Legacy Academy Year Four: Paranormal Academy Romance

by M Guida

“Our family isn’t like the other supernaturals. We were different from the beginning. I possess both Golden Demon and Dragon bloodline.”

  I cleared my throat. “And mom?”

  He searched my face as if looking for answers. “Did you wonder how Anton found you so quickly when Faas burned your mother’s and mom’s house to the ground?”

  Every hair on my body stood straight up, and goosebumps slid over my flesh. I shivered. “Anton said… Anton said my dragon powers…had started to reveal…themselves and that…mom had contacted him.” My voice was thick and jerky.

  Dad released a long sigh, as if he’d pent up a secret that he was about to reveal. “That’s not the only power that was surfacing.”

  I frowned. “It wasn’t?”

  He shook his head. “No, it wasn’t. There’s a reason Anton could find you. There’s a reason he always comes to save you. There’s a reason he’s loyal to you.”

  Everything I knew came tumbling down and I couldn’t breathe. I could feel the blood drain from my face. “I’m… I’m… a…a…”

  “Vampire.” A husky voice blurted.

  I jumped, and my heart pressed against my ribs.

  We all three turned to see Anton standing in the middle of the living room as if by magic. His ability to appear and disappear was uncanny. He sat in the chair opposite Mina.

  Anger flared in his eyes. “I would have preferred to reveal this secret, Vincent.”

  Dad sat straighter. “The witch already revealed to Raven she had a third bloodline. She deserves to know the truth.”

  “I suppose so,” Anton said quietly.

  I glared. “You suppose so?”

  “I have wanted that part of you to be kept secret, Raven.”

  I wasn’t going to let him get off the hook. “Why?”

  Anton tapped his fingers on the armrest, and my dad avoided my gaze. The grand clock in Anton’s living room donged three times.

  There was more to this secret, and I had to keep the fire boiling inside me quiet. I wanted to shake them.

  I clasped Dad’s arm. “What are you hiding from me?”

  Dad turned to Anton and tilted his head.

  Anton was the most cagey man I knew if Dad didn’t tell me the truth, I’d die an old woman before Anton revealed the big secret.

  He glanced up at me and his eyes burned red. “Vampires can sense when one another is in trouble, especially if they are of the same bloodline.”

  My mouth dropped. Could this be possible?

  “You’re not… you’re not…saying…”

  He cocked an eyebrow. “That you’re of my bloodline?” He gave a small smile. “Would that be so bad?”

  “Am I?”

  Dad wrapped his arm around me and pulled me close. I was glad he was here. I thought I was falling off a cliff and needed someone to help stay steady.

  A furlong look came over Anton’s eyes and they turned sad. “Many years ago, I had a mate.”

  I rubbed my slick forehead and almost pinched my arm to make sure I wasn’t dreaming. I just thought he indulged in numerous blood slaves to satisfy himself, not that he had a mate.

  He lifted a medal off his chest that I never noticed before. “She was the love of my life.”

  “What happened to her?” Mina asked softly.

  “She died in the first Supernatural War. It’s similar to the humans’ World War One.” He thumped his fingers on one of the armrest. “Supernaturals have had wars just as humans. We defeated our enemy, but it was at a horrible cost. Many lives were lost, including my Beverly. We had fought side by side, but I couldn’t get to her.” His voice cracked, and he got up out of his chair.

  He walked over to the window and put his arms behind him, locking his fingers.

  I glanced up at my dad, and he put a finger to his lips. Nodding, I leaned my head against his shoulder. I didn’t want to drink blood. Being a dragon and a golden demon was enough for me.

  After several long minutes, Anton turned around. I wasn’t sure, but I thought his cheeks glistened.

  He returned to his seat. “Someone had beaten Beverly and left her on the road as if she were a piece of trash. Her spirit touched me, and I couldn’t resist turning her.” He clasped the medal around his neck and I realized it wasn’t a medal. It was a pendant, and I wondered if her picture was inside. “My blood ran in her veins. You are the descendant from Beverly Lowe. Her blood runs through yours and your mother’s veins. You are part of my line.” He held my gaze. “And no, you have not been truly turned to be a vampire like your friends Dante and Katona. You possess some of our abilities that aid you in your silver dragon powers. That’s why you’re more advanced than the others in Magic. You have dragon, golden demon, and vampire that draws on the magic…” He held up a finger. “While your friends only had one.”

