“Time to go, Naya. Get in the car.” General Nikit didn’t have a sensitive bone in his body. Why couldn’t he just let them have a moment? Naya let go of her parents and walked out with the General to the car. Once inside, she pulled the windows down and screamed out. “I love you both so much! Thank you for everything!”
Her parents cried, yelling out “I love you” and “Stay safe!”
The car felt like it was moving slower than it should. Maybe it was. Nothing felt real, and as the car turned the block, she couldn’t see her family anymore, wailing in the back. She wanted to be strong but she had been torn away from everything she knew. If someone had been standing near the car, they would have thought she was being harmed.
It was the longest car ride of her life. An hour and a half ride that felt like decades. The car seemed to move slower than it should. Maybe magic was slowing time. When the tears finally stopped, she couldn’t speak or even think. She was a soulless body looking through the window. It was daunting to have your world changed in seconds, pulled away from everything you knew. Naya was thankful to her upbringing that gave her the strength to face the shocking change.
She was surprised when they pulled up to an airport, but smaller than any she had ever seen. There was a small plane outside the car with guys in black suits and radios in their hands. Was the Academy really that important?
As Naya walked towards the plane, she realized it was the private sort of jet that rich people flew around the world in. There were huge seats that could have been used in a mansion as a couch, with a small TV in front of each and even waiters at the back of the plane. As Naya walked through the plane, she saw that the seats were filled with kids like her—just regular teenagers with the same confused, stunned look. In a normal airplane there would be rows of seats but there is just one per line. Naya thought it was for the best. She had too much on her plate to deal with anyone.
Naya sat and put on her belt as the air hostess did a safety demonstration, just like this was your everyday flight. The captain spoke on the intercom, addressing them, but it was just noise to her. Alaska? Something about Alaska? Is that where she was going? In the confusion and stress she didn’t think about asking where the academy was. The face-palm emoji popped in her head. She agreed to a future without knowing where the future was—and that shocked her back to reality.
Before long, they were in the sky, and the TV turned on automatically. Instead of showing an in-flight movie, it showed General Nikit. He greeted every student of Arumrose Academy. He went through the two-hundred-year history of the academy, but the more he spoke, the more the words jumbled together. Every time she tried to concentrate, thoughts of the last hour popped into her head.
Then his voice grew deeper and more serious.
“You may have heard of the wild-lifers. All are rebels. All would seek to kidnap you and take you under their control. I don’t mean to scare you unnecessarily, but it is of prime importance you stay within the Academy grounds. If the ancient vampires take you, it’s almost impossible to get you back. Your blood is mage-blood, and it’s a power that is inside you. This power can and will be used for great good.”
He paused, clearing his throat in the video.
“All of you have a special talent, and the teachers at the academy will help you develop them with purpose. You will either take an inhibitor shot or wear a device that will control your instincts except during class hours and supervised circumstances.”
As he spoke, air hostesses walked down the row with silver trays. Naya looked down at what she was handed—a bracelet and a syringe. She wondered how many of the other students knew she had mixed blood. Everyone else got either the bracelet or the shot. Should she be concerned? She didn’t want to be singled out again. She took the shot and pressed it against her leg. There was only a tiny prick. Then she put the bracelet on. Naya didn’t want to shine. She just wanted to blend in.
“We have simple rules. Please follow them and we’ll help you through your life at Arumrose with the best tools available. When you arrive, you will be greeted by the headmaster. Please rest and have a safe flight.”
Naya lay back in the comfortable reclining chair and looked out through the darkness of the window. No stars glistened. It was eerie seeing nothing in the sky, like she was lost in the darkness of space. Anything could be out there. At this point, even a UFO wouldn’t have surprised her. Exasperation burned in her.
How could her parents have let go of her so easily?
Wouldn’t they miss her?
She knew she would miss them. They were her rock, always there for her. It felt like a heartbreak. Miserable loneliness pulled her out of sleep every time she closed her eyes. In the past, sleep was an escape from these kinds of feelings. A way to avoid her feelings and make time go faster. She knew deep in her heart she needed to process what happened if she was going to face what was to come.
Her world crumbled down.
Everything she believed in, every memory, was twisted. She felt too young to leave her family, and though she tried to look tough, she was scared that she was different. What if the academy didn’t like her because she was mixed? Her mom told her about different species forming cliques. What if she didn’t fit in with anyone?
Naya reached for her phone to look at the time and found her pocket empty, instead finding a folded paper. What could it be? It had her name written in her mother’s handwriting. Her eyes got watery, and she tried to hide her face from the rest of the plane as tears dripped down her cheeks. She wiped them with her cuff and unfolded the paper.
Dear Naya,
We are deeply sorry that circumstances happened like this and you had to leave without a proper goodbye. We haven’t told you everything. We’ll do our best to explain when you get home, but in case we couldn’t, here is our best advice for life at Arumrose.
Don’t let anyone tell you who you are or what you are, because, sunshine, you’re the best creature in the world. Your power relies on your true self and your essence. They may teach you tricks to develop the instincts inside you, but please never forget how wonderful you are. Your own values and thoughts are what make you, the amazing Naya. There is no one like you and it is not because you’re a mixed creature. It’s because your presence in the room can brighten it and melt the hardest heart.
