Legacy Academy Year Four: Paranormal Academy Romance

by M Guida

  My heart tightened at Rhys turning his back on us. “I have a hard time believing Rhys won’t come back here.”

  My dad rested his forearms on the table. “He’s loyal to his father, Raven. They all are. None of the kings are willing to lose their sons like King Jackson of the Dragons did.”

  The same pain lodged in my throat, and I blinked away tears that always formed in the corner of my eyes whenever Bo was mentioned. I could still see the red dragon standing between me and Ryker’s spell, taking in the poison.

  Mina clasped my shaking hand but didn’t say anything. I gave her a tiny smile.

  Anton put down his cup of coffee. “Raven, you’ll need all the Defenders to defeat Ryker. You’ve defeated the dark demons as a team and this will be your greatest battle yet. We need to utilize the Puriforgio Virtueus spell again.”

  I winced. “How can we? Last time we used the spell, Ryker nearly defeated us and killed two of our own.” Besides Bo, I missed Poppy too. She was one of my best friends and to lose her was like losing Julie.

  “I have a theory about that.” Anton put down his coffee cup, but didn’t answer. It was why Lucien always wanted to throttle him.

  I sighed. “And?”

  He held my gaze. “You were missing two crucial players.”

  I thought we’d already gone over that. I turned to Mina. “Mina, have you heard from Xavier?”

  She shook her head. “No. The communication between the kingdoms has been lacking. If it wasn’t for the Golden Phoenix––” she smiled at my dad with pure admiration–– “We’d be completely in the dark.”

  I looked at Mina curiously. “How did you get out? You never told me.”

  “It wasn’t easy. We had a secret tunnel under the kingdom, and I had just climbed out when the shadow demons spotted me. I barely escaped.”

  Anton rubbed his chin. “Ryker must suspect each of the kingdoms has a secret entrance and has informed his shadow demons to be on alert. But don’t give up hope. As the old saying goes, Ryker may have won the battle but not the war.”

  I twisted my napkin tighter and tighter. “Does Lucien know his dad is coming?”

  Anton shrugged. “I’m sure Montae has informed him and I must tell you that once King Gregori learns of Lucien being in the infirmary, he’ll insist Lucien return with him.”

  “That’s what I’m afraid of.”

  My appetite dried up at the thought of losing Lucien.

  “Aren’t you hungry, Raven?” My dad motioned with his fork. “You’ve hardly touched your plate.”

  I slumped back in my chair. “I guess I have lost my appetite.”

  “Your powers have been drained, Raven,” Anton said. “The Path of the Burning Flame is not an easy task. You must eat to add fuel. Moping isn’t going to change anything.”

  I scowled but didn’t argue. What could I say, he was right. Ryker was counting on splitting us apart, and so far, his plan had been working. I needed to have my wits about me when King Gregori got here. Pouting wasn’t going to impress him.

  Mina looked between me and Anton. “What exactly is the Path of the Burning Flame?”

  “It is a prophesy,” Anton said. “Beware of what was foretold. Lies always lead one astray. Once one travels down the wrong path, old betrays bring more pain. Determination conquers. Light chases away darkness. Independence unlocks the door. Never doubt the shining truth. East and west brings a new era. Solidarity is king.”

  I flashed Anton a hard look. “It’s a task set by the Archangel Azrael.”

  His eyes widened for once. “How did you find out about that?”

  “I went to a psychic who was a witch. She gave me a book written by a woman who knew both the Archangel Chamuel and the Archangel Azrael.”

  Mina perked up. “What does it say?”

  I shrugged. “I don’t know. It’s written in Latin. The witch claimed Anton would have the answers.”

  Anton frowned. “What was the name of this witch?”

  “Louise. She works at the Emerald Hills Occult shop.”

  “Ah, yes,” he said. “Louise. I should have known.”

  I rolled my eyes. The man was so frustrating. “If you know her, was she right?”

  “Perhaps. I know how to speak Latin, but I do not always have the answers. I would like to review this book.”

  I lifted my chin. “But I want it back.”

  Anton nodded. “Why of course.”

