Ravens' Blood Academy 1: A Vampire Historia Paranormal Fantasy

by Scarlette D'Noire

  The seriousness in her voice scared me as fear tightened my stomach. “I promise,” I vowed.

  “Those girls didn’t cause you to react the way you did tonight Adora. The incantation released your true self. You have the power. You’ve always had the power inside you.”

  “I don’t understand,” I slammed my eyes shut and shook my head.

  Deb squeezed my shoulders tighter. “You’re a vampire Adora.”

  My gaze darted around the room.

  Professor Korbin nodded to me. “It’s true,’ he whispered.

  Every fiber of my being recoiled at the implications of her words. “I caused this! Draining someone of their blood is my true nature?”

  I’m.

  A.

  Vampire.

  Waves of nausea barreled through me. I bolted to the bathroom and spilled the contents of my stomach on the floor. The evidence of my attack on Roar, pooled at my feet. A bone chilling shriek flowed out of my mouth, as I yanked at my hair. Professor Korbin wrapped his arms around my waist and lifted me away from the expanding puddle of curdled blood threatening to soak my slippers.

  My mind almost fractured at the weight of my reality. I wanted to reject it all, to go home and forget about the wretched Raven’s Blood Academy. If only I could go back in time, to the innocent girl full of hopes and dreams prancing around in my auntie’s grown-up boots.

  Professor Korbin laid me on the bed, and I didn’t move or speak for a long time. Deb whispered something to him, and he disappeared into the kitchen then appeared with a mug in his hand.

  “I don’t want any more tea.” I said, clamping my lips shut.

  Deb smoothed her palm over my hair. “Sit up, honey. You may not want this, but it’s for the best if you drink it.”

  Professor Korbin handed me the mug. “Please drink it to get your strength back.”

  I glanced into the cup full of blood. My mind raced as I fought the urge to both throw it against the wall and gulp it down. The smell called me to me, filling my nostrils with want and desire. A gut gnawing need to consume every drop overtook my senses, and I greedily guzzled the gory contents.

  A guttural roar spewed from my lips. “How can I embrace this nature when it caused the death of my friend? I hate myself.” Rage and disbelief warred inside me. I screamed at the top of my lungs to release my pent-up fury. Kiki swung the chair around and skipped over to me. Immediately, shame furled through me for acting this way in front of a child.

  ‘Don’t worry, Miss Adora. You didn’t kill your friend.” Her innocence broke my heart and I prayed she’d never have to suffer this way.

  “But I did sweetie,” I nodded, spilling tears down my cheeks.

  “Nope. You didn’t kill him cuz Roar’s a vampire, too.”

  “A vampire!” I leapt from the bed and paced around the room. “What’s going on at this crazy school? I was a normal teen a few days ago. Now I’m wrapped up with vampires and grown men wearing fake fairy wings.”

  Deb folded her hands in her lap, tilted her hand, and raised her eyebrows frowning.

  “What?” I demanded. “Oh God, don’t tell me they’re real!”

  “Sure are.” Kiki clasped my hands to spin me around. “Isn't it cool?” she squealed.

  Everything came together in my mind, like scenes from some sort of weird horror movie. Of course, I had the lead role. Starring as a bumbling idiot, where everyone knew what was happening but me.

  “I feel like such a moron.” All the cryptic statements and strange events fell into place and raced through my mind. Each revelation made my blood boil. Any feeling of relief that I didn’t kill Roar drained from my mind. Images of his true nature flooded my memories. His face changing, eyes growing dark as he smelled my so-called vitamins.

  Those smell good.

  Hunger doesn’t agree with you either.

  You look like you’ve aged a hundred years,

  Only a hundred?

  We all have our burdens to wear.

  I wanted to kill him for not telling me the truth and easing me into this burden. He knew all along and chose not to help my transition into this cursed life with ease and grace. Our trust had been broken, and I doubted it could ever recover.

  At least Arian didn’t lie or try to hide anything from me.

  Elemental, my dear Watson.

  My little nightstalker, have you come to rip my throat out?

  He revealed who and what he was, even what I was, from the start. Only, in my naivete, I didn’t realize he was serious.

