Legacy Academy: Year Three: Academy Romance Page 8

  “I will have to prepare a Tonic of Frozen Blood, and she must drink it. This will help blend the shades and an aura will shimmer around her, telling us her color.”

  I swallowed. “What’s in the Tonic of Frozen Blood?”

  His dark gaze held me. “Your blood, and some Fae herbs. Once mixed, you must drink it, but it can only be done under a full moon.”

  I didn’t want to ask, but I did. “When’s the next full moon?”

  “Tonight. And I’m sorry, Raven, but Anton told me that if this happened, he’d be ordering you to do this or you’d have to––”

  “I know,” I said sourly. “Get a bus ticket to the Hollows.”

  “I will prepare the herbs before you leave class, and I’ll need a vial of your blood. The potion must be refrigerated and then you’ll drink it under the full moon.”

  “Can hardly wait.” I gathered my books. “I. Can. Hardly. Wait.”

  He put his hand on my shoulder. “Your father survived the test, so I’m sure you will, too.”

  But his voice shook, and he avoided looking me in the eye. He was lying. Shit, so this meant I could die tonight.

  By the end of the day, the entire school knew about my mishap in Powerful Objects class. I should be used to it by now, since something like this happened every year, but I wasn’t. Just once, I’d like to be normal instead of having to work twice hard as everyone else.

  It got better. In Demonology, I learned why Anton would be forced to send me to the Hollows if I didn’t develop a psychic shield. Dark Demons, especially Ryker, could make me subordinate to them and force me to use the spell book against myself, or perform spells against those I love. I had to develop a psychic shield, or we were all screwed.

  After Demonology was lunch and the last thing I wanted to do was to eat, especially with Anton. I dragged my feet as I headed to his residence.

  “Raven, Raven, wait up.”

  I cringed. It was Lucien. I quickened my step and pretended I hadn’t heard him.

  “Hey.” Someone grabbed my arm and whirled me around.

  I stared into Lucien’s eyes. “Is it true?”

  “Is what true?”

  “Are you being forced to drink the Tonic of Frozen Blood?”

  I lifted my chin. “It’s my choice, Lucien.”

  He dragged his fingers through his hair. “Who do you think you’re kidding? You could die, Raven.”

  “If I don’t, I’ll end up at the Hollows.”

  “Is that what Anton said?”

  “No,” I admitted. “Not specifically. But Elfiel did, and he would know.”

  “And you believed him?”

  “That got my hackles up. “Why wouldn’t I? Elfiel wouldn’t lie.”

  “Are you so sure?”

  He left me there with my mouth hanging wide open. He made a beeline for Anton’s. Anton stood on his steps, watching us intently. Lucien marched up the steps and went eye-to-eye with Anton. He pointed his finger at me. Anton didn’t seem to be the least upset and disappeared inside.

  Lucien headed toward me, but Bo blocked his path. I’m not sure what Bo said, but Lucien left with him. He didn’t look back at me. Disappointment welled in my heart, but I held myself high and headed toward Anton’s. I wasn’t going to eat anything, but my stomach growled angrily.

  If I didn’t eat at least a little something, my afternoon would be miserable.

  Chapter 11

  I glanced over my shoulder. All my friends were heading toward the cafeteria. A ball of loneliness formed in the back of my throat.

  “Good afternoon, Raven.” Anton emerged out of the shadows like a ghost.

  I jumped. “Anton.” I put my hand over my pounding chest. “You scared me.”

  “I’m sorry.” He gestured with his arm. “Are you hungry? Lunch has been prepared.”

  “A little.” I inhaled the smell of pasta and cheese, which wouldn’t have been my first choice for lunch. A little too heavy for mid-afternoon.

  I followed him inside. A spread of macaroni and cheese, peas, garlic bread, and Caesar salad were on the table. I really would have preferred something a little lighter.

  As if reading my thoughts, he said, “You need to eat something solid, because it will make the Tonic of Frozen Blood easier to digest.”

  I grimaced. “So, you’re really going to make me do this?”

