by Leigh Allen
Igniting
Book 1 in the Woodsong Academy Series
By: Leigh Allen
Copyright © 2019 by Leigh Allen All rights reserved.
This book is sold subject to the condition that it shall not, by way of trade or otherwise, be lent, resold, hired out, or otherwise circulated without the publisher's prior consent in any form of binding or cover other than that in which it is published and without similar condition, including this condition being imposed on the subsequent purchaser.
No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in 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 publishers, except by a reviewer who may quote brief passages in a review to be printed in a newspaper, magazine or journal.
The final approval for this literary material is granted by the author.
Second printing This is a work of fiction. Any similarity between the characters and situations within its pages and places or persons, living or dead, is unintentional and coincidental.
Acknowledgments
This novel is for everyone who has ever felt different or alone. Just remember, there is always someone out there for you.
Chapter 1
“Brie, are you up?” my aunt called.
“Yes, I’ll be right down,” I called back. I made a frustrated gesture as I threw on my black, Converse sneakers. I wasn’t sure why she was rushing me. I still had another twenty minutes before I had to leave.
“You better hurry,” she yelled, her hateful voice radiating through the walls of my bedroom. “If you think I am going to drive you to that supernatural Academy, you are crazy.”
“I wouldn’t dream of it,” I mumbled to myself, in a flat, annoyed voice.
I glanced at myself in the mirror as I began to pull my shoulder-length, red hair behind my ears. My five-foot frame was short and slender, and my green eyes seemed to glow. Before walking out of my small bedroom, I glimpsed the photo—the only remaining picture—I had of my parents. I wished more than anything that they were still here with me. But they weren’t. I was alone. It had been nearly five years since they were murdered and the supernatural police were no closer to finding their killers. I knew I would have to join the Woodson Academy alone, an orphan, and that alone made my anxiety increase even more.
You see, I am part of the supernatural world. A world where monsters from fairy tales and legends aren’t just things of fiction-- but a reality. I had known since my birth that I didn’t belong in the human world. My mother was a fairy and my father was a shifter. I would take on the abilities of my mother, which means I will become a fairy. When a supernatural becomes sixteen, they have to attend the Woodsong Academy to learn their true powers and find a way to live with them amongst humans in the human world. It was now m time, and my aunt couldn’t be happier to get rid of me.
Unlike my mother, my aunt wasn’t born with supernatural abilities. She had been angry and hostile over this for years. Hating my mother with an unfair, jealous rage. So, you can only imagine how frustrated she was when she learned that she was responsible for taking me in, five years ago.
Beep, Beep.
Outside my window, I heard the sounds of a car honking. Glancing out my window, I spotted a black van with dark tinted windows idling on the street. My stomach filled with nervous butterflies as I knew the van was here for me. I wish I could have had the orientation tour of the Academy like the other kids who would be attending, but I hadn’t. When I was given the opportunity, my aunt refused to take me. She wouldn’t dream of stepping foot into an Academy where she didn’t belong. Her own selfish desires got in the way of doing what was best for me.
“Brie Bounty, get down here before they leave you here,” my aunt called again.
Sighing, I rolled my eyes, grabbed the duffle bag that contained the few personal items and clothes I had, and rushed toward my bedroom door. Stopping, I quickly spun around and grabbed the picture of my parents before finally leaving my bedroom for the last time.
A sense of excitement and nervousness filled me. This was my new journey and as much as I wished I knew what to expect, I had no clue what was in store for me. All I knew was that I would be learning how to become a supernatural and maybe, hopefully...possibly find a way to track down the people responsible for my parent’s death.
CHAPTER 2
When I arrived at the school, I felt someone nudge my arm. I guess I had fallen asleep while listening to music. The ride had been long and I guess I had drifted off to sleep.
“Thanks,” I said as I smiled. I looked out the window, but it was dark out now, so I couldn’t really make out my surroundings.
From what I had read online, this school was secluded in a wooded area outside of a southern town. I knew I would attend school here and still learn everything I had in public school, but I would also learn about magic, using my powers, and how to transition back to the human world. More importantly, I would learn about supernatural Trackers.
Since my parent’s death, I had conducted my own research about this ‘group’ of people who considered themselves the saviors of the human race. Their ultimate goal: to destroy all supernaturals. It was my belief that they were responsible for the murder of my parents. While there had been no real evidence pointing toward them, I knew in my heart and soul that it was them. My parents were good people and never had any enemies. They owned a small bakery in town and people loved them. When they had been found murdered inside the bakery, everyone was devastated. But me? I was beyond hurt. I was desperate for answers and revenge.
As I stepped out of the van, I held tightly onto my duffle bag and sucked in a deep breath. This was it. My chance to start a new life and finally get the answers I had craved for five years.
***
A set of thick, wooden doors opened as I stepped up to them. There wasn’t anyone there, so I knew it was magic. As I stepped inside, the van pulled away from the driveaway and I realized it was just me now.
