Renewed: House of Shadows Book 3

by Michelle Areaux

  “Wait, join him with what?” Donovan asked. I could see his jaw tense. Donovan detested Zane and anytime his name was uttered, Donovan would grow rigid and angry.

  “From what I am told, an army,” the Dean said.

  I froze as those words registered in my mind. I had thought that Zane was gone and my worries over him were finished. Of course, I would be wrong. Fear washed through me and I felt like I may be sick. I thought turning into a Vampire would free me of that anguish that Zane created in me. But, I was wrong. There was an army building and something told me that I was going to be the target of their attacks.

  Chapter 6

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  How did I get here?

  All eyes are on me as Eden and I walk into the auditorium. A sense of deja vu washes over me as I feel the spotlight on me again.

  Before the Dean invited me back to the House of Shadows, he had to hold an emergency meeting with the rest of the school to update them on my progress. They had all heard about what happened with Zane and my transformation. Now, I was back at the place I had missed so much, but now, I felt like an outsider.

  “Well, look what the human drug in,” I heard behind me.

  Turning, I spotted Brie glaring daggers at me.

  Well, that made me feel a sense of normalcy again.

  Eden went to defend me, but this time, I put my hand up to stop her. In fact, I had dreamed of this moment ever since I had become a Vampire. No longer was I weak or vulnerable against Brie or any of the Vampires here. Now, I was an equal to them.

  “I guess you will need to find new insults now,” I say, narrowing my eyes at her. I take a step closer so that our noses almost touch. “I am a Vampire now and for once, we are on the same level. So, if you want to fight, let’s go. I am not a weak little human anymore. I would love to get my hands on you now,” I seethe.

  Eden places her hand on my shoulder and, for once, I realize I am shaking. I hear a click and a quick, sharp pain as my fangs protrude through my gums. My anger has caused my body to prepare for fighting, which means getting my fangs ready.

  Brie takes a step back and looks at me like I am some weird freak.

  “Get your animal on a leash or something,” Brie says to Eden, before rolling her eyes and sauntering away.

  It takes me a few minutes to calm down, but once I do, Eden finally moves her hand away from my shoulder. She had been ready to hold me back if necessary and that actually brought a smile to my face. Before, I would have been scared to confront Brie in such an aggressive manner. But now, that was all over. I guess I really was renewed.

  The Dean walked into the room and everyone hushed as they quickly found seats. Eden and I scurried to two empty seats and sat down.

  Once everyone was ready, he began. “As you all know, Audrey is back at The House of Shadows. While her training wasn’t as long and extensive as we would have liked, the factors playing into that short time are out of our hands. I have been very honest with you all about Zane and Professor Martin. While they are gone and we are safe at the school now, rumors are spreading and I must address them with you now. First, it has come to my attention that Zane has been recruiting newly changed Vampires to join a coven he has begun. What their purpose or mission is, I am still unsure. However, it has also been brought to my attention that some of these Vampires were not discovered by Zane, but created by him.”

  A roar of commotion elicits from the Dean’s words. Everyone seems rattled by this news and all I can do is turn to Eden to see if she looks afraid, too.

  The Dean slams his fist on the podium and we all jump, silence now filling the room once again.

  “I need you all to give me your undivided attention. We are not merely dealing with a rogue Vampire as I first thought. No, I will be as transparent as possible when I tell you that we believe Zane is creating an army and will find his way back to The House of Shadows. We must adhere to this and change the way we do things around here. For now, our new normal will consist of more training, more security, and using resources outside of this school,” The Dean pauses and I take this time to turn back to Eden.

  “What does he mean, resources outside of this school?” I ask, quoting the Dean.

  Eden sighs and I can tell she doesn’t want to tell me. I spot Donovan standing just behind the stage, his eyes lasered in on me.

  I gulp down my own fear as something tells me I am not going to like the next words that I hear. Eden turns back to the stage and I have no choice but to do the same.

  As the Dean goes to continue, I see him narrow his eyes on me and Eden. He is talking to us-- to me specifically. I feel it in my body and soul.

  “I have invited the Fire Coven to join us at the House of Shadows for this upcoming semester. The students will go to school here just as you do. Their professors will join ours and begin teaching courses here. The purpose is for us to join forces and discover how to utilize one another’s powers. Because, Zane isn’t just after the Vampires here, he is also killing any supernaturals and humans that get in his way. We have to work together to stop him. So, please help me welcome, Dean Gloria Landry,” The Dean says, as a woman in all black and silver hair to her shoulders steps out onto the stage.

  I gasp, unsure of what I am hearing and seeing.

  A witch?

  An entire coven joining the House of Shadows?

  It all feels so surreal.

  I feel Eden lean over and whisper, “What, you didn’t think Witches were real?” she asks me.

  I look at her, my eyes wide as saucers. “Well, honestly, no. I am still dealing with the idea that Vampires are real. I guess I just didn’t consider there would be others, too,” I admit.

  Now I just feel foolish. Of course, there are other supernatural creatures. As the woman smiles, the Vampires in the room stand and applaud her for her choice to join the school.

  However, all I can do is wonder; what else is out here?