It might be hard at the beginning. Your dad and I know from our heart that you will own Arumrose. We don’t care if you choose a witch’s path or a vampire’s path. You could even be a shifter and you will always be the best thing in our lives. You are radiant, baby. Believe it. We made you, we know.
We beg you to forgive us. We should have been honest since the beginning. We worried you might think we were crazy…but it’s just an excuse. You showed us you were better than that.
Never forget that we are here with you. It’s going to be hard for us to talk when you’re in the Academy, but if you do need us, you will find a way and we will be there the second you do.
We are a family. No one, not even the government, can tear that apart. Love cannot explain what you mean to us, sweetheart. You are the best thing that ever happened in our lives and we will always look after you. It doesn’t matter how far you are, how old or powerful you are, we will always be your devoted parents.
Love,
Mom and Dad.
The letter left her speechless and feeling like she wasn’t alone, floating through space. Even though it was a beautiful surprise, she couldn’t stop crying. Every word was charged with memory and love that she had to leave behind. It hit her hard.
She was far away now. She didn’t have her family to rely on. She was on her own—but she would always have them in her heart. A family couldn’t be taken for granted. It was built, and what her mom and dad created was exceptional. Naya felt ready. Whatever happened, their power would be with her.
Despite feeling stronger, she kept re-reading the letter, unable to fully let go and crying over the intensity of the words each time. It was
so much to hold onto and so much to feel.
Eventually, sleep took her, and her puffy eyes closed. As she drifted into sleep, she thought that when she woke, a new life would await, and she knew she needed to prepare for the next chapter of her being.
7
“Good morning, everyone. My name is Antoinette Belour, Headmistress of Arumrose Academy. I see many of you are excited to be here.” The tall, beautiful woman spoke with melodic tones, pointing out to some of the more thrilled students waiting. Somehow, they were happy and excited. How could they be? Naya was devastated, her world completely changed.
Now she was in…Alaska? To become a witch or a vampire?
It was too crazy. Other kids must have been prepared from a young age, and now they were happy to be away from their families. She couldn’t relate to them and she just wanted to blend in at the academy and get back home as soon as possible.
Could it be a new beginning? What if she could reinvent herself to stay incognito? She could be the nice girl that people see but don’t think about. No parties. No being pad girl anymore.
“Please, follow me, and I’ll give you a short tour myself.” The class of new arrivals walked through the silver gate and she felt like everything she ever knew was on the other side. Antoinette turned, giving the new class a wink. “Be happy, I don’t usually do the tours myself.”
There was something about Headmistress Belour that projected a warm, nurturing essence. After even a day away from her parents, Naya craved a maternal figure.
Through the gates lay a breathtaking yard. It was so big that there seemed to be no end, filled with trees and colorful flowers. Spring was blossoming with new life and new beginnings. There was an awed hush as the newcomers walked through a stone path so smoothly made it didn’t look like real stone. Naya knew she should be paying attention, but there were so many new things that caught her eyes and she wanted to take it all in. Now was not the time for a lecture.
Huge stairs led to the main building, and Naya caught her first sight of students. They seemed to be practicing something, but she couldn’t figure out what. There was a massive court that, while she wouldn’t feel comfortable trying to play sports, she would love to lie in. She hoped that freshmen would be allowed in.
The students stopped their practice to stare at the new arrivals, and for some reason, one of the guys was smiling at her. He was far away, but he had an athletic, football player body that reminded her too much of the guys that made high school a living hell. She felt her cheeks turn red, feeling foolish and knowing he must be looking at someone else.
“He’s fine.” The girl next to Naya tapped her with her elbow. “I can’t see too well from here, but I think we’re going to find some here.”
“Some”? What did she mean by “some”?
The girl who nudged her had ripped jeans with white sneakers, a black crop top, and a lace choker. Naya instantly felt like this girl knew more than her—about love and more.
Boys were far from Naya’s mind. Especially since no love could ever rival the one her mom and dad had found. She tried to think of something to respond with, but just gave an awkward smile and turned her attention to Mrs. Belour.
“This school was founded with the ideals that we, paranormal creatures, would be living to help the human race. We work to fix problems they never even knew they faced. Once you graduate from Arumrose, you can work for the intelligence department of the US government or even work your way up to an advisor for the President. Your powers will grow through these years and by the end of fourth year, you will have everything you need to fit into the position you decide to take.”
Four years? Did she say four years?
Naya was already thinking of returning home and “four years” hit her like a slap. She ached for a vacation period to see her parents. First they take their only communication, not allowing phones, and now they hold them prisoner for a full four years? Unbelievable. Naya felt her affection towards Mrs. Belour disappearing fast and gave her a sour look as they were led up the stairs and into the main room.
It looked just like an old palace, filled with a king and a dozen of his children. It could fit an entire building. A huge crystal chandelier dominated the room and it would make the richest kids feel at home. Her own parents raised her to never show off and not to be greedy, and the ostentatious chandelier seemed to her designed to make poorer students feel awed and small.