Walking inside, I could hear my footsteps as they clicked against the white marble floor below me.
“Welcome, Brie Bounty,” a voice rang out to my left.
I whipped my head around and saw a guy around my age standing near a large, spiraling staircase. He had shaggy hair and dark brown eyes.
“Yes,” I said, gulping.
“Hi, I am Ace. I will be your guide here at the Woodsong Academy. We have been waiting for your arrival,” he said, matter of fact like.
I only nodded, unsure of what I should say. It was strange that he knew my name, but I guess that was to be expected. My arrival had been known.
I walked further inside the school and then I saw another person coming our way. Only, this was a woman who looked like she was almost walking on air. As she glided toward me, a soft smile graced her pale face.
Ace nodded and then turned on his heels to leave. He began to walk down a long, dark corridor and I rushed to catch up with him. Electra had nodded for me to follow him, and then had departed from the room we had once been standing in. Not wanting to be left alone in this strange place, I had no other choice but to follow Ace once again. We came to a long, spiraling staircase with black iron and deep mahogany stairs. The stairs looked as though they reached up to the sky above.
“So, are you a Witch? Trackers? Fairy?” I asked, as I followed him up the stairs. The questions tumbled out of me and I couldn’t help but want to know everything I could.
Without stopping or turning around, Ace responded. “No, I am a shifter.”
I just nodded to myself, unsure of what else to say.
We came to a stop at the top of the stairs, and I noticed several hallways branching out from the area at the top. Each hallway had
a separate staircase leading to the next destination.
“Each supernatural group has their own separate wing of the Academy. Shifters have a hidden exit so when they have to shift and hunt, they can leave the building without disrupting everyone else. The Witches also have their own area equipped with a shield protected cement room where they can perform and practice spells without risking harm to the others. Finally, the fairies have their own section with access to additional windows and balconies where they can practice their flying and magic. From here, you will never enter any other coven. Since it has already been determined you are a fairy, you will go straight there. The others, will each sleep in the main sleeping quarters until they are granted their true powers,” Ace spoke. “Boys have one side of the wing and girls have the other,” he finished.
“Ok,” I said, feeling exhausted by the information and the walk up the stairs.
Everything about this place seemed so unreal. Ace continued walking until we reached a hallway that seemed simple in comparison to the rest of the Academy.
Everything about the place took my breath away. From the modern furniture and flat-screen televisions in the living area, to the chef style kitchen area that was modern and beautiful. I spotted doors all around the area, circling the living and kitchen areas.
“Inside each of those doors are bedrooms. You will live here until you turn twenty. Then, you will have to find your residency somewhere else in the world. This place will train you in your powers until you are able to live on your own as a supernatural,” Ace stated.
He was turning out to be a pretty good tour guide. Too bad, I had about a million questions racing through my mind.
“Which room is mine?” I asked.
“This one,” Ace said, pointing to the one to my right.
I walked to the room by myself and opened the door. Inside was a large, black, iron canopy bed and a dark wood dresser. I had my own bathroom and a closet filled with clothes. The only thing missing was the personal touches that made the room special to each individual person.
“This is really nice,” I said, admiring the space. I only had a small room at my aunt’s house, and she never would have bought me such nice furniture.
“Well, we do enjoy our luxuries,” Ace chuckled.
“What about you?” I asked, feeling the heat rise to my cheeks. I hated that Ace had that effect on me.
“I don’t stay here with the other students.”
“Ok,” I simply said, looking everywhere other than at Ace.
“I will leave you to rest for a while. At dinner, you will be called down to join everyone else,” he said, before closing the bedroom door behind him.
I didn’t even have time to ask when dinner was. Ace just seemed to disappear. He was a strange guy-- hot, but strange. Without knowing what else to do, I fell onto the soft mattress of the bed. The silk, gold-colored sheets felt like feather kisses against my warm skin. I closed my eyes and sighed. I was finally home.
CHAPTER 3
Alone in my new room, I unpacked and then opened my laptop. It was something I had purchased it with money I had saved working at a small coffee shop in town. My aunt provided very little for me while I lived with her and so I had to work to get things I wanted.
“Hold on,” I shouted, as the fists continued to bang on the door.
As I walked to the door, I felt the plush carpet below my feet. The door was shaking and I feared it may come off its hinges.
As I opened the door, I saw an angry-looking Ace standing on the other side.
“It’s about time,” he stated, barging inside the room.
“I was busy,” I argued, watching him walk right past me.
“Fine. It is time for dinner. You need to follow me down to the main dining area,” Ace stated.
“Wait, main dining area? Does everyone eat together?” I asked.
Placing his fingers on the bridge of his nose, Ace exhaled a heavy breath. “Yes.”
I just shook my head in frustration. Ace was going to be the death of me here. Wait, maybe I shouldn’t say that.
