Merlin's Supernatural Academy: Complete series (Books 1-4) : A Young Adult Supernatural Academy Series

by K L Rymer

  The demon meets my dragon’s eyes. Brynmawr scratches his head. “Fire is fire, after all, D-boy. Besides, you come from a place of understanding... Felicity is your bonded mate after all. It only makes sense that you would help her hatch her dragon.”

  They’re not really mates in that sense, but I see where he’s going.

  Felicity releases a deep breath. “All right. I’ll let you do it, Damien. I’ll let you hatch Sparkle Hearts... Besides, I’d really like to meet her. And I know she wants to meet me too. It’s like I can hear her thoughts.”

  Damien sneers, ruffling her head as she passes him the dragon egg. “Well, isn’t that sweet. But the honour is all mine, Tinkerbell...”

  I eyeball the demon suspiciously. I think he’s still seething that he didn’t claim dibs on Sparkle Hearts, so he wants to be the one to hatch her.

  He really is evil.

  ...

  We go back to the valley, finding a secure place where we can be away from prying eyes. The owner of the inn was starting to get a little suspicious of us all with our talk of dragon eggs.

  We sit around a campfire that Damien lit with his powers. The demon in question holds up the pretty, sparkly egg, the firelight dancing in his wicked eyes.

  I can see he has already claimed ownership.

  I really hope they don’t fall out again, but if Damien doesn’t stop, I will kick his ass for real this time.

  Felicity found it first. He missed out.

  You snooze you lose...

  The pixie stands beside him, holding onto his arm. “Be... be careful now, Damien... she’s just a baby after all.”

  He exhales, and I see that black smoke coming from his breath. “I think I know how to hatch dragon eggs, Tinkerbell.”

  “Still,” she says. “You can never be too careful.”

  The demon gives her a pointed look. “You... may want to step back. It’s about to get hot.”

  The pixie blushes bright red and I wonder what has got her so tongue-tied.

  Damien chuckles. “Oops, my bad... That’s one of my lines in the bedroom. Gets Tinkerbell every time.”

  Felicity whacks his arm in anger, but then the egg topples in his hands, and she lets out a shriek.

  Luckily, the demon catches it in time, and now he glares down at her. “Nice going, Tinkerbell. You almost killed Sparkle Hearts!”

  The pixie covers her cheeks. “I’m... I’m sorry! I didn’t mean to!”

  Brynmawr sighs, stepping forth. “It’s fine. Dragon eggs are impenetrable. Hence why we’re doing this...”

  “So hurry up already!” Zahara gripes now, and a few others murmur in agreement.

  Damien holds the egg out above the flames. “All right.”

  Felicity starts crying as the demon lets the egg hover for a few moments, and then he drops.

  The egg lands on the fire, and now Felicity throws her arms around Damien, crying into his shirt. He pats her head again.

  Nothing happens at first. The egg just lies there as the flames dance around its pretty pink shell. But then something pops, and we all wait with bated breath.

  Then a crackle, and the flames soon turn bright pink. It’s a similar shade to Felicity’s magic.

  Damien’s eyes pop. “My... my fire has never turned pink before...”

  Felicity squeals. “It’s Sparkle Hearts!”

  More sparks emit from the fire, and I swear fireworks go off next. We all step back as the flames stretch, turning an array of different pinks, and I swear I can smell strawberries.

  Gwyneira’s usually ice-cold eyes have melted into pools as she watches that hatchling come to life, and now she takes Brynmawr’s hand. He offers her a dimpled smile.

  They’ve remained in human form, and I can’t help but notice the strange way the she-dragon holds her belly.

  My attention is drawn next to the sound of a tiny cry from the flames, and my heart drops to my stomach.

  It’s... it’s happening...

  A bright blue eye peers out of a crack in the egg, and Felicity cries for joy. “It’s... it’s really her... Sparkle Hearts...”

  A tear drips down my cheek. It really is beautiful. No one utters a sound as that tiny dragon takes it first breath. Angelina even watches spellbound, and she’s usually a cold bitch.

  Another crack and a little pink head pops out. The hatchling’s eyes find Felicity immediately as it tries to wriggle toward her.

