Blessed: Academy of the Seraph

by Brandi Elledge

  I looked him up and down. “Why do I have a feeling you already know who you are?”

  He gave me a wink before he set my half-eaten apple back down on my tray. Then Trev glanced behind him to the large group surrounding Marlie-Beth and Angelina and laughed.

  “What’s so funny?”

  “Those little witches over there are talking about you. Man, they are really jealous.”

  “I don’t know why. And wait a second, you can hear them from here?”

  “Yeah, it’s part of my power.” He looked away from the group. “I’m neither demi nor fully blessed. I’m actually a descendant from an angel. They call us Nephilim.”

  My mouth dropped open. I hadn’t been expecting that.

  He reached over and closed my jaw with a finger.

  Nephilim? My mind was reeling. “You’re not really here to enroll, are you?”

  “No.” I didn’t think he was going to expand on his answer, but he finally said, “I’m Switzerland. I haven’t chosen a side. Not because I’m undecided, but because I think this whole war is ridiculous. Do you know what I mean?”

  I stared into his eyes for a long time. “I think I know exactly what you mean.”

  He elbowed me lightly. “And as far as you not knowing why they’d be jealous, you are either fishing for compliments or are extremely naïve when it comes to the minds of catty girls.” He took one look at my face and said, “Well, I can see that, unfortunately, it’s the latter.”

  “So, fully blessed boy, how are you so familiar with the workings of catty girls?”

  “I have sisters.” He smirked.

  I looked over at the group again, and that kid Devon was staring at me. “So, is Devon catty, too?”

  “I hate to break it to you, cupcake, but saying he wants to tap that might be crude. But that’s not hating on you. In fact, it’s just the opposite, which probably just adds fuel to the fire when it comes to those felines who disguise themselves as girls.”

  I pushed my food around on my plate, contemplating what he was saying. Then I laid my fork down and looked across the courtyard to where the gardens faded into the woods. Was that the way that the Rocks, Dan and Dick, had brought me? If I could just find the way out, I would be free.

  Trev followed my line of sight and sighed. “You really want out, don’t you?”

  I didn’t say anything.

  “You know what I think? I think you have more power than you’re letting on. Why not embrace it?”

  Because I was terrified that I’d be someone that people actually expected things from. I had always been a loner. Being part of a group or faction waging a war that I thought was beyond ridiculous wasn’t me.

  “I guess I’d rather be on a couch watching Netflix than swinging a sword.”

  He laughed. “Well, then it’s up to me to change your mind.” He stood up. “I’m going to go check out the school gym. Are you going to be okay out here by yourself?”

  I rolled my eyes. “Seriously? Of course I am.”

  “Hey, as far as anyone knows, I’m just an average blessed kid enrolled at the school.”

  I gave him a nod to let him know I understood.

  He kissed the top of my head. “See you soon, beautiful.”

  I watched him walk across the courtyard. Every girl along the way tried to catch his eye. The boy really was nice to look at.

  I pulled up some grass and started braiding the small pieces together, thinking about what I was going to do, when I felt that familiar humming in my chest. I jerked my head up to see the commander walking out of the cafeteria. He was with a shorter man who was very animated as he talked. The commander kept nodding while they walked on the sidewalk toward the outdoor weapons training facility where I had my next class.

  I couldn’t help watching him walk away. The man was absolutely stunning. Raw power strummed off him. I wondered what his story was. How long had he been here? What was his age when he had graduated?

  He must’ve felt my eyes on him, because he stopped and slowly started turning my way. The distance between us was at least a football field, but when his eyes locked on to mine, it felt like he was mere inches away. I should have averted my eyes, but God help me, I couldn’t. There was something about him that was so familiar.

  He had stopped walking, his attention fully on me. The shorter man didn’t seem to notice that he no longer had a listening audience.

  The most beautiful smile I had ever seen ignited on his handsome face. Then he raised one of his eyebrows in question. I narrowed mine in answer.

