Of Storms and Triumphs (Thunderbird Academy Book 3)

by Valia Lind

  There has to be an answer in all of this. I just can't find a way to ask the question that would yield it to me.

  The next morning I'm up before the rest of the school. Or so it seems. The academy's halls have become so empty, I can't really be sure. Some students are huddled together in each others room. Others are working with teachers, trying to find answers. The upperclassman have been assigned to help take care of the sick, but even they can't do much. It's mostly maintenance, making sure they're comfortable. As I walk down the empty hallway, the heaviness settles over me. We're all trying to do our part and none of us are helping.

  I didn't sleep the night before. Maybe a few minutes here and there. But I kept thinking about the Ancients and Queen Amaryllis, and how similar they truly are. Both hungry for power, both willing to do whatever it takes. Then, naturally, my mind drifted to my family and then to my friends. Before ending with Aiden. I try so hard not to think of him. Especially when it comes to the kiss we shared. But the feel of his lips on mine has been seared into my being and there is nothing I can do to remove it.

  Without even trying, my mind shifts to the story I found in the library. It's difficult not to connect the two together. The balance the story spoke of, it's what I feel around Aiden. And yet, I can't be his soulmate. That's Natalie's spot. No matter how much my heart wishes for it not to be so.

  The exhaustion I've been carrying with me for days is making my magic a little bonkers. The best way I know how to calm both myself and the magic is to let it run free. So as the light begins peeking through the trees around the academy, I slip out the front doors and head toward the pond. The walk isn't long and the air is the perfect temperature, like it always is in Spring Court, yet I'm so worked up, I'm sweating a little.

  I haven't been able to find a balance between my magic and the story spell casting magic. Often, I'm not sure which one I'm using, and that's the reason I have to keep it all under wraps. But I need a release and I know the pond is the place for it. After all, it's not the first time.

  When I reach the water bank, I sit down as close as I can to the edge, with my legs crisscrossed. Taking a few calculated breaths, I stare at the water and reach for it with my hands. There's a moment of stillness, right before the water shoots towards me, slamming into my open palms and then flying straight towards the sky. I chuckle at the excitement I feel coming off of each drop. The stream slows down, letting me mold and shape the flow any way I'd like.

  The last time I was here, the last time I let myself go, Aiden was here. He thought I was in trouble and he jumped right into the tossing waves to try and save me. The water begins to dance faster and harder in front of me, answering to my emotions without me having to say anything. I let it play, keeping the storm anchored to the pond, but other than that, I give my magic free reign.

  The movement of the water, the electricity in my veins, it's exhilarating. The exhaustion seeps away, renewing my strength for this one moment in time. Suddenly, there aren't ancient evils to battle or a broken heart to mend. It's just me and my magic and I let it fly.

  When the time comes, I think I'll be able to use the magic in the way it is intended to be used. But until then, I will try and practice. After all, it's just like an untrained muscle. I have to work at it to make it strong.

  Closing my eyes, I let the magic sweep me away. Images play out in front of me, and I feel the water create the shapes, even though I can't see them with my eyes closed. Before I can make myself control it, the images become the visuals from the story I read. But this time, the prince is clearly Aiden and I am the fair maiden. Opening my eyes, I watch their meeting, created by the pond like a little miniature theater. The maiden bows and the prince returns the gesture. Then everything shifts and suddenly they're at the ball. She's wearing the gown and he's running away. The shift comes, but she stays.

  I don't realize there are tears in my eyes until my vision blurs. Blinking them away, I blink the pictures away as well. I have to stop dwelling on the story. It won't do me any good. Nothing good can come from two people who's destinies are not meant for each other.

  Once the water is dancing without the images, I close my eyes once more and let the magic heal me. If only it worked for my sadness, just like it works for my body. But I wouldn't want a world without sadness. Because it's that emotion that makes us appreciate the happy times that much more.

  6

  “I have an idea.”

  With my eyes closed, I don't hear him coming. Liam seems to materialize next to me. Settling down beside me, he sounds more excited than he should be able to at the moment. He waits for me, as I take a deep breath and bring my magic back into myself. The water floats down gently and then I turn to him.

  "It must be a good one."

  "Well, of course it is. But that's besides the point. I didn't think it would be possible, but I figured we could give it a shot."

  "Just spill it already."

  He blinds me a little with his grin, leaning towards me.

  "You know how you said your sisters would be very knowledgable in all things Ancients?"

  "Yes?"

  "And how their help would be just perfect right now?"

  "Liam!"

  "I think there's a way we can contact them."

  "What?" I don't think I hear him right at first. My head spins with possibilities. If what he's saying is true, then I could figure out this whole sickness thing. The selfish part of me that has missed them just wants to see them. But before my mind can run away with me, I take a deep breath and focus on Liam. Who's still grinning at me.

  "Are you sure this is possible?"

  "Not a hundred percent," he sighs, "But do you remember when you showed up here and you asked why I was wearing human clothes?" I wave a hand in his direction, up and down his body, because he's been wearing human clothes the whole time I've been in Faery. Well, besides the ball.

  "It's easier to blend in at the academy."

