Unwanted Witch: Witch Series, #2 3123h

Unwanted Witch

Kiesha Thomas

Contents

1. Cosima Arko

2. Chaniya Arko

3. Zarin Goldbach

4. Cossima

5. Chaniya

6. Zarin

7. Chaniya

8. Cossima

9. Zarin

10. Chaniya

11. Cosima

Epilogue

Also by Kiesha Thomas

About the Author

Acknowledgments

Unwanted Witch

Copyright © 2019 by Kiesha Thomas.

All rights reserved. Printed in the United States of America. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews.

This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, organizations, places, events and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

For information :

http://www.kieshathomas.com

1 Cosima Arko

Nora almost killed me for the second time. A sinking feeling in my gut told me that the third time, might claim my life. It seemed that even being on Earth didn’t protect me from Nora’s wrath. The magic I discovered inside me didn’t seem to be enough to save my life. Valcrum’s words echoed in my mind, and I clung to them like a lifeline. Shaking my head, I stood up, and walked to the window. The Eastwick Academy was the most lavish place I had ever been. The bed was queen size and the windows were covered with crushed velvet curtains and the décor was remarkable. There was a huge mahogany hand carved desk in the corner of the bedroom, and the window allows a lot of light into the room. Most importantly, this beautiful room was all mine. I’ve never had a personal space and I like it. Glancing at the clock on the wall showed that I had fifteen minutes before I was supposed to meet Cade Cohen down in the auditorium for training. I’m glad that Chaniya is here with me. This situation would be worse if I had to do this alone. I’m glad that this training will help me discover my magical talent and harness the magic that I can wield now. My feet were out the door, my hand swinging the door shut, before I thought better. Heading down the hallway my steps halted. The hallways were packed. There were so many students moving about, and the scorching heat rose up in my throat. Reaching inside my pocket, I slid the peppermint candy on my tongue and sucked hard. A few minutes later, the saliva pooling in my mouth stopped, and I forced my feet to move. A girl with fiery reddish blonde hair walked toward me. She had hazel eyes and appeared happy, a smile on her face. I swallowed hard and tried to move out of her path as she came closer. She stopped in front of me holding out her hand. “Welcome to Eastwick

Academy. I’m Griselda Garcia.” I smiled and shook her hand. “Cosima Arko.” This was no ordinary academy. My eyes narrowed and I looked at her intently. “Are you an angel or something else?” “I am an angel. The school does have angels, mutagens, and now I heard a rumor that there are even witches and mages here,” said Griselda. “Do the angels have something against witches?” My eyes widened, “do you have something against witches?” She smiled and winked. “Only the witches that have something against me.” A surprised giggled bubbled up. “You will love my sister Chaniya. I’m glad you don’t have anything against witches because my sister and I are witches.”

Chaniya slammed out her door and stopped when she spotted Griselda and me. Her hair was bound high in a ninja bun and she had dark circles underneath her eyes. “I hope you’ve thought about what I said. Once you see what happens today, then you can make a decision.” I frowned. “What do you think is going to happen today?” Chaniya rolled her eyes. “You’re here for one day, make a friend, and now you forget about dad?” Griselda stepped back. “You were wrong. I don’t like your sister.” My faced flushed. “I haven’t forgotten about dad. But Valcrum expects us to help them and I don’t intend to disobey him.” Heat flooded my face but I turned on my heels away from my sister. She has been a pain in my side ever since she came to Earth. Dad is grown and should be able to handle himself, if he wasn’t drowning himself in a bottle. When I saw Luc heading toward us with a chocolate glazed donut I smiled. Griselda inhaled a deep breath when she saw him. Her elbow found my lower rib as she whispered how she found Luc intriguing. “He is handsome. You must introduce me to him,” said Griselda. A smile curved my lips. “He’s taken.” Griselda shrugged. “He hasn’t met me, so he may dump her when he meets me.” Chaniya’s deep voice rumbled behind me and made me smile. Luc walked up to me and smiled. “Good morning, how are you?” I snatched the donut and took a generous bite. “Please talk some sense into her. I can’t deal with her attitude today.” Popping the rest of the donut in my mouth I glared at Chaniya, whose face had turned the beet red.

The training gym was amazing. There was a long hallway, where a small room on the right, had every weapon imaginable. It seemed like there were a thousand students gathered here to practice their magical skills and learning how to survive. Glancing around the gym, I saw Luc hovering over Chaniya. Griselda snorted. “Your sister is beautiful but she isn’t very nice. What does he see in her?” Biting my lip, I shook my head. “You know what they say about opposites attracting.” A guy so beautiful it was a crime waltzed into the gym. All the students fell silent once they saw him. He held up his hand. “We will train hard today. Quin, Adrian, Brian, and I will break everyone up into groups to train and learn each other’s skill. I jabbed Griselda in the rib. “Who is that?” She smiled. “He is the most handsome guy here. That is Cade Cohen but don’t set your eyes on him. He doesn’t date students, but I think he likes Arianna Deeds.” Who is Arianna Deeds? I didn’t ask her aloud but I did notice Cade’s eyes flying back to the red-haired beauty standing off to the right. All the guys except Cade paired off with twenty students and training started. Cade had walked over looking at each student in all the groups. I didn’t know the seventeen other students around me but I did now Luc, Chaniya, and Griselda. “The rest of you are with me,” said Cade. We had paired off into groups of two, and we started with basic survival skills. I was hoping to be paired with an opponent that was smaller than me, but Cade paired angel with angel and witches with witches and so on. When Cade pointed to Chaniya and me I shrugged and moved over to the station with the bow and arrows.

Chaniya glared at me. “Do you still think we need to stay?” Rolling me eyes, I shrugged. “We are needed here. Valcrum needs us to protect his people.” Sweat dripped from my brow. The survival skill training wasn’t bad. I guess learning many ways to kill an enemy was very useful. Cade clapped his hands. He moved ahead and asked us to follow him. Then he led us in front of the large targets along the wall. There were large windows but they had large brown shades covering them blocking out the light. He pulled out a small black remote and pushed a button. The shades went up and light flooded through the windows. “Pick up the bow and arrows. Shoot the targets.” Chaniya shot all the targets perfectly looking bored. My palms were sweating. My heart fluttered in my chest, but I didn’t pay it any attention. I pulled the arrow tight took aim and let the arrow soar. After hitting all the targets, I slung my bow across my shoulder. Cade nodded at us. His phone rang and he looked down at it. “I need to take this call. Take some practice shots for now and I’ll be back.” Chaniya shook her head. “Your power isn’t with the bow. I know you want that to be your talent, but it isn’t.” Turning away from her, I looked at Griselda whose large black wings flapped as she flew high in the air. It was amazing to see them. She looked majestic and stunning. Chaniya grabbed my elbow turning me around to face her. “Get your head out of the clouds. What about our father? Your bow and arrow skills are beginner at best.” I yanked my arm away from her. “My skills are with the bow and arrow and so are yours. If you hadn’t delved into the darker magic, out of fear, we wouldn’t be here.”

Cade came back. “I hope you practiced. The real training begins now. He snapped his fingers and four men stood in front of each of the targets.” Chaniya frowned. “Is our training just going to consist of shooting arrows at targets? Anybody can hit a target.” His eyes narrowed at her. “No, but what we teach you here will show you that dark magic isn’t needed.” Chaniya snorted. “I’ll be the judge of that.” Closing my eyes, I said a prayer for patience. Chaniya was more stubborn than a mule. Many of the students stopped training to stare at us. I’m not sure why she has to make a scene all the time. Cade waved his hand at the men, and they started dashing back and forth past the targets. “It’s easy to hit a target that is standing still, but out in the real world, the targets will move.” Taking an arrow out, I squinted against the sunlight, and let the arrow fly. It missed the man. Ignoring the noisy chatter from the students watching, I shot another arrow. One arrow left. This was ridiculous. My fingers dripped with sweat. My heart fluttered in my chest and I nibbled on my lower lip. Cade’s heavy hand fell on my shoulder. “Cosima you need more practice with your bow.” Chaniya shrugged. “The bow has never been her talent. She longs for the bow to be her talent but it isn’t.” “Show me what you got,” said Cade. Chaniya shot every moving target and then some that weren’t. Some students that were on their cell phones accidentally walked in front of the targets. “You have mastered the bow, but I knew that you would. The bow and arrow are skills that require great patience and can be used for short and long distance kills.” “Thank you,” said Chaniya.

“Your real training will come when Claire comes to train you. She is a strong witch, and your abilities will be thoroughly tested.” Chaniya turned to me. “Are you tired of feeling like crap? We belong at home.” Blinking rapidly, I turned away from them. I needed a few minutes to get myself together. “I know you are upset, but this is your life and I may not be there to save you the next time.” My jaw ached. I shook my head. “I will learn everything I need to, here at the academy. “We can discuss this once I come back from the restroom,” said Chaniya.

2 Chaniya Arko

The hallways were empty. I rushed through the door. A strong aroma of bleach and water made my nose hairs burn. Each of the five stalls were empty. Rushing over to the sink, I waved my hands over the platinum faucet, allowing the cold water to flow. Once I splashed cold water on my face, I wiped the sweat from my face. I walked into the first stall, since it was closer to the bathroom door. The air conditioner came on with a loud rattle. It sounded like two wild boars fighting to the death. Kicking the toilet seat down, I grabbed a seat cover from above the toilet. Strong hands wrapped around my neck and slammed my head against the tile wall. Pain shot through my skull. I thrust my elbow in his gut. Blood traveled down my cheek, and the sight of it had my blood boiling. He stood up. His hard-green eyes stared at me, while he held his right rib. “I like it rough. Fight me all you want, but I want you.” I waved my hands in a circular motion. My voice was strong and thick with emotion. “Your eyes are as black as night. I cast you from my sight.” A gust of wind swirled around him. In the blink of an eye, he disappeared from the bathroom. When he disappeared, I sank down on the floor. My heart slammed in my chest. The bathroom door opened, and a cry of terror tore from my throat. “No!” Luc walked into the bathroom. “Are you alright?” He bent down, wrapped me in his arms, pulling me gently up and leaned against the counter. “I saw Brad Johnson sneak in here and I was worried that he was up to no good.”

I snuggled deeper in his arms. He smelled like an ocean sea breeze. His skin was cashmere soft and his hard-muscular chest against mine made me feel safe and secure. A bolt of electricity shot through me when my hand touched his face. I placed my hand over my chest trying to calm my heart. “Thank you.” He grabbed a brown paper towel and dabbed some water on it, before leaning over me again. “Let me see to that wound on your forehead.” I turned away from him. “It’s just a scratch.” He gently took my chin and dabbed at the wound. Once he had mopped up the blood, he tossed the paper in the trash. His fingers gripped my chin and lifted my face so that he stared in my eyes. “Did he touch you?” Closing my eyes. I shook my head. The lump in my throat was too much. “Luc, I was so scared.” Tears traveled down my face and I blinked rapidly trying to stop them. I hate tears. They are useless and made your head pound. I wiped my face trying to shield my vulnerability from him. I’m not the crying type, and I refuse to appear weak. I will never be weak again. Pushing out of his embrace I walked to the bathroom door. “I will never let anyone hurt you ever again. You don’t have to fight your battles alone. Let me fight them for you.” My eyes closed. Luc was the only man in my life. There was something inside of him that called to my beaten, and battered, soul. I ached for him. He has my heart in his hand, and I’m not sure I can do anything about it. When you let people get close, they stab you in the back. Breathing deep, I forced myself to face him. “I have told you, that we cannot be together. Why won’t you accept it?”