  Dad patted my leg. “That’s why you, your sister, your mom, and I are a threat to Ryker. We’re stronger than the Dark Demons.”

  “But how can that be possible? He’s so much powerful.”

  “Practicing the Dark Arts has made him more powerful and more dangerous,” Anton said. “But there is a cost in using the Dark Arts. Ryker isn’t the same person he was when he attended here. He’s grown evil, desperate, and more determined.”

  “That’s why he kidnapped your mother,” Dad said. “He wants to prove he’s stronger, but I suspect he’s drawing in other allies. Allies that would like to rule all of us.”

  I looked at the anxiety in their drawn faces. Things were getting much, much, much worse.

  Chapter 9

  The Grand Father clock in Anton’s living room read noon. I couldn’t believe half the day was gone and so much had happened. Things happened fast around here, but they always did at Legacy.

  Dad patted my leg. “Well, I’ve put this off long enough.” He squeezed my hand. “I’ve got to go.”

  “When you said Ryker had other allies, who are they?” Mina asked.

  Dad and Anton glanced at each other, and I knew immediately that wasn’t going to be answered.

  “That’s what I have to find out.” Dad picked up his backpack and his sword. “Evil can be found in every race. I need to find out which ones. When I discover if Ryker’s formed some alliances, I’ll let Anton know.”

  Anton’s story of losing his mate tore a my heart. The Path of the Burning Flame required a sacrifice, but I didn’t want that sacrifice to be my dad. After everything my mom hadn’t been through, she didn’t deserve to lose her mate like Anton had. I didn’t want my sister and I to lose our dad either. I’d been so mad at him for so long, but the thought of losing him forever hit me like a brick and my gut twisted into a burning knot. “You’re going after them, aren’t you?”

  He winked. “I’ll be fine, Raven. I’ll be back in less than a week.”

  Only a few months ago, he’d been severely wounded and couldn’t heal himself. I jumped off the couch and wrapped my arms around his waist. “Please, be careful.”

  He laughed, and I could hear the rumble in his chest.

  “You don’t know how long I’ve waited to hear you say that.” He kissed the top of my head. “I will. Stay safe. Stay with Anton.” He slid out the front door and I prayed silently this wouldn’t be the last time I saw him again.

  “Do you have any other questions?” Anton asked.

  I shrugged. “No.”

  “I would like to look at that book Louise gave you. May I see it?”

  “Sure.”

  Anton, Mina, and I left for Wyvern Tower. After I got to our room, I pulled the book out of my bag and handed it to Anton.

  “Interesting. I wonder how Louise came to get this.” He put his hand on the book. “This is very old. I’ll let you know what I find. Dinner will be at five. Since it’s so beautiful out, we’re having another barbecue.”

  “Okay, thanks,” I said. After all that happened, food was the last thing on my mind.

  He left. Mina and I both sat on our beds, staring at each other.
>
  Mina broke the silence. “I don’t know about you, but my mind is spinning.”

  “Me, too.”

  “It’s so weird being the only ones living here.” She rubbed her arms. “It’s creepy.”

  “Yeah, I know. I miss the crowded halls, the constant chatter, and I hate to admit it, even the drama.”

  “I think we’re going to be up in our eyeballs in drama soon, so don’t get too lonely to get it back.”

  “True.”

  “What do you want to do now?”

  I shrugged. “I’m not sure.”

  “Do you think when King Gregori comes here, he’ll force Lucien to go with him?”

  “I don’t know,” I said glumly.

  The Magic Orb was on my dresser. When I had first taken it from Anton’s bedroom, I had thought it was a crystal paperweight. Only later did I find out that Anton wanted me to have it. Him and his games. I don’t know why he just didn’t give it to me.

  An idea slowly formed in my mind.

