Broken: A New Adult Paranormal Bully Romance (Hellfire Academy Book 2)

by Alice Wilde

  Much to my own surprise, aside from slipping out for meals during the few overlapping hours I am awake with the remainder of the staff, I spend the next several days in my room.

  There’s something pleasing about being allowed to leave and choosing not to that appeals to me, but the novelty of my new living space soon wears off in favor of mental stimulation. That, and I think I’ve waited long enough for any remaining students to have gone home by now.

  I’d never admit it to anyone, but I’m pretty sure part of me still fears that the Demigod Trifecta hasn’t left the school grounds yet and that I might end up running into them at any moment. I’ve even gone as far as to keep my new schedule, sleeping through the night and waking with the sun.

  The thought still nags at the back of my mind as I finally decide to venture out of my living quarters and across the grounds toward the library. I’d checked through the bookshelves in the private common room earlier that morning as a precursor to actually leaving the secret dorm wing, but most of the reading was far from academic and those that were…well, they were subjects I wasn’t quite ready to broach if I didn’t have to.

  I turn down one of the paths leading to the library and then stop, veering off course and in the opposite direction. The library could wait.

  Standing outside the Hall of Antiquities, I try to focus my thoughts on what topics would be most worthwhile to research while I have the chance. The sun is sitting well above the horizon by now, it’s at least mid-morning. I’m not even sure if Janus is still working right now, but if he is, I don't want to waste any time.

  There are so many possibilities and still so much that I don’t understand, but what was going to help me the most? Learning more about the Demigod Trifecta is one of the more obvious choices, but is it the most important? I'd done little more than think about classes and studies over the past few months, and now that I have the freedom to choose what I learn, I can hardly think. Thoughts are racing through my mind at an such an alarming rate that my mind is already reeling.

  My mind still not made up, I reach out and open the door and step inside. Janus is standing behind his desk, much to my relief.

  "Welcome, Eden."

  “Hi,” I say and then bite my lip.

  "I have a few suggestions," Janus says as though he’s read my mind, looking up at me with his pale white eyes. "Do you care to hear what I think?"

  "Yes, please."

  I walk over to his desk where he's laid out several piles of scrolls.

  "These topics may be of the most use to you, at least under your present circumstances," Janus says, gesturing to the piles. "These are studies on the supernatural beings and their beginnings, these on behavior and life on Earth, and these are on the history of the universe."

  "Can I have them all?"

  Janus's mouth twitches, turning up ever so slightly at the corners for a split second, surprising for how straight faced he generally tends to be.

  "No. However, whichever topic you choose, you may begin studying immediately for the allotted hour."

  "Why is it only an hour?" I ask. "I would have thought with all the students gone for the holiday that the time might be longer."

  "It's always an hour per day, no exceptions."

  "Buy why?"

  "There are reasons."

  I sigh. He's not going to answer me directly just like all the others.

  "All right, I'll take studies on supernatural beings for today."

  "Very well," Janus says, collecting all the scrolls in his arms and carrying them across the room.

  I follow him quickly through the door that suddenly appears in the wall. Janus lays the scrolls I’ve selected on the singular table within the room and then turns to leave.

  “Janus,” I start, “why are you still on grounds during the holiday? Not that I mind.”

  “Where else would I go,” Janus says. “My place is here, for the time being. You have one hour.”

  With that, Janus steps through the opening in the wall and the door disappears, leaving me alone with my scrolls. I sit, and begin unfurling them one by one, skimming them in an effort to find the most relevant material to my current situation.

  There’s so much information about supernatural beings, more than I ever guessed was possible. The scrolls contain information on the various culture’s gods throughout history as well as their myths and legends and when they came into being.

  Pushing aside several of the scrolls that focus on myths and mythological beasts, I unroll a new one. This one is lettered in black and gold and instantly grabs my attention. It’s about the creation of the First and the historical time line of supernatural beings on Earth.

  I’d always thought it was interesting when one of the angels would talk about humans as “undeserving little gods.” I’d never understood what they meant by that until now.

  It appears that many of the magical and supernatural beings that live on earth didn’t come into existence until humans created them. Most of the gods and mythological creatures were simply thought into being, something I didn’t even know was possible. Of course, I’d been always been that taught our words and thoughts shape the world around us, but I’d thought that was instilled in us as a measure of self-control…but perhaps the roots of this teaching stem from what humans have managed to accomplish through their thoughts alone.

  I wonder if it’s only humans who can do this, or if supernatural beings can as well. God didn’t create angels the same way he made humans, often a source of contention among the First in regards to humans. No, mankind was said to be made in God’s image, while supernatural beings were made at whim and with the sole purpose of being to serve and serve alone. We weren't meant to have our own desires or want to do anything but serve…at least that’s how we’re supposed to be.

  I shake the thoughts from my head in an effort to refocus on the task at hand. I could philosophize about all of this later. For now, I need to learn as much as possible from the scrolls in the little time I have left to study. Continuing to skim the scroll, my eyes catch on “demigod.” I stop skimming and begin reading the section carefully. Once again, this scroll mentions the hierarchy of the supernatural beings on Earth; however, this time the text goes into far greater detail on how the Fallen, demigods, and other supernatural beings place within the ranks here on Earth.