  I’m guessing you want yours rare too.

  How’d you know?

  You’re serious? Captain Obvious.

  At this point, Arian proved I could trust him. But I had no intention of staying at this crazy school. I’d go home and deal with my vampirism as Aunt Marea always had—with my vitamins.

  She had to have known all along, and that's what hurt the most. All these lies and betrayals made my heart feel like lead. The weight of it all, too much to handle. How could she send me here so unprepared?

  I flopped in the chair next to the desk. “Let me guess, Kala and maybe Jacob are some sort of shifter, right? I mean, if I follow the stereotypes, I’ve seen on tv then that would make sense.” I paused, searching their faces for answers. “Jacob said Kala may shift out of her seizure soon.” I shook my head and hung it down. “I don’t even know what the heck I’m saying anymore,” I admitted. Defeat slumped my shoulders. “I can’t trust anyone,” I whispered, feeling sorry for myself.

  Kiki came over and draped her arms around my neck. I welcomed an innocent embrace and snuggled close to her.

  “Wait.” I thrust her away from me. “I don’t want to hurt you.” I touched the tips of her curls. “I’d never forgive myself.”

  “I’ll draw you a picture to make you feel better,” she offered.

  I managed a small smile and a nod, but only sadness burned through me.

  “You have more control than you realize,” Deb said. “You’ve been around blood before and didn’t turn into a raging monster.” She crouched beside me. “You’re a woman,” she whispered. “You deal with blood every month and don’t kill anyone. The spell and your...” She hesitated. “Your desire for Roar caused you to lose control.”

  Desire. Ha! “Well, that won’t be an issue anymore. I don’t ever want to see him again.” I folded my arms tight across my chest. “So, I guess the prissy ones are witches, since they knew my spell book by a different name…a grimoore or something,” I surmised changing the subject. I didn’t want to think about Roar let alone talk about him anymore.

  Kiki giggled. “It’s a grimoire,” she corrected.

  I nodded impatiently, “too bad the prissy witches didn’t hear your father say we shouldn't use our abilities for hurtful or invasive reasons,” I said sarcastically.

  Deb fingered the charms on my bracelet. “They’ll be dealt with, I assure you.” She edged in closer to examine the trinkets. “Who gave you this?” Her intent gaze bored through me.

  I let out a sigh. “It was made for me, for protection,” I sneered, slipping it off my wrist. “So much for protecting me.” The bracelet fell from my hands into Deb’s. “You can have it; I hope it brings you better luck.” I said. My lips pulled into a deep frown. “Thank you for helping me.” I smiled at Deb then Professor Korbin. “Are you a witch, too?” I asked Deb.

  She snickered. “No, honey. But I can see why you asked. I draw my energy from nature. Stones, herbs, words thoughts. As I already told you, words have power, so be careful what incantations you recite.” She anchored the bracelet around my wrist. “I think it’s best you keep this. These charms all have special meaning to protect your natures.”

  I bolted upright, until I no longer slumped in the chair and my body sat rigid. “Natures? As in more than one?”

  “This charm here”—she pointed at the dragon—“is from the Order of Dracul, clearly a reference to your vampiric nature. The Ankh may be as well, since modern ref
erences use it to refer to vampires, but I think it may have more to do with the original meaning of life.”

  “And this ugly one?” I asked pointing to the black porous stone.

  “Oh, this one is special.”

  “Really?” I twisted my face in disapproval.

  “Tektite is unique. It’s used to stabilize emotions and usher in magical qualities.”

  “Yeah, great. I’ve had enough magical stuff to last a lifetime.”

  “It’s connected with the Annunaki. Hmmm.” Deb studied the charm.

  “What?” I asked, my curiosity piqued.

  “The black stone is also connected with ancient Islam and so is the Order of the Dragon or Dracul. I’m wondering if all three have something to do with your vampire nature but expanding on it.”

  I slapped my forehead. “You’ve lost me completely.”

  “A Trifectus Rara,” Professor Korbin said.

  My eyes shot up, “I’ve heard that term. It was on my letter from RBA, written in a book or something, but then the words disappeared and only an ordinary acceptance letter remained. My aunt showed it to me, so I thought I’d imagined everything.”

