Ravens' Blood Academy 1: A Vampire Historia Paranormal Fantasy

by Scarlette D'Noire

  My soft kisses landed on his neck as I pressed my lips into his skin over and over. Pressure built in my gums, and I gaped my mouth open to alleviate the sensation, yet it persisted. I cried out in pain. It felt as though an oil drill were pounding my teeth out of my head until something slid down from my gums.

  My mouth clamped shut, as sharp protruding points pierced my bottom lip. A sea of warmth flooded my taste buds as blood poured into my mouth. Stunned, I licked my lips moaning, as the sensation lured me closer to the curve of Roar’s neck. I tightened my hold on him as he struggled sharply against my abrasive embrace.

  “Don’t.” He squirmed to break free.

  I intensified my grip leaning harder into his body as my teeth ripped into his flesh.

  Ravenous hunger sank my bite deeper into his skin. My cheeks sucked inward, almost closing against each other as each pull drew harder until my mouth flooded with his glorious blood. Furious beating implored me to stop, yet each thrash of his pounding heart drew me deeper into my frenzy, crashing my will to drain him against his will to survive.

  Alive.

  Every cell in my body readied at attention as I felt truly alive for the first time in my life. Roar’s struggle relented as if submitting to his destiny as I realized my own.

  Satiated, I release my grip from his neck and his head fell lax. I recoiled at the sight of blood trickling down his neck, as if I’d been possessed and finally came to my senses.

  A flutter of birds made a ruckus overhead and swooped down over us causing me to release my grasp on Roar and scurry for cover. I expected him to lunge under the bush with me, to escape the dive bombing of the birds, but his body fell to the ground.

  Startled, I shook my head back and forth and crawled over to his lifeless body. Hot tears stung my eyes as the substance those bitches blew in my face mixed with my tears. Feverishly, I shoved Roar’s body willing him to wake up, but he didn’t respond. I pressed my hand over my mouth as guttural sobs racked my body.

  What have they done to me?

  What have I done!

  My head twisted around looking for someone, anyone to help me, but I knew that was a crazy thought. An unusual sense of calmness came over me, and I curled my body next to Roar and cried.

  To my utter horror the urge to bite into his flesh again ferreted through my body. I shoved myself away from him, and the realization of what I’d done slammed me into the nightmare of my reality.

  I catapulted upward “No!” I demanded. “This can’t be happening. I’ve killed him,” I screamed and ran off into the night

  Small branches tore at my skin as I sprinted aimlessly through the forest. Each gash seemed as if it were my penance for the immense damage I’d done. Scratches covered my face as I tore through the night. Each branch and limb thrashed me for the unending pain I’d caused.

  My tears stung my face until no more fell. I came to a halt at a clearing deep in the woods. Animalistic sounds erupted from my soul, as I crashed my fists against my thigh until all my energy lay spent on the forest floor. Still, I never felt any relief as my guilt and shame stayed anchored within me. And I wanted it too. I didn’t deserve to be relieved of the burden of what I’d done. I…killed…my...friend!

  My body took off, at the speed of a tornado, thrashing through the forest until I ended up by the hidden tunnel close to the motel. I lifted the hatch door open with ease and jumped into the hole, not bothering with the stairs. I dashed down the narrow corridor of the tunnel, running blindly in the darkness until I threw myself on the ground, then sat upright and leaned against the damp wall. My heart beat wildly, so I folded my legs and tucked my knees tight against my chest. I wrapped my arms around my legs, trying to stave off the assault of my own body.

  Above ground, I heard the muffled calls of my name. I wasn’t sure if it was Jacob or Arian, or how many people called, but they were looking and soon they’d find Roar’s dead body. Even though, I had to face what I'd done, I wanted to try and understand it first before, I answered the pleading calls to find me. But how?

  None of this made sense. I couldn’t fathom what I’d tell them or the authorities as to why I cannibalized my friend. Or Fritz. Oh God. I didn’t want to think about the heartbreak I’d bring the man who took me in, let alone Deb or Kiki.

