by M Guida
Beads of sweat broke out on forehead and on my upper lip. I unbuttoned my jeans, but my fingers shook so badly I couldn’t wiggle out of them.
“Here, let me help.” Lucien jerked my jeans down in one swift pull.
I drew the air in between my teeth sharply and hissed. Blistered skin bubbled on my thigh and flakes of it clung to my jeans.
“That’s isn’t good.” Worry filled his eyes, which seemed to change from blue to green to brown. “I’ll be right back with some herbs. I also need to notify Anton.”
“Why? I don’t want to be kept here or locked up in his bedroom again.”
Dr. Greenwood blinked. “Excuse me?”
Lucien bit back a smirk.
“That’s not what I meant.” I clenched the comforter. “I just want to go to school tomorrow.”
“Let me be the judge of that,” Dr. Greenwood said. “Lucien, please go fetch the Headmaster.”
“I’ll be right back.” Lucien put a hand gently on my shoulder. “It will be all right, Raven. I promise.”
I nodded and hoped I wasn’t going to be locked up for being so clumsy. That’s what I get for falling under Lucien’s spell.
A moment later, Bo entered. “Hey, Raven. Are you okay? I just saw Lucien carrying you inside.” His eyes widened. “Shit, what happened?”
My cheeks heated. “I spilled hot coffee on my thigh.” I moved the comforter to cover myself. I don’t know why I did that. Bo had seen me naked hundreds of times, but that was when I was shifting––not sitting on a hospital bed in a red thong.
Dr. Greenwood came back, carrying a tray with a jar, a rag, and a bowl of steaming water. “Hopefully, this will help.”
I inhaled the scent of something fresh, a mix of peppermint and anise, that almost reminded me of Christmas. My lungs filled up with the wonderful fragrance, and the pain eased.
Bo clasped my hand. “Why isn’t her dragon healing the burn?”
“Because it is as I feared.”
Anton stood at the door looking grim as ever. He swept over toward me with Lucien right behind him.
“Dr. Greenwood,” he said. “Her dragon cannot heal her, because, unfortunately, it’s fixated on the spell book.”
I winced. I wanted to argue, but the truth was, I needed to get to my room and have a little chat with my dragon. Anton made her sound like an addict.
“Then we’ll have to try to heal her the human way,” Dr. Greenwood said as he put the tray on the nightstand next to me. He dipped the rag into the water. “I’ve added Bosisin, which is a healing herb from my home, the Starlight Kingdom.”
He patted my burned thigh with the rag. I arched my back, curling my fingers into the comforter, and hissed. I panted hard and did what Mom always taught me when I was in pain––count back from a hundred.
One hundred… Ninety-nine… Ninety-eight… Ninety-seven…
He stopped, and I exhaled. I didn’t even realized I had been holding my breath. Steam swirled around the red and white blisters.
I could feel the blood drain from my face. “Dr. Greenwood, why is it doing that?”
“That’s what happens when ice meets fire.”
I furrowed my brows. “Fire? Seriously? It was just hot coffee.”
“Maybe I’m being a little dramatic,” he said. “But essentially this is what happens.” He dipped the rag into the jar and spread a cool, soothing ointment over my burn. “This is bitter aloe and you should heal in a few days.”
I hesitantly glanced over at Anton, hoping he didn’t ground me again.
He held my gaze for several long minutes, making my shoulders slump lower and lower. “Dr. Greenwood, do you think it wise she attend classes tomorrow?”
“This will take several weeks to heal. The burn ran very deep into her skin, and very quickly.”
I stared at my thigh, cursing my clumsiness one more time. “Will I have a scar?”
Dr. Greenwood smiled for the first time. “No, you’re lucky you’re here rather than at a human hospital. With their medicine, you would have a scar, but with me, you’ll never know it was even there.”
Bo looked between me and Lucien. “How did this happen, anyway?”
I avoided his gaze, not sure what to say to him. Poppy’s words came back to haunt me. He was getting so angry so quickly these days, which wasn’t like him. Was he changing?