  It seems the dragon knows who its mommy is. I’m not surprised. She came in a bright pink egg. Who else would Sparkle Hearts belong to? The others were kidding themselves.

  The pixie encourages the baby dragon along. “That’s right. Come to Mummy, Sparkle Hearts.”

  That tiny dragon cries out for her, and now she tries with all her might to squeeze out of her shell, but her little body just won’t budge.

  I know Brynmawr said fire can’t hurt dragons, but I still worry. The longer she’s in those flames, the more danger her life is in.

  Damien heaves a gritty sigh then steps forward, bringing her out of the flames, and now he cradles that tiny dragon in his arms.

  She’s still halfway out of the egg as she tries to get to Felicity, and the love in the baby dragon’s eyes is so pure.

  Finally, the pixie hugs the baby to her chest as Damien hands her over, and her big, blue eyes vanish behind a veil of tears.

  I cry myself.

  “S-Sparkle Hearts...” Felicity sobs, holding her close.

  The pixie was right. Sparkle Hearts totally was a little girl.

  The baby dragon answers with an adorable squeak, and she’s definitely Felicity’s.

  Damien can go and eat his heart out now.

  To my surprise, the demon has a shine to his eyes too, and quickly he whirls away, disappearing into the shadows.

  Wow... Sparkle Hearts must really be something special.

  She made that evil son of a bitch cry.

  Chapter 8 - Matthew

  Father has summoned me to Myrddin’s office. Well, I suppose it is his office now, but I refuse to call it such.

  It will first and foremost always belong to that old crackpot, who certainly lives up to all his stereotypes.

  Very much like his daughter, really; he acts just as cartoonish. Must be a genetic thing.

  The other students avoid me as I march down the hallways all geared up in my armour.

  You didn’t really think my father was going to let them go home, did you? I think the students and teachers half expect the supernatural council to come to the rescue, but they don’t show.

  I just wonder who my father bribed. The council only consists of three members anyway, and they’re all good for nothing cowards.

  Mr Tanaka and the dwarf have mysteriously vanished, which is impressive. The Black Dragon is a powerful, omnipresent force that affects the mood, making you feel that all is lost, and I’ve certainly been feeling that way lately.

  Lucky for me, Gelert patters along beside me. I try to pretend as if I don’t see him, but he follows me everywhere now ever since I called him a good boy.

  Dogs really do love it when you call them that (I watch YouTube videos from time to time; I’m not a complete stick in the mud).

  Finally, I stop outside that ornate door, glaring at my father’s name on the golden plaque. Immediately, my mind goes back to all those six am mornings I spent with Bryn in here.

  I used to look forward to those mornings the most. I will never forget that child-like wonder in her eyes when she first saw snow; I’d never seen anything so adorable.

  Gelert whines beside me, pawing at my leg. He does that whenever my thoughts linger around Bryn, and I smile.

  It seems I’m not the only one who misses her.

  “It’s best you stay out here, Gelert. My father won’t be able to hurt you, but it’s still best to be cautious.”

  Those sad, brown eyes gaze deep into my soul, and now the dog dips his head, yanking on my heartstrings.

  How can anyone want t
o hurt this creature? That prince really was a bastard; I know he got the wrong end of the stick, thinking Gelert had killed his baby, yet still...

  You have to be pretty cold.

  Just like the man on the other side of the door waiting for me.

  I knock and he answers. “Enter.”

  Slowly, I push that wood forward, and my stomach coils when I glance around the drab office. Father has got rid of all of Myrddin’s goofy memorabilia. The model train has gone, the replica of Excalibur, and even the grandfather clock.

  All that remains are dusty tomes and filing cabinets, and it takes me a moment to realise. This is his home office back at the Humphrey Mansion. He has magically converted the interior to resemble his workspace

  Those black, menacing eyes find me. We just stare at each other for a while, and not for the first time, I thank the heavens that I inherited my appearance from my mother.

  I’d have never pulled a bird like Angelina with that black goatee. Or even a spunky breath of fresh air like Bryn.

  Father is one fucking ugly cunt.

