This academy isn’t a bad place. Earth had its problems like every place else, but this isn’t the place for me. Cosima must listen to me and leave with me. If she stays, I can’t protect her.
I wish I could take my Luc with me. Leaving him here would kill a piece of me inside, yet this was probably the best place for him to be.
Wham! I shot straight up in my bed. Who was pounding on my door like a stampede of bulls? Creeping to the door, I peeked out of the peephole. A sigh of relief escaped me when I saw Cosima standing there. She looked tired and worn out.
I swung the door open.
“Why are you out this late?” I glanced down the hallway and frowned. There weren’t any students out and most were probably asleep.
Cosima pushed through the door. “You went to the bathroom and never came back. You knew we were partners today. Why would you do that?”
Rolling my eyes. I locked the door. “We can’t be the only two witches here. They should have assigned you another partner.”
Running a hand through my hair, I looked at my sister, who lay sprawled out on my bed. My sister seemed to only see things her way. Gritting my teeth, I tried to ignore the pain in head, as I moved my hair over the wound.
“The people here are not nice. I have made my decision. Are you staying?”
Cosima shot up. “Has something happened? Why are you so determined to leave the academy?”
“I don’t think this is the right place. I want to check on father.”
She squinted at me. “What happened to your forehead?”
I walked to the refrigerator in the corner and grabbed two bottled waters. “I was attacked when I went to the bathroom.”
Pacing, I tossed a bottle of water to her. My mouth was parched. Opening the bottle, I took several big gulps before replacing the cap on the bottle.
Cosima jumped up. “Why would a girl attack you?”
“It was a man. He came into the bathroom and slammed my head against the tile, and thankfully my hard head came in handy.”
Cosima bit her lips. “We can go check on father and come back.”
Rubbing my arms, I sat next to her on the bed. I watched her out the corner of my eyes. “I don’t want to come back.”
“Do you want me to beg you? They need you here and so do I,” said Cosima.
I sighed. I love my sister but she rubs me the wrong way, like jock itch. We’re twins but we don’t have to be joined at the hip. What kind of sister would I be, if something happens to her, and I had the power to protect her?
“We can go check on him after we go on the first mission,” said Cosima. She jumped up to her feet and walked to the door.
“This isn’t one of your fancy novels. This is real life and a mistake will cost you your life.”
I watched her back stiffen. Her hand was on the doorknob but she hadn’t opened it. “I’m not helpless. I was humiliated today, but not for lack of skills.”
She opened the door.
I frowned. My sister was type A personality and she is very competitive. I’m not surprised that she was humiliated but I don’t know why. “Why were you humiliated?”
“I realized that there’s nothing wrong with training. My powers are not mastered but I unlocked other powers. I learned more about myself today than I have my whole life,” said Cosima.
3
Zarin Goldbach
Maximus was like a machine. He trained us hard. He was unyielding, and thoroughly observant. We trained outside underneath the moonlight. My body was coated in sweat, and my muscles ached. The cool wind flowed over my heated skin as I watched the pack practice. There was training then there was this. Every day at two in the morning no matter the elements, we came out here and trained.
The sky was still dark. It was ten after two in the morning and there was a light drizzle in the air. Like the day before, Maximus paired us off into groups of two. We faced off and trained. Hours later I had knocked Frank down several times, so I stepped away from him.
Frank elbowed me. “Why did you stop training?”
He circled me with his arms wide. The side of his head was swelling and the glint in his eyes suggested he was enjoying fighting.
I shrugged. “I needed a moment. I’m not a morning person.” Strolling toward the trees, I sat down on the ground.
A second later, a shrill whistle rang out from Maximus’s lips and everyone stopped training and gathered around him. Jumping to my feet, I traversed over to the crowd. Maximus and Orio stood in the center while everyone quieted down.
Maximus held his hand up. “We have been training hard this week, and it’s only going to get harder. Tonight, I’m going to take two small groups on a recon mission, to see what our enemy is up two.”
