Obstruction By Nightmare (Academy of Broken Dreams Book 3)

by Rose Alexander

  “Yes and no. I just missed you and was thinking about you when I fell asleep… and you are working so hard I hate to interrupt.” I grin at him.

  “You can crash my dreams anytime you want to.” He smiles, his blue eyes brightening. “Actually, I’m glad you’re here. I think we need your magic to make this work.”

  “What do you need me to do?” I approach the counter and stand next to him.

  “Here, read this. It’s what Treyton wrote down for me.” He passes over the instructions.

  Imbue the object with power, focusing on the aspects you want highlighted. Use your tendrils and an access point, wrapping them inside the object until no more will fit. If you are wanting specific information, make sure to include that in your focus then repeat these words.

  What is hidden must be seen. Show me the potential in front of me. Be it great or small I must know it all.

  “That’s all?” I stare up at Finn.

  “Treyton said it sounded more elegant in the ancient tongue.” He chuckles. “I have a feeling the intent is the most important part. I devised it so it will be able to speak the words like a virtual assistant.”

  “I’ll give it a try.” I shrug and hold my hand out for the device.

  It’s a large orb, the color of frosted glass. There are small slits at opposite sides. Finn carefully hands it to me, and I’m surprised by the weight of the smooth, cold orb. It feels as though it’s made from solid lead. I close my eyes and picture my tendrils invading every open space, pushing until there’s no room left.

  I open my eyes again and examine at the device in front of me, smothered in inky black. I can feel my tendrils pulsing as if they are just waiting for instructions.

  I take a deep breath and picture what I want it to do. I want to see exactly what gifts a person has, and the device needs to be able to tell us audibly. I hold this picture as I repeat the words.

  “What is hidden must be seen. Show me the potential in front of me. Be it great or small I must know it all.” My voice sounds otherworldly as the magic builds and my hair begins to raise in the air as if I’m surrounded by static electricity.

  My tendrils begin pulsing red then blue, shifting to purple before changing into silver and gold. It repeats this sequence as the pressure begins to build in the room. It’s so crushing I feel like I could suffocate but then there’s a pop and it dissipates. My tendrils settle back to an ordinary black and my hair relaxes. The device almost feels as if it will float out of my hands it has become so light.

  “That was intense.” Finn’s brow creases. “Are you okay?”

  I draw my tendrils out of the device and hand it to him. That is a good question; am I ok? I don’t feel any different, but he seems so concerned.

  “I feel fine. Does it look like something is wrong?” I bite my lip nervously.

  “No, that was just a lot of magic. I wanted to make sure you were ok.” He wraps his arms around me after setting the device on the counter. “This isn’t worth your well-being and I would feel awful if it affected you negatively.”

  “I’m fine. Do you think it worked?” I watch the devices on the counter in anticipation.

  “Only one way to find out.” Finn grins and reaches down and picks it up.

  He presses a button and it whirls to life. I watch as it glows, alternating between colors just like my tendrils had. I hold my breath in anticipation. It appears to be it’s working, but it’s not saying anything.

  “Fury. Fire Elemental. Levitation.” A robotic voice drifts out of the device. “Mind reading, mind sharing. The list is complete. Say yes if you would like me to repeat the information.”

  “Oh my gosh! It worked.” I squeal.

  Finn sets the device back on the counter then wraps his arms around me again. He pulls back his eyes full of mischief. “I want to show you something. A little celebration.” He grins and grabs my hand.

  We reappear on the surface of a planet. The sky is a swirl of blues and greens much like our ocean appears from an aerial view, but the ground is a mix of purple and pink sand.

  I feel like I’m standing in one of those projects I made as a kid in elementary school where they have you layer different colors of sand on top of each other creating a whimsical masterpiece.

  “It’s beautiful.” I survey the foreign landscape.

  “It’s the first thing I did when I learned I could dream walk.” Finn blushes. “I’ve always wanted to walk among the stars.”