Lucien blurted, “I was kissing her and didn’t know where her coffee cup was. I thought she had put it down.”
Bo pointed at my thigh. “So, this is your fault?”
Lucien narrowed his eyes. “It was an accident. Pure and simple.”
Bo shoved him. “Because of your lust, she got hurt.”
Something fluttered in my chest and pressed on my lungs. I put my hand over my heart. I felt pulled, as if I were hunting for something. The room spun around, faster and faster. Faces and colors––brown, purple, white, yellow––danced in front of my eyes. My stomach did a 360 and my breakfast burrito threatened to come back up my throat.
I couldn’t concentrate on what Bo and Lucien were saying.
“Stop.” A loud voice said. Anton… I think.
I closed my eyes and put my hand over my mouth.
“Hey, what are you doing, Anton? Let me go.” Lucien’s voice was filled with anger.
“Anton, what the hell?” Bo’s was just as mad.
“Out. Both of you. Now.”
Strong fingers gripped my arms. “Raven, come back to us. Fight it. Fight it. Tell your dragon. Now. Now. Before it’s too late.”
Anton’s voice held power… I had never felt nothing like it. A compulsion that burst through the spinning wheel in my head.
No
My silver dragon appeared, and desire and greed burned in her eyes.
Mine
I didn’t like what she looked like. The kindness and gentleness were gone.
No
This time it was louder, and the spinning slowed.
Please. No.
My voice echoed in my ears, and everything stopped. My breakfast burrito stayed down, and I peeked open my eyes.
Anton sat on my bed and unwound his fingers from my arms. He wiped the sweat off his brow.
I took a quivering breath and scanned the room. My protectors were gone. “What happened? Where are Bo and Lucien?”
Dr. Greenwood came from the door. “It’s locked, Anton.” He came and sat on the bed opposite from us.
Bam Bam Bam Bam
I jumped at the heavy pounding.
“Anton, let us in.” Lucien’s voice thundered from behind the locked heavy oak door.
“Why did you throw them out?”
Anton clasped my shaking hand. “Bo’s and Anton’s fighting triggers a reaction with your dragon. She senses your feelings for them and fears they could hurt each other over you. She was searching for the protection spell.”
I licked my lips. “Anton, I saw her. She didn’t look the same.” I shivered when I thought of the possession in her eyes.
“Tell me about her.”
“Usually, she’s very sweet-looking and beautiful. But this time… this time…”
He squeezed my hand. “What?”
“She looked…” I glanced between him and Dr. Greenwood. “Obsessed.”
Anton took my other hand. “This isn’t good, Raven. Your dragon has sensed the strength within the spell book, and she’s drunk at the possibilities. Silver dragons haven’t used the spell book in hundreds of years. We didn’t even know silver dragons still existed until you came to the academy.”
“So, what do you think I should do?”
He sighed and glanced over at Dr. Greenwood, who shrugged and shook his head. I got the feeling that something passed between them.
“What? Tell me?”
Anton gave me a hard stare. “You need to stay away from Lucien and Bo.”
My mouth dropped and I swear he could have knocked me over with a feather. “Excuse me?”
“Bo and Lucien can�
��t seem to control themselves when they are around you, and this triggers your dragon like I’ve said earlier. You’re not in control of your dragon. And your dragon is not in control of herself. All of this could spell severe consequences.”
“I can’t believe this.” I pushed my hair behind my ears. My heart sank down to my toes, and I couldn’t catch my breath. How could I be separated from my two biggest supporters?
“Calm down, Raven,” Anton said. “Or you’ll trigger another attack. Instead of Lucien training you, I’ve assigned you to two other students.”
“Two?”
“Demi Hopkins and Vivian Lind.”
He might as well have decked me. “You’re kidding, right?”
“No, I’m not.” He stood. “Both of those girls know how to remain in control.”
“But both of those girls hate my guts. I’m number one on their hit list. How do you know my dragon won’t go after them?”
“Because you’re not thinking of mating with either one of them, are you?”
