Undercover Witch Academy Box Set

by Rachel Medhurst

  “I don’t understand why they’ve got to be so cruel.” Dracian’s comment was met with silence before the professor stepped next to him.

  “Mr Dread, do you not remember your induction training?”

  Rolling his eyes, Dracian went to move away. I held back my grin when the professor caught the sleeve of his jacket and forcefully turned him to face the room.

  Mrs Hinley clapped her hands, a slight smile lighting her face when her gaze met her husband’s. A puff of smoke exploded in front of Dracian as the academy scroll appeared, floating in the air.

  “This is hardly rocket magic,” Seaton said. “Every witch is taught why the humans have more control.”

  “Do we have to do this?” Dracian complained.

  I had to admit that a shudder ripped through me as the professor nodded rather condescendingly. It was as if we were back in middle school, being taught the national anthem. Saving our gracious Queen had been the last thing that any ten year old would’ve had on their mind.

  However, the code of the paranormal was a whole different level of understanding. Anyone who questioned it was at risk of being chucked out of their coven. Not that students at the academy had much involvement in their coven while they were learning. That would come later.

  “Humans outnumber us by millions,” Dracian started in a monotone voice. “We have to respect their laws in order to live a peaceful life, otherwise they’ll obliterate us with their numbers.”

  Hilarity bubbled in my chest, ready to explode. Seeing a gorgeous dark haired man-boy reciting the paranormal code as if he were ten made it hard to keep control.

  “What else?” the professor asked.

  Taking a deep breath, Dracian kept his gaze glued to the scroll in front of him. I was relieved that he didn’t dare look at me, that would’ve been it. I would’ve laughed like a young pre-teen, giggling her arse off. Poor Dracian. He was a powerful witch, resorted to a true academy schoolboy of old.

  “I think we all know that our moral code is higher than the humans, meaning we have to respect each other as well as those in power,” Frankie interrupted for Dracian. “Can we get back to the matter at hand?”

  Moving away, the professor indicated that Mrs Hinley get rid of the scroll, which disappeared with the click of her finger.

  “This is all well and good,” the detective said, stubbing out his cigarette in an ashtray. “But, we must get on with our day. All you need to know is that we’re working with the government on our own human investigation into the institute. The reason we’ve told you is because there’s a high amount of students in your academy who are somehow connected. We want to try and protect you as much as we can, although we acknowledge that you’re probably better at protecting yourselves.”

  The professor came forward when the detective stood, leaving his filthy ashtray on the table and re-joining us.

  “We appreciate that and will do anything to help your investigation.” The professor shook his hand when it was offered.

  Pursing his lips, the detective glanced at Dracian before his gaze traced to me. “We’ll need to interview you both about your parents. Now.”

  Blinking, I looked at Dracian who gave me a kind smile and slight nod. He wanted me to spill my heart out about what happened? Again? The idea made me shudder, but I had to try and help them.

  “Very well.” I sighed loudly as I got up from my chair. “Where do you want us?”

  Chapter Two

  “Will you tell them everything?” I whispered, grabbing Dracian’s hand as we sat at the table.

  We had been led into an interrogation room a few doors down from the detective’s office. My heart had pounded on the two second walk, almost as if ready to burst from my chest. The idea of telling the puffed up older man about the worst experience of my life filled me with trepidation.

  Reaching forward, Dracian stroked my cheek. “I trust Frankie. I’m sure he wouldn’t lead us into danger. Plus, if the professor is happy with our cooperation, I am, too.”

  My thoughts raced as I leant my head against his shoulder. He stroked my hair, soothing me with his fingers. I had never believed that I would be leaning on Dracian Dread. Ever. I had wanted to gut him and leave his entrails for the animals to find, but here I was, wishing we were alone so he could comfort me.

  Wait, what had happened to kickass agent? Sitting up, I pulled my big girl pants up and shook myself. I could feel adult Alishia starting to return as the door opened and a middle-aged man with short blonde hair and a crisp navy suit stalked in.

