Foreseen (Suoja Guild Book 2)

by AJ Anders

  Curiosity drove Evie to raise her hand. Caleb nodded to her, giving her permission to ask her question. “What about a marked Surmata?”

  Laughter broke out around her, quickly silenced as Caleb glared around the room. “That’s a great question, Evie. Surmata have a natural defense against a demon’s mark. Other supernatural species are susceptible but not the Surmata. Even a Korkeampi couldn’t mark us. But, they can still influence us to a point if we are in close proximity to one.”

  “Can a mark be removed?” Another human girl, small and skittish looking asked the question. Her eyes darted all over the classroom not making contact with anyone as she spoke.

  “Normally, our healers cannot heal a human, but a demon’s mark is not an injury. It’s a supernatural parasite. Our healers can remove most light marks. But, if the marks have shaded to dark, the taint on the soul is permanent and the removal would kill the host.” Caleb searched the room. “Any other questions?”

  Another student in the back of the room raised his hand. “What are the most effective weapons against each type of demon?”

  Caleb scooted back on the desk, crisscrossing his legs. The professors at her old university didn’t act like Caleb. They were a pretty stiff lot, always on their feet when lecturing. Even though she had been a virtual student, Evie’d had a clear view of the instructor when online. Evie liked Caleb’s methods better. “With lower demons, a rune or spell works best. It sends the Alempi back to the other plane without killing them, but instead, drains their energy. It takes them time to build up enough energy to cross planes. They are a nuisance for the most part.

  “For a mid-level demon, it takes a Takari blade, which is a spelled dagger.” A sudden image assaulted Evie. A man’s face, mouth opened in a horrible scream as a dagger was plugged into his heart. The visual so real, Evie shuddered, closing her eyes trying to dispel it. Shaking, she fiddled with the ring on her finger, trying to calm down.

  Evie realized Caleb still spoke so she turned her attention back to him. “The dagger must shred the heart. Decapitation works as well. The dagger works for killing higher-level demons also. But, the problem with killing them is that their strength is greater than a single Surmata warrior, and they have a naturally thick hide, even in human form. A higher-level demon must be weakened first with magic in order for our blades to penetrate. It’s the reason why it takes more than one warrior.” Caleb pointed to a girl in the back row. “Sarah, I saw your hand up earlier. What was your question?”

  This time, it was a Surmata female who spoke. “How do you know when there is a demon? I mean, how does it all work?”

  “We have a network of supernaturals and Surmata forces working day in and day out to locate and isolate demonic activity. Once a call is made, a Kaveri team is dispatched to investigate and if necessary, destroy. Occurrences can happen anywhere in the world, so we have several hundred reported each night that need further inquiry. With our limited resources, all Kaveri teams are on call, all the time.”

  “Does that mean there are Kaveri teams everywhere?” A human boy on the other side of Evie spoke up, forgetting to raise his hand. “Since demons can pop up anytime?”

  “No, Kenneth. All Kaveri teams are stationed at or around the three Suoja Guilds. This one is in America. There’s another one in the United Kingdom, and the last is in Australia.”

  “But how is that possible? If a sighting happened in China, how could a Kaveri team get in place fast enough?” Kenneth once again spoke, seeking further clarification.

  “Simple.” Caleb smiled. “We teleport.”

  Evie’s eyes went wide at this information. Teleportation was a real thing? Before she could voice the question, Kenneth addressed it for her. “No shit? You can?”

  “Yes. The warriors who are gifted in rune making imbue stones with a special rune that can be activated to transport us anywhere in the world. I will not go into more details, because it’s classified knowledge, but I can tell you it’s a safe and expedient way to get where we need to go.”

  “That’s fucking cool. Can humans use the stones?”

  Caleb glanced at Evie. “Humans lack the magic necessary to activate the rune within the stone. If a Surmata were to hold it and then hold onto the human, the human would be teleported along with them.”