  “I have an idea of how to convince the king to allow Lucien to stay with us.”

  She cocked an eyebrow. “Really what?”

  “Finding Lucien’s brother, Armond.”

  “Seriously?” She watched me grab the Magic Orb. “With that?”

  I held up the Orb. “With this.”

  Mina leaned back on her hands. “But you tried that before and it didn’t show you anything. Why do you think this will be any different?”

  I stuck out my chin. “I don’t know, but I’ve got to try. Maybe I can use one of my dragon powers.” My voice sounded more confident than I felt.

  Mina smirked. “Or vampire. Or golden demon.”

  I sat down on the floor and put the orb in front of me.

  Mina giggled. “Are you planning on doing a seance? You know they don’t work.”

  “Maybe not.” I crossed my legs on the rug. “I just have feeling we need to do it this way.”

  “Seances are a joke.” The irritation in her voice got my gander up.

  I rolled my eyes. “You’re sounding like a broken record.”

  “Just because I am doesn’t mean it’s true.”

  “Do you have any other ideas?”

  “No.” She crossed her arms. “What do we do if when it doesn’t work?”

  “Have a little faith.”

  “No seriously, what are you going to do if this doesn’t work?”

  “Pray for a miracle. Because if we can’t the Defenders to back together to fight with my dad and my mom, Ryker is going to be doing the Snoopy dance and the rest of us are going to be up a creek without a paddle.”

  “Um, your dad said for you to stay at Legacy.”

  “When have I ever listened to the adults telling me what to do? I’m not going to let Ryker kill all my family or my friends.” Anger made my words shake.

  “I get it. I get it.” She sat across from me and gazed at the orb. “Now, what?”

  I wasn’t sure what to do next, so I just thought maybe we really needed to do a seance.

  “Let’s join hands.”

  Mina put her hands in mine, but I could see the hesitation in her eyes. She wasn’t sure about this, but she was a Defender and I knew she wouldn’t back down.

  “Close your eyes and then draw on your dragon power.”

  She sighed and looked down. “Raven, my dragon is no way as powerful as yours. I don’t possess any magic.”

  I squeezed her hands gently. “All dragons are powerful. Just draw on your power and maybe it will feed my magic.”

  “You think so?”

  I laughed nervously. “Sure. We don’t have any other options. Please, I don’t want to lose Lucien again.”

  “I know.” She tilted her head and smiled. “Let’s do this.”

  “Thanks.”

  I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. Last year, I had learned how to use Magic Absorption, which is drawing on another’s magic and infusing it with my own. I wasn’t sure if this worked, because I wasn’t sure if Mina possessed any magic, but I had to try.

  I inhaled the smell of rain that always meant my dragon was coming. I could communicate with her with my thoughts.

  Please, I need you. Can you help me?

  My beautiful silver dragon flashed in my mind. She gazed at me with her intelligent eyes, and she had kite-size plates that ran from her head, down her spine, and all the way to her tail. Her horns and spines were darkest at the tips, and her scales glowed.

  She tilted her head. What is it that you wish?

  We need to find Lucien’s brother, Armond. I thought if I drew on my friend’s dragon, we could amplify our power. Do you think this will work?

  That is a master level skill. We will see if you still possess this ability. Draw on your ability now.

  Not sure if it would work or not, I drew on my dragon power. My heart beat stronger and blood rushed between my ears. Prickling sensations ran over my skin.

  Mina gasped, and her hands trembled in mine. What felt like a sucking vibration pulled from my palms and pumped up my arm. I’d never felt anything like this before. Power swelled inside me, growing stronger and stronger.

  I tilted my head back.

  BZZZZTTTT

  A loud buzzing sound went off in my ear, crackling and crinkling, nearly driving me mad. I cried out.

  Mina released my hands. “What… what happened?” She touched her forehead. “I feel so dizzy.”

  “I think I drew on your power.” I took a big breath and clasped the magic orb.

  Goosebumps ran up my arm, and I quivered. “Please.”

  BAZAKK

  Then what felt like strings drew from my shaking hand into the orb. Sparkling stars clouded my vision and my stomach swayed.