  “Afternoon,” he muttered as he chucked two files on the table.

  Our family names were written in the top right hand corner, almost insignificant in their small stature. A pang of pain squeezed my insides, but I didn’t let it bring me down.

  “I’m Detective Carlisle.” Sitting, he took out a packet of gum and offered it to us.

  Both of us declined as he popped one into his mouth and started to chew. His grim expression darkened when he pulled my file open. On the top of a thick pile of paper was a photo of my mother, spread on the couch with blood pouring down her face.

  “Dude!” Dracian barked, thrusting the file roughly. “Have some respect!”

  The file flew onto the floor, the paperwork scattering. As the photo of my father landed at my feet, I picked it up with a trembling hand. “It’s okay,” I told Dracian, gripping his wrist when he went to reach for the picture. “I can do this. I have to.”

  The detective got up and gathered the file, tutting to himself as he returned to his seat. “I told them I didn’t want to interview bratty witch kids, but they wouldn’t listen.”

  “Just get on with it, then,” I said, shoving the picture back at him.

  He frowned, his look full of distaste as my finger brushed the side of his hand. “What do you remember about that night? Have you remembered anything significant since you were last interviewed?”

  “No,” I replied, wincing when I saw the image of me as a thirteen year old in the file. “My memory is exactly as it was then. I have nothing new to add to the investigation.”

  “However,” Dracian spoke up. “I do.”

  “You do?” the detective said, looking up from his pen and pad. “About Mr and Mrs Jones?”

  Nodding, Dracian sat back and crossed his arms over his waist. “I was on my way to the Jones’ house to warn them. My father had been threatened and knew they were next.”

  “Why was he threatened?”

  Ah, crap.

  Dracian’s cool demeanour evaporated quickly as he sat upright, his glance towards me full of unease. He had to tread very carefully. Not even the agencies knew about my ability to drain electricity and turn it into magic.

  “As you probably know…” Dracian cracked his knuckles as he leant forward on the table. “… My father was a bit of a mad scientist. Mixing magic with science, he was playing with Mother Nature according to his coven.”

  “We were aware of his extra-curricular activities, although we have no details on what he was creating. Can you enlighten us?”

  Shaking his head, Dracian narrowed his gaze on the older man. “Unfortunately, he didn’t share anything with me, I was too young. However, on the evening of the Jones’ death, he asked me to take a message over to them to warn them that the institute was after them both.”

  “Did he know why they would be after Mr Jones? Did he have personal dealings with them?”

  So the cops really didn’t know what my father was doing? That was a bonus. Although, we had to be careful. If they ever found out, they would claim that we had perverted the court of justice or whatever the term was, for not telling them about my skill.

  I watched Dracian as he sat back again, forcing himself to appear calm and collected. His knee kicked up and down under the table, alerting me to his anxiousness. My own grew as the questions continued, the detective trying every possible ruse to get us to talk.

  “I’ve already told you,” Dracian said through
gritted teeth. “I don’t know anything. I just followed orders. I saw the man dressed in black running away from their house. I freaked out and left.”

  “You kids really are something else,” the man muttered as he gathered up his things.

  “Really? And why is that?” I asked, forcing myself not to remind him that we were technically adults at the age of eighteen.

  Not that it mattered. Just because the UK law said we were old enough to live adult lives, didn’t mean that everyone respected us.

  “Nothing.” He almost snorted as he got up from his seat.

  Lips twitching, Dracian chanted a spell. A blast of water fell from nowhere, rushing towards the detective. I darted from my seat, grabbing the files just as the liquid gushed all over him and onto the floor.

  Spluttering, he turned to glare at us. “You should never have been allowed to live. You have far too much power.”

  As he grabbed hold of the files, the door burst open. Frankie came in, shutting it behind him.

  “Why did you do that? You had no right!” he almost shouted.

  We were about to defend ourselves when the detective stuttered an apology. Oh, Frankie had been speaking to the man.