I quickly started walking, not wanting to get lost in this big, scary place. We went back down the large staircase and around a corner, until I heard loud voices and dishes clattering. We must be close.
Taking one more step, I found myself inside a large room with floor to wall windows overlooking a large courtyard area filled with vibrantly colored flowers and trees. Circular tables that seated six kids were neatly dispersed around the room. Compared to the rest of this house, this room actually seemed light and inviting.
“Wow, this wasn’t what I expected. I thought we would be dining in a dark room,” I laughed.
“Why?” Ace asked, clearly not getting my book reference.
“Never mind,” I stated, shaking my head.
“Earth designed this room. Each coven designed portions of the Academy,” Ace stated, as we traveled further inside the room.
I took in the aroma of deliciously smelling foods and I sighed as my mouth began to water. There were several kids standing around looking nervous like I was, while others were greeting friends and making their way through the large room. It must be nice to belong.
“Come on, I will take you to Electra so you can meet the others, then you can eat,” Ace said hastily.
“Others?” I asked. I had clearly been disengaged, not focusing on the tour.
“Yes, the other fairies,” Ace said, sounding annoyed.
I followed behind him through the maze of tables until we reached a glass door leading to the courtyard. Ace held the door open for me and as we stepped outside, a cool wind swept over me. I shuddered at the sudden coldness of the air. The sky was dimming as the evening took full effect. It was mid-September and even though it remained warm here the majority of the year, cool air still found a way to sneak in around us.
Electra was standing in the middle of the courtyard with groups of girls and boys. I knew instantly they were the new Fairies; they all had the same look of fear I was sure I had too when I had arrived earlier today.
I stepped within the circle and listened as Electra began to speak.
“I am sure you all still have several questions, and we will get to all of that in due time. Until then, listen to your guides and protectors as they teach you about the Woodsong Academy. Tonight, you will feast in the dining halls and then find your new rooms. Tomorrow, you will be taken to an orientation where you will learn the rules of the Academy and get your official course schedules. From there, you will begin your classes here at the Woodsong Academy,” she spoke.
I nodded along, as I had already heard some of this information before. Everyone began to talk quietly as they all had questions and fears. Electra allowed them a few minutes to speak, before she broke through their voices again.
“One final note, it is with great importance that you adhere to the strict rules of this Academy. While as Fairies, we will hold great power, we are also at great risk from our enemies. As I know many of you are aware, we have been living in the human world peacefully for many decades. However, there are Trackers who still attempt to hunt down supernaturals.” She paused and eyed me and I felt my face turn hot. I hated that everyone knew the mystery surrounding my parents death. Continuing, she looked over at the other students nodding along. “While it has been a great while since the Trackers have attempted an attack on us, they know that our Academy is growing in great size. You must not ever try to battle a tracker on your own. While human, they also have spies and insight into our world. They know how to harm us and will do everything they can to kill us.”
Her words registered fear and anger inside of me. They had come after my parents, I was sure.
Electra dismissed us all and we all followed Ace back into the loud dining hall. There was a table reserved for all new Fairies and we were told to sit there. I felt out of place and like the new kid in school, which technically I was.
As I sat down, a girl with light blonde hair nerv
ously sat down next to me. She smiled and then quickly looked away. Realizing she was terrified just like me, I felt compelled to be nice to her. I had been so engrossed in my parent’s murder and coming to the Academy, I had never really tried to make friends. Now that I was here, I knew it was vital to both my own emotional well being and my safety to make friends with others like me.
“Hi,” I said.
The girl seemed almost ready to cry as she turned to face me. Someone placed a plate in front of us and then four large bowls of salad were placed in front of us. The girl nervously smiled at me.
“Hi,” she spoke timidly.
“My name is Brie,” I offered.
“My name is Lisa,” she said softly.
“So, what are you?” she asked.
“I’m a fairy. My mom was one too,” I said, picking up a fork and digging into the fresh salad.
“Wow, that’s cool. I’m a witch,” she spoke proudly.
“That’s awesome,” I agreed.
“How long have you known you were a witch?” I asked. From what I understood, some supernaturals weren’t told until it was time for them to come to the Woodsong Academy. For me, I was blessed to have known about what I truly was since birth. My parents never hid their powers from me. They had embraced their unique differences and had always protected me from the dangers that lurked in the supernatural world. But now, I was on my own.
“I found out on my thirteenth birthday,” Lisa stated. “It was a shock, but once my mom taught me to use a few spells around our house, it was really cool,” she smiled. “What about you?”
“I have known for as long as I can remember. My mom used to show me her wings when I was little. I thought it was so neat,” I got quiet for a moment. “After my parents died, I sort of became obsessed with this place,” I stated, motioning around the room.
“I’m sorry to hear about your parents. Do you care if I ask what happened?” Lisa said quietly.