  I finally had the courage to break eye contact and slowly stood while I gathered my things. I didn’t look at him again, but I could tell he was still where I had last seen him, because my body still had that familiar warmth.

  I took out a folded piece of paper from my back pocket and studied the schedule. My classes ranged from learning about archangels to hand-to-hand combat, weapon training, cardio—I guessed to be able to physically run from future enemies, whomever they might be—magic, and moral philosophy.

  I glanced over to Marlie-Beth’s table before I headed across campus. I could feel the evil radiating from her. She had to be a demi touched by a darken. But what about me? Did I have dark powers swirling inside me? I shuddered at the thought.

  Forget who I was going to become. Who did I want to be? Now that was a great question.

  When a knock sounded on my door, I quickly got up to answer it, considering Remy was still passed out. I had six classes today, and all Remy had done was sleep.

  I swung open the door, finding a skinny brunette standing there. She shifted a suitcase in her hands as she nervously smiled at me.

  “Yes?” I asked.

  “Um. Hi. I think we’re supposed to be roommates.”

  I looked behind me to see Remy sitting up.

  “WTF did she just say?”

  I looked at the girl. “Sorry, I already have a roommate.”

  She pointed to a piece of paper. “But it says here that—”

  “Sorry,” I said, shrugging. “Must be some kind of mistake.”

  There was no reason to further explain, so I gently shut the door in her face.

  Remy threw her hands up in the air. “Un-freaking-believable. People treat me as if I just don’t exist.”

  I laughed as she lay back on the bed with all the dramatics of a first-rate queen.

  Fifteen minutes later, another knock sounded on the door. This one was more forceful.

  “Don’t worry, Remy; I’ve got it.” I quipped when she didn’t move.

  Feeling that now familiar heat rise in my chest, I knew who would be on the other side before I swung open the door.

  I opened the door to see the commander glaring down at me, taking his sweet time as he raked his green eyes over my body before he cleared his throat.

  “Um, hi?” I said.

  “I thought that Rachel would be a good fit for you. She’s kind, and she could actually use a friend. Not to mention the fact that she’s already showing great potential. She is fully blessed, and her power level is high, and you could use a good ally.” I shook my head, causing him to narrow his eyes in annoyance. “Every student here must have a roommate. You don’t have the authority to pick and choose who you room with.”

  “Cool, but I already have a roommate.” Geez, this was about to get awkward.

  He pushed past me and into my room. He made a gesture to the unmade bed. “Yeah, I can see that.”

  Remy stood up and circled the commander. “Oh, my gawd. He is so freaking yummy. And what is that smell? It’s like spicy sex on a stick.”

  I smiled, causing the commander to frown. “This isn’t funny.”

  “No, of course not,” I said.

  Remy pinned her black hair back with a hand so she could get closer to the commander, causing the man to brace himself. He scanned the room, as if he knew something wasn’t quite right in the air. Then he ran a hand down the back of his neck as Remy got even closer to
him.

  Remy bent at the waist. “Have you seen his ass? It’s perfect. Do me an itsy-bitsy favor and ask him if he goes commando.”

  “Yeah, I’m not doing it.”

  Confusion colored the commander’s face. “Doing what?” Then he tensed up, and my eyes involuntarily went to his coiled muscles. The guy was stacked. His masculinity was almost overwhelming. “Gabriella, who is your roommate?”

  “Hmm?” I jerked my eyes away from his biceps. “Oh, I thought you’d never ask. Remy.”

  “Remy Rodriguez?”

  I looked over at Remy, who said, “Let thy name roll off those divine lips. Say it again, sugar.”

  I tried to cover my laugh with an unsuccessful cough. “Yes.”

  The commander looked around the room. “Interesting. I knew you’d be powerful.”

  I shrugged. “Don’t know what you’re talking about.”

  “Sure you don’t.” He studied me. “So, you have death in you, and you’re demonstrating those powers with Remy.”

  “Well, that’s a creepy way to put it.”