My cheeks flamed. “No. But seriously, Anton––”
“I’ve made my decision, Raven.” He headed over toward the door. “I will tell the boys that I’ve told you to stay away from them, and I will inform the girls on what’s going to be happening.”
I slammed back onto the bed, not believing how screwed up my life had just become. Did Anton hate me? Why would he do such a thing?
Dr. Greenwood got off the other bed. “I’ll finish dressing your burn.”
“Thank you,” I murmured.
My head spun in circles, trying to sort this out. I wished I’d never found that stupid book.
Dr. Greenwood put a patch over my burn, and soft tingles spread around the burn. “You can carry on normally with this special magical Fae patch on. It possesses healing powers and allows you to take showers. However, I advise you not to do any strenuously activity yet. You’ll be able to leave in a few minutes. The patch needs to meld with your skin.”
“Thanks again.”
He smiled. “You’re welcome.” He rested his gently on my shoulder. “I’m sorry about Bo and Lucien. I know how much they mean to you. Anton just doesn’t want anyone to get hurt.”
I nodded, not caring a stick about that, and definitely heading toward a tantrum that would have been better suited to a two-year-old. Somehow, I kept myself together and didn’t destroy the place.
A few minutes later, Mina entered the infirmary. “Hey.” She stuck out her thumb. “Anton sent me to collect you.”
I crossed my arms over my chest. “Did he tell you the news?”
“A little bit. I got an earful from Lucien and then Bo. Those two are about ready to launch into World War III.”
I put my palms up. “Don’t say that. My dragon goes a little crazy when she hears those two are fighting.”
“Sorry.” She sat on the bed. “Are you ready to leave?”
Dr. Greenwood nodded. “I think you’re well enough to go.” He shook a finger. “Remember, no strenuous activity, Raven. Otherwise, you’ll rip off that patch and have a nasty scar.”
I saluted him. “I promise I won’t.”
Mina draped my arm around her shoulder. “Ready… One.. Two… Three.”
I stood and bit my lip. Sharp pain went through my thigh, but I didn’t cry out. If I did, Dr. Greenwood would insist I remain in bed.
Mina helped me hobble out of the infirmary. The first thing I saw was a red dragon perched on top of Wyvern’s purple tower, looking down at us.
“I think you’ve got a super protector, Raven.” She pointed. “Don’t look now, but the other one is on top of Mystic tower.”
Lucien sat on top of a white tower, which was the Golden Demon’s home. His beautiful golden wings were spread wide behind him, but he didn’t make a move to fly. No doubt he was unwilling to spin Bo into a rage. Did he think Bo was growing dark, too?
Anton stood in the middle of the courtyard, and the look on his face was solid granite. If either of them moved, there would be hell to pay.
Weariness washed over me. I didn’t want to be a trophy for the two of them to fight for, or to battle Anton, or to have to struggle to control my dragon. “Let’s just get back to our room.”
“Sure.”
We made our way slowly but surely across the courtyard. Neither of my two pursuers nor Anton stopped us. Students sat on the grass or at picnic tables. No one seemed to pay attention to us, and once inside the door, my tense muscles could relax and I exhaled.
But my relaxation was short-lived.
Vivian met us at the staircase that led to our room.
She flicked her hair and gave me a smarmy smile. “Why, if it isn’t my new student.”
Mina glared. “What are you talking about, Vivian?”
“Oh, she hasn’t told you. How quaint.” She pinched my cheek. “See you tomorrow, honey.” She flounced away from us, laughing.
Mina helped me up a step. “Is she drunk?”
“Drunk with getting even with me,” I grumbled.
She stopped. “What do you mean?”
I told her about Anton’s great new plan.
“Oh, crap, Raven. That sucks.”
“Tell me about it. There’s no way I’m going to pass this year.” Every bone inside me drooped. My hope had fled. I might as well book my five-star accommodation at the Hollows right now.
