Rebirth: The Sacred Isle Series

by K. E. Miller

  “No,” she replied, shaking her head. “I walked all the way here and I realized that I forgot my wallet, so I’m headed back to school.”

  “You walked all the way here?” I asked, incredulously, completely ignoring the rational part of my brain that was screaming to maintain my distance and objectivity. “It’s fifteen degrees outside.”

  “I don’t have a car,” she explained. “Usually we take my roommate Jaden’s, but she went home for the weekend.”

  “Come on,” I said. “I’ll drive you back to school.”

  “Are you sure?” she asked. “I don’t mind walking.”

  I pulled out my keys and unlocked the plain-looking gray sedan that was parked a few spaces down.

  “Get in,” I instructed.

  Not needing to be told twice, Shaylee scurried over to the passenger side and got into the car. I got in and put the key in the ignition. The car started and I turned up the heat, wanting to warm her up as quickly as possible.

  “Thanks,” she said, as I put the car in reverse.

  The drive back to school was quiet. I spent the whole trip fuming that she’d walked all the way to town alone on such a cold day. Even though she had no idea what kind of danger she was facing if the Council discovered her existence, I would have thought that she would have a little more sense.

  After parking in the student lot, I walked her back to her room. The level of concern I was feeling towards her shocked me. She was perfectly capable of getting to her room on her own. I’d already gotten far too involved just by driving her back to the school. For some reason logic didn’t seem to be enough for me to maintain my objectivity.

  “Thanks for driving me back,” she said when we reached her door. “You didn’t have to and I really appreciate it.”

  “You’re not going to walk back to town now are you?” I questioned.

  “No,” she said. “I’ve had enough of outside for today.”

  “Good,” I nodded and turned to leave.

  As I walked away, I could feel her watching me. All the way back to my room I considered how lonely she must be. Surprisingly, that was something we had in common. I’d been so focused on my mission for so long that I had created my own loneliness. Shaylee had done nothing to deserve it other than go to a school humans didn’t attend.

  Once again, I was gripped by the overwhelming desire to protect her. I could feel myself getting drawn into things when I should be maintaining my distance. There was no evidence to suggest Shaylee was anything other than a normal human girl. Perhaps there were signs if I looked close enough, but I wasn’t sure that was something I was prepared to do.

  Chapter 3

  Jaden

  I walked slowly to my room. I was still having trouble comprehending the events of the last few days. My life was fundamentally changed forever. Even though I had known it was coming, it had never occurred to me that there were so many secrets I had yet to learn about. The fact that I was bound by laws and my own vow to my grandmother not to say anything to the unaware, including Shaylee, grated at me.

  I opened the door to my room and saw that Shaylee was still asleep. I was grateful that I had some time to figure out how to keep my secret from her, since there were things I could now do that would be harder to hide. I hopped into the shower for some time to think.

  I held tears back as the hot water washed over me. I was so overwhelmed by the whole thing and what made it worse was I knew I didn’t have the whole story. My grandmother was very clear that she only told me what I needed to know and the rest would have to wait until I graduated. I didn’t know what she could be leaving out, but what I did know changed my entire perception of the world I lived in.

  I had always known I was a Warrior. That was why I’d been studying self-defense and martial arts my entire life. I’d always taken pride in that part of myself. What I hadn’t know was I was the last descendant of a long line of Warriors who could trace our lineage back before the Exodus and had once been the most powerful Warrior family in existence.

  I was also very familiar with the story of the Exodus. We’d come to this world hundreds of years ago after a queen thought the Mages were after her power and banished everyone, killing herself in the process. According to my grandmother, there was far more to the story. She said I shouldn’t trust anyone connected to the Council. Apparently, there had actually been a rebellion and the queen had saved lives when she sent everyone here.

  As a Warrior, my Transition was minimal. I’d been temporarily filled with warmth and a tingling sensation down to my fingers and toes. I was now stronger and faster than I’d been. I also now possessed heightened senses. Even with the shower on, I could hear Shaylee moving around our room and I no longer had any need for my contacts.

  As I left the bathroom, I was greeted with a cheery smile from Shaylee.

  “I’m so happy you’re back,” she said. “It was miserable around here without you. Did you have a good birthday?”

  “Pretty good,” I said, shrugging my shoulders.

  “Feel any different being eighteen?”

  “Not really,” I lied, wishing she wouldn’t press for any more details.

  We walked down to breakfast with Shaylee chattering away. I did my best to listen to her and make the appropriate comments, but my mind kept returning to the fact that there was so much about myself that desperately wanted to discuss with someone, yet I couldn’t.

  I managed to keep up pretty well as we ate at our usual table. Shaylee didn’t seem overly concerned by my lack of interest and I began to wonder if I’d magically developed better deception skills as well.

  When we got back to the room, I backed my backpack, careful that Shaylee didn’t see my workout clothes. I told her that I needed to go to the library. It wasn’t easy, but I managed to convince her that I needed to study alone after she offered to come with me.