  “These kids deserve to be alive more than you do,” my manager barked, pointing to the door.

  Hypothetical tail between the legs, the detective ducked his head and moved towards the exit. I was about to grin at Frankie when a loud explosion shook the whole building, sending my chair flying to the floor. I went with it, smashing into the wall behind me. Pain exploded as my head hit the bricks before I slid to the ground.

  A ringing filled my ears as dust floated down from the ceiling. When my breathing calmed, I could make out a loud siren resounding in the room.

  Dracian coughed as he stumbled over to me, gripping his arm. “Are you okay?” he called.

  Nodding, I took his offered hand and allowed him to help me up.

  Frankie headed towards the door, dragging the detective to his feet.

  “What was that?” I shouted.

  Before Dracian could answer, Frankie yanked open the door. Dust puffed into the room, followed by sunlight. Wait, the corridor had been dark and dingy on the way in, which meant-

  “A bomb!” Frankie called, indicating that we stay in the room as he edged out.

  Ignoring him, we strode past the detective, who cowered in the corner. So much for a strong human to protect us kids. Idiot.

  “Stay behind me.” Dracian took my hand and led us out.

  I did as I was told, although it was tempting to push past him when we came into the former corridor. There had been a ceiling, but now there was an empty space. A gaping hole had formed in the roof, ripping metal beams and tiles away. Walls to the offices and other interrogation rooms had been blown off, leaving the insides bare for us to see.

  “Professor?” Dracian called as Frankie raced towards the centre of the blast.

  “We’re okay!” the professor called back from elsewhere.

  Treading on the debris, we made our way closer to Detective Rollings’ office. Hopefully, no one had been injured. And yet, a chill went down my spine when the dust suddenly cleared, and I spotted Frankie bent over something… or someone.

  “Someone’s hurt,” Dracian said, trying to hold me back. “Go find the professor.”

  There was no way on Mother Earth, I was going to turn away from helping someone. Not that I would probably be much help, but if Frankie needed me, I would do what I could.

  Shoving past Dracian, I joined my bar manager, leaning over to see if the injured person was still alive.

  “Wait!” I gasped loudly as vomit travelled up my throat.

  Moving away, I emptied my stomach contents over the rubble nearby. Dracian rushed over, crying out when he saw who it was.

  “Is everyone okay?” Detective Rollings shouted. “We’re trapped in here.”

  My whole body shook as I re-joined the others. Frankie glanced at me, a frown on his face. “He’s one of your friends, isn’t he?”

  “That’s James Seaton-Hinley,” I whispered.

  Dropping to my knees beside Dracian, I waited as he felt for a pulse. James’ face was covered in blood, his eyes tightly closed. How was he in the building? He shouldn’t have been here.

  “He’s alive!” Dracian breathed. “But, his heart is weak.”

  Frankie gently guided me out of the way. “Let me take him upstairs. The paramedics will be here soon.”

  “How do you know?” I asked, my voice pitching higher than usual.

  A hissing sound erupted from above. Looking up, I blinked as a vaporous substance drifted down on us. Coughing when it landed on my skin, I ducked my face, covering my head as we moved.

  “It’s gas!” Frankie shouted. “Everyone, get out!”

  The others were trapped! Although, between Mrs Hinley and Professor Seaton, they had enough magic to get themselves away. I was sure they would take the detective with them.

  “Let me take him!” Dracian told Frankie.

  Frankie already had James in his arms. Did the Illusionist witch have enough magic to transport him out of the building or would he attempt to get him out through the corridors?

  “I can’t, I’m responsible for him. Please, take Alishia now. I’ll follow as soon as I see you’re gone. I can’t leave any of you down here.”

  Dracian went to take my hand, but I shook him off. Looking over my shoulder, I remembered the detective still in the interrogation room. We couldn’t leave him there to suffer from gas inhalation.

  “We need to help him.” Gesturing behind us, I glanced at Frankie who nodded.