  “You know what I meant. How long have you been able to see the dead?”

  My eyes dropped to his muscular chest. “Since I was five. I thought it was normal until my foster parents returned me to DSS. When you claim to see apparitions, you get rehomed.”

  He swallowed thickly, his Adam’s apple moving. Something unreadable crossed over his eyes before he took a step back. Then he dipped his head for a moment before he took another look around my room. “I’ll tell Rachel that I was wrong and that you do, in fact, already have a roommate. Tell Remy I’m sorry about what happened to her. She was a good student.” He was the only person who was solemn in this room.

  I looked over at Remy, who was still staring at the commander’s butt.

  “Ask him,” Remy said, “or I swear I’ll make your granny panties levitate out of your drawer and into the hall. That’s going to be freaking embarrassing for you.”

  I blurted. “Do you wear underwear?”

  The commander looked startled as he pulled back from me a bit. “You want to know if I wear underwear?”

  My cheeks were on fire as I nodded. I darted my eyes to Remy then back to him. He tracked my motions, and a look of understanding crossed his face.

  “No. No, I do not.”

  Remy pumped a fist into the air. “Knew it! Gabriella, seriously, you need to throw yourself at this fine specimen. He is gorg!”

  The commander looked at me, staring off into space beside him, and he cleared his throat. “Things are getting a little weird, so I’m going to head out. See you at orientation.”

  “Yeah, see ya.”

  As soon as he left, I threw a pillow at Remy. Of course it went right through her and hit the wall, but she still knew my intent. “Dude, that was uncomfortable as hell.”

  “Seriously doubt that,” Remy said. “I hear that hell is extremely uncomfortable. Still not paying attention in archology class?”

  I rolled my eyes at my friend. “So, the commander said he was sorry about what happened to you. Do you want to talk about it?”

  “Oh, I wish, but I don’t remember. It is said that if you die tragically and it’s too much for you to handle, you forget the way you bit the dust. It must’ve been gory AF, because I don’t recall a damn thing. Then again, I cry watching All Dogs Go to Heaven, so it could be that I’m just easily traumatized.”

  I nodded like that made sense. “Do you want me to ask him for you? I mean, it sounded like he knew.”

  She shook her head. “No, not right now. Maybe later. I just get down and out when I think about that night, and there is nothing worse than a gloomy-ass bitch that’s a ghost.”

  “Okay, change of subject, it is. I really want to know what the beef is between the commander and Trev. My gut is telling me it’s something huge, and if I just ask, they aren’t going to tell me.”

  “I can totally help with that. Let me see what I can dig up.”

  “Seriously? You don’t mind?”

  “What the hell else am I going to do? I’m officially the resident ghost P.I. on the case. I just wish I had a fanny pack and a recorder.”

  I laughed.

  “What? Fanny packs are so making a comeback.” She floated toward the door. “Why don’t you get some rest? Tomorrow, after your classes, is the big revealing day. It’s exhausting. You go to bed, and I’m going to go out and hunt for clues and also haunt some bitches. Any suggestions?”

  “Marlie-Beth and Angelina,” I said without hesitation. “They are nas-ty.”

  She clapped her hands. “I’ll make them cry. Teach them not to mess with my girl.”

  I laughed as she went right through our door, not bothering to open it.

  Remy was the first ghost that I truly appreciated visiting me. I guessed it was because the other ghosts that had popped in from time to time always got me in trouble. By the time I had figured out to keep my mouth shut, I had already been labeled as a troubled child. Not that I was listing the pros to this place, but if I were, not being judged because I saw ghosts was definitely a positive.

  I brushed my teeth and crawled into bed, hoping that I didn’t have another dream. Unfortunately, I wasn’t so lucky.

  Abbadona addressed the group of fifteen archangels. “I am disappointed in all of you.”

  The archangels bowed their heads in shame while Camaella stood slightly to the right of the group with a smirk on her face, while Abbadona battled to control his anger.