  Caleb went on to cover demons more extensively, and Evie furiously tried to keep up, writing note after note. When the class ended, she was still jotting down the last few facts Caleb spouted. When she stood, she noticed she was the only remaining student in the room with Max and Caleb. Putting her stuff away, she moved down the steps, joining the two men at the front of the room.

  “Did you enjoy your first lecture on Demonology, Evie?” Caleb inquired, his tone curious.

  “Very much so. I have a lot to catch up on. I will put my study hall time to good use.”

  Max leaned his chin on Evie’s shoulder. “What’s your next class, sweetheart?”

  Evie grabbed her schedule out of her pants pocket and unfolded it. “Metaphysical Self-Mastery.”

  Max patted her head. “Oh, you poor, poor girl.” He sighed dramatically, and Caleb laughed.

  “Don’t let Max fool you, Evie. I think you will find your next class immensely challenging.” A new voice entered the conversation. The familiar cultured quality made Evie shiver. Heat curled low in her belly as he walked closer, his presence forcing Max away from her.

  “Fuck, Dash. It’s an independent study. How boring is that? I found it hard to discipline myself to read the material. I ended up reading all the books the last week of class and pulling all-nighters to study for the exams.”

  “That’s because you lack discipline and are a procrastinator. I’m sure Evie won’t have the same problem,” Soma Dashiel said dryly as he brushed past her.

  Dressed in similar attire as yesterday, he wore a white button-down shirt with the cuffs rolled up to his elbows, showcasing his muscular arms.

  “Isn’t that right, Evie?” His indigo eyes locked onto hers and liquid lightning ignited in her veins.

  Unable to tear her gaze away, she mutely nodded.

  “Dash, honey. There you are. I thought you were going to meet me in your office?” A sweet, soft voice, edged with steel came from the doorway. A Surmata female, who looked model perfect. Perfect skin, perfect figure, perfect features. She was everything Evie was not. Long flowing red hair cascading almost to her waist, and her sparkling green eyes glinted with annoyance when she took in the others who stood around the room.

  “Cammie. I told you I had plans, so I couldn’t meet today. Didn’t you receive my memo?” Soma Dashiel didn’t even look her way, his eyes on Max and Caleb as he watched them closely. Both males had gone still, not moving or talking since Cammie appeared. Max’s face was tight, edged with anger, but his eyes filled with sorrow. Caleb was a blank slate, still as a statue, his earlier relaxed state gone in an instant.

  “You would rather hang out with these losers and their human trash than spend time with me?” Cammie flicked her hair over her shoulder, disdain written all over her.

  Anger slashed across Max’s face, and he opened his mouth to respond. Soma Dashiel quickly interrupted, stepping in front of Max to block his view of the woman. Giving Max a hard look that spoke volumes, he turned towards the door. “Enough, Cammie. Come on, I will change my plans so I can meet with you.”

  Soma Dashiel bid them goodbye as he walked out of the room. Cammie grabbed his arm greedily, turning to look toward Evie and both males, triumph in her gaze.

  Within the confines of Evie’s belly, jealousy curled as she watched them disappear.

  Chapter Twelve

  Evie walked to the library, still burning inside over what had occurred. That woman was awful. Calling her trash just because she was human. The tramp sounded like her father. Cammie’s hatred had no basis, simply stemming from the knowledge they were different. The way she spoke about Max and Caleb alone made Evie not like her, but add in the woman’s blatan
t interest in Soma Dashiel, and Evie’s dislike turned into something darker.

  Was Cammie someone Soma Dashiel was interested in? Did he let outer beauty overshadow the ugliness of her soul? The Surmata female was beautiful, her body toned. Plus, she had the one thing Evie would never have; she was the right species. In her head, Evie knew she could never be with Soma Dashiel, or any of his brethren, but she couldn’t stop this stupid crush from developing. It didn’t help that Evie was suddenly drawn to several different men on a visceral level.

  Evie sighed heavily as she trudged up the stone steps to the library’s double door entrance. She needed to push thoughts of crushes and guys aside and concentrate on her schoolwork like she’d always done in the past. Circumstances out of her control may have brought her here, but she wasn’t going to waste this opportunity.