  He wears his stupid striped suit, and I clench my teeth as he brandishes his cane, remembering all the beatings I received growing up.

  He directs his cane at the vacant seat before him. “Sit.”

  It’s an order, not a request. So I sit myself down, keeping my back straight and knees together.

  I never sit naturally when in front of Father.

  He goes back to writing his document, pretending as if I’m not even sitting there, but I wait like the patient, obedient son that I am.

  Finally, he puts his quill aside and sits back, regarding me cruelly. “I take it you’re no closer to finding those misfits than you were yesterday?”

  I decided not to tell him about Hell. Not that I could go chasing them down there anyway, but no doubt Father would have forced me.

  Sacrificing his only child to the Devil. How nice.

  Damien Hellborne would have personally seen to my eternal suffering himself. The goth asshole hates my guts.

  I think back to the day I threw mashed potatoes at his girlfriend Felicity Thorn. I really was an asshole back then, but I still remember Damien’s threat, “And do you remember who my father is, Humphrey?”

  He was right; my father has nothing on his.

  One day... I will make sure Father has a first-class ticket to Hell. Watch me. And I’ll tell Damien and his father to do their worst...

  I sigh. “That’s right, Father.”

  He narrows his eyes. Somewhere, the Black Dragon roars. I tremble.

  He has threatened the other students, warning them that if they don’t oblige to his rules, then he will feed them to his dragon.

  He sits back and the chair creaks beneath his weight. He pulls a drawer next, then places a white, glowing orb on his desk.

  My mouth dries.

  It’s Mother’s essence... It’s the only thing keeping her earthly body alive after all.

  He holds up the orb and squeezes, and the light dims. I grip the arms of my chair, my nails scraping the wood.

  The bastard... I will kill him, I swear!

  Although Mother doesn’t show it in her comatose state, I know she feels the pain.

  “I wonder if the Black Dragon isn’t completely impartial to the taste of a human soul. I’m sure your mother’s would go down a treat...”

  My face tics as I glower at that cunt now. One day, I will kill him with my bare hands.

  Trust me, I’ve tried to steal her soul from his grip, but Father has cast a powerful enchantment around it, blocking me away.

  The first time I tried, the glass cracked, and I would have only killed her.

  Father’s lifeless eyes find mine again, and now he smirks, looking like a cartoon version of the devil.

  I bet the real devil isn’t as ugly in real life.

  “You find those disgusting half breeds and bring them back to me. And then when they’ve returned, I will feed them all one by one to my dragon. Starting with that good for nothing has-been wizard’s daughter...”

  I stand to my feet, staring him daggers. Father curves a brow, daring me to challenge him. He still holds Mother’s soul after all.

  One day... one day...

  I’m a half breed myself too. My mother is human after all. It was his choice to allow a human being to mother his child, but he still regards my kind with contempt.

  I’d rather be a half breed than an evil asshole.

  “That’ll be all now, Matthew.”

  I don’t stop my glowering as I make my way towards the door, shutting it carefully behind me.

  Gelert perks up when I step out the door, wagging his tail.

  I close my eyes.

  Time to find Bryn and the rest of Mendacious as Father requested.

  Then we can all beat him.

  Chapter 9 - Bryn

  Sparkle Hearts has won the hearts of everyone in the group. Even the likes of Damien, Angelina, and Zahara have fallen in love with her now (although they don’t like to show it).

  We can’t get enough of the baby pink dragon. There has never been a more adorable creature in existence. With all the playfulness of a kitten but the purity of a child, how could anyone resist?

  Damien has even taken on the role of a father figure. As Brynmawr said, he is Felicity’s fated mate after all.

  The baby dragon just loves everyone like a puppy.

  Brynmawr and Gwyneira are simply smitten with her. They’ve somewhat become her substitute parents, and it’s so sweet to see the two bonding over her.

  And just think, they were still enemies a few weeks ago. That’s just how charming Sparkle Hearts is. She brings everyone closer together.

  The two adult dragons have even taught her a few things, like breathing fire and flapping her wings, and it’s so cute how she copies them.

  She’s a dot compared to their sheer brawn, and it just baffles the mind how such a ginormous creature can start off so small. The same could be said of most large predators.