  "I'm not against it," I hurry to reply, "I'm just saying..."

  "Okay, well that time you saw me. I went to visit Hawthorne."

  "That's right. You did mention something. Vaguely."

  "The queen isn't really a fan of me doing my own thing." I nod at that, but don't interrupt again. I'm waiting for him to get to the point. "I went through a portal. Not one of our regular ones, but one of my family's."

  I lean a little closer, hand on my knees, as I listen. The even slight possibility of seeing my sisters has me hyped. I could tell them about our father. Even though I don't know much myself, talking to them could help figure more things out.

  "Each royal family in Faery has their own ancestral magic. Even though it's ours, we still have to run everything by Her Highness. But, with everything that's been going on, I'm thinking we can sneak under the radar and try it. It might be shut down by her magic, but it might not be."

  I'm already nodding, the possibilities swirling inside my head. It's difficult not to get excited. Maybe this will be the break I need. Because after all the research, all I am is more confused. The elixir the Oracle gave me is still in my pocket. It seems that no matter how hard I try, I can't reconcile myself to the decisions I must make.

  "So, let's go. What are we waiting for?" I ask, jumping up to my feet. Liam follows more slowly, glancing around quickly.

  "It's not exactly safe for you to leave the premises of the school." He comments, lowering his voice. "We'll have to travel by foot, because you can't use the portals. The queen would know and would be waiting on the other side."

  Queen Amaryllis and her need for control are really getting on my nerves. It's why even traveling through the forest to meet the Oracle was such a risk. I could've been found out at any moment. Not using my magic is the only way I can think of sneaking around her. But that becomes a problem when my magic is what I need.

  "Okay, we'll go in a few hours, once it's dark out." I say, turning toward the academy building. The comforting brick castle looms before us, the mismat
ched architecture a bit of comfort at the moment. I miss my family, I miss my home. I miss my friends being well. But at least I have the comfort of knowing I will be sleeping in my own bed at the academy. That's more than some can say.

  "Have you been able to figure anything out about..?" Liam doesn't have to finish. I know what he's talking about. Maybe I should mention what the books showed me in the library, but I'm not even sure what it all means. I searched for answers and all I got were stories. And more questions.

  "No and I need to go see the headmaster for our status report."

  "Will you tell him about it?"

  "I don't know."

  That's my standard answer for everything right now. I'm not sure who to trust and that makes it difficult to make any sort of progress. Even though a part of me keeps forgetting Liam is fae, I'm not afraid of him betraying me. I may not be the best judge of character, but I trust him. Right now, he's the only one I trust. Still, I'm keeping some information from him. At this point, I'm not sure if it's to protect him or myself.

  "I'll meet you in the greenhouse?" He asks, breaking through my thoughts and I realize we've arrived at the front doors of Thunderbird Academy. I nod and he hurries off, leaving me to go inside alone.

  Once I'm through the main doors, that tug on my heart begs me to turn right and go up the stairs. But I push it away, just like I've been pushing away all my emotions. I can't see him right now. I need to focus on how to save them all first.

  So against my own heart, I turn left and head down the hallway. Headmaster's office doors loom in front of me and at the last moment, I almost stop. Seeing him, it just reminds me how many responsibilities rest on my shoulders. How much this whole mess is my fault. But I don't turn away, I don't leave. Instead, I raise my hand and knock.

  The moment I'm inside the office, I'm cautious. The drapes are closed, shutting off most of the light coming through the windows. There's only the small desk lamp lit on the table, casting everything into shadows.

  "Headmaster Marković?"

  "Come in and take a seat," the voice comes from behind the desk and I walk forward to take a chair on the opposite end. The last time I was in the office, the lights were on and Headmaster Marković was hard at work. Right now, it feels like I walked into a tomb and all of my internal alarms are going off.

  "Headmaster Marković, what's going on?" I'm almost afraid to ask, but it's not like I can beat around the bush. There's a long moment of silence, as I try to squint through the darkness. But all I manage is to make out the outline of the headmaster, nothing more.

  "I am afraid the Elders are not as immune as they surmised," he finally speaks, making my blood run cold. Even before he leans over, I know what I'm going to see. The headmaster shifts in his seat and then his face comes into the light. The pale skin, the bloodshot eyes, the sweat running down his face. He's sick. The magical sickness that has been spreading through the school has reached him.

  I'm at a loss for words. I just sit here, staring at him as he works to meet my gaze. The darkness in the office makes sense now. The sick are much more sensitive to light. It's why his office feels so dreary.

  "Headmaster, you should be in bed, resting," I finally find my voice, while I swallow down the panic. So many of us thought the Elders were immune. I remember my sisters mentioning something about a spell our parents cast over thirty-five years ago that protected those who have now become Elders. I should've asked more questions, but of course I didn't. Headmaster Marković has been around for generations. This sickness shouldn't be able to reach him. And what about the other teachers?

  "It does not matter where I am, Miss Hawthorne. The sickness can reach me there. Here, I can at least try and help."

  But he's not helping. I can see that as plain as day. He seems to be confined to the chair, barely staying awake. Even though it's not my place to tell the headmaster what to do, I feel like I must.