This time around the pack had been insightful. It wasn’t bad or painful. Maximus was strict and he didn’t hold anything back. His candor was refreshing.
“If I call your name, meet me back here in a half an hour,” said Maximus.
Frank nudged me. “I hope he calls my name. I want to see the shape shifting demons,” said Frank.
“Orion, Frank, Zarin, and Akio, you guys will come with me.”
Turning I headed toward my room. It was four of us going, but that didn’t seem like enough. Frowning, I walked into my cottage. When Maximus said the problem here in the city was bad with the demons, I didn’t believe him, but he had not exaggerated the issue. If anything, things seemed worse. Flopping down on the bed, I stared at the ceiling. Closing my eyes, I intended to get a quick nap, but the pounding on my door, made me flinch.
Jumping up, I thrust the door open. Frank pushed inside.
“Do you think we’ll get to kill some demons?” asked Frank.
Running my hand through my hair I breathed deep. “I hope we can observe, get the upper hand, and come back all in one piece.”
Walking to the refrigerator, I grabbed two waters and tossed Frank one of them. Twisting the cap off, I tossed it in the trash and guzzled the cold liquid. My throat was parched and my stomach quivered.
Frank placed the water bottle on the floor. “Are you telling me, you are scared?”
Rolling me eyes, I chuckled. “The battle we are fighting now, will require stealth and cunning.”
Frank stood. “I’m excited so I’ll let you be cautious.”
He moved to the door and opened it.
I shook my head. “I suggest you get some rest.”
When we all met Maximus, he stood waiting on us, with Cade Cohen from the academy. Frank almost bounced on each of his toes. Orion was standing off to the side, fussing over Akio. He looked like a lovesick puppy. It was funny to see, Orion falling over a girl, when he was a very aggressive guy.
Maximus held up his hand. “Orion and Akio, you are a team, and Frank and Zarin you are a team. Cade and I will be a team,” said Maximus.
Two hours later, we arrived at a traditional house. It looked like a mansion. The house had stucco and dark brick. The neighborhood was like any other of the nice homes. Maximus signaled for Frank and me to go around the back of the house.
Approaching the back of the house I saw a ton of trees and headed back there. Pointing to the third tree, I signaled for Frank to head there. Glancing back, I crept towards the house, stealing up to the red back door.
Peaking in the window I saw that the kitchen was empty. Ducking I tried to door handle. It was unlocked. Wiping my shoes on the brown worn out welcome mat, I snuck inside. I was about to shut the door when someone’s hand pushed me forward. Turning with my hands raised, I froze. Frank had rushed in behind me.
Shaking my head, I pointed toward the trees, silently demanding that he go back to the secure position. Heavy footsteps pounded on the staircase, and I rushed into the den crouching low against the wall. Frank disappeared around the corner.
The footsteps stopped in the kitchen and the refrigerator door screaked open.
“Trevor is crazy. I don’t think we should deal with them,” said Greg.
“Greg, the witches could be useful to use. Stop being so paranoid about them. This is a good thing,” said David.
“David? Why is the door cracked opened?” asked Greg.
Closing my eyes, I cursed Frank. He may have just ruined everything. If they searched the house, we may not get out of here alive. If they find me, then they may think I’m alone, and not search the rest of the house.
My ears perked as I listened to their footsteps. One guy closed the back door and locked it. The other footsteps walked inside the kitchen.
“Nora is a beautiful woman, and she has the power to help us get rid of the angels at the academy. We also have the freaks on our side,” said David.
How did these demons forge an alliance with Nora so soon? What the heck did Nora want? She wanted to kill Cosima and Chaniya but why. What am I missing?
“I wouldn’t call the genetically altered humans freaks. They will probably carve your tongue out. Let’s get some rest. We’ll need it when we meet with the mages in three days.”