  “If you can’t read Latin,” Mina asked. “Why do you want it back?”

  “I just do.” I avoided all of their curious gazes and could feel two red rosettes blooming on my cheeks.

  Mina cleared her throat. “So, is Raven going to save us again?”

  “You weren’t listening,” Anton said patiently. “The Path of the Burning Flame pertains to the Defenders and that means you. The Archangel Azrael’s quest is not an individual quest. It’s a group quest. Raven will unite you. I believe it is her destiny.”

  “But Louise said there will be a sacrifice,” I said glumly. “Is that true?”

  Anton wiped his mouth with a napkin and met my gaze. “Unfortunately, it’s true. But sacrifices don’t always mean death. It could be many things. Usually means something that you love.”

  The big carb breakfast in my gut churned at his grave words.

  Anton glanced between me and my dad. “But you must gather all the players to be successful.”

  My dad quickly changed the subject on what had been happening with his battles over the summer. I only half listened and I could only think about losing Lucien.

  “That’s all very well, Vincent,” Anton said. “But I believe you’re distracting your daughter from the truth.”

  “What?” I looked at my dad, who lowered his gaze.

  “I wasn’t going to tell her yet,” he mumbled.

  “Tell me what?”

  “The two missing players of the Puriforgio Virtueus spell, of course.” Anton leaned back in his chair.

  I glared. “We can’t bring back Bo and Poppy.”

  “I wasn’t speaking of them,” Anton said quietly. “I was referring to your parents. They are the key in helping you defeat Ryker.”

  His revelation was like a bomb going off in my head. My breath dried up and my blood pooled from my face in one gigantic gush.

  Mina shook my arm gently. “Raven, are you okay? You look like you’re going to pass out.”

  My dad grabbed another piece of bacon and munched on it.

  I shook my head. “Are you serious?”

  “Yes, I am,” Anton said. “Your mother is one of the most powerful supernaturals. After doing much research, I believe this was one of the reasons Ryker kidnapped her. He didn’t want your parents uniting against him.”

  “How are we going to do this?” I sat back in my chair. “We don’t even know where she is.”

  My dad finished off the last piece of bacon. “I’ll find her. You can count on that.”

  I gave him a tiny smile. He’d been looking for her ever since she had been kidnapped. What would be different now?

  After breakfast Mina and I headed to the infirmary with some stolen biscuits and bacon in a rolled up napkin. I didn’t care what Dr. Greenwood said. Lucien needed some fuel too, especially standing up to his dad.

  I could hardly wait to tell Lucien what I learned. I still couldn’t believe it. I opened the infirmary door.

  “I’m starving. This broth wouldn’t satisfy a dog, Montae.”

  I smiled at Lucien’s angry tone. A sure sign he was feeling a little bit better. He was healing better and faster than I thought he would. I couldn’t help but wonder if it had to do with me feeling better. Something about the blood bond. He leaned up against the bedpost with a frown.

  “Dr. Greenwood said your system couldn’t handle anything else.” With his arms crossed, Montae towered over him.

  Lucien’s eyes brightened. “Raven. Mina, when did you get here?”

  “She’s lucky she got here in on
e piece.” I narrowed my eyes at Montae. “No, thanks to your guards.”

  “What?” Lucien flashed Montae a you’re-in-deep-shit glare, and his hostile tone actually made Montae turn his gaze.

  I quickly told Lucien what happened.

  Lucien gritted his teeth. “Tell the guards that they will let anyone in here who needs sanctuary.”

  Montae stuck out his chin. “You’re not the king.”

  Lucien put his hand on his chest. “When the king is absent, I’m in charge.”

  Montae opened his mouth as if to argue, but surprisingly bowed his head. “Yes, your majesty.”

  My eyes widened. That was the first time I heard any of my friends be addressed in such a way. I keep forgetting that Lucien, Rhys, Xavier, and Dante were all the next future kings for their people.

  I slid in the chair next to Lucien. “Hey, your majesty, I brought you something.”

  “Cut it out,” he mumbled.

  Montae frowned. “You should not tease our future king.”