In two strides he was standing in front of me, and had my back pressed up against the wall. The tile was cold against my back and it felt wonderful against my heated skin. He bent and pressed a wet kiss at the base of my neck. “If you can tell me that you don’t love me, then I’ll leave you alone.” His head lifted and his fingers tenderly touched my cheek. The anger left me. He would ask the one thing I couldn’t give him. “I don’t know if I’m capable of love.” He latched on to my arm and thrust open the bathroom door. His gait fast as he padded down the hallway. I frowned as he opened the door and headed out into the gardens. “Where are we going?” Luc stopped in the middle and sat down on the circular bench. “Please sit.” The beauty of the garden before us was breathtaking. This place looked romantic, and my heart raced. There were flowers the color of pink, red, and yellow. Mature trees were tall, green, silver and blue. I swallowed hard and sat down next to him. “Well. Do you love me?” I shook my head. The words wouldn’t tumble from my mouth. I knew they would be lies but tried to spit them out. Tears clung to my eyelashes and my shoulders slumped. “You deserve so much more. You need a girl that can give you her heart. My heart was carved out with a spoon.” “Chaniya do you think I can’t tell that you love me. You have lain in my arms and cried all night, shared your burdens, and whispered that you love me when you thought I was asleep,” said Luc. A small gasp escaped me and my mouth fell open. It was only one time in a moment of weakness that I whispered my true heart’s desire. Dang, he had been

awake, yet he played sleep. “Fine. I do love you. If you love me, please never speak of this again.” Luc pulled me up on his lap. “It doesn’t matter about your past. I love you, just the way you are, and there is nothing that you can do about it. We will be together in this life and in the next. We are meant to be. I need you and you need me. We are one.” “Luc, everyone that I trusted has betrayed me. It would kill me if you betrayed me too. Please just give up on us.” “Never. I will love you until my heart ceases to beat,” said Luc. Jumping to my feet, I moved to the door. “Luc, I will love you even after my heart stops beating.”

When I locked my bedroom door, I leaned up against it and sank down to the floor. Luc’s heart felt words echoed in my mind like a broken record. He was sinful saying all the things that I longed to hear. Today, I almost got raped. Again. If I weren’t here listening to these people, I wouldn’t have been attacked. It’s like I have a brand on me or something. The guys still single me out to be raped. Why does this keep happening to me? Getting to my feet, I walked to the bed and flopped down. If I’m honest all men are not the same. Luc had never once forced me to do anything no matter how he desired me. He knows that I love him and he has never used my emotions against me. Closing my eyes, I rolled on to my side. This academy isn’t a bad place. Earth had its problems like every place else, but this isn’t the place for me. Cosima must listen to me and leave with me. If she stays, I can’t protect her. I wish I could take my Luc with me. Leaving him here would kill a piece of me inside, yet this was probably the best place for him to be. Wham! I shot straight up in my bed. Who was pounding on my door like a stampede of bulls? Creeping to the door, I peeked out of the peephole. A sigh of relief escaped me when I saw Cosima standing there. She looked tired and worn out. I swung the door open. “Why are you out this late?” I glanced down the hallway and frowned. There weren’t any students out and most were probably asleep. Cosima pushed through the door. “You went to the bathroom and never came back. You knew we were partners today. Why would you do that?” Rolling my eyes. I locked the door. “We can’t be the only two witches here. They should have assigned you another partner.” Running a hand through my hair, I looked at my sister, who lay sprawled out on my bed. My sister seemed to only see things her way. Gritting my teeth, I tried to

ignore the pain in head, as I moved my hair over the wound. “The people here are not nice. I have made my decision. Are you staying?” Cosima shot up. “Has something happened? Why are you so determined to leave the academy?” “I don’t think this is the right place. I want to check on father.” She squinted at me. “What happened to your forehead?” I walked to the refrigerator in the corner and grabbed two bottled waters. “I was attacked when I went to the bathroom.” Pacing, I tossed a bottle of water to her. My mouth was parched. Opening the bottle, I took several big gulps before replacing the cap on the bottle. Cosima jumped up. “Why would a girl attack you?” “It was a man. He came into the bathroom and slammed my head against the tile, and thankfully my hard head came in handy.” Cosima bit her lips. “We can go check on father and come back.” Rubbing my arms, I sat next to her on the bed. I watched her out the corner of my eyes. “I don’t want to come back.” “Do you want me to beg you? They need you here and so do I,” said Cosima. I sighed. I love my sister but she rubs me the wrong way, like jock itch. We’re twins but we don’t have to be ed at the hip. What kind of sister would I be, if something happens to her, and I had the power to protect her? “We can go check on him after we go on the first mission,” said Cosima. She jumped up to her feet and walked to the door. “This isn’t one of your fancy novels. This is real life and a mistake will cost you your life.” I watched her back stiffen. Her hand was on the doorknob but she hadn’t opened it. “I’m not helpless. I was humiliated today, but not for lack of skills.”

She opened the door. I frowned. My sister was type A personality and she is very competitive. I’m not surprised that she was humiliated but I don’t know why. “Why were you humiliated?” “I realized that there’s nothing wrong with training. My powers are not mastered but I unlocked other powers. I learned more about myself today than I have my whole life,” said Cosima.

3 Zarin Goldbach

Maximus was like a machine. He trained us hard. He was unyielding, and thoroughly observant. We trained outside underneath the moonlight. My body was coated in sweat, and my muscles ached. The cool wind flowed over my heated skin as I watched the pack practice. There was training then there was this. Every day at two in the morning no matter the elements, we came out here and trained. The sky was still dark. It was ten after two in the morning and there was a light drizzle in the air. Like the day before, Maximus paired us off into groups of two. We faced off and trained. Hours later I had knocked Frank down several times, so I stepped away from him. Frank elbowed me. “Why did you stop training?” He circled me with his arms wide. The side of his head was swelling and the glint in his eyes suggested he was enjoying fighting. I shrugged. “I needed a moment. I’m not a morning person.” Strolling toward the trees, I sat down on the ground. A second later, a shrill whistle rang out from Maximus’s lips and everyone stopped training and gathered around him. Jumping to my feet, I traversed over to the crowd. Maximus and Orio stood in the center while everyone quieted down. Maximus held his hand up. “We have been training hard this week, and it’s only going to get harder. Tonight, I’m going to take two small groups on a recon mission, to see what our enemy is up two.” This time around the pack had been insightful. It wasn’t bad or painful. Maximus was strict and he didn’t hold anything back. His candor was refreshing.

“If I call your name, meet me back here in a half an hour,” said Maximus. Frank nudged me. “I hope he calls my name. I want to see the shape shifting demons,” said Frank. “Orion, Frank, Zarin, and Akio, you guys will come with me.” Turning I headed toward my room. It was four of us going, but that didn’t seem like enough. Frowning, I walked into my cottage. When Maximus said the problem here in the city was bad with the demons, I didn’t believe him, but he had not exaggerated the issue. If anything, things seemed worse. Flopping down on the bed, I stared at the ceiling. Closing my eyes, I intended to get a quick nap, but the pounding on my door, made me flinch. Jumping up, I thrust the door open. Frank pushed inside. “Do you think we’ll get to kill some demons?” asked Frank. Running my hand through my hair I breathed deep. “I hope we can observe, get the upper hand, and come back all in one piece.” Walking to the refrigerator, I grabbed two waters and tossed Frank one of them. Twisting the cap off, I tossed it in the trash and guzzled the cold liquid. My throat was parched and my stomach quivered. Frank placed the water bottle on the floor. “Are you telling me, you are scared?” Rolling me eyes, I chuckled. “The battle we are fighting now, will require stealth and cunning.” Frank stood. “I’m excited so I’ll let you be cautious.” He moved to the door and opened it. I shook my head. “I suggest you get some rest.”

When we all met Maximus, he stood waiting on us, with Cade Cohen from the academy. Frank almost bounced on each of his toes. Orion was standing off to the side, fussing over Akio. He looked like a lovesick puppy. It was funny to see, Orion falling over a girl, when he was a very aggressive guy. Maximus held up his hand. “Orion and Akio, you are a team, and Frank and Zarin you are a team. Cade and I will be a team,” said Maximus. Two hours later, we arrived at a traditional house. It looked like a mansion. The house had stucco and dark brick. The neighborhood was like any other of the nice homes. Maximus signaled for Frank and me to go around the back of the house. Approaching the back of the house I saw a ton of trees and headed back there. Pointing to the third tree, I signaled for Frank to head there. Glancing back, I crept towards the house, stealing up to the red back door. Peaking in the window I saw that the kitchen was empty. Ducking I tried to door handle. It was unlocked. Wiping my shoes on the brown worn out welcome mat, I snuck inside. I was about to shut the door when someone’s hand pushed me forward. Turning with my hands raised, I froze. Frank had rushed in behind me. Shaking my head, I pointed toward the trees, silently demanding that he go back to the secure position. Heavy footsteps pounded on the staircase, and I rushed into the den crouching low against the wall. Frank disappeared around the corner. The footsteps stopped in the kitchen and the refrigerator door screaked open. “Trevor is crazy. I don’t think we should deal with them,” said Greg. “Greg, the witches could be useful to use. Stop being so paranoid about them. This is a good thing,” said David. “David? Why is the door cracked opened?” asked Greg. Closing my eyes, I cursed Frank. He may have just ruined everything. If they searched the house, we may not get out of here alive. If they find me, then they

may think I’m alone, and not search the rest of the house. My ears perked as I listened to their footsteps. One guy closed the back door and locked it. The other footsteps walked inside the kitchen. “Nora is a beautiful woman, and she has the power to help us get rid of the angels at the academy. We also have the freaks on our side,” said David. How did these demons forge an alliance with Nora so soon? What the heck did Nora want? She wanted to kill Cosima and Chaniya but why. What am I missing? “I wouldn’t call the genetically altered humans freaks. They will probably carve your tongue out. Let’s get some rest. We’ll need it when we meet with the mages in three days.” My breath stilled. Forcing the thoughts out my mind, I brought myself back to reality. This wasn’t the time to get lost in my thoughts. Heck. I’m in my enemies’ house, out numbered and at a disadvantage. Once their footsteps faded into the distance, I peeked my head above the wall ledge. I rushed out the backdoor. When I went to the rendezvous point there was Frank. Looking around, I frowned. “Where is everybody?”

