by Quinn Loftis
“Enter,” Professor Frost's voice came out loud and clear through the door.
Gabby twisted the knob and stepped into the professor’s office. She’d been inside the room a few times in the three years she’d been at Crimson Academy, but she was still in awe of it every time she saw it.
The ceiling was dome-shaped and filled with fire that burned upside down. No lie. The flames literally danced and swayed like a fire in a fireplace, but they were pointed toward the ground. There were floor-to-ceiling windows, adorned with long curtains, on the two exterior walls. The draperies were ombre, with yellow at the top that faded into orange and finally red at the bottom.
On the opposite walls sat floor-to-ceiling bookshelves. They not only contained books, but also artifacts from all over the world—and not just from the human realm. In the center of the room was a desk, which Professor Frost sat behind.
“Thank you for arriving promptly,” the professor said as she stood and walked around to the front of the desk.
“Yes, ma’am,” Gabby said. Hard-ass or not, Gabby would be respectful to those who’d been kind to her, and Frost was at the top of that list.
“Circumstances have drastically changed in the past twenty-four hours. I received a call from Headmaster Terrick letting me know they would not be having training today. However, he would like your team to join them in a meeting today.”
“Why our team?” Gabby asked, trying to ignore the flips her stomach was attempting to do at the prospect of seeing Liam again.
“Apparently, your team made a very good impression on Zuri, one of their instructors and one of their best warriors. They’re also in need of a fire elementalist, and, though you haven’t graduated yet, you’re very powerful and dedicated. You’re at the top of your class in every subject, especially combat and magic-wielding.”
“Thank you,” Gabby said simply. What else could she say? She’d trained hard because that’s what she needed to do. It kept her busy and made her feel as if she had some worth.
“You are to head over there immediately. Have you eaten breakfast?”
Gabby nodded.
“Good. I am headed there myself for the same meeting.” Professor Frost opened a portal and motioned for Gabby to walk through.
Gabby was still trying to wrap her head around the fact that she was going to be in a meeting with Professor Frost and … who else?
“Ma’am, can I ask who else will be in this meeting?”
“All the headmasters and headmistresses, professors that are heads of their departments in their schools, and some other key students whose power will be valuable for what we are facing. Possibly some of the royal elementals,” Professor Frost answered as if it was no big deal.
Gabby’s mouth opened and closed several times and then she said, “Sounds like we’re gearing up to kick ass and take names.”
Professor Frost smiled. “I’d say that sums it up quite well. Though I’d advise against putting it that way while in this meeting.”
“Noted,” Gabby said, and she walked through the portal, Frost on her heels.
Her feet had barely hit the floor when she heard his voice.
“Damn, it’s good to see you.”
Gabby whipped around as her elbow flew up and nailed Liam in the face. Her breathing came out in rapid puffs as she glared at the guy who’d been plaguing her thoughts. He rubbed his jaw and grinned at her. Who grins after getting elbowed in the face?
“Sneaking up behind someone is not nice … or smart for your face,” Gabby said and glared at him.
“Being close to you is worth a little tap to the jawline, babe,” Liam said unrepentantly.
She rolled her eyes. Of course, he would say something like that.
“Gabby.”
The sound of her name caused her to look away from Liam. Tara stood just behind Gabby with a beautiful blonde girl right beside her.
“Hey, Tara,” Gabby said with a small smile. Gabby didn’t want to like the girl, but she was so genuine, and that made it hard to dislike her.
“I’m glad you’re here,” Tara said. “Ender and Colt are here too.” She pointed to the two guys who’d also been in their training group.
Gabby glanced over and saw two males standing next to each other. Colt’s hand was shoved into the pockets of his cargos, and Ender had his arms folded across his chest. They both gave her a nod. Typical guy greeting.
“I’m glad to be here,” she answered honestly as she looked back at Tara. It was a hell of a lot better than being curled up in a ball on the Crimson Academy training field wondering if she’d ever pull herself together.
“This is Shelly, my best friend I told you about.” She pointed to the blonde next to her.