  “I’m sorry, Raven. We have to find a way to control your dragon. You’re a dangerous liability right now.”

  I winced. “Liability?”

  He pulled out a dining room chair. “Liability might not have been the right word.”

  I didn’t answer him. How did he think I was going to eat a single bite after that remark?

  He picked up my plate and served me a big scoop of macaroni and cheese, a smaller spoonful of peas and Caesar salad, and a piece of garlic bread.

  “Thank you,” I mumbled.

  He served himself an even bigger plate, and he had his usual tall glass of red blood.

  I forced myself to dip my fork into the mound of cheese and took a small bite. Creamy cheese swirled around in my mouth. My stomach jumped up and down in anticipation.

  Anton smiled. “Do you like it?”

  “Yes, it’s delicious.” I ate three more bites, but what I had learned this morning was spinning around in my mind. “I have a question.”

  “You can’t escape your task, Raven. I’m sorry.”

  I stiffened. “I wasn’t going to ask.”

  “I apologize.” He put down his glass. “I was being presumptuous.” He twirled his hand around. “Ask your question.”

  I chased my peas with my fork. “The magical orb only shows my mom in her cell and the twisted tree.”

  “And?”

  I put my fork down. “If I combined it with my crossbow or even the spell book, do you think it would become more effective?”

  “Normally, I would say yes. The combination of powerful objects can be effective if you’re able to control your magic. But if you’re not, magical objects can go awry.”

  I cocked my eyebrow. “Meaning a one-way ticket to the Hollows.”

  “It’s not only for the protection of Legacy and all of its students but for you, too.”

  “Ah, ah.”

  He gave me a tiny smile. “You don’t believe me?”

  I returned to my plate, acting like scooping my peas onto my spoon was the most important skill I’d ever learn.

  Luckily, he didn’t press me and we didn’t make more small talk. I managed to eat half of my plate. The food settled in my stomach like a bowling ball.

  Anton put down his silverware. “Raven, I do believe it’s time for you to return to class.”

  I grabbed my backpack and hurried out the door as fast as I could. Magick Intuition was my next class, and last year I struggled with it badly. Instead of blocking other supernaturals’ magic, I absorbed it. This made everyone avoid me as if I was a leper.

  I hoped this year would be different, but if it was anything like Powerful Objects this morning, I was screwed.

  When I got outside, Lucien was waiting for me. Once again, my rule breaker refused to follow orders. I hesitantly walked down the steps. “Hi. What are you doing here?”

  He took my hand and pulled me toward him. “Waiting for you.” He tilted his dark head. His ridiculous long black eyelashes would be the envy of every girl, but it only made him look more mysterious. He had a dusting of a beard and his spicy breath was intoxicating. I missed him so much. My heart quickened as his lips brushed over mine, sending warmth spreading through my entire body.

  His masculine taste was an aphrodisiac to me, one I could never get enough of. I wanted to drop my backpack, skip class, and slip away with him to a dark corner.

  Something fluttered in my chest, and I broke away. My dragon had been awakened, and right now, that wasn’t good.

  I smiled. “I can see that.” I glanced over my shoulder to see if Anton was watching us, but luckily, his front do
or was closed. “You know we’re not supposed to be together.”

  “I got the message, but when have I ever followed the rules?” His eyes twinkled.

  “Lucien, when we were kissing, my dragon stirred. She feels so different now. Not that sweet peaceful dragon I remember.”

  “Did she say anything?”

  I shook my head. “No, but I thought…I thought…” I could feel my cheeks burning red.

  He lifted my chin. “What? Tell me.”

  I blurted, “I was thinking about ditching class and just spending time with you.”

  He grinned. “You mean kissing, or maybe…more?”

  My stomach did a double flop, and I had to tear my gaze away not to be caught under his spell. “Yes. But the minute I thought that, my dragon stirred, as if she were trying to reach out for the spell book.”

  He frowned. “You think us kissing triggers your dragon to reach for the spell book?”

  “I think so.”

  “That’s not good. We’d better go. Anton’s on his balcony.”