  “None of you truly understand the ramifications of what you’ve done.” The mighty angel paced in front of the lot. “You all assumed that all the humans would die, and not only was that not the case, but more importantly, you were told not to interfere, and yet all of you did. Whose idea was this?”

  Sandalphon could tell that Gabriel, who was the most selfless of all of them, was about to confess. She would gladly take the fall for her brothers and sisters, and he couldn’t allow that, so he quickly spoke. “Abbadona, it was my idea.”

  Uriel nodded, along with Michael.

  “Yes, it was our idea, as well,” Michael said.

  Uriel said, “The three of us, actually.”

  Abbadona looked at the three warriors with a mixture of pride and anger. “Do not lie to me.” he boomed, causing Ariel to weep. “Love for humanity got you into this mess, and love for your brothers and sisters is causing you to further sin by lying to me. Sometimes love in itself is a sin.”

  Ariel wept harder. She felt as if it was all her fault.

  Gabriel grabbed her sister’s hand. “Shh. It’s okay, love.”

  Camaella, who had been standing to the side, snickered at Ariel’s distress.

  Abbadona turned on his heel, narrowing his eyes at the beautiful redhead. “You take true enjoyment from their pain.” He walked over to her, causing Camaella to stand up tall. When he laid a hand on her arm, her eyes widened. “I could feel the evil in you. You no longer possess angel-like qualities. You lack forgiveness, warmth, and virtue.”

  She glared at the fifteen angels behind Abbadona.

  He shook his head. “Always so quick to blame everyone else when it is you who is in the wrong. Only you can be held accountable for your own actions.”

  He took a step back from her. “Here is what is to be done with the fifteen of you. You are to be cast from heaven. All of you will be permanent defenders of earth.”

  Jophiel gasped. “We will be fallen angels?”

  Abbadona shrugged. “You should have thought about the consequences of your actions before this moment. You will always bear the mark of the fallen. There is nothing I can do about that, but that does not need to be your title.” He jerked his thumb toward Camaella. “And this one has opened the gates of hell with her treachery. The fifteen of you tried to save as many as you could, and now the humans will need constant protection just to survive.”

  Chamuel asked, “Exactly what did Camaella do?”

  Abbadona started
to glow brighter, showing how upset he truly was. “Why, she alerted the original fallen to the archangels’ plan. Some of the ones you touched and blessed, they have tracked down.”

  “They are not dead,” Ariel said. “If they were, we’d feel it.”

  “No, not dead, but forever altered.”

  Without warning, the angels fell, their screams piercing the night.

  In order to get to earth, they had to endure hell first, and their once white wings transformed from a brilliant, pure white to pitch black.

  I tossed in my sleep, feeling their pain as if it were my own. I clenched the sheets as they continued to fall, their grief consuming me. Finally, I woke up with tears streaming down my face.

  Sitting up in bed, I wondered how the archangels fared on earth and what had been Camaella’s punishment.

  I used the top sheet of my bed to wipe my face. I had dreams of the angels before, but they were fuzzy and sporadic. Why was I having such vivid dreams of the fifteen archangels and Camaella now? Was it because I was in the academy?

  I knew I wouldn’t find the answers tonight, just as I knew that sleeping was no longer an option.

  “Students, we are going to be working with partners today. Unfortunately, there is an odd number of students. For the ones of you who don’t seem to pay attention in my class,” Mrs. Fields said, looking pointedly at me before continuing, “let me explain to you why an odd number would be a problem. One of you will be without a partner.” Smiling at me, she said, “All right, students, pick your partners.”

  Well, that settled it. The woman definitely had it out for me. She knew I would be the odd man out, and she was prematurely relishing in my soon-to-be embarrassment.

  Remy sat on the corner of my desk. “What a grade-A bitch.” She stood up and walked to her desk. “That’s it, I’m going to mess with her OCD.”

  My eyes widened as papers began to fly, Post-Its were crumpled over, and her computer went crashing to the ground.

  Mrs. Fields looked around in horror as the students started whispering.