I was freaking out. I ran two miles then turned around to face Frank. “Where are they?” Frank waved me on. “Maximus said to wait for you and to meet them back at the house.” We ran fast and didn’t stop until we made it back. I needed to get back to Maximus and tell him what I found out. I’m not sure what he knows but hopefully, the information I overheard will help us win this battle against the demons. My heart didn’t stop running a marathon even when we reached the safety of the pack. I rushed toward the crowd where Maximus and the others stood. Everyone looked somber and tense, and my stomach dropped when I reached Maximus. I frowned looking at all the others. None of them appeared to have met with any resistance from the demons. Biting my lip, I watched him close. “Why did you guys leave?” Maximus’s eyes narrowed. “We got what we came for and you disobeyed orders and went inside the enemies holding.” This is one reason why I didn’t want to a pack. I’m used to doing what the heck I want to do. I’m eighteen years old, and I’ve been on my own, ever since I was twelve. I stumbled a step back, as if Maximus struck me. “The back door was unlocked and I went inside to see what intel I could gather us.” “You disobeyed my orders, and almost got yourself and Frank killed,” said Maximus. My hands balled into tight fist. If I get myself killed then that is my business, but I didn’t risk Frank’s life. “I’m sure he found out something we needed to know. Maximus, you saw how the lights had come on in the house as they searched it. He had stayed hidden

risking his life, surely he did it for the information he found,” said Orion. Frank stepped up beside me, pushing the others out his way. “He didn’t make me go inside. I went in after him, despite him telling me to hold position,” said Frank. Cade tossed the rock that was in hand in the creek. “We found out that Trevor, promised the witches, a DNA sample of the mutagens, giving them extradentary powers.” I sank to the large boulder near me. The strength in my lower limb left me. Nora already held immense power and I wasn’t sure how we could stop her. If she were to get a hold of more power, the battle to kill her and subdue her army would be lost. “We can’t let her get any more power.” Cade shook his head in agreement. “Tell us something we don’t know.” Frank hung his head. “When they started searching through the house, they were almost upon my hiding place in the living room, when I noticed a window was open. I jumped through it without hesitating and landed in a thorny rose bush.” Akio doubled over with her laughter. “Is that why you’re walking funny?” I rubbed my temples, trying to ward off the headache I felt coming on. The pounding at my temples was a low nagging ache like a pained tooth. “Trevor is working with Nora to destroy the academy. He also has an alliance with the mutagens. He will meet with Nora in three days.” Maximus paced. “Trevor doesn’t have an alliance with all the mutagens, but he probably has plans too. He has a few on his side. He is a master manipulator,” said Maximus. Cade started walking off. “I have to get back to the academy and report what we’ve found out tonight.” I jumped to my feet as thoughts of Cosima flooded my mind. “This has something to do with Cosima and Chaniya. Nora wants them dead, so there must be a reason why. We need to keep them alive and find out what they have to do with this. Valcrum told Cosima she was needed for this war.”

Maximus frowned. “Hell, Chaniya doesn’t want to be at the academy. How are we supposed to keep that hellcat safe? She’s more trouble than she’s worth, I’m thinking.” Cade stopped. “We need to find out why Nora wants them dead. They are twins but Cosima is the nice and meek one. Chaniya is the complete opposite. We have to have Cosima convince her sister to stay.” Maximus snorted. “She tried to fight Liam. She might be the more powerful witch out of the two, but she is trouble. I feel it deep in my bones.” I bit my lip. Chaniya isn’t the most powerful witch out of the two. Cosima hasn’t come into all her power. Valcrum help us, when she does.

4 Cossima

Chaniya looked shocked. It almost made me laugh but I held it inside, barely. Today felt like an emotional rollercoaster, and I was so ready to get off. A guy had attacked her again. We are at an academy mostly filled with angels. I guess, I shouldn’t be surprised but I am baffled none the less. The sight of the large wound on her head, made me grind my teeth. “What new powers did you unlock?” asked Chaniya. I smiled. “I realized the power we have in our bond with Valcrum.” Closing her door, I headed toward my own room. Earth was nothing like I thought it would be. The academy wasn’t what I thought it would be. There was danger outside these walls and obviously dangers inside the walls. Chaniya ran out of her room, slamming her door shut racing to me, jerking on my arm. “Wait. Did you not pay attention to anything I told you? You are not going anywhere alone,” she huffed. “I called Luc, he will escort both of us, back to our rooms.” We waited up against the wall, until Luc came strolling toward us. “You didn’t have to do that. It shouldn’t take me long to get to my room.” “That’s what I thought when I went into the bathroom, but a moment later, I realized my error in judgment,” muttered Chaniya. I sighed and leaned my head on the wall. She seemed focused on what I’d learned. She would have learned something new today too if she hadn’t left. A shudder ran through me as a mental image formed of her being attacked in the bathroom. I’m not sure I’ll ever be able to go to the bathroom alone again. “When I focused on my relationships with Valcrum, I unlocked the ability to

become invisible.” “How did you do that? What did you say, exactly,” asked Chaniya? Luc stopped in front of us. “Are you alright,” he asked. He spoke to both of us, but as was his habit; he only had eyes for Chaniya.

Bright light poured through the window. I groaned and tossed the cover over my head. I’m exhausted. It had been impossible for me to fall asleep once Luc and Chaniya had walked me back here. Like a child, gifted with a new toy, excitement thumped throughout my body all night. It’s true I have a long way to go, but I am improving and that’s a step in the right direction. Smiling I flipped over on my back, I closed my eyes again; a sense of peace came over me. Bam. Bam. Bam. The pounding on my door made me frown and I turned on my side. Warmth enveloped me as I dug myself deeper under the duvet. “I know you’re in there. Get up and let me in,” said Griselda. Turning over I peaked at the door. “Come back in a day or two. I’m sleep.” Griselda laughed. “You have to get out the bed anyway. We must be gathered in the auditorium in an hour. Look under your door, you’ll see the notice.” Thrusting the duvet away from me, I stretched and walked to the door. I bent down to pick up the rolled-up paper, opening the door. Griselda walked in and pulled the chair away from the oak desk in the corner and sank in it. Closing the door. I swiftly read the paper. Tossing the paper in the trash, I walked to the bed and sank down on it. “Do you know why we all have to gather in the auditorium?” Griselda shrugged. “I think it has something to do with the threat the school faces with these new enemies.” “Why, was Nora here? I don’t believe in coincidences and she must be up to something big. If Nora was here, then dad was safe.” I flung the closet door open. “We’ve only had one training session. I hope this isn’t bad news. We are not ready for another attack.”

Jerking the complimentary clothes out the closet, I strolled into the bathroom and hung the outfit on the towel rack. The small bathroom had a toilet in the middle of the floor. There was a small shower with a plastic enclosure flush up against the wall. I picked up my detangling brush and looked at her. Griselda was bent over her phone texting. It was crazy how fast her fingers flew across the keyboard. “I’m going to take a quick shower and then I’ll be ready.” She looked up from her phone. “I’m going to see if I can find out what Reginal knows. He always hears the latest gossip.” An hour later, I walked out the steamed filled bathroom, with my hair damp and piled on my head. The clothes were tight on me, and I hated that I wasn’t a size two. I have an athletic build but I have wide hips and voluptuous breast. “You look like a naughty schoolgirl trying to get the attention of her teacher,” said Griselda. “That is so disturbing, on so many levels, that I’m speechless right now.”

Time had flown by despite my dreading the meeting in the auditorium. Every student had filed inside the large auditorium and taken their seat. Todays’ meeting was like de ja vu, and the memories of how Nora held the meetings and the sacrifices made me shudder. I glanced at Chaniya to sit next to me on my right. “I don’t think I like this.” Chaniya right hand was in Luc’s as he gently massaged it. “Liam is arrogant but he isn’t Nora. Let’s not jump to any conclusions until we know what is going on.” Luc turned around and waved to someone. There was an empty seat next to Luc. A moment later, Zarin walked over to the aisle we were in and sank into the seat next to Luc. Turning away from him, I forced my gaze to the center of the stage. What is he doing here? My hands gripped the armrest. He looked more beautiful than he did the last time I had seen him. The way he captured my attention is nerve wracking. He’s wrecking me without even trying to. It doesn’t make sense, my attraction to him. I have never been attracted to a guy before. Could these feelings exist because he saved my life? Cade walked onto the stage. He moved to the side, as Liam waltzed on the stage and held up his hands. The auditorium had gone quiet. “As you know, we were recently attacked by a witch named Nora and a group of mages,” said Liam. I relaxed in my seat. It never dawned on me, that some of the students might not know about the attack. My breath evened out and I forced my hands to relax. Some of the students chatted among themselves and soon the auditorium wasn’t silent anymore. “We have found out that Nora and her mages have partnered with the shape shifting demons against us. It is more important than ever that we why Valcrum has deemed us the protectors over his people. We will not fail,” said Liam. “If the witches are our enemies then shouldn’t we kill the witches that are here

within our walls? Why should we trust them?” a man shouted from the crowd. I glanced at Chaniya before looking behind us to assess the threat. Out of nowhere, a man ran toward me. Before I could stand, Zarin jumped over the chair and threw the man into the wall. He stood there in the aisle, not even winded. Standing behind him, I looked at Chaniya who stood behind Luc. “The students within these walls are not our enemies. To judge someone, based on another’s actions are foolish and judgmental. Those are the actions of our enemies,” said Liam. A man with a charcoal gray sweater stood. “You did the same, when you judged Arianna based on Kyra’s actions.” Cade walked toward the edge of the stage pointing to the man that had spoken. “Arianna has proven her loyalty to the academy and to all of us.” He tried to jump from the stage, but Lima’s hand on his arm restrained him. “I had been blinded by the hatred of my enemy and I was wrong. I am not like our enemies. Are you no better than the devils that thirst for your death?” asked Liam. The man that had questioned Liam, now sat back down in his chair. From the murmurs around the auditorium, they didn’t like the fact that he had questioned their heaster. Cade looked ready to murder the guy with his bare hands. My back stiffened. I didn’t want to remain standing in the aisle, and when Zarin’s warm hand pressed to the center of my back moving me toward my chair, I hesitated. I leaned against him trying to whisper into his face. “I don’t want to sit down anymore.” Zarin grunted. He moved me like he didn’t hear me. I was sitting down in my chair, but he was sitting right next to me. Glancing over at Chaniya, she and Luc were already seated again.

Liam grabbed the microphone and walked to the side of the stage. “The academy will be changing. We must change as our enemies change, and so adapting will ensure we accomplish our mission.” He stopped speaking when voices rang out over the students. When they saw he wasn’t speaking any more silence rang out again. “You had better get used to the academy having a diverse student body because it’s only going to get more diverse soon enough,” said Liam The rest of the meeting went by in a blur.

An hour later, Zarin, Luc, Chaniya and I were once again in Liam’s office. Maximus and some of his men were already there. Zarin was seated next to Luc. They both had empty chairs next to them, and we hurried over to sit down. I looked at Zarin and Luc then back to Liam, who was seated at his desk. Maximus was standing over by the window gazing out. The door opened, and Claire walked inside with Cade. She was alone and moved to stand near Luc’s chair. Cade moved to stand near Liam. Maximus turned, as if he sensed her presence. He crossed over to her and stood next to her. “Tonight, you will crash the meeting that Trevor has with Nora and destroy the mutagen DNA that he plans to give her,” said Liam. Zarin leaned forward. “When do we leave?” “You will leave in an hour,” said Liam.