  The interior of the library was well lit, the dark wood walls and marble floors contrasting nicely with the light, whitewashed walls. Row after row of bookcases lined the room with plenty of seating in the middle. Evie walked to the front desk where a middle-aged human woman manned the counter, pulling books out of a bin marked Returns. Evie stood patiently while she waited for the woman to notice her.

  “Yes, dear. What can I help you with?” The woman spoke softly, and Evie strained to catch the words.

  “I’m looking for Selja Inian, please. I’m supposed to have a class with him.” Antsy, Evie’s fingers beat a rhythm against her legs.

  Her class had started five minutes ago, but staying late in her prior class and daydreaming as she walked, put her behind. Evie hated to be late. She detested the trait in others and always made sure to be a few minutes early, no matter what the occasion.

  Max had always laughed at her when she would show up to half drag him out of his cabin because he ran late. She lectured him repeatedly to no avail. The man would be late to his own funeral.

  “Go down this hallway.” The woman pointed to her right, and Evie nodded in acknowledgment. “At the end of the last bookcase, turn right and follow the row of books. There’s a cut through midway, but keep going. It ends at the door to his office. Make sure you knock before entering, but if he doesn’t answer, go inside and wait. He’s expecting you, my dear.”

  Evie thanked the woman and hurried down the corridor, wanting to find the office before the clock spun any later. When she turned right as directed, she spotted the door about thirty feet ahead of her. Concentrating on her destination, she almost ran into someone who stepped out from an aisle between two bookcases.

  The girl, slightly older than Evie, murmured out a quick apology before she ducked back down the corridor. Small in stature, with purple hair and black-rimmed glasses, she wore a rainbow colored shirt and a jean skirt. The girl’s shoes drew Evie’s attention downward. Rainbow colored Converse with purple and orange laces. Envy sprang forth. Evie wanted, no needed, those shoes. Poised to ask the quirky girl where she shopped, she watched in dismay as the girl disappeared from sight around the end of the aisle.

  She missed her chance.

  Lost in thought, Evie almost forgot she needed to be somewhere. With a shake of her head, she ran-walked the rest of the way. Huffing as she reached the door, she knocked, impatiently waiting for an answer. A muffled noise came through the door, sounding like a command to enter. Without hesitation, she opened the door and walked into the room. Similar in style and taste to Soma Dashiel’s, this office held a heaviness in the air not present in the Soma’s office. The room held knowledge, years of use permeated the air like a fragrant odor, part musty, part leather.

  A man stood by the table positioned under a large window. A desk, layered with manuscripts, scrolls, and thick tombs of hand bound leather books, sat to his right.

  The man muttered to himself, stroking a short, gray beard that covered his chin. Age hunched him over. Taller than Evie by at least half a foot, the way he stooped made him appear shorter. His thinness gave him an air of frailty until he turned his attention on her.

  Wisdom shone in the depths of his gaze. The man before her had lived a long time, chronicling each detail in his long life, never losing his sharpness.

  “Selja Inian?” she asked reverently. Standing in an elder’s presence, Evie felt a strong urge to bow or at least offer homage at his feet.

  “Yes, child. You must be Miss Saunders.” He moved with a grace that belied his age. Sharp nose, crystalline eyes, and thin lips gave him a hawkish appearance; the wrinkles only enhanced the effect. He held out a hand to shake Evie’s, his grip firm for one so old. “Come, come. I have an appointment shortly, so we need to get started.”

  Selja Inian led her to an interior door and walked through it, expecting her to follow. The large inner room, easily four times the size of his office, contained bookcases that overflowed with books, with only enough space left for the large table surrounded by eight chairs sitting in the middle of the room.

  “This is my personal collection. Human students are not allowed to view these, but I have made an exception for you. In case you haven’t figured it out yet, your class is a self-study course. You’ve proven in your course work at MIT that you are capable of managing your time well. I will expect you to do the same here. When we received your transcripts, I knew a traditional classroom setting would do you no service. The rest of the student body would make it drag, and you would be bored, so I came up with this alternative.