  Deb and Professor Korbin exchanged cryptic glances as if they knew more than they were willing to share.

  I jutted forward in the chair. “Spill it,” I demanded. “I’m tired of being treated like a stupid little girl and left in the dark.

  “Did your aunt make you the bracelet?” Deb bit her top lip.

  Anger bubbled up, causing acid to burn my stomach. “Of course, she did.” I shook my head in disbelief. “And let me guess.” I gripped my knees and stood. “She's a vampire too?”

  Kiki handed her mom a few sheets of paper, then bounced around on the bed to entertain herself.

  “Definitely a witch,” Deb said, studying the drawings. “And maybe more.”

  By the look on her face, I wasn’t sure I wanted to see the images. But I no longer wanted to keep my head in the sand and live in ignorance. “I have to know.” I sat down and braced myself.

  Kiki had sketched another image of the plantation house. In this one the slave woman sat on the porch in a nice dress fashionable back in the nineteen century. An ornate D stood out above the door frame, exactly like the one on the perfume bottle my aunt cherished.

  I analyzed the woman’s face in the second drawing. I wanted to deny the obvious. The female in the sketch was my Aunt Marea and she hadn’t aged. No longer a slave on the plantation, now she stood next to, what I presumed was, the master of the house, his hand folded over hers as a preacher stood on the steps holding a Bible.

  She’s his wife!

  Her husband’s jet-black hair, dark eyes and features looked similar to the Daga’s. It didn’t take a leap of the imagination to tie the letter D to their name. “What do you know about this man? Or the insignia?” I demanded of Professor Korbin, pointing to the D as I thrust the paper toward his face.

  “The letter is our crest, so to speak. We have it on rings and things.” His right eye twitched as he avoided my stare.

  “And the man? Is he related to you?” I demanded. “Is he a vampire too?”

  He turned and looked at me sharply. “We don’t have vampires in our family,” he said sternly, then softened his tone. “He is long since dead, Adora.”

  Relief swooshed through me, as I had to admit in all this craziness something drew me to Professor Korbin, and the thought of him betraying me made me feel nauseous. “I hope you’re not lying to me.” I said in a small voice.

  I’m not,” he said. “Besides, look at your eyes,” he moved close to me. “No way could I look into such imploring blue eyes and lie.” He thought for a moment but hesitated as he grazed his fingertips over my bangs. “I could never lie to one as special you.”

  The inflection in his voice sent shivers traveling up my spine. The hairs on the back of my neck bristled in anticipation. Is he flirting with me? I sucked in a breath of courage and slid my palm over the top of his hand, before letting it linger on his wrist. “Thank you, Professor Korbin. I didn’t mean to accuse you of anything,” I murmured.

  The twist of his lips accentuated the hollows in his cheeks and strong jawline. “For the last time, call me Kor or Korbin. We’re friends, Adora. No need to use formalities.” His eyes danced as they crinkled at the edges slightly, but he didn’t smile.

  “Korrrr,” I purred as I marveled at my forwardness to flirt opening with men ever since I unleashed the vampire within. I wondered if that was the reason for my sudden desires.

  But Korbin intrigued me on his own merits. He didn’t have to flirt with me. His gaze always twinkled in the most deliciously wicked manner, drawing me into him.

  “You always look as if you have a lot of secrets,” I teased, then due to my present situation, frowned. “I hope they’re not about me.” I shot him a serious look. “I can’t take anymore betrayal. I’ve had enough for one night.”

  “My life’s an open book. I’d never conceal anything from you,” he vowed.

  “So, my aunt is a vampire, a witch, and a liar.” I clenched my fists. “And I’m a vampire, a witch, and an idiot.”

  Pent up frustration coursed through my veins. Before, I’d planned to go home, but now I didn’t want to set foot within a million miles of my aunt and all her lies. “I don’t know what I’m going to do, but I’m not staying at RBA and don’t want to go back home either...” My voice trailed off.

  “You can stay at my place in town as long as you need to,” Deb offered, giving me a tight hug. “We can head out in the morning.”