My heart slammed in my chest. I wasn’t looking forward to facing off with Nora but she needed to be dealt with. I just hoped we would destroy her once and for all. Chaniya was silent as Luc escorted me to my room. I looked at Chaniya. “I will meet you ten minutes till, so we can go down together.” She nodded and Luc and she walked down the hall. I shut the door and locked it. Time was flying by. I would once again face Nora and her army of mages. I dropped to my knees and bowed my head towards the floor to pray. I allowed my mind to reach out to Valcrum. Once I finished praying, I climbed on the bed and closed my eyes. My nerves were getting the best of me. Nora was our problem, yet she was now the academy’s problem as well. I won’t lose this battle. Everything is at stake. The pounding on my door made me jerk upright. Wiping the drool from the side of my mouth I rushed to the door and swung it open. Luc stood there looking like he ate a piece of coal. “Are you ready to go?” “Yes, let me get my bow and arrow.” Grabbing them, I rushed out the door. Frowning I looked down the hall. “Where is Chaniya?” Luc’s cheeks turned pink. “She’s probably in her room. She isn’t exactly speaking to me.” “What the heck is going on with you and my sister? I have never seen her like this about any guy. She never pays any attention to guys.” Turning around, I pulled Luc inside the room behind me. Slamming the door shut I crossed my arms around my chest. “I asked her if she loved me, and she told me she’s incapable of love.” Luc started pacing. Rolling my eyes, I shook my head. “A blind man can see she loves you. If you

give up on her now, then you’re an idiot.” Luc stopped and rubbed his hand through his hair. “She has my heart in her hand. I’ll never give her up.” Chaniya isn’t going to acknowledge that she loves him. She is more stubborn that a mule. I’ve never met a more stubborn person in my life. We are going into a battle that might cost us our lives, and she was hiding her emotions from Luc. I shouldn’t be surprised. Chaniya has always hidden her feelings. “You need to clear your head. We can’t afford for either of you to be distracted. I’ll go get her and you stay here. She’ll probably need a few minutes before she sees you.” Luc nodded. Walking to the door, I breathed deep. Everything seemed to be a mess. Why didn’t Chaniya see Luc loved her beyond reason? They loved each other. I don’t think anything or anyone could come between them. There were a bunch of students in the hallway. Shaking my head, I focused and picked up my step towards Chaniya’s room. When I reached her door, shaking my thoughts away, I plastered a smile on my face. Chaniya was always confident and I needed a little bit of her confidence now. I pounded on her door. “Chaniya open up.” Students moved around me chatting to their friends. A red-haired guy sauntered toward her. “If you’re looking for your sister, she left the cafeteria early. She wasn’t feeling well,” he said. Frowning, I looked at the man. He had silky looking red hair and his fair skin was littered with freckles. His body was tall and lanky. He was handsome and seemed nice. Chaniya had made a friend. I hope he didn’t have any desires to be more than that, since Chaniya had eyes for only one man. “What’s your name?”

His full lips curved in a secretive smile. “My name is Nick Emerson.” “It’s nice to meet you.” I turned toward my sister’s door intent on doublechecking on her. I needed to see if there is anything I can do. He tapped me on the shoulder. “I wouldn’t bother her if I were you. She isn’t nice when she is tired.” Heaving a sigh, I dropped my hand. Chaniya was always the prickly one, and when she was feeling poorly, she was worse. “You’re right.” She must have been very upset to go to the cafeteria. Is it so hard to tell a guy you’re in love with him? Heading down the hall, I made my way to my room. When I reached my door, Luc opened it before I reached the door handle. Luc stepped out and looked around. “Where is she?” “She’s not feeling well. It’ll just be us today, and when we get back, I will check on her.” Luc glanced ed me toward the hallway that would lead to Chaniya’s room. He looked at his watch. “Let’s get this done, so I can get back to her. I don’t like leaving her when she is sick.”

5 Chaniya

My head throbbed like an axe was buried in my medulla. Bright lights flickered above me. Blood ran down the side of my face, and I tried to wipe it, but I couldn’t. Silver handcuffs held my hands bound above my head. Where am I? I’m still in the academy, I think. This looks like the basement. It was dark despite the flickering light. It was cold down here, and this place seemed hidden. Jerking my hands against the handcuffs I grimaced as pain shot up my arm. A door opened at the back of the room. It was almost impossible to see, but now it opened and a stream of light flooded into the room until the door shut behind him. Squinting, I watched the guy stalk toward me. He looked too tall to be the same guy who attacked me in the bathroom. Who would want to hurt me? He stepped closer until he was standing so close to me that his breath flowed over my lips, as he leaned closer. I jerked against the bonds. “Who are you?” He stood over six feet tall. His hair was red and he had green eyes. I’ve never seen him before, so why did he kidnap me? This didn’t make sense. Why would a guy kidnap a girl he has never met? “Let me go.” He slapped me across the face. “You witches are not welcome here. You witches brought more trouble on our heads. You don’t belong here,” he said. “We don’t want to be here. I was about to leave.” The door behind the guy opened and another man walked into the room. I stiffened when he came to stand next to the man frowning in front of me. My breath caught as anger swept through my body like leaves in a windstorm.

Brad Johnson. He stood next to the guy smirking up at me. His lips curved into a snarl. “You aren’t so big and bad now, are you?” He balled up his fist and swung. Pain shot through my cheek as something cracked and pain exploded from my cheek to my eyeball. My head dropped from the force. I grunted when fingers raked my scalp, gripped my hair and yanked my head back. “Nick, once you’re done using her, finish her off slowly,” said Brad. He walked out the door. The click of a lock sounded a moment later. My eyes darted to the man standing in front of me. Nick was his name. I will kill him if it’s the last thing I do. Pain shot through my head, as I felt my blood slide down my cheek. Everything became fuzzy and I felt my heartbeat pound in my temples. I fought to remain conscious but I felt my limbs go weak. I opened my mouth to chant, but something metallic tasting was thrust in my mouth like a dry, crusty, used sock. Bile rose in my throat as darkness closed in. Everything faded, and I couldn’t see anything. The button on my shirt was ripped. Clink. The button crashed to the floor as cold hands roamed over my brassier. Valcrum don’t for sake me.

Opening my eyes, I immediately felt the ache in my pelvis. My stomach clenched. The cool chill made my teeth chatter. My hands were still bound above my head. I wasn’t in the basement anymore nor was I indoors for that matter. I was strung up like a dead cow, my body swaying with the cool breeze. They had left me here with my clothes torn from my body. Their sweat and juices left on me. My body stills smelled of them. I knew this feeling. This excruciating ache racking my body like nails in my soul. The throbbing in my lower belly made me salivate and almost retch my stomach lining. Why didn’t they kill me? Tears welled in my eyes and my lips quivered. I never felt clean. My worst nightmare had come raining down on me like a tsunami; again. My heart fluttered in my chest, and I hoped the stupid organ would cease to beat. They had taken the last piece of me, the piece that I had scraped and sewn together in order to exist, was now desecrated. Closing my eyes, the damn inside me broke. Tears ran down my face and gathered at the folds of my chin to land over my nipples. They had left me here naked and soiled. Valcrum had forsaken me and left me here for their intentions. I jerked against the bonds. My head was heavy like a fifty-pound bowling bowl. My thoughts were fuzzy like I had guzzled a bottle of alcohol, and my tongue was swollen and numb. Digging my nails in my palm, I tried to focus my thoughts, which flowed through my mind like broken foreign language sentences. Every time I tried to chant a part of a spell; I couldn’t get the rest of it out. Banging my head on the back of the pole I was attached to made me focus a bit as renewed pain shot through my head. Footsteps headed this way. Rocks and broken tree branches crunched in the near distance. A tremor ran up my spine as I jerked on the bond on my hands. My legs were not bound but I was naked and vulnerable. This kind of situation was the reason I got into black magic. I promised that I would never be vulnerable again. Look at me now. I’m bound and naked out here in an isolated place inside the Enchanted Gardens, where

anyone and everyone could see me. It could be worse. Luc could see. I’ve got to get down before he comes back. No one needs to find out. I will make them pay. They will all die and I will bathe in their blood. My ears pricked as I heard Nora’s voice calling to me. Cold fingers gripped my throat as a vision of Nora appeared before me. She reached out to me, through our link. Black magic connected to your soul, taking years and years of your life and connecting you to other people crossing into the dark side of magic. Funny how that little detail never bothered me until Nora’s mind reached out to mine again. My breath hitched as the vision materialized again, and I saw my house. Nora was walking through my bedroom. All the air in my lung left and a sense of suffocation overtook me. I struggled to breath as Nora stalked down the short hallway and down the stairs. Biting my lip, I tried to think of what time it was. Please be empty. Please be empty. When Nora reached the living room, her body stilled, and then moved fast. Her movements were like a calculated rattlesnake as she walked over to the couch. Dad was there. He was slumped over with something gold in his hand. Nora bent over him and slid it out of his hand. It was a gold-framed family portrait with he and I. This was the only family portrait we had that was just he and I. He took me to get the portrait after the first time he took me for the sexually transmitted diseases and I told him it didn’t matter. I would take care of myself before any disease could. Nora raised her samurai sword, and with one final swing cleaved dad’s head from his shoulder. His blood squirted on her face. He never even saw it coming. There was an empty tequila bottle lying beside him. The strength in my knees gave out. Tears flowed down my face and I sank against the pole. “Chaniya. What happen to you?” asked Cosima. She rushed over to me then stopped and turned around… Snot gathered in my nose and ran down my face. “Nora killed him. She killed dad.”

My eyes closed. I doubled over on myself trying to curl into a ball. The pain in my wrist and arms nagged me. “What? Did you go home,” asked Cosima? She had her hands up trying to block them. “You guys can’t come this way,” said Cosima. I lifted my head. Everyone was here. All of them were here but I couldn’t get past him. Luc’s face lost its color. Something inside me broke, and a scream tore through me. Darkness surrounded me. Everything went dark.

6 Zarin

Icaught Luc as he collapsed to the ground. The image of Chaniya bound and bloody made my stomach drop. Somethings are worse than death, and this is one of them. Cosima hugged her sister in her arms as she rushed to the door then stopped. She turned. “I don’t want anyone to see her like this. No one must know what happened.” I frowned. “The guys responsible for this know and there’s nothing to keep them from talking about it.” Cade stepped around Cosima and ran inside. A few minutes later, he came out with a thick wool blanket that he draped over Chaniya. He looked at Luc then back to Cosima. “The hallways are clear. Let’s go.” Cade opened the door and held it. Cosima ran inside and down the hall. I followed closely on her heels. This is one threat I never would have imagined and I hate it when I’m not prepared. Glancing behind me I saw Cade. Cade shook his head once we reached Chaniya’s room. He led us down several hallways and inside another room. The room was a nice version of a hospital room. In the center of the room, there was a hospital bed, and an IV stand next to it. There were four people standing in the room waiting on us. Once Chaniya was laid on the bed, they all converged on her. When they stepped aside, she had an intravenous line in her right arm and a yellow plaid hospital gown on. I want to comfort Cosima, but she needs this time to talk to her sister. I walked toward the door and turned to Cosima. “We’ll be in Luc’s room. When you’re ready to leave, call me. It’s not safe to go anywhere by yourself.”