  “I can see why; there’s nothing like this anywhere on earth.” I bend over and scoop up a hand full of sand and watch as it sifts through my fingers. “Does this planet have a name?”

  “No, but you could give it one if you like.” He smiles sweetly.

  “Really! I’ve never named a planet before. Um… what about Finsper? It’s a combination of our names. We’ll forever be linked in space.” I glance over and smile.

  “You would really want that? I mean our names together forever?” His eyes are full of shock and admiration.

  He doesn’t seem to understand just how much I want to be with him.

  “Of course, unless you don’t want your name with mine forever?” I make sure to lay on the sarcasm heavily, so he understands that I’m just joking with him.

  “Ah, you’re making a joke.” His face reddens. “I’ve got another little surprise for you.”

  He tugs on my hand and we walk a short distance across the sandy surface, each step causing the pink and purple sand to mix under our feet creating the most beautiful galaxy patterns.

  As Finn leads the way, I keep watching the sand mixing under our feet. It’s like nothing I’ve ever experienced.

  When he stops, I bump into the back of him then notice there is a blanket laid on the sandy surface with plenty of food and drink.

  “This is romantic; thank you.” My excitement has me acting like an immature schoolgirl as I sit down. “It’s not every day a girl gets to visit another planet and have a picnic.”

  “I thought you might like to watch the comets pass by.” Finn takes a seat beside me and gazes out at the sky.

  Just as the first comet zips past, Finn leans in and kisses me.

  My eyes fly open, meeting the eyes of Elenore.

  “I’m sorry, miss. I know you dislike being woken, but Coventry requests your presence now.” Her eyes dart around, full of panic and her voice lowers to a whisper. “Please hurry and get dressed. He’s on the warpath.”

  “Fine.” I groan. “People need sleep, you know. I wish he would leave me alone in the mornings.”

  She scurries out of the room without a response and I swing my feet out of bed. I’m so sick of this asshat and his plans. How am I going to get out of this demonstration? My mind comes up with nothing as I get dressed and plod down the stairs, stomping my displeasure loudly.

  “You rang?” I glare at Coventry when I see him waiting by the front door.

  “Come.” He grabs my arm forcefully and teleports us to the entry point.

  “What are we doing?” I yank my arm away and rub it. Damn, that hurt.

  “Close this exit off to Dissidents,” he demands.

  “I am a Dissident, so if I do that I’ll be trapped here!” I yell at him.

  “That’s fine. You don’t need to return to school anyways.” He brushes me off. “Now do it.”

  I growl but know arguing is futile. I close my eyes and hold my hands up, pretending to attempt to manipulate the energy. I haven’t even seen memories of how to mess with the pocket universes at this point. So even if I wanted to comply, which I don’t, I couldn’t.

  “Why is nothing happening?” Coventry’s face becomes the color of a boiled lobster.

  “Maybe because this is advanced magic and I’m a first year?” I put my hands on my hips. “You’re essentially asking a baby to run a marathon when they are learning to walk.”

  “No, you have the ability, you’re just ignoring my commands,” he screams, spittle flying from his mouth.

>   “No, you’re just so power hungry you can’t see the facts presented to you.” I meet his glare, refusing to flinch.

  He grabs my arms and squeezes painfully as he drags me through the entry point. He teleports us back to the academy then deposits me in my room.

  “You won’t leave this room until you can do as you’re told, you little bitch.” He snarls then wraps himself in tendrils and disappears.

  I’m not pleased by the idea of being under house arrest, but I’m glad to be rid of Coventry. I fall back on the bed and stare up at the ceiling. How am I going to occupy my time? I have no contact with the outside world here, and it sounds like I won’t have mentoring sessions until further notice.

  I close my eyes and fall into my headspace. I wasn’t expecting that! My other self is sitting behind the desk holding the rolodexes grinning from ear to ear.

  “Back for more already?” She wiggles her eyebrows.