  I gave a grateful nod. What other choice did I have but to accept her gracious offer?

  “Yippie,” Kiki exclaimed, bouncing on the bed and stifling a yawn. “Sleepover!”

  “All right, young lady, it’s time to get you tucked in.” Deb glanced at me. “You coming upstairs for the night?”

  Panic set in as my heart beat wildly, beckoning me to run. “No, no. I don't want to face any of them,” I admitted.

  “No worries,” Korbin said. “You can stay here.”

  A nervous laugh bubbled out of me. “Thank you,” is all I managed to say.

  “I’ve officially made it to friends status,” he mocked me, waving his hands in the air, as if he were overly excited.

  “Please let Fritz know I’m okay and thank him for everything he’s done for me.” In all this craziness I still had a lot to be grateful for. Arian, Deb, Korbin and Fritz had proved to be reliable allies and good friends.

  After Deb left, I pondered everything I’d learned tonight. I didn’t have the time or patience to feel sorry for myself. I wanted answers, and I wanted them now. “Tell me what you know about Trifecta Rara,” I said, sounding a little more demanding than I intended.

  “I’ll tell you what I know, but it’s not much,” he offered. “I don’t want you to get your hopes up.” He stuffed his hands in his pocket and paced around the room. “It’s a mixture of three supernatural abilities. What nature and what abilities apply to you, I can’t tell you, because I don’t know.” He crouched at my feet, resting his elbows on my knees. “But I’m willing to help you find out.”

  Normally, having a handsome man this close to me would make me nervous. Back when my life was normal. Normal? That's a joke.

  “How can you not know? You run this school. You must know the answers.”

  “I don’t run the school.” He glanced away from me. “I’m only a teacher here.”

  I narrowed my eyes in suspicion. “Come on. Your family founded this school. You have to know something more than you’re telling me.” My rudeness surprised me, especially with someone older than me, but my patience had long since worn thin. “Ezzie said your nephews were strange birds. You said something like that too. And in class they reacted strongly to Arian’s painting of a wolf and ravens.” I thought for a minute, not sure where my thoughts were heading. “I don’t know…” Defeated, I sat in silence for a moment.

  Korbin d
rew in an impatient breath yet controlled the release. “Well wolves and ravens work together in nature.” He paused. “My nephews would know far more than I do. I’m sort of an outcast in the family.”

  The usual mischief left his eyes as weariness settled in his gaze. “I don’t have the trademark abilities of a Daga,” he admitted.

  “And what would that be?” I questioned, resisting the urge to touch him.

  “They’re shifters. I’m not,” he said, matter of fact. “I have some traits of the raven, but they possess all the aspects of our magical nature.” He stood and turned his back. “Most of my life, I’ve kept my nose in a book, sharpening my intellectual skills, so I could be useful in some sort of way to my family.”

  His revelation surprised me. “I’m sure they’re proud of you,” I mumbled.

  He turned and studied me. “They stuck me in a classroom.” He laughed. “But it’s okay—I enjoy teaching.”

  I admired his resolve. “We have a lot in common actually. I’ve spent most of my life alone too. Reading was my only salvation.”

  “Yes, it opens up new worlds and allows our imaginations to soar.” He imitated the flight of a bird. “Even if I can’t.”

  We both laughed at our present situation. “Your nephew Raban, I think, started to call me by a different name. At the time, I thought it was a slur, or something, but maybe it’s a clue to my past.”

  “In what way?” He furrowed his brows as if trying to follow my train of thought.

  “I don’t know.” I blew out an exasperated breath. “Clues to my parents, my heritage...something. I don't know anything about them,” I admitted.

  Korbin’s eyes slowly transformed from a vacant gaze to a self-assured stare. “Tell me about the spell again,” he insisted. His whole demeanor changed as excitement danced through his expression.

  I cocked my head and rolled my eyes but said nothing. I didn’t feel like rehashing the events of earlier tonight.

  “Come on, humor this old bird for a moment.” His gaze darted to mine and we both smiled at his obvious play on words.

  “Fine,” I relented. “Something about unleashing the beast. A full moon and a red sea.” I said wearily.