  “Raven, look.”

  I blinked my eyes and shook my head, trying to clear the blinking lights flashing in my eyes.

  Mina put her hand over her mouth. “Look. I don’t believe it.”

  The fog cleared, and my breath died in my lungs.

  A white mist floated in the orb and changed colors until they took the form of a young boy about thirteen or fourteen years old sat huddled in what looked like a small bedroom or more like an antic with the wooden beams overhead and wooden planks. Blankets were crumpled on a metal twin bed. Sunlight struggled to peek through the twisted blinds through a single window that looked like a dormer window. The only other furniture was a splintered dresser with a cracked mirror. Some boxes were against one wall that were filled with shoes. I didn’t see a closet.

  Thump Thump Thump

  Heavy footsteps echoed on the other side of the door.

  Fear flared in Armond’s dark brown eyes.

  “I can’t believe it,” Mina said. “Is that… is that Lucien’s younger brother? He looks like Lucien, but younger.”

  “I think so.” I put my hand on my chest, trying to keep my racing heart from squeezing out between my ribs.

  The door slammed open and a beast of a man with orange curly hair entered. He was dressed all in black and was as tall as he was wide, but the look in his blue eyes was pure evil.

  “Who is that?” Mina whispered as if they could hear us.

  I put my finger to my lips.

  Tears swelled in Armond’s eyes. “Please, Uncle Peter. Please, don’t hurt me.”

  “I told you what happens when you disobey me.” He grabbed Armond by the hair.

  BLAM BLAM BLAM

  The bastard pelted him in the face with his meaty fist. Armond’s eyes swelled up and his lower lip busted up. Blood spluttered from his nose and wetted the man’s hand, but it didn’t faze him.

  He tossed Armond onto the bed and then pounded him in the ribs. “Sneak out to see the Ellis’ again, and I’ll do worse.”

  The beast finally stopped and left without another word.

  Armond looked like he lost a fight with a meat grinder. He had deep ugly cuts on his cheeks and blood dripped down his chin onto his shirt. He wiped the blood and tear
s off his face with his sleeve.

  VRRRRRROOOOM

  Through the dangling blind lots, a flash of ruby red caught my eye.

  Creeak

  I held my breath, afraid any minute a dark demon would emerge. Someone kicked the rickety blinds to the side and an older guy came inside. He was at least seventeen or sixteen years old and had a bandana over his head and had dark sunglasses on. Long red hair escaped from his bandana, reminding me of Bo, and my throat tightened. I missed Bo so much.

  “Rusty. What are you doing here?” Armond whispered in a thick voice.

  Rusty sat on the bed. “Saving your ass, what else? I’ve got to get you out of here.”

  Armond let out a raspy breath and coughed. “I can’t ride on your bike.”

  Rusty pushed Armond’s hair matted with blood off his face. “One of these days, I’m going to kill that fat fuck.”

  The vision faded.

  “Noooo. Come back.” I shook the orb, but the scene was gone.

  “Wow.” Mina ran her hand through her purple and white streaked hair. “Do you think that was real?”

  “Yeah, I do.”

  “That’s terrible. I’ve never seen anyone get beaten up so badly. I thought only dark demons hurt people like that.”

  “Unfortunately, supernaturals don’t have a monopoly on being monsters.”

  “Apparently, so.” Mina brought her knees to her chest and wrapped her arms around her chins. “What are you going to do?”

  I frowned. “What do you mean? I’m going to tell the king when he gets here what we saw.”

  “You’re going to tell the king that his missing son is being tortured, and we did nothing to save him.” Her somber tone made me second guess myself.

  “There wasn’t anything we could do,” I said.

  She scoffed. “Are you sure he’s going to believe that?”

  “You don’t think I should tell him?”

  “I don’t know. We don’t have much to tell him.”

  “The most important thing is Armond is alive.”

  “But for how long? Most humans or supernaturals can’t take unlimited beatings.”

  What she said made sense, but I wasn’t going to give up. We had to earn the king’s trust, and helping find his son was the surest way of earning brownie points with him.