  Chapter 7

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  Over the course of one day, my mind had been blown apart. I had learned way more than anyone should in less than twenty-four hours and I was emotionally drained.

  After the assembly, Eden began to lead me out of the large assembly hall. Just as we reached the busy hallway, Donovan appeared at my side.

  I was relieved to see him, but also anxious to get back to my old room. I just needed something that was familiar and normal. I felt tears burning my eyes and I pleaded with myself not to break down right here in front of everyone.

  “Hey, Audrey, can we go talk for a minute? Alone,” Donovan stated, giving his sister a knowing look.

  “Yes,” I replied, my tone tired and drained.

  Eden waved and told me she would see me back in our room later. As she walked away, I caught myself watching her longer than I should have. After fearing that I would never see my best friend again, I just couldn’t seem to get enough of her quirky self.

  Donovan reached for my hand and a sense of home washed over me. A smile appeared on his face and I could tell he was relieved, too.

  Donovan and I walked down the long hallway, hand-in-hand, as everyone watched us. Their heads turned, not even bothering to hide the fact that they were staring at me.

  Donovan led us outside and to the open courtyard. The chilly night air felt nice against my skin. The bright, silver moon glowed in the black sky and it was a beautiful sight to behold.

  “I’m so glad to have you back here at the school,” Donovan said, lifting my hand and kissing my palm.

  My heart, which I was pretty sure wasn’t even beating anymore, still found a way to leap in my chest.

  I loved that even though we had been through so much, I still felt butterflies when I was with Donovan.

  “You have no idea how happy I am to be back here. I needed this place,” I say, lightly laughing. “Who would have thought that an academy filled with V
ampires would one day become my safe haven,” I joked.

  Donovan stopped walking and sat us down on a stone bench. Turning to face me, his eyes grew serious. “Audrey, I can’t risk losing you again. I know that you aren’t human anymore, but there are still risks,” he warned.

  I knew he was worried about me, but we were at the academy. Even with the threat of Zane looming, we now had witches to help us.

  Witches.

  Wow, that was going to take getting used to.

  That idea got me thinking.

  “Donovan, I know you are worried and I love you for that. But I feel better being here and knowing that the Witches are here,” I said, feeling hopeful.

  Donovan sighed and I didn’t like the way his eyes cast down, almost like he was nervous to tell me something.

  “What’s wrong?” I prompted him, forcing him to look up at me.

  After what felt like forever, Donovan finally spoke again. “There is something I need to tell you,” he began. The tone of his voice caused panic to fill inside my mind. Was he breaking up with me? “I used to date a Witch. And, she will now be attending the House of Shadows,” Donovan said.

  He looked away from me, ashamed. I couldn’t help the loud belly laugh that erupted from me.

  “That’s what has you so worried?” I asked. “Donovan, you had a life before me. I am not naive to think that you wouldn’t have had other girlfriends. Remember, I knew about Macy,” I remind him.

  Donovan seems to relax a bit, but he still looks nervous. “Yes, but Macy is long gone. Angel will be here. I don’t think she will cause any problems, but she wasn’t always very nice,” he adds.

  “Seems like a running theme with females around here,” I said, rolling my eyes as I recalled my interaction with Brie earlier.

  Donovan nodded in agreement. “Anyway, I just wanted to tell you before you heard it from someone else,” he finished.

  “I appreciate you being honest,” I said, leaning in and placing a kiss on his cheek.

  “When will the Witches officially move in?” I asked, trying to change the subject a little.

  Honestly, I had so many questions about the idea of Witches and Vampires working together. I also wanted to know what other supernatural creatures existed in our world. I mean, it’s like fairytales weren’t just made up myths, but almost cautionary tales.

  “They should all be here by the end of the week. Then, classes will begin promptly after that,” Donovan said.

  “Regardless of what changes here at the school, my love for you isn’t going to change,” he promised.

  I looked deep into his eyes and sighed. Donovan was like a priceless gem and I still didn’t understand why he chose me to love. He found me as a weak human and truly found something special inside of me that I had never discovered before myself. All of the little things that I didn’t love about myself, Donovan had a way of making me feel like they were unique and special. I didn’t deserve him, but I was more than grateful to have him in my life.

  After sitting outside in Donovan’s arms, he finally walked me up to my bedroom where Eden was waiting for me. To my surprise, there were also two guards stationed outside of my bedroom door. Thankfully, they were two new guards, not the traitors who had worked for Zane.

  Turning to Donovan, he just shrugged his shoulders. “What? You didn’t think I was going to get rid of security, did you?” he asks.

  I can’t help but laugh. “Not at all,” I say, kissing him one last time before walking into my bedroom.

  Once inside, I rush to my bed and belly flop onto the covers. Eden laughs at my childish behavior.

  “I am so happy to be back here,” I say, rolling in the comfortable sheets.

  “You look like you have lost your mind,” Eden jokes.

  “No, I am just deliriously happy,” I shout.

  I feel something hard beneath me. Reaching under the covers, I find my phone and happiness fills me. Holding it up like a trophy, I show Eden.

  She smiles at my excitement.

  “I need to call my dad,” I say.