My breath stilled. Forcing the thoughts out my mind, I brought myself back to reality. This wasn’t the time to get lost in my thoughts. Heck. I’m in my enemies’ house, out numbered and at a disadvantage. Once their footsteps faded into the distance, I peeked my head above the wall ledge. I rushed out the backdoor.
When I went to the rendezvous point there was Frank. Looking around, I frowned.
“Where is everybody?”
I was freaking out. I ran two miles then turned around to face Frank. “Where are they?”
Frank waved me on. “Maximus said to wait for you and to meet them back at the house.”
We ran fast and didn’t stop until we made it back. I needed to get back to Maximus and tell him what I found out. I’m not sure what he knows but hopefully, the information I overheard will help us win this battle against the demons.
My heart didn’t stop running a marathon even when we reached the safety of the pack. I rushed toward the crowd where Maximus and the others stood. Everyone looked somber and tense, and my stomach dropped when I reached Maximus.
I frowned looking at all the others. None of them appeared to have met with any resistance from the demons.
Biting my lip, I watched him close. “Why did you guys leave?”
Maximus’s eyes narrowed. “We got what we came for and you disobeyed orders and went inside the enemies holding.”
This is one reason why I didn’t want to join a pack. I’m used to doing what the heck I want to do. I’m eighteen years old, and I’ve been on my own, ever since I was twelve.
I stumbled a step back, as if Maximus struck me. “The back door was unlocked and I went inside to see what intel I could gather us.”
“You disobeyed my orders, and almost got yourself and Frank killed,” said Maximus.
My hands balled into tight fist. If I get myself killed then that is my business, but I didn’t risk Frank’s life.
“I’m sure he found out something we needed to know. Maximus, you saw how the lights had come on in the house as they searched it. He had stayed hidden risking his life, surely he did it for the information he found,” said Orion.
Frank stepped up beside me, pushing the others out his way. “He didn’t make me go inside. I went in after him, despite him telling me to hold position,” said Frank.
Cade tossed the rock that was in hand in the creek. “We found out that Trevor, promised the witches, a DNA sample of the mutagens, giving them extradentary powers.”
I sank to the large boulder near me. The strength in my lower limb left me. Nora already held immense power and I wasn’t sure how we could stop her. If she were to get a hold of more power, the battle to kill her and subdue her army would be lost. “We can’t let her get any more power.”
Cade shook his head in agreement. “Tell us something we don’t know.”
Frank hung his head. “When they started searching through the house, they were almost upon my hiding place in the living room, when I noticed a window was open. I jumped through it without hesitating and landed in a thorny rose bush.”
Akio doubled over with her laughter. “Is that why you’re walking funny?”
I rubbed my temples, trying to ward off the headache I felt coming on. The pounding at my temples was a low nagging ache like a pained tooth. “Trevor is working with Nora to destroy the academy. He also has an alliance with the mutagens. He will meet with Nora in three days.”
Maximus paced. “Trevor doesn’t have an alliance with all the mutagens, but he probably has plans too. He has a few on his side. He is a master manipulator,” said Maximus.
Cade started walking off. “I have to get back to the academy and report what we’ve found out tonight.”
I jumped to my feet as thoughts of Cosima flooded my mind. “This has something to do with Cosima and Chaniya. Nora wants them dead, so there must be a reason why. We need to keep them alive and find out what they have to do with this. Valcrum told Cosima she was needed for this war.”
Maximus frowned. “Hell, Chaniya doesn’t want to be at the academy. How are we supposed to keep that hellcat safe? She’s more trouble than she’s worth, I’m thinking.”
Cade stopped. “We need to find out why Nora wants them dead. They are twins but Cosima is the nice and meek one. Chaniya is the complete opposite. We have to have Cosima convince her sister to stay.”
Maximus snorted. “She tried to fight Liam. She might be the more powerful witch out of the two, but she is trouble. I feel it deep in my bones.”
I bit my lip. Chaniya isn’t the most powerful witch out of the two. Cosima hasn’t come into all her power. Valcrum help us, when she does.