  Low wails murmured out of me as the cruelty of my actions played in my mind. At a soft rustling at the end of the tunnel, I lifted my chin off my knees and peered into the darkness. They’ve found me. I’ll have to face my fate.

  A lone figure approached me. I could make out his silhouette in the darkness better than usual. The police, they found me. I curled into a ball and squeezed my eyes shut so tight they ached, as I waited for the handcuffs to clamp around my wrists. The footsteps drew nearer until the tunnel fell silent again. I pressed my face harder into the musty floor before forcing myself to open my eyes and face my punishment.

  Mystery man’s boots were inches from my face. The thought of him killing me seemed to relieve me of my dilemma, albeit only for a brief moment. Strength rose up my core, demanding my body to stand upright and face my fate, yet I only managed to sit and hug my knees.

  “Adora,” the voice whispered, softer that I thought a killer would call their victim.

  He crouched next to me and brushed the matted hair from my face. “Did somebody hurt you?”

  The light from his cell phone stung my eyes, so I squinted, then shielded them with the back of my hand. The heaviness of his cologne flooded my senses, and I sneezed.

  “Why are you hiding down here, all disheveled and crying? Do I need to get you to a doctor?” He clasped my hand and raised me to my feet.

  “Who are you? If you’re not here to kill me or arrest me, then who are you and why have you been following me?” I demanded.

  A low laugh echoed through the tunnel. “Following you? I recall you following me earlier tonight.” He softened his tone. “And why on earth would I want to kill you?” He shook his head. “Or have you arrested?”

  Normally, I’d be surprised that I’d been able to see his coal black eyes and dark hair in the dimness of the tunnel, but after all the craziness tonight, nothing surprised me. “You still haven’t told me who you are,” I probed, but from his features, I already knew he was a Daga.

  “Professor Korbin Daga, and I assure you, I’m not here to cause you any harm.” He squeezed my arm softly. “Call me Kor, and please calm down and tell me what happened?”

  I wiped my nose on the back of my sleeve and smoothed my palms down my dirty face, “I killed him!” I wailed. “I don’t know what’s wrong with me. I’m a cannibal or a zombie or something, but I bit Roar until…” I paused as if saying the words would wound Roar all over again, as it certainly tore out my heart to say them out loud. “Until I killed him.” Long sobs wracked my body.

  Professor Korbin wrapped one of his arms around my shoulder. “Let’s get you out of here.”

  “No.” I jerked from him. “I’m sorry,” I said in a low voice. “I’m not ready to face them yet,” I admitted.

  “No worries. I know a quiet place where we can talk. You’ll be far from prying eyes. And we can get this all straightened out.”

  The reassurance in his voice helped me to calm down a little, so I nodded in agreement. Besides, what else could I do? Huddling in a tunnel the rest of my miserable life didn’t seem very plausible, but it sure beat the thought of life in prison.

  Every few moments, I had to stuff the urge to run away deep inside me. It took all my courage to follow Professor Daga through the winding tunnel. Panic rose in me as we reached what appeared to be a brick wall. Dead end. So, this is where he’s going to kill me.

  I curled my fists into tight balls ready to pummel him if he tried anything suspicious. He pressed a few key stones in the wall and a large section opened about eighteen inches. He squeezed inside the narrow opening and extended his hand out for me to grasp and follow, yet I hesitated.

  He pressed his upper body back out
toward me. “Don’t worry. I’m not going to bite.” His eyes shut quickly as he flinched. “I’m so sorry. Very poor timing for an age-old joke.” He shook his hand toward me. “Adora, I won’t hurt you.” He smiled wide, disarming my suspicions.

  I exhaled sharply, nodded my head, and slipped through the opening. After assessing the dimly lit room, relief flitted through me for the first time since I’d received the cursed invitation to attend Ravens’ Blood Academy.

  Bookshelves from floor to ceiling lined two walls, holding very old and rare looking books. A large wooden desk with an old-timey, leather, high-back swivel chair rested in a corner of the room. An armless wooden chair nestled up against one side of the desk. A small reading lamp and papers cluttered the desktop.

  “Don’t mind the mess.” Professor Korbin nervously shuffled the documents into haphazard stacks. “I don’t usually have company in my little nest.”