  Instead of going too the library, I headed to the gym. I was pleased to see that it was empty and knew it would most likely stay that way on a Sunday. I went into the locker room and changed my clothes.

  I pulled a large mat out of the equipment room and sat down on it to stretch. As I stretched, I tried to remember all exercises my grandmother had insisted I practice. I stood and did my best to work my way through them on my own. As I did, I envisioned myself as a powerful Warrior defending my charge from evil and quickly found myself giggling.

  “Would you care for a sparring partner?” an unfamiliar voice echoed across the gym.

  I spun around to see Aaron Tremain walking over to me.

  “No thanks,” I replied.

  I remembered what my grandmother had said about the Council. The whole school, except Shaylee, knew who Aaron was and his involvement with the Council. He was a dangerous Mage even if you were completely loyal to the Council. Given what my grandmother had told me about the Council, he was even more of a threat.

  “Are you sure?” he asked.

  I was surprised by how different his voice was from the few times I’d heard him speak in class. His expression was open and almost kind. It was vastly different from the permanent scowl that was typically glued to his face.

  Despite how approachable he currently seemed and the knowledge that I really did need a sparring partner, I was reluctant to have him anywhere near me.

  “I’d really rather learn on my own,” I told him.

  “If you want to be a powerful Warrior, you’re going to need my help,” he said.

  I wasn’t sure how he knew I was a Warrior, unless he’d done a background check on me. Instead of being offended by that possibility, I chose to think that it was likely, given how long he’d lived, that he could spot the different Clans without much effort.

  “Why are you so interested,” I asked, nervous about his intentions. “I’m sure, being a Mage, you have better things to do.”

  “Let’s just say I want you prepared.”

  “Prepared for what?” I asked.

  “The future.”
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br />   There was something about the way he said ‘the future’. It was almost like he was was warning me about something. There was also the look in his eyes. It wasn’t the angry self-centered look he’d been parading around the school. He seemed to genuinely want to help me.

  He walked over to the mat and began removing his shoes.

  “I want you to know,” he began as he untied his shoes.

  I sat down and followed his example.

  “You shouldn’t worry about beating me in the beginning. I’m not a Warrior, but I’ve been doing this for a very long time. With hard work and practice, you will soon put my skills to shame.”

  We stood and Aaron adopted a fighting stance. I could tell by his form that he knew what he was doing. I followed suit.

  “Nice form,” he said. “Now attack me.”

  “What?” I asked, incredulously. Based on his reputation alone I knew better than to attack him.

  “The only way you’re going to start learning is by doing. Attack me.”

  “I already know how to fight,” I said. “I’ve been studying martial arts for years.”

  “Of course, you have,” he replied. “But you’re through your Transition now. That makes everything different. Now attack me…unless you think I’m too much for you.”

  His arrogant attitude and cocky grin were what did it. I lunged toward him; my fist squarely aimed at his face. Without realizing what was happening, my feet suddenly disappeared from underneath me. I hit the mat, hard.

  I looked up to see Aaron smiling down at me, looking very pleased with himself.

  “What was that for?” I growled.

  “That was to get all the anxiety you had about hitting me out of the way,” he explained. “And to show you that there’s much more to learn than just basic fighting skills.”

  He reached down and offered me his hand. I took it and he pulled me to my feet.

  “Now you can just focus on me as someone to train with, not a Council Mage. This was never going to work unless you were willing to hit me.”

  “So, what now?” I asked.

  “Now, we train.”

  ***

  By the time I went back to the locker room to shower and change, I was tired, sweaty, and bruised. Aaron had barely worked up a sweat and looked like he’d just come in from a light jog.

  In the end, I was grateful for his help. It was clear I had a lot to learn. He’d quickly slipped into the role of teacher, a role he filled surprisingly well. I’d even managed to forget who it was teaching me.

  When I left the locker room, he was leaning against the gym wall waiting for me.

  “Don’t worry,” he said. “You’ve got some serious potential. You’ll get there. We’ll meet here every day before school and every evening at eight.”

  “Seriously?” I asked, gaping at him.

  “If you want my help, yes.”

  “I don’t believe I ever said I wanted your help,” I retorted.

  “It’s your choice,” he said, shrugging his shoulders. “But the future is a dark one, Jaden. In the end, knowing how to defend yourself could change the fate of many.”

  “Like my ability to fight would ever matter to anyone,” I replied. “What makes you so sure about the future anyway?”

  “That’s for me to know,” he smiled at me, mischievously. There was something darker in his eyes though that caught my attention. “I could always be wrong, but if I’m right not only could you end up saving yourself, but the people you love.”

  I wasn’t really sure if I should trust him or not. The Council had been in control for centuries and surely had the resources to deal with most problems. The thing to consider though, was if the danger came from the Council itself. If that was the case, why would Aaron warn me about it? Regardless I didn’t like the idea of being dependent on the Council for anything.

  “Okay. I’m in on one condition,” I said.

  “I’m offering to teach you and you have conditions?” Aaron laughed.