  The Fallen, as I’d already discovered, are the most powerful beings inhabiting Earth, with Lucifer reigning over everything. Beneath him, the other Fallen rule as kings and queens over various dominions whether that be a particular part of the Earth or underworld. Next come the demigods, while far fewer in number than the Fallen and the other supernatural beings, they are only second to the Fallen in terms of power…and just barely at that. They are often given rule over more specific dominions or concepts of darkness such as an incurable illness or disaster. Depending on who the demigod’s parents are, they also have the right to take over a higher order from their Fallen parent if inherited, but as far as I can tell that’s never happened. I continue reading, my mind absorbing this new information as eagerly as a kitten laps up milk…and my heart hitches in my chest.

  I reread the sentence again, not wanting to believe what I’ve just read.

  Demigods cannot be killed by any unholy being on Earth, whether supernatural or mortal, other than one of the Fallen.

  Death. This has been a topic I’ve wondered about almost since my first day at the school, but up until now I’ve been far too apprehensive to dare do any research on it. Now that I know death is possible for supernatural beings, it looks like I’ll have to steel myself to learn more about the subject later. Taking a deep breath, I force myself read on.

  However, the strength of a demigod is unparalleled and they are capable of causing catastrophic damage to anyone or anything of their choosing. Beings of lesser power should not attempt to punish or otherwise handle a demigod without the aid and express permission of their Fallen parent. Doing so may result in the punisher’
s arrest, in accordance to the laws of Hell, or in extreme cases, death. Demigods are known for being highly volatile, it’s best not to become a target.

  A little late for that. It makes a little more sense to me now exactly why no one seems to do much in regards to the Demigod Trifecta’s behavior. I’d originally thought it was because of their station, but now I wonder if the professors ignore mostly ignore it more out of fear for themselves than because of societal hierarchy. Still, I don’t understand how their parents haven’t done something about it…or why the academy’s staff doesn’t ask them to. I can’t imagine they’d get away with half the things they’ve done to me here if they were back at home…or maybe they would.

  It’s not as if I was the only one at the school who tried to stay out of their way. The Demigod Trifecta has a reputation for a reason, and while no one else seems to get treated nearly as awful as I do…they aren’t exactly known to shy away from a chance to bully others. However, I can’t help but feel like they’ve been focusing their cruelty almost entirely toward me…and I still don’t know why.

  I sigh deeply as I finish reading the scroll, leaning back in my chair with a heavy heart. There’s not much information in this scroll that I didn’t already know, and I’m starting to think I won’t find anything that pertains to my situation anyway.

  Perhaps Umbria is right. Perhaps I should spend more time focused on learning to behave like the others around me instead of trying to understand why they behave the way they do…but it’s just not in my nature. I truly believe that if I can learn enough about them that I can find a way to help. There has to be a reason for the way they treat others, and I don’t believe it’s nearly as simple as the station we’re born into.

  Janus will be back soon, and I still have a half dozen scrolls I haven’t even glanced at. Sitting up on the edge of my chair once again, I begin spreading open as many of the remaining scrolls as I can fit on the table. I should have done this earlier; it would have been a much faster way of skimming through the information and deciding which to study.

  The three texts I’ve rolled out in front of me are extremely interesting, but useless to me right now. One goes into depth on the prehistoric creatures of old that went extinct in the human realm thousands of years ago. The other two come as a pair and focuses solely on myths and legends in regards to culture and history but with little information into the beings they’re connected with.

  With each new scroll, I feel more and more hopeless, and I’m beginning to doubt that I’ll learn anything else worthwhile. The scrolls almost seem redundant, as if they’re purposefully trying to say as little as possible in as many words as they can fit to the page. Opening the last scroll, I frown as I skim the text. Another reading on supernatural creatures and their traits.

  More than a little half-heartedly, I read on to make use of the remaining time I have to study and then my heart skips in my chest. There’s a section exclusively dedicated to feminine spirits and one of the names sticks out like a vicious thorn.

  Harpy.

  The word sends pain surging through my back at the memory of the last time I’d heard it spoken aloud, but then I continue reading the text beneath it.

  One of the most hated of the feminine spirits—

  Before I can read any further, a light abruptly flashes in the corner of my eye and I look up to see a doorway open in the wall. Janus steps through.

  “Has it been an hour already?”

  “It has.”

  Taking one last glance down at the text I so desperately want to read, I force myself to stand and leave the scroll for another day, walking across the room as Janus gestures toward the portal.

  Part of me is thankful that my allotted time is up for the day, but the rest of me feels ripped in two by curiosity. As I find myself standing outside the Hall of Antiquities, I contemplate for a split second going to the library as I’d originally intended, but think better of it. There’s only so much one can handle in a single day. As much as I’d been craving books and mental stimulation over the past several weeks, I’m already feeling exhaustion creeping up on me. I never expected to be too tired to read, but it looks like I’ll have to let myself ease into things over the next few weeks.