Cade gritted his teeth. “I will find the people responsible for this, but in the meantime, it is not safe to be anywhere alone.” Swinging the door open, I walked out. When the door closed, I turned to Cade. “It would take more than one man to take Chaniya down. We need to be careful how we investigate this.” “We have never had an incident like this here before. This place is supposed to be a safe place, and… Cade’s voice trailed out. He looked like he had swallowed poison. His faced was flushed and his muscles seemed tight. “I pray we find them before Luc does.” I stalked away. When I reached Luc’s room, he was laying him on the bed. Grabbing a cup, I poured him some cold water. Walking to the bed, I shook him. It almost seemed criminal to wake him knowing he’d be in hell once awake. I shook him. “Luc wake up.” Luc groaned and sat up. “Please tell me it was a nightmare. Tell me I didn’t see her bound and bleeding. They raped her. They have killed all the light inside of her.” He lowered his head and turned away from me. A sound like a cat being strangled escaped him. His waves of agony rolled off him like waves roll in on Waikiki Beach. Anger rushed through me like seventeen hundred joules of electricity. No one deserves to be violated and humiliated. Luc can’t fall apart now. Chaniya needs him more now than ever. I placed the cup of water in his hand and handed him a rag for the blood on his head. “Drink.” He shoved the cup away from his face. “What good does that do? I’ve lost her,” said Luc. “She needs you now more than ever. This time is different. She has you. You will not allow this to destroy her.”

Several hours ed before Cosima called me to escort her back to her room. I was glad Luc had fallen asleep. He could be stubborn when he wanted to, but the sleeping pill did him some good. After a quick glance at him, I softly shut the door behind me. Today had been one disappointment after another. The only good thing that happened today was I saw Cosima again. Something about her just draws me into her, and I can’t figure it out. She is beautiful, but it’s deeper than that. Maybe one day, I will figure it out, but not tonight. The hallways were empty. It didn’t take me long to reach the room. Before I could knock, she opened the door. Cosima closed the door behind her. Her eyes were swollen, puffy and red. She leaned against the wall and burst into tears. Bending down, I scooped her in my arms. “Is everything alright?’ “She blames me. This is all my fault,” said Cosima. I bit my tongue. Why do the victims always take responsibility for the attacker’s actions? No one has the right to rape another person. Some spineless jellyfish men try to make sure you think it’s your fault. “This is not your fault or hers.” Anger traveled through me quickly, and my arms tightened around Cosima. Her body shook in my arms as she gripped her my shirt in her hands. “I was supposed to pick her up in her room. I went there but I didn’t speak with her for myself. I was told she was sick.” Pulling in a deep breath I smiled. This means she has a clue. The person who told her Chaniya was sick was probably part of the attack. “Who told you she was sick?” Her cheeks turned pink. “He said his name was Nick Emerson.” Rage surged through me. There was no doubt that this Nick was part of the attack on Chaniya.

I turned her toward her room and with one arm around her waist we walked. “I will deal with him. Let’s get you to your room.” By the time I had her door open. She was a ball of tears, and all her strength had fled her. Placing her in my arms, I strolled to the bed, and placed her on it. Pulling the covers over her, I strolled to the door. I had a name and one way or another I would make Nick Emerson talk, if that was the last thing I did.

I reached Cade’s bedroom. Knocking hard, I waited until the door swung open. As late as it was, Cade wasn’t asleep. He didn’t have a shirt on but his loose pajama pants hung low around his waist. At least he wasn’t the only one who couldn’t sleep. “It was Nick Emerson, who told Cosima, that Chaniya was sick.” Cade swore something under his breath and shut his door. “Nick is a sneaky one. I’ve never liked him.” He stalked down the hall. When Cade halted in front of a door, he looked at me, and motioned for me to move to the side hidden from the door. I moved to the side of the door flush against the wall, so he wouldn’t see me. When the door opened, I almost lunged for the red-haired guy. Cade shoved inside the room. “We have you on camera talking to Cosima.” Nick shrugged, and tried to close the door, but I swiftly pushed the door open, and strolled in. I closed the door behind me and put my arms across my chest blocking the door. Nick’s gaze flickered over to me then back at Cade. “Why are you guys here. I was asleep.” “You lie,” said Cade. He didn’t even glance at the bed at all but swung his balled fist to connect with Nick’s jaw. The sickening cracking sound filled me with joy as Cade stood over Nick raining blows over his face. Narrowing my eyes, I watched as Nick was caught with a right upper cut and slid against the wall. He reached behind the desk at something and light flashed across something silver. Cade was on him in a second, but he grunted and doubled over a few feet away from Nick. Nick jumped to his feet. He glanced at the knife in Cade’s side and moved toward him. I ran to him and punched him on the back of the head. Grabbing a handful of his hair, I slung him into the desk.

I lifted him off the floor by the collar on his shirt. “Did you rape Chaniya?” “I don’t know who that is,” said Nick. He glanced ed me toward Cade who grunted when he removed the knife and it fell to the ground. My other hand moved to his throat. If he didn’t want to talk then he could die. The pain that ripped through Cosima as she blindly accepted the responsibility of her sister’s rape turned my mouth sour. “If you know nothing, then you are no use to me.” My voice was hard but I couldn’t keep the menacing tone from my voice. Nick’s type repulsed me, and I’ve never had a tolerance for liars. My hand tightened around his throat. Once his air was cut off, he started making gurgling noises. His face turned blue. Cade came to my right side holding his side. He was bleeding like a stuck pig. “His face is turning blue. Don’t kill him yet.” The anger flowing through me almost took all my control to stifle it down. I allowed my fingers to loosen a bit so he could take in a short breath. “Who were the others? I know you were involved. You went into her room and came out with her slumped over your shoulder. Talk now,” said Cade. Nick’s lips curved in a snarl. “She brought it on herself. If she had just given Brad what he wanted instead of fighting him, this would have never happened.” Cade’s eyes widen “Brad who, Brad Johnson? He has slept with more girls in this school than any other guy.” Nick laughed. “He hadn’t slept with her. She should have just given him what he wanted and he would not have taken it.” I leaned close to Nick’s face, and after a growl managed to bark out. “Who raped her?” “Every guy that payed the entry fee to the room in the basement took a turn on her. She was still drugged and only woke when Brad took her. He wouldn’t take her until she was awake and lucid,” said Nick.

The picture Nick’s words painted made me shudder. Sweat dripped from my hands as I regretted having to touch this filth. He didn’t deserve to live. “You took your turn didn’t you,” asked Cade? “I don’t share so I took her first, so everyone after me samples my sloppy seconds,” said Nick. My fingers closed around Nick’s throat again cutting off his air. He didn’t need to breath. When his body went limp in my arms, I dropped him on the floor and shoved my boot in his ribs as I stepped over him like discarded trash. Storming into the hallways I took a deep breath. The need to kill Nick had overwhelmed me. The joy in his face when he said he raped Chaniya was too much. Cade closed the door behind him. “I’m going to get this stitched up. Meet me in my room at twelve and we’ll go and confront Brad together.” I looked back at the door. “What about Nick?” Several footsteps headed this way. Looking ed Cade, there were several people heading his way. Cade nodded his head toward the door. A few minutes later, they had Nick’s hands bound behind his back and were hauling him off down the hall.

7 Chaniya

The bright light poured into the room and warmed my face. This wasn’t my room. My heart slammed against my rib cage, as I sat up in the bed. An intravenous line along with the needle was inserted in my arm. A yellow duvet covered me as I pushed it down on my lower legs. Rubbing my eyes, I looked around the room. Soft yellow curtains hung on the decorative rod. The room was pretty and much bigger than my room. A queen bed in the middle of the floor made me feel better, so I took a deep breath and pushed the duvet off me. My head pounded and I was lightheaded. Holding my head against the stabbing pain in my skull, I hunched over the bed. A second later, the door opened, and I dove into the duvet pulling it over my body. My mouth opened on a silent cry, but nothing came out. Luc padded into the room but stopped a few feet before the bed. His face held no color and his eyes seemed haunted. I closed my eyes. Why was he here? He had to know that seeing him was like thousands of daggers buried in my heart. My tongue ran over my lips and I took a breath. The pain in my groin and lower limbs didn’t compare to the sharp pains stabbing my heart. Closing my eyes, I quickly forced my thoughts to go blank. It wouldn’t do us any good to see me crying. “Please, leave.” I closed my eyes and waited for the sound of the door. After a few minutes of hearing nothing, I opened my eyes. He wasn’t standing near the door. Closing my eyes, I hoped he silently left, but the way my stomach trembled I could feel him. His knuckles rubbed against my cheek. “Are you hurting?”

I flinched away from his tender touch. My tears slid from my eyes, as I crumpled into a ball. The air drained from my lungs and I hoped death would cradle me in its arms. He picked me up and held me close to his chest. “Are you hurting?” “No.” My voice was so low I’m not sure he heard it. Luc pulled my head back so he could stare in my eyes. “The doctor said you won’t have any personal damage, and there were no diseases.” Heat flooded my face, and I couldn’t meet his gaze. He knew. The doctor told him that I had been raped and discussed the results of sexually transmitted disease tests. Pushing against his rock-hard chest, I buried my face against my forearm. “Please, leave me alone.” He wiped the tears running down my cheeks. “Never. I love you. You are mine.” His lips touched mine. The feather light touch of his lips sent a rack of tremors down my spine. Tearing my face away from his, I bit my lower lip until I tasted blood. “What about next month when I come down with a disease that wasn’t found today?” He touched my cheek, and then my trembling lower lip. “It will change nothing. I will never leave you. You will share your pain, worries, love, and disease with me for as long as we both shall live.” Something broke inside me. When his lips touched mine again, my mouth opened and his tongue slid in my mouth. My tongue ran along his. Just once, I wanted him to feel everything I can never tell him with my mouth. The kiss turned into something indescribable. Pleasure, hot and deep flowed through me, as my hands wrapped around his neck. I kissed him with everything I had. His strong arms wrapped around my waist like steel. When I pulled back, I closed my eyes soaking up his warmth like sunbathing on

a beach. “Goodbye, Luc. I love you, so much so that I am letting you go. I’m not what you need.” Forcing myself out of his arms that had stiffened. I rushed to the bedroom door. I turned so I could get one last look at him. Luc sat there with tears flowing down his cheeks. When he stood up, I held my hand in the air. He took three steps then stopped. “Don’t leave me. Don’t give up on us. We can get past this, past anything, as long as we do it together,” said Luc. My tears blinded me. My heart hurt so bad I almost fell to my knees. “I’m sorry, Luc.” Yanking the door open, I ran down the hall. I didn’t care if the guys who raped me got their hands on me again or not. There was nothing left of me. Running around the corner, I ran into a small body and fell back on my buttocks. My breath came out in hard pants as I stared up at Cosima. Jumping to my feet, I tried to sidestep her. “Get out of my way.” Cosima flinched. “Why are you out of bed. You need rest.” I’m so tired of my sister acting like she knows everything. “How would you know? Have you ever been raped?” My chest burned and I blinked back the tears pooling in my eyes. I don’t have time to cry nor do I welcome the pounding headache that comes with it. The hallways were packed, and every time a student saw my face the whispers started. It was enough for me to start casting nasty dark spells to get even, but I’m better than that. I’m trying to be better than that. I forced the lump in my throat down before I left my stomach lining all over the hall. I’m broken but I am not weak. My hands balled into fist as I stalked toward the side door. Her fingers latched on to my arms and swung me around to face her. “Where are you going? This is not the time for you to go off alone. We need to stick

