks out the door.

  When the door shuts, I look over and Lydia is grinning ear to ear.

  “I don’t mean to pry but… did I just hear Ryland ask you to have dinner with him?” she asks in a fake southern belle accent.

  I toss my last unpacked pillow at her and blush all over again.

  “We’re just getting food then he’s going to show me around town. I wouldn’t call that a date,” I reply, laying on heavy sarcasm.

  Lydia bust out laughing and throws the pillow back, hitting me right in the face with a soft oomph.

  “It’s a date Whisper,” she says still laughing her head off.

  “Pack your stuff or Aunt Helen will be waiting forever,” I reply, smiling that I have such goofy best friend.

  We carry our things to the front foyer where Sam, Aunt Nellie, and Lydia’s Aunt Helen are waiting.

  “How did you get down here so fast?” I ask Sam walking over and giving Aunt Nellie a quick hug.

  “I’m a guy; I have less stuff,” he replies, shrugging his shoulders.

  Lydia walks over to a middle aged woman with a round face, big green eyes, and brown hair with thick red streaks in it.

  “That must be Lydia’s Aunt Helen,” I say to Aunt Nellie.

  “Well let’s not be rude,” she says, walking over to stand beside Lydia.

  I rush to catch up. I give Lydia an I’m sorry look and roll my eyes. Lydia giggles.

  “Aunt Helen, I would like you to meet my best friend Whisper and her Aunt Nellie,” Lydia introduces us.

  Aunt Nellie and I step forward to shake her hand. “It’s nice to meet you. Lydia has told me all about the Chris
tmas goodies and decorating she enjoys so much.”

  Aunt Helen beams as she pulls Lydia in for a quick peck on the cheek.

  “It’s nice to meet you too. We hoped she would make new friends,” she replies happily. “Maybe you girls can get together during break, so you stay in touch.”

  “That sounds great. Lydia, you have my number. Call or text anytime,” I say, giving her a big hug.

  “Well we must be going, it won’t be long before Uncle William will be off work. I thought we might stop in town and pick up those pastries you both love,” Aunt Helen says to Lydia.

  We wave goodbye as they walk out the door, chatting between themselves. I can’t help but smile. Especially knowing what Lydia’s been through.

  I pick up my things and look at Sam.

  “You ready, Sammy boy?” I ask walking over and bumping his shoulder with mine.

  “Yup, let’s do this,” he replies, giving me a sweet smile as we walk out the door.

  I glance over at Aunt Nellie to find her giving me a knowing smile.

  “What are you smiling about?” I ask laughing softly.

  “Oh, nothing, he seems to be a sweet guy,” she says innocently.

  I nod my head. “He really is a nice guy,” I smile at her.

  We walk out the door after Sam, catching up to him once we reach the entry point at the academy. We step through into the Flint Hills of Kansas before teleporting to the spires of the Floating Islands in Zhangjiajie Hunan China, the entry point to Graymire. We step through and teleport to Rush Jewelry store.

  “I need to make a quick stop at one of my stores. I won’t be long,” Aunt Nellie says.

  We follow Aunt Nellie into the store and wait while she speaks to the store manager.

  “Hey Sam, check this out,” I say, pointing to a black gold necklace with a fiery-eyed horse charm hanging from it. “That resembles the Denver horse I wrote that blog about.”

  “It really does, except its black and not blue,” he chuckles. “I’m glad you’re here Whisper. I don’t know how I would have handled all this on my own.”