  Starting off toward the dormitory, I suddenly feel something deep inside me rejecting the idea, I’m not ready to go back to my room yet. So, I turn down one of the small side paths that lead off into the gardens and instantly feel more at peace with myself. I may not be able to read more today, but a walk might be just the thing to re-energize my mind, relax, and give myself some space to think.

  Strolling deeper into the gardens, I pass the statue of Astria and pause momentarily before continuing on. I’m not in the mood for more riddles right now. I start to walk toward the section of the garden full of weeping willows when my eye catches on a bright yellow flower just barely peeking out through a dark thicket. As I draw closer, I notice that there seems to be a narrow path behind the thick wall of greenery.

  It certainly doesn’t look like this part of the grounds is visited much, if at all. I’d never noticed it during the school year, the path would probably be nearly impossible to find at night anyway.

  The entrance is almost impassable, on the verge of being completely obscured by heavy branches. Forcing my way inside, I find a small gravel trail that winds away into an overgrown section of the garden that’s teeming with some of the most stunning flowers and bushes I’ve ever seen. There’s a canopy of overhanging branches shading me from much of the sun and offering a respite from the growing heat of the day, spots of sunlight twinkling through gaps in the leaves as they wave gently in the breeze.

  I close my eyes and inhale deeply, the soft, sweet bouquet of fresh spring flowers filling my lungs and bringing a smile to my face, but the peaceful moment is short-lived. My eyes fly open as I hear the sound of low voices up ahead. I remain frozen in place for a few seconds before creeping forward. I know I shouldn’t eavesdrop, but I can’t help myself…

  “Are you sure?” a deep, rumbling voice asks.

  “As far as I can tell, yes,” another man says in a much squeaker voice.

  “That isn’t a very convincing response,” the first man growls.

  “I swear, I’ve looked everywhere else, but there’s only so much I can do from my current position. It’s the only copy, but no one else has access to it.”

  “Damn it.”

  “But, there might be another way—”

  “Then why are you wasting my time with useless information? Out with it!”

  “Well, I was thinking if someone found a way to raise me up in ranks of The Order… Then perhaps I could find a way to earn his trust and gain access to the vault.”

  “Fool. How would I be able to do that? You know I can’t step foot out there, yet.”

  “Of course,” the man says in a sniveling voice. “But…maybe you could send someone else to do it? Like an emissary?”

  A long silence ensues, and I find myself leaning so far forward I’m nearly falling over. I correct my position, crouching low to the ground to make it easier to balance without having to worry about it.

  “Hmm, that might actually be possible.”

  “Really?”

  “I have a son who is attending the academy at present, but I’d prefer not to get him involved. He’s been quite the disappointment to me thus far in his life, and I wouldn’t want an assignment like this to go to his head.”

  I can’t help but feel bad for whoever is this man’s son, and it makes me wonder what my parents think of me, if they think of me at all.

  “I need time to contemplate what you’ve told me,” the man continues, “in the meantime, do what you can to learn as much as you can and get in The Order’s good graces.”

  “Of course,” the other man says, “does this mean our deal is still intact?”

  “We shall see, but you have yet to prove yourself worthy.”

  “Yes, I swear on my life that I won’t disapp
oint you.”

  “Be careful what you swear,” the man says in a low, dark voice. “Far greater beings then you have sworn to me and failed. I do not take oaths lightly.”

  “There’s something else,” the other man says nervously.

  “What is it?”

  “The new piece of the prophecy seems to talk about some kind of… sacrifice?”

  My stomach twists at this. Was it the same prophecy I’d come across at the beginning of the school year? If it was, had I made a mistake not spending more time trying to discover what it meant? There was no way to be sure, but I didn’t like the sound of this.

  “Yes, and?”

  “That part about ‘Fallen blood, pure heart,’ have you thought about who, or what, it might be talking about? Or what kind of sacrifice it means?”

  “Ah, yes. I don’t doubt that it’s a blood sacrifice, but as for who…I have a few theories, but I’d prefer to keep them under wraps for until the time comes.”

  I press a hand over my mouth. They are talking about the same prophecy I’d found, and it is starting to sound like it’s a lot more important than I’d thought. And a blood sacrifice? I thought those were put to an end, forbidden thousands of years ago…

  “But I—”

  “Does what you’re about to say have any bearing on the prophecies I’ve asked you to study?”

  “No, but—”

  “Then silence! I’ve heard more than enough from you for today, be gone. Don’t bother me again until you have better news to give me.”

  With those final words there’s a sound like the rush of a strong wind. A moment of silence ensues before I hear the crunching of gravel as quick footsteps drawing near from just around the bend of the path. I hastily step off the path and hide behind a nearby bush with barely a second to spare.

  A man hurries into vision, he’s short and plump, dressed in a long red and black robe and is looking around nervously as he continues on down the path in the direction I came from. I don’t recognize him as anyone I’ve seen on grounds before. I know it’s probably none of my business, but I can’t ignore the curiosity that bubbles up inside me and I slip out from my hiding place as soon as I am certain the other man isn’t going to suddenly appear.