  Lucien rolled his eyes. “Why? You do.”

  “Here.” I handed him my napkin with the biscuits and slices of bacon.

  “No.” Montae went to snatch my snack away from Lucien, but Lucien jerked the biscuit and bacon away.

  Lucien glared. “Don’t even think about it.”

  “But the doctor said…” His loud voice brought Dr. Greenwood out of his office.

  Dr. Greenwood narrowed his eyes. “Who gave you that?”

  Montae gestured with his hand. “Who else? Raven.”

  Lucien took a huge bite out of the biscuit as if he were afraid someone would take it away from him.

  I smiled mischievously. “I don’t think he cares.”

  Dr. Greenwood cast his gaze over Lucien. “You’re healing faster than I expected.”

  “Is there something wrong with that?” Concern filled Montae’s low voice.

  Dr. Greenwood shook his head. “I don’t think so. According to Anton, it’s because of the blood bond between him and Raven.”

  “Then why were you starving me?”

  Dr. Greenwood folded his arms. “I wasn’t starving you. I told you. The broth contains special plants from my kingdom and would have satisfied your hunger.”

  “You could have fooled me,” Lucien said as he finished off the biscuit and bacon.

  “I have some news that’s going to spoil your appetite.” Mina and I glanced at each other.

  “What?” Lucien asked warily.

  Before I could answer, Montae blurted, “The king is coming.”

  “Why?” Lucien’s low voice spelled danger. He was about to lose it. Telling him no wasn’t an option.

  “Because I invited him,” a husky masculine voice answered.

  I nearly jumped out of my seat, my heart beating wildly. We all turned our heads. Once again, Anton moved as if he were invisible.

  Lucien gave Anton a hard stare. “I have no intention of going back to Havenwood.”

  Anton walked over toward Lucien’s bed. “That is not why I invited him.”

  Montae’s brow furrowed. “Then why did you?”

  Anton ignored Montae and held Lucien’s gaze. “It’s imperative he learns you need to stay here. You and the Defenders need to use the Puriforgio Virtueus spell again.” He turned to me. “Did you tell him?”

  I shook my head and wrung my hands. “No, not yet. I didn’t get a chance.”

  Lucien folded his arms. “Tell me what?”

  Anton smiled. “For the spell to work, you need the Golden Phoenix and his mate to be with you.”

  I thought Lucien’s head was going to do a 360 degree spin. “What?”

  Montae’s mouth dropped to the floor, and for the first time, he didn’t have anything smart to say.

  Anton put his hands behind his back and walked back and forth in front of Lucien’s bed. “We need to unite against Ryker or he’ll pick us off one by one. King Gregori has influence over the other kings. Since my letters to the other Defenders hasn’t motivated them, maybe your father’s blessing will.”

  Montae didn’t answer him, but I don’t think he was keen on the idea.

  “When are you contacting my dad?” Lucien asked. He couldn’t hide the misery in his tone.

  “The Golden Phoenix is living soon to contact him.”

  “My dad is?”

  “The king should be here in a few days.”

  “Can hardly wait,” Lucien mumbled as he leaned against the bedpost and put his hands behind his head.

  My heart sank to my toes. His misery matched my own. I wasn’t as confident as Anton and had learned one too many times that things could blow up any minute.

  Chapter 8

  The infirmary seemed to grow smaller and smaller with the broad shoulders of Montae, Anton, and Dr. Greenwood crowding around me. Anton’s news that King Gregori was coming made the air grow thinner. My lungs struggled to expand and compress, and beads of sweat broke out over my forehead.

  Mina elbowed me and leaned close. “Are you okay?”

  I nodded. “I’m fine.” A total lie. King Gregori scared the pants off me.

  Montae looked at all of us. “If the king is coming, then I think the prince needs to take a nap before he gets here.” His voice sounded more like a nursemaid than a warrior.

  “Are you serious?” Lucien glared. “I’m sitting right here and I’m not a baby. According to Anton, my dad isn’t going to be here for a few days.”

  “You want to look well rested before he gets here, don’t you?” Montae persisted.