4
Cossima
Chaniya looked shocked. It almost made me laugh but I held it inside, barely. Today felt like an emotional rollercoaster, and I was so ready to get off. A guy had attacked her again. We are at an academy mostly filled with angels. I guess, I shouldn’t be surprised but I am baffled none the less. The sight of the large wound on her head, made me grind my teeth.
“What new powers did you unlock?” asked Chaniya.
I smiled. “I realized the power we have in our bond with Valcrum.”
Closing her door, I headed toward my own room. Earth was nothing like I thought it would be. The academy wasn’t what I thought it would be. There was danger outside these walls and obviously dangers inside the walls.
Chaniya ran out of her room, slamming her door shut racing to me, jerking on my arm. “Wait. Did you not pay attention to anything I told you? You are not going anywhere alone,” she huffed. “I called Luc, he will escort both of us, back to our rooms.”
We waited up against the wall, until Luc came strolling toward us.
“You didn’t have to do that. It shouldn’t take me long to get to my room.”
“That’s what I thought when I went into the bathroom, but a moment later, I realized my error in judgment,” muttered Chaniya.
I sighed and leaned my head on the wall. She seemed focused on what I’d learned. She would have learned something new today too if she hadn’t left. A shudder ran through me as a mental image formed of her being attacked in the bathroom. I’m not sure I’ll ever be able to go to the bathroom alone again.
“When I focused on my relationships with Valcrum, I unlocked the ability to become invisible.”
“How did you do that? What did you say, exactly,” asked Chaniya?
Luc stopped in front of us. “Are you alright,” he asked.
He spoke to both of us, but as was his habit; he only had eyes for Chaniya.
Bright light poured through the window. I groaned and tossed the cover over my head. I’m exhausted. It had been impossible for me to fall asleep once Luc and Chaniya had walked me back here. Like a child, gifted with a new toy, excitement thumped throughout my body all night. It’s true I have a long way to go, but I am improving and that’s a step in the right direction.
Smiling I flipped over on my bac
k, I closed my eyes again; a sense of peace came over me.
Bam. Bam. Bam. The pounding on my door made me frown and I turned on my side. Warmth enveloped me as I dug myself deeper under the duvet.
“I know you’re in there. Get up and let me in,” said Griselda.
Turning over I peaked at the door. “Come back in a day or two. I’m sleep.”
Griselda laughed. “You have to get out the bed anyway. We must be gathered in the auditorium in an hour. Look under your door, you’ll see the notice.”
Thrusting the duvet away from me, I stretched and walked to the door. I bent down to pick up the rolled-up paper, opening the door.
Griselda walked in and pulled the chair away from the oak desk in the corner and sank in it.
Closing the door. I swiftly read the paper.
Tossing the paper in the trash, I walked to the bed and sank down on it. “Do you know why we all have to gather in the auditorium?”
Griselda shrugged. “I think it has something to do with the threat the school faces with these new enemies.”
“Why, was Nora here? I don’t believe in coincidences and she must be up to something big. If Nora was here, then dad was safe.”
I flung the closet door open. “We’ve only had one training session. I hope this isn’t bad news. We are not ready for another attack.”
Jerking the complimentary clothes out the closet, I strolled into the bathroom and hung the outfit on the towel rack. The small bathroom had a toilet in the middle of the floor. There was a small shower with a plastic enclosure flush up against the wall.
I picked up my detangling brush and looked at her. Griselda was bent over her phone texting. It was crazy how fast her fingers flew across the keyboard. “I’m going to take a quick shower and then I’ll be ready.”
She looked up from her phone. “I’m going to see if I can find out what Reginal knows. He always hears the latest gossip.”
An hour later, I walked out the steamed filled bathroom, with my hair damp and piled on my head. The clothes were tight on me, and I hated that I wasn’t a size two. I have an athletic build but I have wide hips and voluptuous breast.
Unwanted Witch Page 2