together,” said Cosima. When the noisy girls scurried away, I swallowed my blood that I had allowed to pool in my mouth. The pain allowed me to gain a bit of my control and not fall to my knees in a puddle of tears. I glanced at my sister. “Where were you when I needed you? I’ve always been there for you, saved you and watched your back. You have never been there for me.” Cosima’s face paled. “I never asked you to. You know we are not close, but I have been trying to fix that,” said Cosima. She touched my arm. I jerked away from her like her skin was coated in acid. “What happen to all of us going to catch and kill Nora? You left without me and I was gang raped.” My teeth bit into my lower lips until I tasted my own blood. Watching a few ladies standing off to the side waiting for me to explode, I gave them a look that promised bloodshed if they didn’t get out of my business right now. Cosima silently wept. “I did come to get you, but Nick told me you were sick so I left you to get rest.” Tears continued to roll down my face despite my nails digging into my palm. “With a sister like you, who the heck needs enemies?” “Chaniya. We only have each other.” Cosima took a step toward me then stopped. Her mouth opened then shut. Tears ran down her cheeks. “No. My family died when dad did.” I saw her through the glass window in front of me. Cosima stood behind me like a statue weeping. I ignored the pain in my chest, the acid that rose up my throat and the wetness on my cheeks that blinded me. Thrusting the door open, I inhaled the air deep trying to ignore the suffocating feeling in my throat. “Chaniya, yelled Luc. Adrenaline leaped at my wrist. I ran fast. Leaping over the stone retaining wall, I dashed down the street. Spotting a building, I ran around the side of it and closed

my eyes, willing my heart to slow down. Luc bellowing my name was like nails stabbing my eardrums. Closing my eyes, I channeled the black magic, allowing it to consume me, and began chanting a spell to become invisible. Just as Luc came to the side of building facing away from me, my body became invisible. When he turned facing me, he couldn’t see me. Luc fell to his knees. A deep roar that sounded like a warthog being tortured tore from his throat. He sat there weeping. I had to hold my breath to close out the sight of him. If I cried now, he would discover me. I closed my eyes not caring if it was my last breath. Seeing him hurting was worse than death.

Sunlight was bright and the heat welcoming. It was beautiful outside today despite me feeling like white crunchy dog poop. Everything inside me was different. The scars and bruises on my body didn’t compare to the scars on my heart. Why was this rape different than the first one? The further I traveled away from the academy the worse the pain in my chest stabbed. Luc’s face flashed in my mind over and over again and I doubled over grabbing my stomach. Tears stung my eyes, and I wiped my damp face roughly. How can I cry, when I left him? This was better for Luc, and I need to let him to find love. Shaking my head, I rushed down the road and around the corner toward the C&T Nightclub. The building was on a quiet street nestled between a convenient store and an old thrift store. Nancy’s Thrift Store looked like it was stuck in the roaring twenties. I doubt the store gets much business, since the advances in technology have corrupted society. Staying in the shadows, I watched the small group of guys leaving the convenience store. They carried several small bags, chatting among themselves. When they had disappeared down the street, I stepped out the shadows and listened outside the door. This is where they said the Xenar Coven was located. Xenar was a rogue coven that had refused to help the academy. Are they helping Nora? If the Xenar Coven can get me close enough to kill Nora then that’s all that mattered. Opening the door, I headed toward the back of the nightclub. The techno music was loud and the base made the huge speakers on beat. Dark sultry lighting cast a romantic glow over the dance floor. There were large glass windows on each side of the dance floor. Custom tan shades blocked out most of the light and made the club very private. There were two bars with one of them located in the middle of the floor in a half circle around the dance floor. On the right-hand side of the bar was a dark nook where a DJ stood mixing records on the turn tables. The smell of smoke and cigars made it hard to breath despite the air conditioning system. This place was packed, yet it didn’t make me fill claustrophobic.

I sat down in the last booth on the left, which had a good view of the front door and was close to the back hallway toward the restrooms. This place could be dangerous. It was hard to see if your enemies were here or not. If I didn’t have Nora to kill and dad’s body to bury, this might be a place to have a bit of fun. Too bad I don’t have time for fun. A sliver of light filtered into the club as the front door swung open. Two girls walked in and people parted swiftly moving out of their way. One of the girls had a purple mohawk, and a silver chain running from her lip piercing to her nose piercing. Her eye shadow and lipstick were blue black against her fair alabaster skin. She appeared almost demonic, hard, and the opposite from the tall blonde girl at her side. The tall girl’s makeup was soft and floral, and her clothes were skimpy. The hot pink leather mini skirt was so short it didn’t cover much of her flesh and the white racerback top dipped low putting her cleavage on display. These two females weren’t new to this club, and probably were regulars. They could get me into the Xenar Coven. If not, hanging with them would be fun. A waitress with red hair and smeared eyeliner down her cheeks headed toward me. She resembled a cornered raccoon. “What can I get for you?” she asked. She chewed on a blue pen and her hand palmed a small notepad. “A cola and a dozen lemon pepper wings.” My mouth watered at the thought of the wings. The knot in my belly was just one more sign that my body needed nourishment. “I’ll put the order in now.” She grabbed the menu and strolled toward the kitchen. The mohawk girl waltzed up and slid inside my booth facing me. “You should by me a drink.” “Buy yourself a drink.” My eyes narrowed at her. These girls were used to getting what they wanted probably by bullying the weaker. What made her think I was weak? She squirmed in the booth until she was fully seated. She had a grey lighter in her hand and a cigarette in her mouth. “You’re new here. You can’t blame a girl for trying.”

I leaned back. “What’s your name?” “Megan Bowling. My friend at the bar is Darlene Watson.” She pointed to the tall blonde who was sipping on a tropical drink. A few minutes later, she had a beer in her hand and was heading this way. “Chaniya.” I looked ed them to the waitress that brought my cola to the table. Smiling at her when she rushed off, I took several gulps of my cold drink. “This place seems ok but why is it so packed tonight?” “Most people here are hoping they will get recruited by the Xenar Coven, and others just want to belong to something,” said Megan. “Why are you here?” I studied her face. Megan was the strong willed one and a leader. Darlene was kind of mousy and seemed to be a follower. It would be easy to divide and conqueror these two if I needed to. The waitress brought my lemon pepper wings and I nodded toward the plate offering them some food. Megan shook her head but giggled when Darlene quickly grabbed a wing. “We belong to Xenar Coven. What about you? You strike me as one of those do gooders at the academy” I snorted. “Nope I’m a loner. It was just me and my boyfriend but that suddenly ended.” Megan took a sip of her drink. “Relationships don’t last long these days.” Darlene snagged another wing. “Guys emotions are so fleeting. It’s funny that they say we are fickle.” Megan smirked. “Take the wings to go and come back with us. You would like Xenar Coven. We welcome anyone that isn’t with the academy.”

8 Cossima

Iwatched my sister walk out of my life. This day sucked. It wouldn’t do my mental health any good to still be standing here when Luc comes back. I’m in denial that dad is dead but I know Chaniya wouldn’t lie, not about that. I’m an idiot for thinking this would be a good time to become closer, because our fragile bond had just been blown to bits. I lost my father and my sister. The hallways were packed and I walked through it aimlessly. When I stood in front of my door, a tap on my shoulder blade made me jerk back. Zarin stood there with an odd expression on his face. He held a bottle water in his hand, and he pushed it toward me. “Drink this.” Twisting the cap off, I gulped half of the water before pulling it away from my mouth. Opening my door, I strolled inside. “Thanks.” I held up the water bottle and sat on the bed. He leaned against the door. “Liam has called a meeting. I told them I would come get you, since they had called your phone, and didn’t get an answer.” I ran my hands through my hair. “I don’t think I can sit through another meeting now.” Chaniya was right. If we had gone back when she asked, we could’ve protected dad from Nora, but instead we left him at home drunk and defenseless. My throat felt raw. “I’m leaving.” I turned away from him. “I need to say my goodbyes to my father and bury him.” I’m not sure how things got so messed up but nothing had gone right. Closing my eyes, I forced my breath out in a slow steady breath. I will come back if Nora was still a problem because now, I dream of her blood.

I’m needed here. Valcrum told me too and I am obedient and faithful. Zarin crossed over to me. “I’m sorry about your sister but we must go to Liam’s office. We can talk after that.” Chaniya found out that Nora killed our father. I must bury him. “His body won’t keep.” He frowned. “They are waiting on us.” Throwing up my hands, I followed him out my room and down the hallway. Zarin opened Liam’s office door and held it open for me, and I walked inside. Cade stood next to Atianna, and Maximus was standing next to Claire. Everyone’s face looked like I felt. The atmosphere was somber and heavy. Luc stood against the wall half of his face covered in the shadows. I couldn’t meet his gaze. A light scent of pinecone couldn’t ease the ache in my heart. I dropped down in an empty chair. My heart ached and I clasped my hands in my lap. Zarin brought a chair next to mine and slung one arm on the back of my chair. The warmth of his arm low on my back caused butterflies to soar in my belly, and the hair on my nape to stand. His salty ocean scent was intoxicating. Liam cleared his throat. He walked around his desk, then stared at me. “I’m glad that we are all here, I can share what we have learned.” “Our last mission to stop Nora from obtaining the DNA sample of the mutagens was not successful. We know that she was working with the Xenar Coven but backstabbed them to forge an alliance with the demons,” said Liam. Claire shrieked. “Olga Lopez is the high priest of the Xenar Coven. And she doesn’t take betrayal lightly.” Maximus laughed. “Olga is an old bitter witch who feels the world hasn’t given her her due. I’m not comfortable in trusting anything that she says.” I leaned forward. This doesn’t sound so bad. The Xenar Coven should help us take care of Nora. Cade paced in front of Liam’s desk. “Olga hates Liam, so she will never help us.”

I chanced a quick look at Liam who appeared almost bored. “Olga has refused to help us defeat Nora and the demons, but she did mention that John Barel, a warlock, is powerful enough to assist us,” said Liam. John Barel is here on Earth. The warlock was a legend in the Realm of Ashburn. If we could get him on our side, then we have a good chance to destroy Nora once and for all. Zarin stood. “Where can we find John?” He turned and glanced back at Luc. Cade glanced at Liam. “John has an ailing mother, named Margaret that lives in the northern mountains here. He always visits her on Fridays,” said Cade. Luc walked up toward Cade and stopped a foot away from him. “Is there another reason why we need to find John?” Liam nodded. “He is familiar with the Arko’s legacy, and he can help them,” said Liam. Luc swore under his breath. “We need to delay this meeting a few days until we find Chaniya.” He looked at Zane, then at me before turning his attention to Liam. My heart sank. Chaniya was out there all alone and emotionally broken. It was not safe to be alone in a new place where you don’t know your enemies from your friends. She was hurting and not thinking clearly. I don’t blame her. I can’t imagine the emotional wound that now exists for her since she has been raped for a second time. This time the burden is on my shoulders. I should’ve checked on her and made sure she was truly sick. I allowed a guy to dictate my actions and now Cosima’s life will never be the same. “We can’t delay this a moment longer. If Nora gets her hands on the DNA, she could become more powerful than we could imagine. She must be stopped,” said Liam.

“Tonight, you will meet with John and convince him to assist us with destroying Nora and the demons. You leave in twenty minutes,” said Liam.