  I guess Sparkle Hearts could pass for Brynmawr and Gwyneira’s hatchling. Red and white make pink after all, but I’m not sure if that’s how dragon genetics work, but it’s still a funny thought.

  We never went back to the inn. How could we with a dragon baby? Her squeals could smash glass.

  So we all decided to sleep rough and make do with our tents. We’re living the nomadic life now. So fancy hotels and inns are out.

  We still reside in Snowdonia. Brynmawr thinks there will be more eggs, but if we still find nothing after a few weeks, then we will move on to the rest of Europe.

  I toss sausages into Sparkle Heart’s mouth as we lounge around the campfire. She has a strong appetite and will eat anything. Just like a real baby, so we all have to be careful. I caught her chasing a bug the other day, and lord it was precious.

  The only one of us missing is Damien.

  The demon has been going off alone in search of an egg, and I can see how desperate he is to find one.

  I find it rather humbling.

  Besides, his sweet little Tinkerbell has lost all interest in him now since Sparkle Hearts came along.

  Brynmawr chuckles high above us as he is back in dragon form. Gwyneira sits beside him. They don’t take their eyes off the baby.

  When she catches a sausage in her mouth, her blue gaze moves up to the dragons, and I swear she smiles. Although she can’t talk yet, I know what she’s thinking, “Did you see me catch it, Mommy and Daddy?”

  I picture her to speak like a cartoon baby deer.

  “Yes, we saw, Sparkles...” Brynmawr says, humoring her.

  I do wish Felicity had chosen a more badass name. Sparkle Hearts sounds like a My Little Pony.

  I laugh along with my dragon then toss the baby another sausage. She jumps, catching it with ease once again.

  It’s only been several days since she hatched, but I wonder how fast she will grow. At the rate she eats, I can imagine it will take a few weeks. Rig
ht now she is about the size of a Labrador puppy.

  The baby girl dragon soon has her fill then toddles over to her mommy, Felicity. She produces a yawn, making a small squeaking sound, then falls asleep on the pixie’s lap.

  We all watch as she drifts off. I even catch a faint smile on Angelina, and I thought she hated dragons and all things small and sweet. She still thinks Felicity is grating.

  “So adorable...” I gush. “Where you this cute as a baby, Brynmawr?”

  The Red Dragon flaps his wings with a shrug. “I couldn’t say... They never exactly had baby albums three-thousand years ago...”

  I smile. “I bet you were... and you too, Gwyneira.”

  She rolls her eyes. “Please, Bryn. You don’t have to flatter me. I wasn’t feeling left out.”

  I pop a sausage into my mouth. “I thought we were past this phase? I’m sure we can be friends now, hey?”

  The she-dragon narrows those icy orbs. “Maybe... you still have to prove yourself first. You did promise you could save Matthew after all...”

  I offer her a jaded look. “Well, if it’s any consolation, I trust you now. You did get back with Brynmawr after all, as you promised me.”

  Both dragons’ eyes meet briefly, and they’re gazes soften.

  “Yeah... I owe you one there, Bryn...” my dragon says. “I’m crazy about this sexy beast after all. Just look at her... so beautiful.”

  Angelina sticks her tongue out. “Ugh, I’m going to bed. I’ll see you all in the morning.”

  “G’night, bitch,” Zahara calls.

  Angelina answers her with a small wave.

  That was a friendly bitch from Zahara. It seems the two have become reluctant friends now. Although one is goth and the other is a cheerleader, they have so much in common.

  I turn back to Gwyneira. Brynmawr is right; she really is looking good tonight. Her scales are extra shimmery as she sports a healthy glow, and I sharpen my eyes to slits, my gaze hovering on her belly.

  I wonder...

  A few of the others follow Angelina’s example. Only Zahara and Felicity remain. The latter doesn’t want to move in fear of waking the poor baby, and the former just wants to stay up and drink longer.

  Just as Thomas, Nora, and Jack disappear into their tents, Damien comes striding back into camp, completely caked in mud. He wears a triumphant smirk on his face, living up to his dad’s expectations at last.