High Fae Academy - Year Two: Paranormal Fae Romance

by Kaylin Peyerk

  “My senses are telling me that this version of me has far less sexual experience than I do. It’s gratifying,” I elbow him, and he chuckles, “I’m only kidding, mostly. But I must leave you for now. I’ll come back tonight to check up on you and your progress with finding Rowan. I. . .” He trails off.

  I turn and splay my hands across his chest. “I miss you too, and I’m glad you came. I’ll see you tonight.”

  Chapter Three

  I wake and sit up to see dark Lucian still blushing while sitting on the edge of the bed by my feet. He looks at me then smiling sheepishly. I’m not sure if he wants to talk about what just happened or not, so I’ll leave it up to him. Guilt swirls in my stomach at the position I put him in until I remember that he’s been trying to trick me into thinking he’s my Lucian. The guilt washes away and is replaced by an evil sense of self-satisfaction.

  “Good morning, I’m going to go shower.”

  He nods, looking anywhere but at me. It makes me laugh softly as I glide out of the room. By embracing my fae side, I’ve become more and more otherworldly as time goes on. In the mirror, I now see slight points to my ears, and the skin on my face has smoothed away all of the blemishes. It shines with the same mystical charm that I’ve always associated with Annie and other fae. Perhaps by repressing my powers in the human world, I denied myself the perks that come along with being one of the fae. Speaking of Annie, I pull out my phone to see that it’s at one percent and has several messages.

  Saturday 1:35 PM: You didn’t tell me that they’re all sinfully hot! Have you slept with any of them? ;)

  Saturday 2:05 PM: Fine, you don’t have to kiss and tell. I let them know the situation, and they kind of looked ready to kill someone for you. You must have left an impression on these guys.

  Saturday 5:43 PM: Okay, you’re starting to scare me. You’re not dead, are you? I’m going to kick dark fae ass if you are.

  Saturday 9:22 PM: You’re totally dead. And if you’re not, you will be soon because you’ve ignored me all day. TEXT ME BACK!

  The series of texts make me laugh out loud as I type my reply, I’m okay. My phone is at 1% battery, so I won’t be able to respond for a while after this. And all I’ll say is that I’ve slept with two of them. ;)

  I get an immediate response, Gah! You’re killing me! You got to sleep with two of them? So jealous. But we are coming to get you soon, so sit tight and find a charger ASAP.

  I’m typing a response when the phone dies flashing the dead battery sign once before going dark. I sigh and wedge it back between the mattresses. She said that they’re coming for me as if she’s along for the ride. If she puts herself in harm's way for me, the guilt will overwhelm me. Plus, I’m not even sure if there is any danger here. Creepy death power aside, these fae seem normal and not at all malicious. At least not from what I’ve observed so far.

  After a quick shower, I walk into the kitchen to find dark Lucian cooking breakfast. The sweet smell of freshly brewed coffee hangs in the air, and I rush toward it. Before I can get there, he hands me a cup already made up. We smile at each other as I retreat to sit at the kitchen island. This Lucian seems to be a morning person while the other isn’t. True opposites. It’s fascinating to see.

  I cross one leg over the other. “So, I take it that you’re a morning person?”

  He glances up while tossing the potatoes with one flick of his wrist. “Yes, I find that waking up late wastes the day. How about you? Are you a morning person?”

  I shrug. “I feel like I’m right in between. While I value a few extra hours of sleep, I also enjoy waking up early to sit and have a cup of coffee. It depends on my mood.”

  He nods while focusing on plating up the food. He’s made scrambled eggs, bacon, potatoes, and toast. A simple yet delicious-looking Sunday morning meal. My dad used to make big glorious breakfasts every Sunday morning. He believed that Sundays were for yard work, which, in his words, requires brain food. This meal reminds me of all the Sunday mornings spent with my dad at the kitchen table, completing the crossword together. It brings a warm, grateful feeling to my chest, and I can’t help but be touched by the gesture.