We reached the northern mountains. It was one of the most beautiful sights I have ever seen. I’m not nervous this time. I have nothing to lose, except my life, and I’m too numb to worry about that. This isn’t the place to have an epic battle so I’m hoping that we find this John Barel and get out of here. John’s mother must be crazy to live up here alone. The home was perched on top of the mountain surrounded by nothing but huge mountain views. It seems like a strong wind would blow you out of the house and down the mountain to your death. Maximus put up his fingers and two of his men took up positions near the house. The other two men took a position on either side of the mountain to protect us against a sneak attack. Zarin placed his hand on the small of my back as he leaned close to my ear. “Don’t worry. I won’t let you fall off the mountain.” I snorted. “Let’s get this over with.” Tall places are not my favorite place to be. It’s something about the altitude and height that makes my stomach drop to my big toe and my bowels loosen. Zarin handed me a cold bottle of water. “Drink this. It will help you.” “Thanks.” I’m not sure arguing with Zarin is smart. He is very stubborn, but I know he’s trying to help me. Claire knocked on the front door. After a few minutes, the front door opened. An older woman wearing a long teal shirt with tassels steps aside. “What can I do for you?” She has the door ajar. A whiff of homemade cherry pie drifts out and it smells divine. The aroma was worth the hard trek up here. “Are you Margaret Barel?” asked Maximus. He moved Claire behind his broad back. Claire pounded on Maximus’s back but the older lady probably didn’t notice

Claire pounding on his back. “Yes.” “We’ve come a long way to meet with your son, John, can we come inside?” asked Maximus. She stepped aside allowing us inside. Maximus signaled for the four men to stay outside and protect us, and he stepped inside. I released a breath I was unaware I was holding. Zarin waited until I was inside before stepping inside and closing the door. Margaret motioned for us to sit at a long oakwood table. We all sat down except Zarin. He stayed close to the front door near a window. Maximus took the seat near the door. Claire rushed into the kitchen to assist her with the cherry pie. “Margaret when do you expect John to arrive?” asked Cade. She came out of the kitchen with a homemade cherry pie, followed by Claire who had several plates. “He should be here any moment now. I’ve made two of my homemade cherry pies, which is his favorite.” My mouth waters as Margaret hands me a plate with a generous slice of cherry pie. She sets a plate aside for Zarin. The information we have on Margaret, says she ninety-five years old and she has been fighting lung cancer. She moved faster than some of the students at the academy. Her skin was wrinkled but appeared smoothed as she sat down in the empty chair next to Cade. Cade placed his hand on hers. “How are you feeling today? Is there anything we can help you with while we wait for him?” She smiled. “No,hnj thank you.” A knock at the door made me drop my fork. I stand up but Zarin puts up his hand. He positioned himself behind the door. Margaret opened the door. “John. I’m so happy to see you.”

She stepped aside to allow him inside. “Mom. Are you well?” He shut the door. Zarin moved swiftly to grab John from behind, but John didn’t even turn he just held up his hand and Zarin was paralyzed in place. John’s hazel eyes narrowed. “Who are you? What are you doing in my mother’s house?” “We were waiting for you. We mean you no harm we need to speak with you,” said Cade. He held up his hands and waited near the table. Maximus was standing in front of Claire like a huge protective shield. John lowered his hand and the hold that he had on Zarin dissipated. Zarin flexed his muscles. “Dang warlocks.” He came and sat next to me. John wrapped his arm around his mother’s waist and escorted her to the oak table. When he pulled out her chair, he glanced at Claire. “Claire what are you doing here?” asked John. “We need your help. Nora has forged an alliance with the demons, and she is trying to get her hands on a sample of mutagen DNA.” John jerked up from scooting his mother in her chair. “That is insane. I know that she hungers for more power, but that is insane.” He glanced at Maximus and smiled. When Maximus growled low he turned away and sat in a chair near his mother. “You sure know how to pick them Claire,” said John. Maximus’s eyes narrow at John. His fists are balled at his side and he takes a step forward but stops when Cade shakes his head. “Son, you should help them. They need your help.” Margaret pushed a saucer to him with a piece of cherry pie.

“Will you stand with us and fight?” said Cade. John looked at Claire. “I can’t get involved in this war between you angels and the demons. Claire, I have always given you everything you’ve asked of me, but I can’t.” Claire’s cheeks turned pink but she stopped Maximus when he tried to her to get to John. John shook his head. “I have to think of my mother. If I die, then she is on her own.” Boom. Boom. There are loud shouts coming from outside. John jumped up and moved his mother from her chair. The nearby window burst and Maximus jumped out. His roar echoing over the gun fire. Zarin lept over the table and jumped out the window after Maximus. “Mom. No, Valcrum,e please no.” John patted Margaret’s cheek blood pouring from the bullet hole in her forehead. A cry of anguish tore from John’s throat. His hazel eyes turned green and he waved his hands at the side of the house, and the structure crumbled. John walked outside. Waving my hands, I moved nearby trees hitting the mages. My anger coursed through my veins as I launched another root to wrap around a nearby mage. Closing my fingers until the mages’ eyes bulged and his body went limp. These witches and mages are not from our coven Nora is not here. The mages and witches had a dragon tattoo on the inside of their wrist. Scared fingers rake through my hair tugging my head back and I’m forced to my knees. Reaching inside my boot, I grab my knife and shove it in the mage’s gut. The rest of the mages’ form a semi-circle around us as our backs face the edge of the mountain. A blonde haired older woman flies down from the tree. She has a long scar from her eyebrow down to her cheek on the right-hand side. “Dang. Must Olga show up,” grumbled Claire. She flung her hair over her shoulder and after chanting quickly she launched a wave of fire at the mages around us setting them on fire.

Olga laughed. “You had such potential. It’s a pity you did not Xenar Coven when you had a choice.” Claire’s hair whips in the breeze. “You are a disgrace.” She launches a fireball at Olga. The fireball just fell off Olga. “Your rule ends now, and you die,” said Olga. She lifted her hand… Grasping my bow and arrow, I sent the arrow flying at Olga. She grabbed it and broke it in half on her knee before tossing it to the ground. She doesn’t look scared that she’s standing alone while her mages and witches are laying dead on the ground. John was fighting the masses of mages and witches that descended from the trees behind Olga. He glanced at us then back at the mages that continue to come. Chaniya flanked by two other witches jump down from the trees. Her eyes widen when she saw me. Olga waves her hands and a strong gush of wind sends us over the side of the mountain. I screamed as we go over the mountain. Zarin yanked me in his arm turning so he is facing the ground. My teeth sank into his shoulder as I close my eyes. My mind reached out to Valcrum, if for the last time.

9 Zarin

We are going to die. Wrapping Cosima in my arms I turn my back to the ground, maybe I will break her fall. Out of the corner of my eye, I see John standing at the edge waving his hands his concentration pointed. A strong pull wraps around us, and our free fall to our death is halted. John motions his hands like a rope, and we are lifted back on the mountain. I land with a strong thud. Her soft body squirms in my arms, and she lifts her head. “Thank you.” Cosima gets to her feet and extends her hand for me. I grabbed it and got up. John walked back in the house. A second later he walked out the house with his mother’s body in his arms. “I couldn’t kill Olga and save you guys at the same time,” said John. He looked down at his mother. “Your fight is now my fight. I will help you destroy Nora and then I will destroy the Xenar Coven.”

We reach city and we are not far from the academy. John and Claire had transported us back to the city and I am grateful. I rub my arms around me as I shake my head. A part of me is glad Luc, decided to disobey and go look for Chaniya, even though I know he didn’t find her. “Chaniya finds trouble everywhere she goes.” I stared at Cosima. Her small hand in my mine turns clammy. If her back gets any straighter then her spine would snap in two. The thin set of her lush lips shows her annoyance. “Cut her a break. It’s not like she has a whole lot of options out here alone,” said Cosima “Chaniya is a problem. One that will not go away if we ignore it.” I’m not sure why she is taking up for her sister. Chaniya doesn’t seem to consider how her actions affect others. We are now her enemies. I wasn’t surprised to see her, but I was disappointed. The birds up above in the trees suddenly take flight. My eyes narrow as something in the air shifts. By this time there should be some people out, yet the street is empty. This is the perfect opportunity for an ambush. Maximus grunted. “She hasn’t been gone from the academy for twenty-four hours and she’s ed the Xenar Coven.” Claire grunted. “Olga will the demons to save her own hide since John almost killed her.” Cade is silent. His eyes darting to the alley and back at Maximus. “I don’t think we’re alone.” Maximus swiftly grabbed Claire around the waist and pushed her behind his back. “Stand behind me.” Two girls stepped out from the alley. One of them has arms that turn into steel spikes as weapons. She runs toward us. I transform quickly and rush forward. The girl swings the steel spike and I dodge right, and swipe at her raking my claws across her face. When she falls to the ground, I bent down to rip her head

off, but she jabbed her steel spike into my gut. Pain ripped through my stomach as I backed up and tore it in two. The other girl whistled, and the demons emerged from the shadows. We are outnumbered so this won’t be good. Grunting I rip the steel spike from my stomach. Cosima rushed to my side with a tattered cloth in her hand. Squinting, I noticed the fabric was a part of her shirt. Wincing, I allowed her to fasten a makeshift bandage around my waste. Gritting my teeth against the pain, I stifle a groan of pain as Nora stepped out the shadows behind a tall demon whose horns protrude from his hair. Cosima screams and sends several arrows in the air sailing toward Nora. “You will die for killing my father.” The arrows missed Nora as she ducked and ran toward us. John waved his hands and sent the demons flying into the brick building. Claire was fighting one of the mutagens. Cosima was fighting with Nora. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Luc. He is sneaking up on the demon leader, who is battling John. Luc stabbed the demon in the back, but the demon grabbed Luc by the throat and tossed him against the wall. His body thumped against the wall like a rag doll and slumped to the ground. Rushing toward the demon I slammed him against the wall. My claws swiping venously until, he dug his fingers into my wound in my stomach, and I sank down to my knees. Maximus gripped the demon and bit him on his neck. I sank further to the ground as my skin chilled. My blood spills and it feels as if my intestines lie on the ground. The concrete is cold against my head as I see Cosima jab her knife into Nora’s throat, and she fell to the ground. My lips curve, she has gathered the strength to kill Nora, and avenge her father’s death. It’s weird how I have craved death for so long and now a giggle escaped me. Life is not without a sense of irony it seems. I can’t ignore the sense of loss that swept over me. Luc staggered to his feet rubbing his head. “You’re bleeding everywhere. We need to get you medical care. Now.”

The vein pulsed in my head. “Take care of Cosima.” The pain in my stomach has gone numb. I can’t feel my blood gush from my body, but I am sure it is still flowing freely. Floaters appear before my eyes and my vision blurs. The darkness closes around me and I surrendered to it.

I woke to the bright florescent lights above me. I am back at the academy. Sitting up, I see the intravenous line and the needle in my wrist. This is not my room, however and I am wondering whose room I am in. The scent of eucalyptus and tea filled my nostrils. There’s a piece of peppermint candy and a cup of water on the nightstand next to the bed. My mouth waters as I pop the peppermint in my mouth. The door opens and Luc strolls inside. He pulled up a chair next to the bed. “Nice of you not to die on us.” Ignoring the pain in my stomach and the dryness of my mouth I asked him the only question that matters to me. “How is Cosima? Is she hurt?” Luc rolled his eyes. “You almost died and you ask me of her welfare?” A low growl ed my lips as I wait. “Cosima is fine. We had to sedate her when she saw you were unconscious on the concrete.” Frowning, I looked at Luc. “When was the last time you checked on her?” Now that Nora has been destroyed, she and I can go bury her father. Luc glanced at his watch. “Five minutes ago, but we have a bigger problem.” Some of the tightness eased from my chest. She’s alright. I had dreaded having this conversation with Luc. “We know that Chaniya has ed the Xenar Coven.” Luc’s eyes turn so dark they are unreadable. “Nick Emerson gave up his accomplice, Calvin Banks, who knocked out Chaniya. He had ties to the Xenar Coven.” “What do you mean had ties? Did you kill him?” Luc’s lips turned down. “I had planned on it but someone else got to him first. We think it was Olga.”