  “No one finds out,” I said, ignoring his mirth. “Especially not my roommate, Shaylee. She’s your lab partner in Anatomy.”

  “I know who she is,” he said, catching me by surprise.

  I’d assumed that we were all below his notice.

  “I won’t say anything if you don’t. I’m not that interested in having the school aware of how I spend my time anyway,” he said.

  “Then we have a deal,” I said, offering him my hand.

  He shook it once.

  “See you tomorrow morning,” he said.

  I watched him leave the gym, wondering what I’d gotten myself into and if I would later regret agreeing to let him teach me.

  ***

  I walked into the Dining Hall and saw that Shaylee was already at our table. I got some food and was on my over to her when I happened to glance over at Madalynn and Kenneth’s table.

  Aaron’s sharp stare captured by attention instantly. He nodded in the direction I was headed, a warning in his gaze. I turned in the direction he indicated and saw Madalynn standing next to Shaylee. I picked up my pace.

  “You’re such a waste of space, Neale,” Madalynn said, not noticing my approach.

  “Back off,” I said, venom in my voice.

  I set my tray down on the table, but with the adrenaline that was pumping through my Warrior body it was more of a slam.

  “I was just reminding her of her place in the world,” Madalynn said, obviously unconcerned by my anger.

  “I said to back off,” I growled, suddenly invading her space. She gave a sharp intake of breath as my proximity and anger registered. I saw shock briefly enter her expression before it gave way to confident superiority.

  “And what are you going to do about it?” she asked, quietly. “My ancestors owned yours.”

  “Well it’s a good thing there aren’t any slaves anymore, because if you so much as look at Shaylee the wrong way again, I’ll introduce your face to my fist,” I whispered, menacingly.

  Her eyes widened and for the first time, Madalynn looked afraid. As she stepped away from me, her eyes never left mine.

  “Now go away,” I told her, loud enough for the tables closest to us to hear.

  She turned and walked quickly back to her table, no doubt to tell the rest of the Mages in her group what I’d just said to her.

  I turned back to Shaylee and my dinner and sat down.

  “What did you say to her?” Shaylee asked. “I’ve never seen her look like that.”

  “I just told her I’d tell the whole school her dirty little secrets if she didn’t leave you alone,” I lied.

  “What secrets? Jade, you don’t know any of her secrets. The two of you have barely spoken in three years.”

  “Obviously I do,” I replied, sticking to my lie.

  Shaylee chuckled and returned to her meal.

  Sensing someone watching me, I glanced behind me and saw Aaron looking at me. He nodded once and then looked away. I turned back to my food, knowing I had done what he wanted. I wasn’t sure why he’d been concerned about Madalynn and Shaylee, but perhaps if I played my cards right, I could gain enough of his trust to find out.

  Chapter 4

  Shaylee

  I walked into Anatomy Monday morning in a slightly better mood than usual. For some reason the day’s outlook didn’t look nearly as bad as usual. It was the last week before Winter Break and I knew the torture of school was almost over for a while.

  I sat down in my seat and pulled out my notebook to take notes on the new lab. The stool next to me moved and I looked up to see Aaron sitting down. I smiled at him, but his gaze remained steady on the front of the room, as though he wasn’t aware of my existence.

  I dropped my smile and looked away. I didn’t know what I’d been expecting or why I’d thought getting a ride back from town would change anything between us. Things were right back to where they’d been before.

  We worked in silence, Aaron showing little interest. With our only co
mmunication being when I showed him my answers and his nodding, I really didn’t know what to think about him. One day he’s generously giving me a ride back to school and the next he’s a self-absorbed jerk too above helping me with our assignment.

  From there, my day quickly went downhill. When I got to lunch, Madalynn and everyone else at her table glared at me as I was eating. The only one at their table not glaring at me was Aaron, who spent the entire meal never even glancing in my direction.

  When Jaden came over with her lunch, she turned to see what I was looking at. Madalynn and her friends quickly looked away and never turned back for the rest of the meal.

  That night, after dinner, Jaden disappeared, just as she had before breakfast and I wondered where she was going and why she hadn’t told me. She’d been acting different since coming back from her birthday and I wondered what was bothering her.

  When she finally came back around ten, she looked exhausted.

  “Where were you? I asked.

  “Group project,” she said. “I’ll probably be gone a lot while we work on things. It’s worth fifty percent of my grade.”

  There was something about the tone of her voice that I couldn’t quite put my finger on.

  “For what class?” I asked.

  “European History,” she replied. “Sorry I didn’t mention it. I forgot to tell you. We’re just trying to outline the whole thing and divide up sections to get ahead start before next semester.”

  “That’s okay,” I told her, ignoring the gut feeling that she wasn’t being completely honest with me.

  She changed her clothes and collapsed onto her bed. She pulled her pillow over her head and within minutes I could tell she’d fallen asleep, which was strange since she usually didn’t go to sleep until after eleven.

  The next morning, Jaden was gone before I woke up. I showered and dressed before heading to class. To my surprise, Aaron was already sitting at our table when I got there.