  Whatever his intentions, this Lucian isn’t a bad person. Just like the copy I’ve already met. And while I can’t say that I appreciate being kidnapped, I can understand why they’re afraid of what I mean for the coming battles. Too bad they don’t realize that I never planned to fight at all. I not only have to find Rowan here, but I also have to understand their purpose to mother earth. If Damon is right about all fae being created for a purpose, then the dark fae have just as much of a claim on this world as the light fae do.

  We eat breakfast in comfortable silence, and it worries me. I shouldn't be comfortable with the enemy, right? The thought makes me glance toward him, eyeing him in suspicion. He looks normal, welcoming even. But my mind goes to the cold voice he used yesterday when speaking about me. He doesn’t feel the same connection that light Lucian does, none of them do.

  I ask, “Have you gotten me a new phone yet?”

  “Yes, Damon is loading it with our numbers in case of emergency and planned to give it to you later this afternoon.”

  Well, that’s good news, at least. “Ah, thank you. Also, I have a question about yesterday’s arena duels,” He nods, looking at me intently, “Uh, well, they were using some type of shadow magic. It almost looked like death magic. I’ve never seen that before. What type of fae does that belong to?”

  He takes a swing of coffee before answering. “Ah, yes. I figured you’d ask about that. It is death magic, which a lot of the fae here hold. It is a secondary magic to their main element. It’s very dangerous, yet important, magic. The elders hold it in high esteem. It can be deadly if used by untrained fae. Only fourth years are permitted to use it during their classes and duels, but nowhere else.”

  “What is its purpose? Damon once told me that all magic has a purpose, that all fae have a place in this world, dark or light aside.”

  He looks taken aback, “Really? He said that?”

  I tilt my head, looking at him strangely. It never occurred to me that my friends back at the light academy could be the villains of this man’s story. That sweet Rai or hilarious Orin are nothing to these people other than ticking bombs. Each side has reason to cast blame on the other, and yet neither of them wish to fight any longer. It seems communication isn’t their strong suit. The thought makes me smirk.

  “Yes, he did.”

  He shakes himself out of it. “While death magic can be used to kill just as all magic can, that isn’t its primary purpose. This magic is used to lead beings into the other. A place where mortal and immortal souls alike go to rest once they’re ready. Immortals do not die of natural causes or illness. The only thing that kills us is another fae or a choice. Immortals choose when to die, and when they do, we guide them there. In addition, death magic governs the other, a place for the dead, and all death magic bearing fae subconsciously support it. This is done by constantly funneling magic into the realm and replenishing the magic by helping all souls cross over.”

  My mouth drops open. “So, death magic fae are literal grim reapers?”

  He chuckles. “You could say that, I suppose. They’ve also been called Charron’s after Greek mythology.”

  I whisper to myself, “The ferryman of the dead.”

  He stands and grabs my empty plate. “Correct.”

  I ask a dangerous question. “What would happen if all the death magic bearing fae died?” He loads the dishwasher before leaning against the counter and tapping his chin in thought.

  “I’ve never thought about that, but I’d say that life as we know it would cease to exist. Ghosts would roam the earth, never at peace, always restless. Fae would grow old and withered while overpopulating the earth despite our low birth rate. The other would no longer exist, so all souls residing there would be let free. Chaos would ensue I’m sure.”

  My face blanches at his words. Not all supernatural crea
tures are merciful and human-like. And there have been plenty of horrible humans in the world as well. The thought of those souls floating around, doing whatever it is that evil dead people do, makes a shiver run down my spine. That can’t happen, no matter what the light fae elders believe. Dark fae may hold an even larger role in keeping mother earth balanced than light fae do.

  The realization floors me. I hadn’t realized that I allowed the people around me at the light academy to convince me that these fae are evil. I feel ashamed by my thoughts thus far and tell myself that I have to evaluate based on merit rather than the thoughts of others. And yes, I know that these men kidnapped me and that I don’t belong here. I’m only focusing on the big picture now.

  Dark Lucian pushes off of the counter and strides to the door, grabbing his coat. “I’ve got to run to get a few things done today. Will you be okay alone?”