  I groaned and refused to look up at the scowl on the Headmaster’s fast.

  Lucien grabbed my hand and dragged me. “Come on.”

  Sharp pain shot through my thigh, and I winced. “Not so fast. My leg. Remember?”

  “Sorry.” He slowed down a bit, giving me time to catch my breath.

  “By the way, how was lunch with Anton?”

  “Okay.” His food is better than the cafeteria’s.”

  “What did you expect? He’s the Headmaster of Legacy.” His heart-warming smile faded and his gaze turned serious again. “Did you find out anything about tonight?”

  “Only that I have to eat a big meal to counter the spell.”

  “Somehow that’s not reassuring.”

  “I know. But I asked him about my crossbow and the magical orb.”

  His brows wrinkled. “Why?”

  “Because Professor Elfiel said that bringing two objects together can make them really powerful. I thought by combining them I could find my mom or maybe even discover what Ryker’s plans are.”

  He escorted me toward my next class. “And what did Mr. Doom and Gloom say?”

  “He said it would be dangerous if I wasn’t in control of my dragon.”

  “What if it wasn’t you who did it?”

  I blinked. “What do you mean?”

  “Since you’re struggling with your dragon, what if I touched the orb with my sword?”

  “Wow. I never thought of that. When should we do it?”

  He opened the wooden doors to the Great Hall where most of our classes were held. “Obviously, not tonight.” His face turned grim. “In any case, I’m not going to let you drink that damn potion alone.”

  “Anton and Professor Elfiel won’t like it.”

  He narrowed his eyes. “Like I give a shit.”

  Most of third-year classes were on the second floor.

  At my class, he gave me a quick peck on my lips. “I’ll see you soon.”

  “Bye.” I held my backpack close to my chest and watched him move down the hall. He maneuvered through the pack of his students with his shoulders, creating a path. Even without doing that, students would have parted like the Red Sea, because he was Lucien. He emitted power like no one else here––not even Bo.

  I turned to go inside the classroom and caught Bo staring at me. He had a scowl on his face, but something else glimmered in the corner of his eyes. I wasn’t sure, but I thought they might be tears.

  I cleared my throat to say something, but he entered his classroom without saying a word. Hot, smoldering guilt burned in my throat. Bo had been there when I needed him most. Poppy’s words of setting him free rang in my ears. I’d faced down a horde of Dark Demons, but I couldn’t bring myself to tell Bo that I had made my choice. Why was that?

  I hung my head and entered Magick Intuition, blinking away tears and ignoring my heavy heart.

  Katona waved her hand. “Raven, I saved you a seat.”

  I braced my shoulders and sat next to her.

  She clasped my arm. “What’s wrong?”

  I wiped hot tears off my face. “Lucien and Bo.”

  “What happened?” She leaned closer as Vivian and Demi sat a few seats away from us. “I thought you were supposed to stay away from them.”

  “Do you know Lucien?”

  She rolled her eyes. “Mr. My-Way-Or-The-Highway?” She covered her mouth. “Oh, don’t tell him I said that. Dante came up with the nickname. I shouldn’t have said it.”

  I laughed softly. “Don’t worry. Your secret is safe with me. It’s just that Bo saw Lucien walk me to class and kiss me on the lips.”

  She sighed. “You’re breaking his heart.”

  “I know, I know. It’s the last thing I want to do.”

  She put her elbow on the desk and rested her cheek on her fist. “I know you don’t want to hear this, but I agree with Poppy. Tell him the truth. No matter how much it hurts him or you.”

  The thought of hurting Bo split my heart in two and crushed my lungs, cutting off the air in my windpipe. “I don’t want to lose him.” My voice cracked.

  “I know,” Katona said. “But you have to give him the chance to get over you. It’s only fair.”

  I looked down on at my Magick Intuition book and my tears splatted on the red cover. “He means so much to me, just not in the same way as Lucien does.”

  “Good morning, students.”