Chapter 9
Morning came all too soon, and I was absolutely dreading my first class with my two foes. I couldn’t believe Anton had done this to me. I limped toward the cafeteria with Mina. The burn on my thigh felt strange, as if it were being stretched. Each time I took a step, it throbbed, but I refused to complain. Anton was waiting at the door and a sinking feeling hit me.
He blocked my path. “Raven, you can’t eat in the cafeteria.” His impersonal voice sent my temper on fire.
“Why not?”
“Obviously, because Bo and Lucien are already inside, sitting at the Royal table.”
“Then I won’t eat at the Royal table.”
“You’ll be taking your meals with me for the time being.” He held out his arm. “Come. Our breakfast awaits us.”
Mina gave me a sad look and shrugged. She disappeared inside. I glimpsed my friends at the Royal table and loneliness gripped me. Another reason to curse the spell book.
I gripped the strap of my backpack tighter and followed Anton away from the only family I had known since Mom had been kidnapped.
“Don’t look so glum, Raven,” he said. “I promise you’ll have a tasty breakfast.” He winked. “Vampires don’t just drink blood, you know.”
I blurted, “Anton, was it your choice to go to Legacy Academy? Or was that decision made for you?”
“Ah, I see you have learned about the other academies.”
I frowned. “How come nobody told me about them?”
He opened the door to his quarters. “They’re not a big secret, to be honest. I think everyone just assumed you knew.”
I inhaled the smell of eggs, bacon, fried potatoes, and delicious cinnamon rolls. The dining room table was ten times fancier than the Royal table. Two sets of candelabras stood on either side of several silver warming trays that were filled with the yummy breakfast treats. My mouth drooled.
He pulled out one tall red leather chair. “Please, sit.”
“Thank you,” I said, as I put my backpack on the floor. “This is really fancy.”
He pushed my chair back in. “I’ve always lived like this, so for me, this is normal.” He picked a crystal plate in front of me. “What would you like, Raven? Something of everything?”
“I can dish up my own plate.”
He shook his head. “No, let me. I rarely I have visitors for meals.”
That seemed a little odd for me, but when I thought about it, I had never seen Anton eat in the cafeteria like some of the other professors. He dished up my plate.
“I assume you’re wondering why?” He placed my plate down in fro
nt of me.
“I guess a little.”
“I always have blood with every meal. It makes some of the other students uncomfortable.”
I frowned. “But there are vampires here.”
“They drink from blood banks. I do not.”
I felt the blood drain from face. “You kill humans?” I whispered.
He shook his head. “No, not at all. I have people who willingly give me their blood. So the blood I drink is never chilled and reheated.”
“Who are these people?”
He smiled. “They are from the fair sex and are currently asleep in my bed.”
Heat swam over me as images of what must happen behind his closed bedroom doors flashed through my mind.
He laughed as he filled up his own plate. “I’m a five-hundred-year-old vampire, Raven. Chasity isn’t one of my virtues.”
I had to change the subject and blurted out. “Why did you come to Legacy Academy?” I piled eggs onto my fork and swallowed. Cheddar cheese melted in my mouth.
He took a sip of his champagne glass filled with blood. “Rose Red Academy is an excellent academy for vampires, but I wanted to broaden my knowledge of other supernaturals.”
I picked up a piece of bacon. “Are people who attend those academies snobbish?”
He waved his hand. “No more so than some people here.”
I sipped on my coffee with cream. “You mean like Ryker?”
“You didn’t think Ryker was unique, did you?”
I shrugged. “Well, sort of. Does he attack the other academies like he does Legacy?”
He sighed, and his brow furrowed. “Unfortunately, yes.”
“But why? If only pure bloods attend there, why does he care?” I pulled apart my gooey cinnamon roll and icing dripped on my plate.
“Ryker has wanted to recruit the different academies to come to his side, but luckily, none of the Headmasters has had the faintest desire to follow his dark path.”
“Well, that’s good.”
He picked a piece of bacon. “What you need to understand, Raven, is that not all evil supernaturals are dark demons. They do not have the lock on the market. For instance, not all of my kind have changed their ways.”