  “Ok, just remember…” she goes to say, but then Eden stops.

  We both know there is no way I am going to tell my dad what has happened to me. I mean, I could have told him before that I was stuck in a school with Vampires, but I didn’t. He wouldn’t understand any of this.

  Suddenly, a pang of sadness hit me. “My dad,” I began. “Will I ever be able to see him again?” I ask.

  Eden sighs and then offers a compassionate smile. “Yes, but at some point, you will have to distance yourself. I mean, you can’t be around any humans until you can control your hunger and cravings; but once that happens, you can see your dad. When it becomes noticeable that you should be aging, we will find a way for you to still communicate with him, just not in person anymore,” she finishes.

  I knew eventually it would be an issue, but at least I had hope and time to figure everything out. I could totally freak out right now, but what’s done is done. My life as a human is over and there is no getting it back. I can’t change the course of my life anymore than I could bring my mom back to life.

  It would hurt my dad when I would have to distance myself, but maybe if we just stayed in contact, it would be ok. I mean, if I am being honest, we didn’t really see one another before any of this happened.

  I hurry out to my balcony and quickly call my dad. A slight feeling of frustration hits me when I realize I had no missed calls or messages from the time that I was away. If I didn’t feel unloved before, I sure did now.

  Right before I went to hang up the phone, I heard my dad pick up.

  “Audrey?” he asks, his voice sounding tired.

  “Yeah, dad. It’s me,” I say.

  “Haven’t heard from you in a while. Everything ok?” he asks.

  I can just imagine him in his white coat and holding a clipboard in the hall of the hospital. He’s probably not even really focused on this call.

  I want to say, Well, dad, there have been some pretty big changes. First, my boyfriend Zane was just using me because I’m a human. Cause, you know, he’s a Vampire like everyone else at this school that you mistakenly sent me to. Anyway, he kidnapped me and turned me into a Vampire. I died, but am now a healthy and growing Vampire. Oh, and I am in love with my best friend's brother. But, everything is great.

  Instead, though, I say, “Everything is great. I’m going to start taking some new courses this new semester,” I say.

  At least that part isn’t technically a lie. I mean, I will get some cool new classes, but for reasons he would never understand.

  “That sounds great. Hey, I have to run to the ER, but let’s talk again soon,” he says in a rush before the phone goes dead.

  In the heat of the moment, I throw my phone down onto the marble floor of the balcony and watch as it shatters into a million pieces.

  Eden rushes out to the balcony after hearing the crash. “Is everything ok?” she asks.

  “Sure,” I say sarcastically. “You know, most people would have their family missing them. However, I believe my dad is glad to have me away,” I almost yell.

  Eden stands there and stares at me for a minute before pulling me in for a hug.

  “Audrey, I’m sorry. But, you know that you have us. We are your family now,” she says, holding me tightly.

  I hug her back and unleash the tears that I had been holding in. As much as I wished my dad would show a little bit more interest and concern in me, I knew deep down it would never happen. It did make me feel better knowing that I had Eden and Donovan. And she was right; they were my family now.

  Eden led me back inside our room and helped me into the bed.

  Before long, I find myself able to rest and my body falls into a nice slumber. Of course, the myth about Vampire’s not sleeping isn’t entirely true. We still need our bodies to relax so we drift off into a light slumber, but still, fully asleep.

  As I drift off, my mind begins to replay events like a movi
e.

  Zane took a step closer to me and smiled, his fangs shining in the morning sunlight.

  “Audrey, what I want is a Human. Looks like I found one,” he said, reaching out and grabbing me.

  I tried to run, but it was no use. His speed was no match for me. I struggled in his arms, but it was only making me weaker. Zane had me now and there wasn’t anything I could do.

  Sitting up quickly, I pant as I struggle to catch my breath. I had just barely closed my eyes when the awful image began to play in my head. It was like I was actually there again, fearing Zane all over again. I hated that even though I was safe here at the House of Shadows, I couldn’t erase the memory of Zane away fast enough.

  “Are you ok?” Eden asks, sitting up in her bed.

  “Yes, I’m sorry to bother you. I just had a horrible dream,” I admit.

  “Zane?” she asks, even though I can tell she already knows.

  “Yes. I feel like everytime I close my eyes I see him. I don’t fear him when I am awake anymore, just when I try to rest,” I sigh.

  “It will eventually go away. You went through a traumatic event,” she declares.

  I nod and lay back down. I try to keep my mind occupied on all of the questions about witches and supernatural creatures I want to ask tomorrow, but I have a nagging feeling that the memories of Zane may never go away.

  Chapter 8

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  I stared at myself in the full-length mirror, revealing the girl in front of me. I didn’t recognize the freshly made face with light makeup and intense red lips. With my hair swept over my shoulders, I stared at the gold dress that was cinched at my waist but began to flow like a mermaids tail at the bottom. It was gorgeous and magical and I was beyond in love with the look.

  A footstep behind me caused me to look past myself and find Donovan staring back at me in the reflection. I gasped, shocked to see him after so much time had passed. I wasn’t sure why he was here right now, but something told me he had a strong purpose.