  "You're not good to anyone if you don't take care of yourself. Maybe with a little rest, you can renew your strength and get back to work." Even as I say the words, they don't ring true. But what else could I say? My mind is still trying to wrap around the fact that this school is about to be without a functioning headmaster. A part of his magic keeps this place safe. And if he's not immune, that means the rest of the teachers aren't either. The chaos of the past month is about to go up a notch. Or ten.

  "Have you been able to find any more information?" The headmaster completely ignores my comments. Not that I'm surprised. I sit up a little straighter, almost ready to tell him about the library's findings and the elixir, but something stops me.

  "Nothing yet. But I'm still working on it."

  Headmaster stays quiet and I can't even tell if he's breathing anymore.

  "Do what you can, Miss Hawthorne."

  I've been dismissed. Saying my goodbyes I head to the door. With one last look at the darkened office, I slip outside. Once I shut the door behind me, I lean against it. He was the one keeping this place together. The leader who was front and center, keeping everything running. With this new development, I'm scared to find out what will happen next.

  But just like it's become my constant, I can't dwell on this situation. I have to figure out what's next. There's a plan to be made and a battle to be won, but I would give anything not to be responsible for making this decision. Taking that nap is sounding better and better by the minute. I haven't slept well in days and it's definitely coming across in my actions and decision making. I wish there was some way I could pass out already.

  Straightening away from the door, I square my shoulders and take a deep breath. That was my moment of self pity and now it must be pushed aside. I think if my family saw me now, they wouldn't recognize me anymore. I'm not just a sixteen year old girl, going to school. I've become an adult almost overnight and I have to make decisions that affect everyone. No one has asked me if I can carry the load. It was handed to me and I either carry it or drop it. And if I drop it, my friends and family will be gone.

  I can't let that happen.

  7

  After dinner, I'm once again in my dark sweater and jeans, boots laced up at the ankles. Not that it was truly necessary, considering no one is around to see me sneaking off anyway. But it seems appropriate for the occasion. Of course, I'm still very careful as I make my way across campus. Even the rebel kids won't come out after curfew. This sickness has truly made all of us equals.

  When I finally reach the tree line, the night has fallen. I've heard Faery operates on a different set of night and day rules, but since we've been here it's been pretty close to what I'm used to. I'm not sure if it has anything to do with the academy or not, but right now, it's appreciated. I like having the darkness as an extra measure of protection.

  "Mads," Liam's voice reaches for me through the shadows and then he seems to materialize out of the trees.

  "Nifty trick," I comment and he shrugs, looking pleased with himself. That's a very fae thing to do, so I just shake my head. He motions for me to follow him and we slip farther into the forest.

  "You sure about this?" Liam asks when we've walked a few yards.

  "Yes. It's actually the perfect time. I unleashed a lot of magic earlier today. It should solidify my location to the queen, if she decides to do her spying." I have no proof of this, of course, but I won't put it past her. Knowing what goes on in her land is her job.

  "Since we can't take any of the doorway portals, it's about a forty minute walk."

  "I'll survive, Liam. Don't worry about me."

  I would walk much farther if there was a better chance at talking to my family. He's still worried, that much I can see, and I try on one of my reassuring smiles. Not sure if he buys it or just decides to take my words at face value. After a moment, he begins leading the way.

  It's so much darker between the trees. Last time I was in the woods, just a few days ago, I didn't stop to think about all the creepy crawlers hiding in the shadows. But then the trolls attacked, or what
ever those creatures were, and now I'm more aware. Liam's steps aren't full of hesitation, like mine seem to be. It appears that I have to remind myself to be brave continuously.

  We stay quiet, to keep alert in case anything does decide to jump out on us. The quiet just makes my thoughts louder. So instead of dwelling, I hurry just a few steps to catch up to Liam.

  "What are our chances here?" I ask, keeping my voice low. He glances at me, before replying.

  "I don't know. This could work, this could be an epic fail. But I owe it to you to try."

  "Hey," I grab his arm, pulling him to a stop, confusion furrowing my brow, "You don't owe me anything."

  "That's not how I meant it," Liam sighs, which means there's clearly something on his mind. Instead of pushing, I wait him out. He used to always be able to talk to me. He should still talk to me. But maybe we're both being cautious.

  "I just feel like I failed you, Mads," he finally says, leaving me completely flabbergasted.

  "What does that mean?" I ask, when it's clear he's not going to continue without a little prompting. For someone who carries himself a very particular put together way, he looks pretty unsure of himself at the moment. "Liam."

  "I didn't return to school. I left you all alone, to deal with the Ancients. And even after I found out about your father, I didn't come. I'm sorry for that."

  The apology freezes me in place. Fae don't apologize. They never put themselves in such a vulnerable position. But Liam does. For me.

  "Liam," I begin, unsure of how to put into words what I'm thinking and feeling. I take a step forward, reaching for his hand. "You didn't leave me alone. You stayed to take care of your family. You helped my sisters when the time came. I can't hold it against you, not when what you were doing was your duty."