  I wave him off. “Of course, don’t worry about it.”

  He pulls on his coat and plants a kiss on my forehead without thinking about it. A startled blush comes across both of our faces as he backs away. I have to admit that it felt nice and normal in a world full of anything but. Lucian slips out the door without another word, leaving me alone to ponder our situation. Gods, I didn’t expect this to be so confusing. At the very least, I thought I’d end up hating them all only to find out that their power is extremely important to the survival of all creatures, not just fae.

  I desperately want to fall asleep to tell my Lucian this, but I know he won’t be there. It’s the middle of the day. Our next meeting won’t be until later. I’m not sure what I’ll do in the meantime. Even though the rest of the semester will be taken up by the competition rather than classes, Sunday is everyone's day off. Is it safe to continue my snooping? I bite my lip, thinking. No, I don’t think it’d be a good idea. It’d be better to spend the day talking with other dark fae and learning more about their culture. While the masters may know to pretend, surely not all the students do. After pulling on a chunky sweater, I set off toward the main castle, determined to learn everything I can without raising suspicion.

  ***

  The cafeteria is swarming with students when I walk into the room. Most of them are other supernaturals such as witches or shifters. However, there’s a small table in the back corner full of dark fae. I can tell by the dark bluish tint to their skin. It seems that their dark power has taken a toll on them or is simply easily identified. Would it be weird to just go over there and sit down? I fidget in the doorway for several minutes, feeling uncertain and awkward.

  A tall, willowy girl sidles up to me. “You look like you’re about to have a heart attack,” she sniffs, and her eyes flash red, “And I can see why. You don’t belong here, do you?”

  She smiles at me, her elongated canines winking in the sunlight. This is my first time interacting with a vampire, and it leaves me feeling restless and scared. Will she lunge for my throat? Slam me into the wall with her super-strength? I shake off the panic and think, of course not! Just because she’s a vampire doesn’t mean that she’s a maniac.

  “Uh, I’m not sure if I’m supposed to say.”

  She rolls her eyes. “Alright, whatever you say. I just thought you’d want a person to trust around here.”

  I raise my eyebrows at her. “That’s exactly what the villain says before stabbing someone in the back,” I hold out my hand, “I’m Tiana, and yes, I’m from the light fae territory.”

  “Ah, there’s your sense of humor. I’m Beth, by the way. And what the hell are you doing here, then? You do know that there’s a war going on, right?” She says with a smirk on her lips.

  It's my turn to roll my eyes. “Yes, I’m aware. That’s the entire reason I’m here. But that’s all I can say.”

  She shrugs. “Alright then, one tidbit of truth at a time is fine by me. Come on, you can sit with me.”

  I waver for only a moment before going to sit with her and the other vampires. They have no stake in the war, so it appears to be safe. I’ll keep my guard up either way. Beth and her friends don’t look like vampires from the movies. Well, scary movies, at least. I have to admit that one of them looks a bit like Edward Cullen. They’re all very tall, lithe, and painfully beautiful. Each of them has pale porcelain skin that shines brilliantly in the sun, constantly pulling my attention to it.

  We sit, and Beth introduces me to her friends. They nod or dismiss me almost immediately. It’s the best outcome, in my opinion. The less people remember me here, the better. They discuss trivial things among themselves as I pretend that I’m not listening when I really am.

  A male says, “My parents can’t even find enough animals for blood, it’s like the king of Earth has denied us the courtesy of life. The trees are dying, and no one is doing anything about it. What’s with this stupid war anyhow? Fucking light fae and their rules, man.”

  I but in without thinking about it, “The king of earth? Which one?”

  They all turn to me, and I shrink back. “What do you mean ‘which one?’ There’s only one, and he lives in the light court of earth with his precious son.”

  Only one? Fiora was wrong. This place isn’t an exact copy of the light fae territory. While there do seem to be doppelgangers here, there’s a different hierarchy than what I’ve been told. I bite my lip and regard the group for a moment. Can I trust them? Certainly not. Perhaps I can ask them questions more freely, though. Dark fae might be suspicious, but if his ranting is any indication, the vampires don’t give a damn about any of it.