Why would Xenar Coven want to hurt Chaniya? Olga and Nora are not that different. They both seemed to focus on destroying the Arko sisters.

10 Chaniya

We got back from the battle between the academy and us. Olga had decreed that we retreat after she almost had her head severed from her body. The comforts of this huge traditional mansion surrounded by the majestic gates couldn’t instill a sense of security. Each room was plush with upgraded carpets; crushed velvet curtains over the windows and expensive oriental rugs. There was no comfort that was spared. On the long walls there was mounted a seventy-five-inch television, an intercom system, and an upgraded security system with surveillance. I can’t stop shaking. Every time I think of Olga, I thirst to slit her throat. Xenar Coven wasn’t so bad, when I thought they were just minding their own business. Finding out Olga was working with Nora was worse than seeing Cosima pushed from the mountain. Olga had put me in a battle not just against the academy but against my own sister. In the blink of an eye, she had killed Cosima. My fingers reached up to circle my neck to grab my platinum diamond heart shaped locket, that father had given me, and my fingers clutched nothing. A sharp pain sliced across my chest. I jumped to my feet and raced to the door. Megan and Darlene stood in the doorway. Megan had her right hand raised poised to knock. “Where are you going?” asked Megan. “I have something I need to do.” I brushed past them both and traversed down the hallway. “You lied. You never mentioned that you had a sister who was part of the academy,” spat Darlene. Her eyes turned dark blue, as cold as the sea, as she waved her hands and my throat closed like a rope was wrapped around my neck as I floated up the wall toward the ceiling.

“We need to talk to her and find out what all she knows before we kill her,” said Megan. She leaned against the wall smirking. Pulling out a cigarette she lit it with a green lighter and took a deep drag before blowing out the smoke. My air was cut off. Darlene tightened her fingers and small fissure, like cuts, sliced along both sides of my throat. A few minutes later my top and pants fell from my body in tatters. The lining from my pink lace panties disintegrated, and I was naked. Megan was whirling her hands like a Wu Tang warrior undressing me for her kinky pleasures. “You should’ve bought me that drink. If you had allowed me to kiss you, then I might have spared your life but you’re just a prude,” said Megan. Rage made my muscles tremor as images of father and Cosima filtered through my mind like a homemade movie. Reaching deep inside, I channeled the black magic that called to me. Knowing that Nora could reach my mind through this dark magic didn’t keep me from allowing the magic to envelope my body. A bone-chilling scream broke from my lips, as I channeled the Alora, the goddess of the Earth’s power as my fingers extended breaking the ground below me. I sent the wood, dirt, and hard compact mud toward Darlene. A thick long piece of wood caught Darlene in the head and she sank down to the floor. The nail at the end of it had caught Darlene square in the forehead. The invisible rope that had choked me was now gone. My body dropped to my feet, and I stalked toward Megan. “You killed her.” Megan had ducked behind the room door, even as the walls around her caved in around her. Waving my hand, I allowed the dark magic to surge through my muscles. I reached Megan in a flash grabbing her by the throat, my lips touching her ear. “You asked me not to deny my urges. To give into the real me.” I squeezed my hands around her throat. Her heart beat forceful against my fingers, as I tightened my hold on her. Megan’s face lost its color as her nails dug into my arms drawing blood as she tried to pry my hands from her throat. Warm blood flowed down my arm as she continued to struggle.

I lessened my grip on her throat. The gurgling sounds she made as she choked were music to my ears. “You have five minutes to tell me everything. Talk.” Meagan gasped for air. “Olga and Nora had an agreement. Nora agreed to destroy the academy all except Liam, and Olga agreed to give Nora the DNA of a mutagens.” Nora had managed to find out that Earth had other beings with powers, and she wanted to get her hands on more power. The high priestess was proving to be cunning and resourceful. I underestimated her once and I lost everything. That is a mistake that I won’t make again. I shook my head. “Whose DNA did Olga give Nora?” “Those freaks don’t trust us, let alone give us their DNA. Olga used her own blood to give Nora.” Olga double-crossed Nora. She didn’t remind me of a simpleton but that was just insane. “When does Nora plan to retaliate against Olga?” “Nora was pleased. Olga’s blood has been tainted with the mutagens blood, so Olga didn’t betray her. Let me go. I can be of use to you.” My eyes narrowed on her face. “Can you bring Cosima back from the dead?” Megan stiffened in my arms. “They say black magic can bring back the dead.” “No, it can’t. You are of no use to me.” After a few minutes, she went limp in my hands, and I cracked her neck, and tossed her body to the side. I stalked down the hall. Olga would die now. Reaching the last bedroom upstairs I opened the door. The light was dim, and I pressed the light switch on the wall, but nothing happened. Olga was hidden inside here, and now she would die. “Do you think you can kill me little girl? You will die just like I killed your sister,” said Olga. In the blink of an eye, Olga lunged at me, light from a nearby window glinting

off the silver blade. Waving my hands, I moved her sword, yanking it out of her hand sending it into her heart. I watched as she fell to her bedroom floor with a sickening thud. Blood poured from her mouth and gushed from the hole in her chest. After spitting on her I walked out of there, but a vision of Nora appeared in my mind. My legs were still like a statue as I heard her laughter. “You have lost everything. Do us both a favor and kill yourself,” said Nora. “I am coming for you, Nora.”

11 Cosima

The pounding in my head made the room spin. I squinted against the bright light. I’m not in my room, but I am in a room at the academy. Today was a new day, as the morning sun crept through the window. Last night’s events made me cringe. Zarin had laid on the concrete bleeding out, dying. A sense of helplessness had come over me, and I had ruthlessly killed Nora. I had been beside myself at seeing the life in him drain from his body. There had been too many emotions that had overcome me that night. The emotional upheaval of my sister’s betrayal, Zarin dying before my eyes, and lastly to my own narrowly escaped death. Stumbling out of the bed, I walked to the door. Flinging the bedroom door open, I walked down the hallway to my sister’s room. The students leveled blank stares and loud whispers all around me as I walked down the hall in the bloody tee shirt and pants that I wore last night. My hands shook as I opened her door. Tears sprung to my eyes as I approached her bed. Light gleamed off something shiny on her desk. My legs headed to the desk without further thought. The heart shaped necklace Chaniya always wears sat on the desk. She rarely took it off. Placing the necklace around my neck I sank to the floor. Now that Nora was dead, it was time to bury dad. Closing my eyes, I allowed myself to grieve for all that I had lost. I flinched when tender fingers caressed my cheek. “I thought you were dead,” said Chaniya. Wiping my tears away. I reached up to unclasp the necklace at my collarbone. “I’m sorry to disappoint you.” Chaniya shook her head. “Don’t take it off. Keep it safe for me.” She turned and walked toward the bedroom door.

The phone on the desk rang and Chaniya stopped just short of opening her door. I grabbed the phone on the fourth ring. “Hello.” “Your intel must be wrong. Nora can’t be on her way here with the demons. I killed her.” Glancing at my sister, I saw her shaking her head. The dark circles underneath her eyes were apparent against her smooth skin. Her clothes were wrinkled and frumpy. Frowning, I stared at the ceiling. Nora must have delved in black magic or something. It wasn’t natural for her to still be alive. “I will come to you.” “What? You are here? Outside the door?” I hung up the phone. Chaniya looked at the door. “Nora is alive. I killed Olga and now I’m going to kill Nora.” “You need to leave. The academy doesn’t trust you. Go now, out the window.” She glanced at the door. “You cannot let me go. It will only cause them to turn their back on you, and you will not have anyone.” Strong pounding at the door made Chaniya step back. After a glance, she moved to the window and thrust it up. When she climbed out and shut the window behind her, I breathed a deep sigh of relief. I rushed over to the door and thrust it opened. “I was in the bathroom.” I wiped my sweaty hands on the back of my pants. Liam strolled into the room. “Where is she?” He strolled into her room followed by over ten guards flanking him. His eyes were so dark they appeared black. When his eyes, looked at the window I suppressed a tremor that raced up my spine. “I am the only person here.” He turned to his guards. “She left out the window.” The guards raced out the room barking orders. Their boots sounded like a

stampeded Liam turned to me. “We trusted your sister and it was a mistake. Your betrayal shows us we should have never trusted you either.” He tried to grab me, but I stepped back and waved my hands focusing on the desk. A second later, I swung hard hitting Liam in the face. He went down for a second, and I ran out the bedroom door.

I ran outside. The students at the academy had surrounded Chaniya but she wasn’t paying them any attention. Her gaze was facing away from the retaining wall. Why hadn’t she fled? I went to stand next to her. “What are you waiting for? Do you need me to create a portal?” Nora came into view with the demons at her side. She launched something like a missile toward the academy. Nora had a mini rocket launcher in her hand. She fired the rocket. Zarina, Maxmus and Cade ran outside the side doors of the academy. Chaniya waved her hands, and she created a forcefield over the students and the academy, but she was left vulnerable. Luc ran out the building and stood in front of Chaniya. Nora lifted the rocket launcher and aimed to launch another directly at Chaniya and Luc. The demon, at her back had a rocket launcher and pointed it at the academy. Once he gave Nora a smirk, they both launched the rockets. No. This will not happen. I fell to my knees and channeled my link to Valcrum. Raising my hands, I focused on the rockets. My mind slid into their technology simultaneously rewriting them and forcing them to deactivate. The rockets fell on the ground like loose junk. I fell to my knees as blood shot from both of my eyes and blood pooled into my mouth. “Let me go, Luc. She’s dying,” screamed Chaniya. My body shuddered as goosebumps broke out on my damp skin. I’m so cold. Darkness closed in as my faint heartbeat slowed to five beats a minute. I guess this is how death felt, but at least I went on my own , saving those that I love. Darkness descended on me, and Valcrum’s face materialized in my mind, and I felt bathed in the sunlight as my body was lifted toward Valcrum.

Epilogue

The journey continues for the Arko Twins in the next book called Unbound Witch. Pick it up now and continue to fight.

Does the life of one out weigh the lives of many? Cosima must discover her legacy, and harness her powers in order to stop the Demon Angel offspring from destroying Earth. Cosima's soul salvation and life hangs in the balance.

Also by Kiesha Thomas

Shape Shifter’s Demons in the Mist

The Pact Between Angel & Witches

Unbound Witch

About the Author

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Acknowledgments

There are so many people that helped me along this journey to publish the novel. This book would not have been written without the of my lovely mother Rose, and my loving family. Thanks so much to my wonderful editors Courtney Galloway and my proofreaders. You guys are amazing. Thank you to my father, Willie, and grandmother, Lena Ellis, who helped me discover the wonders of science fiction. A special thanks to my amazing cover designer Megan Parker. It has always been my life long dream since I was a little girl to become a published author. When I was little, I was able to escape the harsh realities of life through fiction.