  “I’m not here to judge,” I said dryly and frowned.

  A small bed wedged up next to the wall had a beautiful hand sewn quilt. Several pillows rested against the stone, covering the length of the bed and forming a daybed of sorts.

  “Have a seat,” Korbin offered.

  I glanced at the condition of my clothes and shook my head. “I don’t want to get anything dirty.”

  “We can solve that issue.” He smiled and opened the door to a small closet. He pulled out a sweater and some small jogging pants that looked fifty years old.

  “Many moons and a few pounds ago,” he admitted lowering his gaze. “But I think they’ll fit if you pull the string tight.”

  “Thank you,” I whispered, gazing around to see a private place to change. “If you don’t mind stepping out—”

  He shook his head. “No need for that.” He pressed a button and a part of the wall popped open.

  “A hidden room in a hidden room. Cool,” I said.

  His eyes twinkled as if he enjoyed surprising me.

  “There’s a full bathroom and a kitchen too. I like to come here for peace of mind when the students are driving me bonkers.”

  I couldn’t help but groan. “And I’m not driving you mad? Surely, whiny students don’t compare to the mess I’ve gotten you involved in tonight?”

  “Don’t fret. Go take a shower and get changed. We’ll sort it all out when you’re finished,” he promised.

  “I wish I could hide here forever. And never worry about facing the world again.” I trailed my fingers over a row of books. “There’s certainly enough here to keep my mind off everything,” I frowned at the absurdity of my statement as if reading Dickens or Shakespeare could absolve me of killing Roar and remove all my guilt. “Not that it could.” I peered around the room and tears of relief welled in my eyes for the small reprieve before I had to face my fate. “Thank you, Professor Korbin.”

  “Look, don’t you worry, okay? You can stay here as long as you need. And please call me Kor. Professor Daga or Professor Korbin makes me feel old.” He hobbled around the room, imitating Fritz. “Adora, my child,” he said in a ridiculous voice, drawing out his sentence and smiling sheepishly at me. “I have high hopes for you, my girl. You’ll be top of the class, you’ll see.”

  I let out a giggle, so he continued his skit finishing with a Charlie Chaplin imitation.

  “I love Charlie!” I clapped my hands.

  “Really? I didn’t think a young lady your age would even know who he was.” He turned his lips downward and bobbed his head. “Impressive, Ms. Jackson.”

  “I’m a strange bird, I guess.” I sighed.

  He let out a rambunctious laugh and narrowed his eyes. “No, I’m the strange bird. Trust me.” He rustled up some old house slippers. “Now it’ll be your turn to imitate Fritz and shuffle around in these. It’s the best I’ve got until we can get your things.”

  My things. Maybe Professor Korbin truly planned of giving me a little break before I turned myself in.

  “Now, go get showered. You reek,” he mused, ushering me into the bathroom. “I’ll go get you some hot tea and bring back some food. Don’t worry. You’re safe here and then we’ll get everything straightened out.”

  As much as I liked Professor Korbin and felt safe in his hidden nest, as he called it, I planned on taking a quick shower and slipping away from this place before he returned. I couldn’t take the chance of harming him or anyone else. Roar was my friend and look where that got him. Dead.

  Aunt Marea drilled in my head my entire life we should always do the right thing. I knew what I had to do. After my shower, I was going to turn myself in to the Richwood police.

  To my utter dismay, Deb, Professor Korbin, and Kiki sat in the room, waiting for me to emerge from my shower. So much for my plan to sneak off to the police.

  “You told her?” I wailed, as the weight of my sins toppled on my shoulders.

  Deb frowned. “Come here, Adora. Sit on the bed and calm down.”

  Kiki spun around in the office chair, and Professor Korbin avoided my glare as he scurried to gather drawing paper and markers to entertain her.

  “My mind is made up. I’m going to go to the police and throw myself at their mercy,” I insisted.

  “Sit,” Deb said sternly, but her gaze remained soft.

  “Yes, ma’am,” I managed to say in a small voice and rested on the edge of the bed.

  “Let’s go over everything that happened and if you still insist, I'll drive you to the police station myself in the morning,” Deb promised, sitting down beside me.