“You’re Hell-Girl?” Gabby asked with a raised brow. She looked the girl up and down. Though Shelly was tall, she was whip-thin and didn’t seem formidable enough to endure a place as unforgiving as the underworld. Not that Gabby had been there herself. But she’d read plenty on the place.
Shelly held out her arms and did a slow turn. “In the flesh and surprisingly un-charred. And I’m completely jealous of your uniform,” she said. “And because you’re obviously badass with amazing clothing alteration taste, I insist you be our third BFFF. All in favor, raise your hand.” Shelly lifted her hand toward Tara.
What the hell is the third F for?
Tara didn’t move. She simply stared at Shelly’s raised hand. The girl didn’t look a bit deterred. Gabby watched as Shelly took Tara’s hand and lifted it, then high fived it with the hand that had been held in the air.
“There’s no point arguing with her,” Tara said with a smile. “She will just bug you until she wears you down, and you give in.”
Shelly nodded. “Dog with a bone, right here,” she pointed at herself.
“I’m not sure I can jump into a new relationship right now,” Gabby said, deadpan. “Don’t get me wrong, it’s totally me, not you and all that. Plus, I’m leery of abbreviations I don’t understand. Never heard of a third F in the BFF thing.”
“Gah!” Shelly practically growled. “I’m in love with her, Tara-bear. Badass and sarcastic? She’s the whole package.” Shelly tilted her head, looked at Gabby, and sighed. “Oh,” Shelly added with a point of her finger. “The extra F in BFFF stands for freaky. We added it because we’re just that awesome. It’s Best Freaky Friends Forever. Because how can someone be your best friend if you can’t be freaky with them?”
“Yeah, I don’t do freaky with chicks. Totally not my thing,” Gabby said and then quickly added, “but I’m not judging. No judgment here. Totally judge-free zone,” she motioned to herself, “up in here.” She nodded like a dork.
“Does that mean you do freaky with guys?” Liam interrupted, attempting to insert himself between Shelly and Gabby. Hell-girl was not having it.
Shelly looked at Liam as she pushed him back. “That’s strike two. My heat-seeking missile foot is warming up for launch.”
Liam chuckled. “You do realize how ridiculous that sounded, right?”
Shelly shrugged. “Butt out, Dorian Gray. I’m talking with my girls about freaky things, and you’re not invited.”
Shelly took a step toward Gabby, and Gabby took a step back. “But my zone does include ass-kicking if you get pushy on the freaky thing.”
“Yep,” Shelly said with a decisive nod. “We’re totally keeping her. All in favor say ‘Aye’.”
“Aye,” Tara and Shelly said together.
“Do I get a vote?” Gabby asked.
“Never,” Tara said. “My ‘Aye’ doesn’t really count. It just makes her feel like she has some sort of real control. Again, just go with it. She will just keep at it until you’re rocking in a corner with drool running down your chin begging for mercy.”
“I’m sorry,” Gabby said, looking at Shelly, “but are you sane? Like did hell cook your brains or anything?”
Shelly shook her head. “Nah, girl. I came down the vaginal chute and out int
o this cruel world with all this awesomeness already wrapped up in my DNA. A couple of fried brain cells never hurt anybody.”
“Actually, it kind of does,” Tara said.
“Not the point,” Shelly sang.
“What was the point again?” Gabby frowned and looked over her shoulder, wondering if she should just make a run for it. She could see herself really liking Shelly and Tara. Sure, Shelly was as crazy as a chicken on crack, but that just made Gabby like her more.
“The point,” Shelly said firmly, “originally, was that your clothes are freaking kick ass.”
“They really are,” Liam murmured.
Gabby glanced at him and felt her skin heat as his eyes roamed over her. She forced herself to ignore him and focused back on Shelly. “So, you want to be my friend because I cut up my clothes?”
“That’s part of it,” Shelly said. “Mostly, it’s the information I glean about you because you cut your clothes. And the fact that you’re standing here holding your own against my genius insanity. Let’s be real, it takes a genius to be insane. No sane person is ever a genius. Also, you remind me of a puppy that’s been kicked and needs a hug. I’m your hug.” Shelly held out her arms. “Bring it in, puppy. We can hug it out and wind beneath your wings it. Let me be your hero, baby. Stay with me cause you’re all I need.”
