Urban Mystic Academy: Fourth Project (A Supernatural Academy Series Book 4)
Page 18
“Shit!” I gasped, fearing I’d vandalized the relic.
The sign wobbled on loosened screws that had eroded from the granite over time. The corner of the wooden plaque I’d grabbed on to had separated from the landmark, exposing etched letters carved into the stone behind it. My eyes widened with curiosity, and I pulled at the corner of the broken sign to expose what it so cautiously hid within the granite.
“What are you doing?” Kaitlin jumped forward. “Don’t make it worse.”
“I’m not,” I muttered through my intense focus. “There’s something here.”
I pulled the wooden sign farther from the granite monument, exposing more stone-carved lettering. The gothic script filled my vision as the entire board pulled away and dropped to the ground, exposing the original, hidden sign.
My hand flew to my mouth as I gasped and backed away.
“Fuck.” Nick stepped back, eyes wildly darting around.
Braden stood frozen, staring at the exposed, original marker.
Kaitlin moved to my side as we read the authentic sign together. Over and over.
Blackwood Insane Asylum
Est. 1896
It started in my hands, traveled up my arms, then shot through my entire body. The frightful trembling turned to spastic shudders as fear coursed through me like a toxic venom.
“That’s freaky,” I choked, stepping through the vines to get away from the sign.
The words ‘insane asylum’ held a sick amount of power and judgment that turned my stomach. Poor souls from the not-so-distant past were sent there, most likely against their wills. Then the politicians probably thought a name change from asylum to hospital would improve the image of the institution. I looked back at the permanency of the stone marker and then at the broken, rotted attempt at hiding the truth—the wooden sign that now lay on the ground in its failure.
“So…,” Braden glanced in the direction of the road that led to the asylum. “Shall we?”
I noticed Kaitlin’s blanched complexion, white as a ghost. “Are you okay?” I asked. She looked like she was about to puke.
“Just lightheaded,” she said as she dropped her hands to her knees. “I’m gonna need to lie down soon.”
She was right. I felt it, too We were supposed to be resting, to recover our brains. And my body screamed to slow down, turn off the lights, and do nothing.
But there was no way we could stop now. This discovery was way too exciting. It was everything Kaitlin and I had always searched for.
I turned to Braden. He watched me with raised eyebrows.
“Are you sure you’re up for this?” he asked. “You should probably be resting or something. We’re not exactly prepared for a full-scale adventure.”
He knew me too well. Knew I’d never back away from such a discovery. Always enticed by signs that said, ‘do not enter’ or ‘stay off the grass’. I saw them more as a challenge than a demand or request.
The pulse in my temples grew stronger, and I realized my headache meds were wearing off. I had no water and basically nothing to help the situation. But still, there was no way I was turning back now. We at least had to see what was up ahead.
“Let’s check it out and then decide what to do,” I said. “I can’t not know what’s up there.”
Kaitlin stumbled out of the brush, then back onto the road next to me. “My curiosity is killing me,” she said as she reached for my arm and locked her elbow with mine.
Nick walked ahead while Braden stayed closer, keeping a close eye on me. He was always nervous about following rules and doing what was right. It was cute. Most of the time. But right now, I could tell it was going to enter the smothering zone at any moment. I had to assure him we were fine.
“I think being out in the fresh air and getting some exercise is probably good for us.” Smiling, I started walking in the direction of the asylum. Kaitlin dragged at first but then kept up.
“Okay,” he said. “If you’re sure.”
Braden’s long strides moved him along the road faster than us, and he started to catch up to Nick. Braden’s tall frame shadowed Nick, making his short stature even more prominent. No wonder Nick always had to act big in his comments and actions. It was his Napoleon complex. And he never disappointed.
“Concussions are for pussies, anyway,” Nick yelled back to us. “You guys are fine.”
I shook my head, glaring at Kaitlin.
She squeezed my elbow with hers. “Yeah, but he’s hot.” And she keeled over, giggling.
“Oh my God.” I splatted my hand on my forehead.
“Have you seen those eyes?” she continued. “I can barely look at them when I talk to him.”
I chuckled, knowing she was trapped by his primal features. I supposed I couldn’t blame her. She was right about his eyes.
I turned my attention to Braden. I’d always liked him, but I’d never made a move on him. I wasn’t sure how I felt, like if it was brotherly love or if I was attracted to him. I wished I could decide, especially for his sake.
He was very patient, but it was obvious he was waiting for me. And I couldn’t find any flaws, which made my indecision even worse. He was tall and good looking. Athletic and kind. He was smart and funny. I watched him like I always did, trying to picture myself with him. But then, as usual, right when I’m about to accept it, the feelings become confused and leave me uncertain, unknowing.
Then Nick’s voice blasted me out of my inner thoughts and back to the moment. His voice sent shock waves through my body that jolted me to attention.
“There’s something up ahead,” he yelled. “A clearing. And I see a brick building all boarded up!”
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