  I jerked my head up. Professor Tia Soto stood at the head of the class, and she had a big smile on her face. She was wearing a yellow robe that was darker than her blond hair. On anyone else, it would have looked blah, but with her stunning gold eyes, she reminded me of a fairy. But she definitely wasn’t a fairy. She was a powerful Fae that had fought in the Great War against Ryker’s father, King Victor.

  “Welcome to your second year in Magick Intuition,” she said. “Last year, you learned how to sense someone else’s power, which was Intuitive Perception, and how to block the magic, which is, obviously called Magick Blocks. Both of those skills are Apprentice level skills. This year, you will be learning something new.”

  I held my breath, hoping it was something I could do.

  “You will learn Spell Creation and Spell Mixture.”

  Vivian shot up her hand.

  “Yes, Vivian.”

  “Are these Master level skills?”

  “No, they are still Apprentice skills, but they are very valuable to learn. Spell creation is how it sounds, learning to create new spells, but you must be careful of the words you say, because using the wrong words or pronouncing them incorrectly will cast a different spell than you had intended. Spell Mixture is the mixing of spells, but here you must make sure the spells are compatible, or combining them will not work.”

  She held up a finger. “One person in this class will not be learning these two skills and will be learning Master level skills instead.”

  Don’t be me. Don’t be me. Don’t be me.

  I bowed my head.

  “Raven Erickson,” she said in a loud voice. “Do you know what advanced level skill in Magick Intuition you mastered by accident last year?”

  I winced and wanted to transform and fly out the nearest window. I looked up at her and felt Vivian’s cold eyes on me.

  My voice came out in a timid squeak. “Magic absorption?”

  “Correct.” She softened her tone. “And what was one of the limitations you experienced last year?”

  “It almost killed me.”

  A low murmur broke out in the class, and even Vivian’s eyes widened.

  “Correct again. You all need to understand that spell casting can be dangerous. Very, very dangerous. Raven didn’t have a choice when she and Lucien battled the Dark Demons at Mt. Elbert. But one wrong move and any one of you could be dead.”

  “That’s comforting,” Katona mumbled.

  “Raven, I’ve decided that since you are the favorite target of the Dark Demons, you
need to learn another Master level skill.”

  Great, just what I wanted. To be different–again.

  “You will be learning Magic Reflection, which is combating attacks and launching them against your opponent without being harmed. Essentially, you’ll use your opponents’ power against them.”

  I frowned. “I don’t understand. I thought I did that last year, too.”

  “Yes, but you need to perfect it. The other two Master skills you will need to learn are Magic Replication, which is the ability to copy the magic of someone else, and Magic Negation, which is the power to nullify the magical powers of others. By the end of the year, Raven, you must master all of these skills: Magic Replication, Magic Negation, Magic Absorption, and Magic Reflection.”

  My jaw dropped. “Why?”

  Professor Soto stood in front of my desk and smiled. “My dear, you have gifts that go beyond what the other students possess. We must maximize your strengths. Last year, I tried to keep you back at the Apprenticeship level. That was a mistake. On Mt. Elbert, you demonstrated Master level skills. For trying to suppress your abilities, I ask for your forgiveness.”

  A burst of gasps around the classroom made me slump down further into my seat. I could feel the glares being thrown at the back of my head. I almost wanted to dump out my books and put my backpack over my head.

  I did a double take, not sure I heard right. “Excuse me?”

  “You heard me, Raven. Do you accept my apology?”

  My tongue went dry. “Yes, of course.”

  “Good.” She reached into her robe. “I would like you to use this book rather than the one you have.”

  I exchanged my blue book for hers. The new one was dark green and had gold symbols engraved on it. I had no idea what they meant. I wondered if they were in a Fae language. Maybe Rhys would know.

  “She thinks she’s so great,” Vivian mumbled.

  “I hope she falls on her ass again.”

  “What a stuck-up bitch.”

  I wasn’t sure if Professor Soto heard the comments, but she didn’t say anything. She was still smiling at me. I was feeling like a deer in headlights about to be run over.

  “Will I be separated from the rest of the class?” I asked glumly. I would hate having to go into another classroom. It would make me feel as if I had rabies.