  Shame burned my cheeks at the thought of telling them how I bit into Roar’s flesh and drank his blood. “What about—” I pointed toward Kiki.

  Deb glanced over at the child. “She’s in the zone doing one of her drawings. Trust me, she’s not aware of us right now.”

  “I don't know where to start,” I admitted. “Everything happened so fast.”

  “Drink this. It will help calm your nerves.” Professor Korbin maneuvered behind Deb staring at me. I purposely avoided his gaze as he’d betrayed my trust by bringing her back here without warning me. He mouthed the words, ‘don’t be mad’ and pressed his hands together in a mocking manner, as if he were praying.

  As much as I wanted to stay angry with him, I couldn’t help but admit he made me feel safe and helped relax my mind during all this chaos. I nodded impatiently at him as I sipped my tea. He tilted his head, slightly turned it to the left, and flashed me a big smile as if he had a devilishly delightful thought. He waddled like Charlie Chaplin for a brief moment and took a bow as his eyes sparkled with magic. Something in his gaze called to me, as if his mischievous nature could whisk me away from all this turmoil and fly me to a place of fun and lightheartedness.

  “Focus, Adora.” Deb twisted her back and craned her neck to see what had my attention. “Korbin,” she said through clenched teeth. “You know her senses are heightened. Stop distracting her.”

  He raised his hands in surrender but said nothing. After I finished going over the events of dinner, I hesitated to verbalize attacking Roar.

  “They must’ve drugged me, Miss Deb. I swear I’ve never done anything violent before,” I stammered. “Before I bit him,” I whispered.

  Deb stood and paced the floor. “Something’s missing. Let’s go over the details more carefully.” She signaled for me to finish my tea.

  I gulped down the last of it, allowing the warm liquid to soothe my raw throat.

  “What happened before dinner? Anything unusual?” she probed.

  ‘No,” I admitted.

  “Those girls aren’t powerful enough to ignite your true nature.” Deb tapped her nails on the desk and studied Kiki’s drawing.

  My true nature? My mind reeled. “What are you saying? My true nature is to bite into human flesh… Like a zombie?” My hands trembled violently, as I struggled to understand her meaning.

  Deb sat on the bed and clasped my hands. “Calm down, honey. You're not a zombie.”

  “All I know is I couldn't find my low
blood sugar vitamins...” My words drifted off.

  “You take insulin?” Professor Korbin asked, shooting a glance at Deb.

  “No, no,” I corrected. “It’s not that serious. Aunt Marea has special vitamins made for me to help regulate my sugar. When it gets low, I feel weak and woozy and sometimes, if it’s too low I feel like I’m starving. But it’s nothing a big steak can’t cure.”

  I tried to make light of my situation. “Early tonight, when I couldn’t find my vitamins. I felt unsteady but managed to find a crushed one on the floor, while I was looking at my aunt’s book.” I raked my hands through my hair. “All of this is useless. I can’t blame attacking Roar on delirium, since I took a partial dose.”

  “Tell us more about the book,” Professor Korbin prodded.

  Weary, I shook my head in disgust, as all of this didn’t change anything. “It’s an old spell book, that’s all. I wanted to scare those witches for bullying Kala and me.”

  “Go on,” Deb said keeping her voice even.

  “I read off a spell tonight. Not to hurt them. A personal power spell, but nothing happened.” I frowned, “You don't actually believe in all that stuff...do you?”

  “Words have power, Adora, if you believe it or not. Tell me more about this spell, we might be getting somewhere now,” Deb insisted.

  Annoyed, I exhaled sharply. “I don’t know. Something about my true nature blazing through me like a weed, while the beast rests, drinking from the crimson sea. A full moon, a gate, true fate. It didn’t make sense then and it doesn’t now.” Adrenaline coiled down my arms as heat flooded my face.

  Deb placed her hands firmly on my shoulders. “What I’m about to tell you will be the most astounding thing you’ve ever heard in your life, but you must promise to stretch the limits of your understanding and contemplate it could be true. Believe that I’d never lie to you or lead you astray.”