Tara pinched the bridge of her nose and shook her head. “Did you seriously just go through a list of lyrics while telling Gabby to hug it out with you?”
“We’re bonding, T. Get with the program and think up some inspiring lyrics,” Shelly snapped.
“I’m still stuck on the whole ‘information you glean from my clothing’ thing,” Gabby said.
Shelly held up her hand again. “One,” she said as she raised one finger, “it says you have personality. You don’t just get in line with the masses like a Stepford Wife. Two”—she added another finger—“the way you cut them up—slashes in the pants, crop top, and off the shoulder—makes it clear you’re a badass. No one dresses like that without being able to kick someone in the face because some insecure prick is bound to say something about your clothes. And three”—another finger added—“it made me jealous. I don’t like to be jealous. Therefore, you have to be my friend and share your badassery so I don’t feel threatened by it.”
Gabby looked at Tara.
“Yes, she’s completely serious. And yes, it really is ultimately about her.”
“My girl knows me,” Shelly said as she rested her arm on Tara’s shoulder.
A throat cleared, saving Gabby from having to answer. Which was a good thing because she was dancing on the fine line of possibly having a cry fest in front of Shelly and Tara, complete with begging for a friendship bracelet or just kicking their asses. That would ensure that they wouldn’t want to be her friends. She thought back to when she’d met Tara for the first time and how she’d gotten chummy with her. Initially, it was because Gabby knew how important it was to trust your fellow warriors. That sentiment had been drilled into her over the course of her three years at Crimson Academy. So, she’d been focused on getting Tara to open up to her, but then she’d found that she actually liked the girl. The realization had destroyed the badass persona she had built and reduced her to the scared child she’d been.
Now, Gabby felt unsteady, as if the foundation she’d built was beginning to crumble. She wondered if she looked in a mirror, would she even recognize herself? Damn her parents and all they’d done to screw her up. And damn herself for not being strong enough to keep her emotions out of her relationship with her teammates, Tara and Shelly. Just damn everything.
Shelly grabbed Gabby’s wrist and pulled her along as she and Tara headed across the room to where the guys were. “This conversation will be continued, and we will plan a time for the blood bond to be done.”
“Shelly,” Tara said, her voice sounding as if she was talking to a child, “if you want her to be your friend, it’s probably best to leave out any blood bonding stuff … at least until you two have gotten to know each other better.”
“Just a warning,” Gabby said. “You stab me, and I’m going to get equally stabby.”
Shelly groaned. “She’s perfect, Tara-bear.” She paused and then squeezed Gabby’s wrist as if something had just dawned on her. “What is your last name?”
Gabby’s eyes darted to Tara, who just shrugged. Real helpful, chick. “Gellar.”
“BOOM,” Shelly hollered, causing the room to go completely silent. “Her first and last name both start with the same letter, just like ours Tara. It’s fate. Shelly Smith, Tara Thompson, and Gabby Gellar. We’re the freaking next Charlie’s Angels. We have to keep her.”
“Bloody hell, lower your voice, and she’s not a freaking pet,” Tara said as they turned to face the center of the room where Terrick was standing.
Gabby ignored the eyes that had turned to stare at them as she looked around the room. The space had filled up while she’d been talking to Tara and Shelly. All of the people Professor Frost had mentioned were in attendance except for the royal elementals. Gabby recognized Professor Zuri from the training sessions as well as Professor Briggs from Hydro Academy, and Professor King from Tempest.
Headmaster Terrick stepped forward and looked at the people gathered. He was at least six-and-a-half-feet tall, and his broad shoulders seemed to fill up the space around him. He was handsome, with deep, rich, brown hair, a chiseled face, full lips, and eyes the color of green moss. Gabby noticed immediately that he had kind eyes, but also a fierceness that made it clear he was not weak.