  Do I really look that silly when I do that? Wait, do I even do that?

  “Apparently so.” I shake my head. Am I ready for this?

  “Have fun.” She winks then blinks out of existence.

  I approach the desk and before I can think about it, I pick up the one labeled gifts. The same as before, the memories flash through my mind faster and faster. I become lightheaded and fall, the rolodex falling from my hand. As darkness creeps in, a smile forms across my lips. I know how to take Coventry down.

  Chapter 18

  I sit up in my bed and jump to my feet. I need to find a book on this while the idea is still fresh in my mind. I teleport to the hidden library.

  The smell of old books hits me and instantly puts me at ease. I browse the rows of books to see if there might be something on Nightmares that have the ability to control an elemental power.

  I find three that would fit the bill and pile them on the desk before settling into the overstuffed leather chair.

  According to the first book, some ancients had the ability to light things on fire, walk through flames, and throw fireballs. This could come in handy in a fight. I’m not even sure I’m able to learn the power but I sure as hell am going to try.

  The next book goes more in depth. The ancients could harness all of the elements, air, earth, fire, and water. They used them for everything from building their dwellings to watering their crops.

  The last book was written later, after the powers started declining. It appears that water was the first element to be lost. As time went by and the houses were formed, the Fury could still harness fire, the Caballine could harness earth, and the Empyrean could harness air. Eventually, those powers waned and were forgotten. We’ve never learned anything like this.

  If Finn’s invention works, maybe we can discover who can harness these powers and we can all learn together! I can’t wait for night to fall so I can practice to see if it is possible.

  Unwilling to be cooped up in my room any longer than I need to, I decide to take some time for myself. I’ve not been able to read for pleasure for so long. I teleport to a back corner of the main library and pursue the books until I find one I want to read. Grabbing it off the shelf, I check around every corner as I sneak away to one of the reading rooms. I’m shocked to find them all empty and enter the first pod. I plop down on the cushion and open the book I chose to read for my own pleasure. It’s been so long since I read something other than ancient text or a school textbook. I get so lost in the story that it’s not until the librarian comes to my reading pod and taps lightly on the side.

  “I hate to disturb you but it’s time for all students to return to their rooms for the night. But you can always come back tomorrow.” She smiles sweetly and turns to leave.

  I stand and stretch out my stiff legs and back then pick up the book and return it to the front desk on my way out. I glance out the window and realize I have spent the whole day reading and night has fallen. My stomach reminds me that I haven’t eaten, and I hope that dinner has been left for me in my room.

  I wrap my tendrils around myself once more and reappear in my room. The smell of smoked chicken floats on the air, luring me to my seat at the table. I remove the domed lid and dig in.

  Once I have finished my food, I take a quick shower before climbing into bed.

  I arrive at Midnight Rising to the sounds of swords clanging together. My muscles ache just thinking about holding the heavy things. Training, even in the dream world is grueling. I am glad I can work my muscles alone in my room to match, otherwise when the time comes, I will have the muscle memory, but not the strength to back it up.

  Ryland and Sam are sparring in the front while Treyton and Max are practicing with swords. The meadow is full of adults and students alike practicing their various skills. I feel so hopeful at this scene. It has changed from an idea to a real operation. I still can’t believe I’m the face of it… that I was the one that asked them to rise up.

  I approach Sam and Ryland first and they stop as soon as they see me. Sam wipes the sweat from his brow and cocks his head.

  “What’s up, Whisper?” His eyes meet mine and something knowing lurks behind them.

  “We need to meet with everyone in private. I think I may have found something.” I’m nearly vibrating in anticipation.

  “This place is more suited for the swords than the Seventh Circle. Can we meet there instead?” Ryland points out.

  “That’s a great idea. Where’s Finn?” I don’t see him practicing once again.

  “As usual, Finn isn’t here.” Sam’s eyes get serious. “You know when the day comes, we’re going to have to leave him behind. He hasn’t trained hardly at all. If he doesn’t start… He would be a liability and more likely to get killed.”