  “Ah, right. Then who rules here?” Beth gives me a look that seems to say, real subtle you stupid twit.

  “What the hell? Do you live under a rock? We have one high king, the king of shadows. The five fae masters are his children.”

  The male scoffs, sounding way too self-important for my liking. The name of their king sounds ominous and frightening. Plus, the masters here truly are brothers, not just brothers in arms. The fact that they only have one ruling figurehead and are still holding their own in this war makes dread curl in my stomach. He must be extremely powerful if he’s able to use his power over the five light kings. Not that they have ever met directly in combat. Kings hide behind soldiers of their making, which is another reason I dislike war. It makes people cowards.

  The king of shadows, I think to myself. Is he a doppelganger as well? If so, who could he be? Not anyone I know, that’s for sure. Putting the thought out of my mind, I attempt to listen in again, but now they’re talking about their preferred blood type, which turns my stomach. I tune out again and look about the room. The table of dark fae is dwindling. They must be going somewhere else, but where?

  Beth leans over to me and says in a sing-song voice, “Are you wondering where they all are? I know where. Let me take you.”

  I give her a sidelong glance. “Why are you doing this?”

  “I’m bored. Nothing ever happens in this hell hole. Classes are over, forcing us to watch their stupid games that we aren’t allowed to participate in, so I need some entertainment. Sue me if I don’t think people killing each other is amusing.”

  We watch each other for a moment as she waits for me to reply. I’m not sure what she wants me to say. On the one hand, she sounds like she’s being completely honest, but on the other, her sole reason for taking an interest is entertainment. It sends a signal to me that her feelings can change on a dime, and a halfling like me is nothing to a vampire but a fling of interest. But isn’t a relationship with no strings attached exactly what I need here? I can gather information and leave her behind with no consequence if she doesn’t give a damn either way.

  “Ugh fine, tell me.”

  A curling grin comes to her face. “Only if you promise to get me inside.”

  Chapter Four

  The pounding bass coming from the double doors makes me grimace. It’s the middle of the day on a Sunday, and all the dark fae are writhing around in an exclusive club of some sort? What in the hell is happening on this campus? Beth bounce
s on her heels excitedly behind me. The only way supernaturals can get into the club is to have a dark fae vouch for them. Not only had Beth told me that it doesn’t happen often, but she also said that she wasn’t sure whether or not they’ll even let me in.

  People here have a way of figuring out who you really are, was all she said.

  I thanked her for her vote of confidence, and here we are, standing in front of a burly bouncer with a goatee and dark sunglasses. He glances down at me, at least I think he does before he grips my chin between two fingers. We stand there for several agonizing seconds as he scrutinizes me. Beth flutters nervously behind me and lets out a breath as the man lets go and opens the door. Sound pours through, and lights blind me as Beth rushes us forward arm in arm.

  Once the door shuts, she shouts over the noise, “Gods! I thought that was going to go badly for a minute there.”

  The room is huge, with a wall-long bar on the left, a stage filled with sound equipment in the middle, and the rest is a mix of tables and writhing fae. The music is a strange mix of pop and death metal, almost like an angry void of bass and banging metal. It’s not something I would wish my worst enemy to listen to, yet the fae here are bobbing their heads to the beat. Do they actually enjoy this stuff? The lights are pulsing, one moment showing students grinding and bumping, and the next plunging the room into inky darkness.

  I lean over to Beth. “What the hell are we doing here? Gods, this music is giving me a headache, and we haven’t even been here for five minutes.”

  She chokes out a startled laugh. “Man, you’re more fun than you look, Ti. I’m glad I latched onto you. We’re here for you to learn more about the dark fae, right? You are spying for the enemy, aren’t you?”

  I flinch. “Uh, not exactly.”

  She rolls her eyes. “Sure. Alright, let's grab a seat and some drinks.”