“I believe you all know me, but for decorum's sake, I will introduce myself. Then we will go around the room and let everyone do the same. Please announce your name, your school, and your position there.” He paused, glancing around the whole room, and then added, “I am Terrick, the Headmaster of Terra Academy.” He turned to the woman standing next to him and smiled while making a motion with his hand for her to take her turn. Gabby listened as, one by one, each person introduced themself. She had a pretty good memory and didn’t think she’d have any problem keeping track of who was who. The uniforms helped keep everyone identified to their respective academies. Also, she knew the ones from her own school and the three students from the other academies who had been with her group during the training sessions. The last person to speak was the guy that Gabby was trying hard to ignore. He stood behind her, leaning against the wall along with Tara’s man Elias, Ra, and Aston. She could feel his eyes on her. She felt like prey that had caught the attention of a hunter. Now, she squirmed in the sights of his gun, waiting for the shot to come.
“I’m Liam Nash, Hydro Academy. And I’m utterly smitten with that firecracker right there.”
Gabby knew he was pointing at her. She could practically feel his finger stabbing into her back. She tried to keep her eyes from going wide, but she knew she probably failed. Still, Gabby forced her head to stay up, watching the people in the room. She would not let this … this … boy’s ridiculous need to garner attention embarrass her or make her feel small. She would, however, get revenge. A small smirk formed on her face as she contemplated the many ways she could burn him, both literally and figuratively.
“Look at that wicked smile, Tara,” Shelly’s whispered voice said from beside her. “I told you she’s perfect for us.” She tapped Gabby and asked, “You’re totally plotting his demise, aren’t you?”
Damn this girl's niceness. I don’t want to feel included. Any friend I make I’ll only lose. “He’s got it coming to him,” she answered through gritted teeth.
“Tara and I love plotting the demise of the males. We know how to hide bodies.”
“What the?” Tara whisper yelled. “No, we do not.”
“It can’t be that hard. People do it all the time on television,” Shelly countered.
Okay, maybe being this chick's friend is worth the possibility of pain. The girl is twisted.
“That’s all well and good, Mr. Nash, but it certainly
has no bearing on this meeting,” Headmaster Terrick said dryly. “Would the object of Mr. Nash’s affection please introduce herself?”
Don’t be a dick. Don’t be a dick. Don’t be a dick, Gabby mentally chanted as she pulled a sucker from her pocket, unwrapped it, and popped it in her mouth before finally speaking around it. “I’m Gabby Gellar, a student at Crimson Academy. I like to burn things.” Okay, maybe she should have left that part out.
“She’s my hero,” Shelly announced to the room as if it were a completely necessary and appropriate thing to say.
“It’s nice to see that you are making new friends, Ms. Smith,” Terrick said with a humorous glint in his eyes.
Before anyone else could speak, the wall to Gabby’s right shifted. Professor Frost, Professor Warren, and Professor Hart all shifted out of the way as a cyclone came through the stone. When the wind dissipated, a woman stood in a white gown bearing flowing strips that moved slowly as if they were being gently blown by the wind. Her head was covered with a crown of snow-white hair. Like the fabric of her dress, the woman’s hair also gently undulated. Her skin reminded Gabby of that of a Geisha, porcelain and flawless. Her eyes were pale blue, nearly translucent.
The woman didn’t speak. She simply stood looking at the wall from which she had just emerged. Suddenly, the surface began to shimmer, and a few seconds later it looked like lava flowed down the wall. A leg stepped through, followed by the rest of the body it was attached to. She recognized the man immediately as Aviur, the light elemental fire king. He bowed to the white-haired woman, and then both watched the wall again.
The stone turned into a cascading waterfall, and a figure stepped through. She was made of water, or appeared to be, but the liquid quickly evaporated, leaving her looking human, stunning, but human nonetheless. Her hair was blue and rippled like water running over small rocks in a stream. Her skin was pale but with an aquamarine tint. She had eyes as blue as the water in the Caribbean.
“Was there something funny in the orange juice this morning, or did everyone else just witness what could only be described as an acid-tripping event?” Shelly whispered.