  “I’ll talk to him about it. Let’s go to the circle and get this started.” I close my eyes and think of the circle, trusting the rest to follow when they are ready.

  The meeting hall is surprisingly bare, with only Aunt Nellie, my uncles, and Gandore present. They’re leaned over a map, speaking in hushed voices.

  “Hey guys, I called a meeting and was wondering if we can meet here. People are using Midnight Rising.” I call out and their heads whip up, surprised at my appearance.

  “Of course, honey. Don’t forget to grab everyone.” Aunt Nellie walks over and gives me a sweet hug.

  I pull everyone in, and Finn looks surprised holding his device. I guess he was tinkering.

  “Sorry to interrupt what everyone was doing but I needed to tell you some things that happened today.” My eyes scan the room, meeting everyone’s eyes.

  “It’s always good to meet, even spur of the moment, when there’s new information, Miss Lawrence.” Gandore smiles.

  We settle on the benches then I take a deep breath and gather my thoughts. I don’t want to miss anything.

  “This morning Coventry took me to the entry point and demanded I alter it so that Dissidents couldn't cross through. He became terribly angry when I was unable to do it. I don’t think he understands how any of our magic or powers work. He sent me back to the school with strict orders not to leave my room until I learned how to do what he asked.” I survey the group and see their faces are all full of worry. “So, I opened another rolodex when I got to the academy. We used to have access to elemental powers.”

  “That’s fascinating. If Finn’s device works, this could have great potential.” Gandore smiles at Finn.

  “Thanks to Whisper it works now.” Finn grins proudly. “Can we hear the rest of what she has to say before I show it working?”

  “That would be wise.” Mrs. King smiles at me, encouraging me to continue.

  “I snuck into the hidden library and researched the powers. It looks like the ancients could control all four elements until the powers started to disappear. The first one to go was water. Then as they were divided into houses, the powers divided with them. Fury was able to control fire, Caballine was able to control Earth, and Empyrean was able to control air. Those eventually faded away as well.” I glance ar
ound. “If we can learn to use the elements for those who can, that could be powerful tool. I think I know how to from the memories, but I need the meadow to practice.”

  “That is very good news, indeed.” Gandore claps his hands together, the wrinkles at the side of eyes exaggerating as he smiles. “Now, let’s see how this device of Finn’s works.”

  “I’ll go first, if you all don’t mind.” Mrs. Bradbury steps forward, her eyes shining with excitement.

  Finn hands her the device and positions her hands on their side of the large orb so her palms are lying flat. It lights up the same way it did as when I infused it with my tendrils, alternating between all the colors, faster and faster.

  “Empyrean. Wind Elemental. Physical. Mind altering. Astral Projecting. The list is complete. Say yes if you would like me to repeat the information.” The robotic voice rings out across the hall.

  “This is phenomenal, Finn. You’re a genius.” Sam slaps him on the back.

  The group takes turns letting the device read their gifts, the adults going first. It’s so rewarding watching the smiles grow across their faces as it reads out their potential.

  So far, each Elemental matches up with their house. It seems like we aren’t quite to the major growth yet, but it’s something.

  When Gandore takes his turn, the colors are dimly glowing, then the stop extremely, and the robotic voice calls out, “Fury. Mind Altering. The list is complete. Say yes if you would like me to repeat the information.”

  It’s Sam’s turn; he gives me a nervous smile as he grabs the device. Finn presses the button and it glows brighter than it had previously. The entire room lights up like a disco.

  “Caballine. Empyrean. Earth Fire Air Water Elemental. Physical. Mind altering. Levitation. Mind sharing. Magical Alterations. Universe Bending. The list is complete. Say yes if you would like me to repeat the information.” The device goes silent as the colors fade away.

  “Holy crap Sam, you have a lot!” Ryland stares at him wide eyed. “Can I go next?”

  “Sure.” Sam hands him the device.