  The detective was a human, he wouldn’t be able to get out on his own. Something inside me snapped, propelling me over the rubble.

  Dracian swore under his breath as he followed, cursing even more when he tripped.

  “Stay upright,” I called, coughing when the gas slipped down my throat.

  If his stream of words were anything to go by, he wasn’t best pleased with my decision to save the human, or my remark about not falling over.

  My own feet skidded out from underneath me as we entered the room. I managed to grab the door, only just keeping upright myself. The skin on my face was itching, but I ignored it as I searched for the human.

  “Detective?”

  In the corner, huddled on the floor, the detective shook violently. The gas hadn’t quite reached us, but it was slowly starting to filter in.

  Not hesitating, I was next to him in a moment. My hands shook as I gripped his upper arms and tried to get him to stand.

  “We have to go,” I said, grimacing when I caught sight of the red sores on my hands.

  Shit, it really was an evil gas. One with the ability to kill by the feel of it.

  Dracian joined me in my attempt at hauling the man to his feet. It was ironic that the know it all human had cursed us, and yet, he was a coward, frozen by fear. We were the mere witch kids who should’ve never been allowed to live. It was a good job that I didn’t hate humans, otherwise it would’ve been tempting to leave him there.

  “Let’s go,” Dracian muttered.

  “We’ve got him, Frankie,” I shouted. “We’ll meet you upstairs.”

  The Illusionist witch called an affirmation and before I could blink my watering eyes, fresh air rushed around us. Dracian had transported us to the street outside.

  Police cars and fire engines played their sirens, the loud blast blending into one irritating sound. Several paramedics rushed forward as soon as we appeared. The public had been cleared from the area, which was a good job considering several of us had popped out of nowhere.

  “Alishia!” Mrs Hinley called as she came over. “You’re alright!”

  Looking over her shoulder when she threw her arms around me, I searched for Frankie. He was stepping into an ambulance, James heavy in his arms. Had Mrs Hinley even realised that her son was the one who was injured? Obviously not if she was comforting me.

&n
bsp; “It-it’s James,” I stuttered, pushing her gently away from me. “He’s hurt.”

  “He is?” Spinning to where I pointed, she froze as Frankie disappeared into the ambulance. “How is that possible?”

  Taking her hand, I led her to her son. The ambulance doors were still open as a team of paramedics swarmed around James’ prone body.

  Frankie backtracked out of the vehicle, sweat dripping down his forehead.

  Turning as Mrs Hinley shoved passed him, he jumped down and joined me. A piece of blood splattered paper was clenched in his shaking hand.

  “Is he okay? What’s that?”

  My insides quaked as the ambulance doors slammed closed, cutting off my view of James lying motionless on the gurney.

  An arm came around my shoulders, making me jump. Dracian’s scent, laced with the stench of smoke and gas, filtered up my nose. Relaxing against him, I turned back to Frankie as the ambulance screeched off, the siren wailing loudly.

  “The professor is talking to the detective. We’re going to head straight to the hospital.”

  Frankie wiped a hand over his face, stretching the skin on his cheeks. “You better look at this.”

  His voice was tight as a smear of blood traced down his chin.

  Holding up the piece of paper, he passed it to me.

  My stomach rolled as I bent my head to read. Dracian’s breath sucked in loudly as his gaze traced the words.

  “Back off,” I whispered, reading the note aloud. “Or, we’ll kill every policeman in London.”

  Chapter Three

  Dracian tried to rub the soot from my hand as we sat in the waiting room. It wasn’t the most romantic gesture, but my stomach calmed all the same. James was just out of theatre, although Mrs Hinley was being pretty vague about what had happened to him.

  “I’m sure he’s fine,” Dracian whispered as my head turned to see if anyone came down the hall.

  We were waiting in a corridor in intensive care. Apparently, all crime cases were treated in this part of the hospital. A security guard and on duty policeman stood by the entrance hallway, only allowing those authorised into the wing.