Next they were led through the dining room that was easily twice the size of her house. The walls were filled with pictures, the frames matching the décor. She wondered if those paintings were former Headmasters and Headmistresses or even famous students of Arumrose. As she walked through the room, Naya was humbled by the design.
Mrs. Belour continued. “Students, it was a pleasure for me to introduce you to our Academy. We have students from all backgrounds coming through these doors. The next stage will be a chance to reinvent yourself and feel that your past no longer matters. When you are here, you are all equals, all developing your own skills and all on your own journey. Tomorrow you will continue with an introductory class in room 502.”
“Did she say ‘reinvention’?” the girl with the choker whispered excitedly. Naya had no idea what Mrs. Belour was talking about and felt left out and unsure.
“Yes, Miss Danworth,” said Mrs. Belour, somehow hearing the whisper. She gave the girls a half-smile. “And please, make wise choices,” she said with a laugh as she waltzed out of the dining room. What did she mean? As Naya was trying to figure it out, adults came through the back door with mirrors and bags that were filled with scissors and beauty supplies.
“Oh my, it’s a makeover,” she said in a whisper to herself, standing paralyzed. Of course. Not everyone coming into Arumrose could afford a personal stylist, and Mrs. Belour wanted to let people change up their style for a new beginning. It didn’t matter if you came from a poor or rich background. Everyone would be allowed an even start.
Everyone except Naya. For some, makeovers never seem to help.
Unfortunately for Naya, every time her mom tried to encourage her to switch up her look it was a failure. These types of things triggered her anxiety and she’d had too much change to want to switch up her look.
On the other hand, all the other girls were excited, chattering with their stylists, and even the guys were making jokes and acting extra masculine to stop themselves from admitting that they were looking forward to seeing how they’d end up looking. Terror gripped her, worse than a horror movie, and Naya felt the urge to run away.
A hand grabbed her arm and she jolted. “Hey! You must be Naya Colt. My name is Lukas Bouche, and today I’m going to be your personal stylist. We want you to feel at ease here.”
Naya’s eyes widened. It felt like a set-up. Plus, how could she know what she wanted to look like if she didn’t even know where she would be living? She didn’t know what vibe would suit her surroundings to help her fit in and stay under the radar.
She was thinking so hard that the only word that came out in a mumble was an anxious, “H-h-hi.”
“Don’t worry, darling, you’re in great hands,” he said confidently. For all she knew, he could be brand new and might just do a slight trim, not push her to change too much. “I’ve been working for Arumrose Academy for the last eight years of my life, transforming little caterpillars into blossoming butterflies. Take a look at my book,” he said proudly, showing her a glossy catalogue titled dramatically “A Magic Touch, from the one, Lukas Bouche.” His over-the-top dramatic flair made the rest of the academy feel more relaxed in comparison and the pictures inside were changes as dramatic as him—ragged, nervous-looking students becoming glamorous and relaxed. Maybe his funny, sassy vibe could be a good fit.
“My job? Simple. To give you the best experience and let your true…” He got confused, looking down at a paper that must describe her talents. “OMG, darling! Why didn’t you tell me? I’m going to do wonders for you. You’re already special and I wa
nt to let your beauty out to make you the best you can be.”
Already special? I don’t want to be special…
Naya laughed, confused. He at least made her feel welcome. When she didn’t reply, Lukas continued. “I guess no one explained this process to you?”
“No…and if I’m being honest, I don’t understand this. I just want to go to my room.” She looked down at the floor with sorrow. This was too much.
“Oh darling.” He gently touched her chin, pulling it up so she could look at herself in the mirror. “Look at you. You deserve this.” He smiled, warm, and pulled out a rubber band and brushed her hair.
“Let me tell you why this is important. When you first arrive at the academy, your powers are barely noticeable. To fully embrace them, you have to let go of your past. That’s why we start with a makeover. It’s a way for you to feel calm and confident and embrace the beautiful nature of the paranormal that is blossoming inside you.”
His words were subtle and gentle, designed to take the edge off the new and exciting place. He flipped through the last page, letting her look through the transformations. “Tell me, Naya, what does your inner power feel like?”
Naya blinked. This was a new beginning, and she could decide who she wanted to be. No one knew her as “pad girl” here. She could be radical or conservative, and whatever she chose would start her adventure. It wasn’t normal for her to let go, but Lukas felt different. It was like he was meant to find her.
“I trust you, Lukas. Your choice. Work your magic on me.”
His face lit up, and he sprang to his feet, clapping his hands to call over other assistants to help him.
“Oh honey, you won’t regret it. I promise.”
Naya was fascinated by how he worked. He gently stroked her hair aside, then moved his fingers strangely. Suddenly, flashes of color appeared deep in the fabric of her hair. A great mess was made as he grabbed for different products, and it seemed like the job of the assistants was to clean up the mess of the not-very-tidy stylist. A little mess was okay if it gave results like in his book.
The Mage-Blood Test: A YA Paranormal Romance (Arumrose Academy Book 1) Page 7