  “You do look pale,” Anton said. “I think it’s best if you girls let him have some rest.”

  Lucien flashed Anton a challenging stare. “I feel fine except I’m still hungry.”

  “You can have some more Forest Amaranth broth.” Dr. Greenwood went over to the caldron and used an oven mitt to lift the lid.

  “I can hardly wait,” Lucien grumbled. He glanced over at me with pleading eyes.

  I gave him a pitiful smile and showed him my empty palms. “That’s all I brought.”

  “You both need to leave now.” Anton opened the infirmary door. “Lucien needs his rest, even he won’t admit it. You don’t want him looking sickly when his father arrives.”

  I read in between the lines.

  Lucien folded his arms. “I want them to stay.”

  But he yawned and his face paled and the dark circles seemed more pronounce under his eyes. He was definitely tired.

  I clasped Mina’s arm. “Come on. Let’s go.” I leaned close. “There’s something I need to tell you.”

  Anton quickly shut the door when we left and I swore I heard a lock click.

  She nodded and followed me. “What’s up?”

  “Before I tell you, we need to find my dad before he leaves.”

  She frowned. “Why?”

  “Because there’s something else that the psychic told me I didn’t announce at breakfast. She said Anton would know the answer, but I think my dad would be the better choice.”

  Her brows crinkled deeper. “You’re not making sense, Raven. What are you talking about?”

  I took a deep breath. “The psychic said I have three supernatural bloodlines inside me, not two.”

  “What?”

  I didn’t have time to explain. “Come on. We’ve got to get to him before he leaves for Havenwood.”

  Mina and I hurried across the courtyard as fast as my legs would go, which still weren’t at full strength yet. I pounded on Anton’s door.

  Bam Bam Bam

  “Dad, dad, are you in there? Please, open up.”

  We were met with silence and my heart sunk. I should have said something at breakfast, but I was too preoccupied with Anton’s announcement of inviting King Gregori to Legacy.

  I shoved my hand through my hair. “Shit. We missed him.”

  “Raven, what are you doing?”

  I whirled around and my dad was behind us. He was no longer wearing his beach clothes, w
hich had been replaced with a black leather jacket, a black T-shirt, and a pair of jeans. His jovial look at breakfast had turned grim. He held a backpack in one hand and a sword in another. He was definitely leaving.

  “I need to talk to you before you go.”

  He sighed. “Not that I don’t want to, but I’ve got to go.” His voice sounded tired and worried.

  “I know you have to leave.” I came down the steps, breathless. “But there’s something else the psychic told me, and I need to know if it’s true.”

  He studied me as if he wasn’t sure what big bomb I was going to drop on him this time. “Okay. What?”

  I blurted, “The psychic said I had a third bloodline.”

  He scowled. “What?”

  “According to her, I’m not just half Golden Demon and half Dragon shifter but that there’s something else inside me. She said Anton would know, but I think you’re a better choice than him.”

  My dad was silent for a moment. I studied my every feature as if he’d just seen me for the first time. Heat flared on my cheeks and I shifted side-to-side on my feet, waiting for him to answer. Had the psychic lied to me? She had seemed so genuine, but maybe it was because I was drawn in by her presence and the strange little occult shop.

  He tilted his head. “This isn’t something we should discuss out in the open.” He swept past me and ran up the steps to Anton’s home. He opened the door. “Are you girls coming?”

  Mina and I both glanced at each other and bolted past him.

  Dad put down his backpack and his sword and then sat on Anton’s couch. He gestured with his hand. “Please, sit.”

  I sat next to him and Mina slid into a red English Queen high back chair. Her eyes were wide as an owl’s and she gripped the armrests tight.

  I was faring no better. My heart thundered, sending blood roaring through me––blood that was different than any other supernatural. What secrets did my family possess that had been hidden for so long, but somehow Ryker had unearthed.

  Dad took my hands. “First of all, you need to know both your mother and I love you very much. You and your sister mean more to us than anything.”

  I nodded wordlessly, feeling like he was leading me down a rabbit hole to God knows what.