  “Think of this as an introductory course to Metaphysics. It will lay the foundation for future course work. You may pick any book from my collection. Study it, memorize it, and learn it. Once finished, log the title on the clipboard I keep pegged by the door. Then pick another book, and repeat the process. You will not be able to read every book in this room, some are written in other languages, but there are hundreds you can. From time to time, I’ll check the log to see what you have studied and quiz your knowledge verbally. Other times, I will call for you to sit with me to share a cup of tea or coffee, and we will talk more in depth about the topics you have covered. If you satisfy me with your retention, you pass the class. You will also learn more about the supernatural than you ever thought possible.”

  The elder turned his gaze back on Evie, his eyes calculating as he watched her. Selja Inian caressed the spine of a nearby book as he continued. “I have two restrictions. My first is that all books must stay within this room or my office. They cannot leave. The books located in the main section of the library may be checked out, taken back to the dorms, but nothing housed here within my walls. My second restriction is that you not share anything you learn here with any of the other human students. This is protected information. Only select faculty have access to it. You may, of course, share with your friend Max and any of your Surmata instructors. They will be able to answer any questions you have if I am not around.

  “You must be extra careful with these books. Some are centuries old and are a tad fragile. When you are done with a book, please place it back exactly where you found it. It may not seem like it, but there is a system I keep. And I don’t want to have to hunt for something when I need it.

  “I know this class is listed in your schedule for a specific time period, but I personally hate schedules. Your keycard is coded to open the exterior library door as well as the door to my office and my collections. You are free to come and go as you please. No matter what the time.”

  Blown away by the knowledge the elder trusted her to have the run of the library, Evie nervously tried to voice her question. Her father would kill for the knowledge contained within these walls. Why give her free rein?

  “Because you are not your father.”

  Evie’s brow scrunched up. Had she spoken out loud?

  The Surmata gave her an endearing smile. “There’s no need for speech. You have an open face, Miss Saunders, easily read. I saw the question without you speaking it.”

  “I can come anytime, but I need to keep what I learn from others unless they are faculty?” Evie clarified, still trying to wrap her b
rain around this new development.

  “Surmata faculty, actually. The human professors do not have access to this information.”

  “But why? Why me? Why am I receiving special treatment? First the dorm room, then admittance to the restricted side of the campus, and now this.” What made her so special? She was just a human girl, struggling to make a life for herself, far away from the plans her father had for her future.

  The elder contemplated her for a few moments before he spoke, “How much do you know about the Surmata?”

  “Not much, more now than yesterday, but not enough.”

  “Surmata are born with abilities humans will not, and cannot ever, possess. Magical abilities we call Voima. Every Surmata is born with the same abilities, but as they grow, only select powers grow with them. Those abilities become their greatest strengths as they mature. We call those stronger gifts, Mahti. Powers differ for each of us as we mature as does the strength level. My Mahti may be another’s weakness and vice versa. One of my Mahtis is the gift of sight. I am the strongest amongst my species. It’s a unique gift among my kind. It’s extremely rare for it to mature into a usable ability. There are none of my species who can rival me, at least, not yet.

  “Surmata retain all of the natural born abilities we receive at birth. Those that don’t strengthen into Mahti, stay in a weakened state. We call those abilities, Heikko.

  “Now you, child, I saw when you were fifteen. I had a vision and knew instantly you were important. To this day, I do not know why, but I knew you had to be protected at all costs. With that knowledge, I placed the order for your protection, and Maximillian was sent to your father’s camp.

  “In my vision three years ago, I saw you here, in this room, dressed as you are now. I knew this day would come, and I knew you could be trusted, but it was all I knew. The goddess hasn’t seen fit to clue this old man into her grand plans for you yet. But, I’m sure with the both of us working closely together we will unearth the reason she wanted you brought here.”