by Imogen Rose
“Professor Bern,” she corrected.
“Professor Bern,” he repeated.
“Good. Now, let me introduce you to my team. First, Henri.” She nodded at Henri, who sat to my left. “Henri is my assistant. He’ll be in charge of your sessions. You know Cordelia. Whatever your history is, I don’t really care. Be warned that I won’t tolerate you being disrespectful to her. She’s my apprentice, and you are one of her projects. She will be present at all your sessions and will work under Henri’s supervision. Understood?”
“Yes, m—Professor Bern.”
“Henri, do you have Mason’s file? Could you go over the immediate plan?”
“Certainly.” Henri opened an orange folder lying on the table in front of him and flicked through some loose sheets of paper. “Hmm. Ah. Here it is.” He briefly held up a diagram and then reached back into the folder and pulled out copies for Professor Bern and me. “Mason, I don’t have a copy for you, but you can share with me. Your progress report from your Initiate stint here at Bonfire Academy indicates that very little happened during those sessions. The few you attended.” He peered questioningly at Mason. “Why did you attend so few sessions?”
Mason shrugged.
“You’ll have to do better than shrug,” Professor Bern reprimanded.
“Don’t know,” Mason muttered sullenly.
“Don’t know?” Professor Bern hissed.
“Yeah.” Mason pursed his lips.
“Well, whatever the reason,” Henri said, “the result is that you are pretty much at a beginner Initiate level, as far as your tests are concerned. I’m surprised that you weren’t kept back.”
“He was,” Professor Bern offered. “But Frau Schmelder decided to allow him into the Integration program.”
In other words, his dad’s donation had magically graduated him. I felt another twinge of anger burn through me. Who was he, thinking he could buy his way through life? All I knew about Mason’s biological dad was that he was the shifter sovereign of Paris, a very powerful, and obviously wealthy, man.
Henri nodded knowingly at Professor Bern. “It will be tricky, Mason, but we’ll do our best to allow you to assimilate into the Integration program as much as possible, while trying to catch you up with your tests. The more you cooperate, the easier it will be.”
He still looked sullen, but nodded.
“Good.” Henri looked down at his plan again. “I have the first week’s schedule drawn up. We’ll do two test sessions this week. That’s more than normal—normal being one test every two weeks—but I want to get some baseline measurements down so that we can formulate a proper plan. Is that okay with you?”
“Yeah. I guess.”
“We’ll meet tomorrow morning at ten and then again on Thursday at the same time. We’ll get the tests done in the morning so that you can attend the Integration classes in the afternoon. I notice that you’ve not completed all your Initiation required classes yet, so I’ve slotted those into your schedule, as well. You’re going to be very busy. It’s not usual to assign Integrates mentors, but we’ve felt it necessary in your case. We couldn’t find a suitable student mentor, so we’ve asked the new student advisor, Jagger Deveroux, to mentor you.”
My skin tingled at the mention of Jagger’s name. Student advisor? How the heck had Jagger been persuaded into taking on that role on top of supervising the ski program? And being Mason’s mentor?
Wait. It suddenly dawned on me. He was doing it for me. If it weren’t for me, he wouldn’t even have returned to the Academy, but would be busy getting involved with the Olympic ski team.
“Mason, you may go now. Be back here tomorrow.” Henri rose from his chair and ushered Mason out of the dOME lab.
When Henri returned, he sat back down in his chair and asked, “Cordelia, do you have any questions?” He took a sip out of a large black mug, then smacked his lips, making me flinch.
I gathered my thoughts. “I don’t know where to start. What exactly do you want me to do?”
“I’m sure you must be feeling overwhelmed. There’s no need. I’ll be supervising you closely,” Henri reassured me. “Just be here at eight tomorrow morning to help me set up.”
“But, I need to know a bit more. All I know is that Mason and Faustine are my projects. Does that mean that I’m just supposed to assist you in their tests? Or am I expected to do more stuff?”
“More. But we can deal with the other stuff as the issues arise. No need to burden you all at once. For now, familiarize yourself with Mason’s and Faustine’s files. I’ll have them sent to your iPad.”
“Why is Mason back here at the Academy?” I tried one last time to get some clarity.
“Cordelia.” Professor Bern sighed. “I’ve already told you that! Because of the chamber.”
“I don’t buy that. My apologies if I’m coming across as petulant. I don’t mean to. Mason’s dad could have built the chamber at Boone, but he didn’t. Mason wanted to come back here. And I want to know why.”
Henri took off his glasses and wiped the lenses with the corner of his white sleeve. “I’m sure you’re right. And that’s something we can try to explore during his tests. Let’s get his baselines done this week, and then sit down and figure out how to trigger his transformations. I know that you’ve had issues with him, and it may well be that we use you as one of the stimuli. If, of course, you are amenable to that.”
I nodded. I was more than willing. Finding out what went on in Mason’s head would be priceless.
Professor Bern stood up. “Right. I have to go. I have another meeting. I’ll meet with you on a monthly basis. Let’s say the first Monday every month, but I’m always available, should you need to see me. I’ll leave you in Henri’s capable hands.” With a nod, she turned and walked out of the lab.
I glanced over at Henri. He looked like a stereotypical science nerd. Although he sported geeky round glasses, I could have sworn they weren’t prescription lenses. It seemed weird for him to wear them as a fashion statement, but I guessed they made him feel more confident in Professor Bern’s company. He sure seemed cowed around her, despite her obvious trust in his abilities. I suddenly wondered what he was. I assumed he was a witch, but it was hard to tell just by looking at him. He did seem a bit shy and retiring for a witch. Much as I’d have liked to ask him, I knew that would breach the school’s privacy guidelines, so I didn’t. “Henri, do you need me for anything now? If not, I’ll head over to catch up with my brother.”
“Go. I’ll send the files over to you. Study them before you come over tomorrow.”
“I will.”
I walked over to the Initiate’s dining hall, excited about catching up with my little brother. I hadn’t had much contact with him since I’d been at the Academy, but Mom had filled me in on his latest adventures.
Like me and our other siblings, Pascal had been sent to a regular Parisian school where he had settled in without much drama—to start with, anyway. Initially, the only issue he had was one that most paranormal kids suffered from, especially those with parents in significant positions—being a snotty little brat. He was way better at academics than his human classmates, sponging up any information thrown at him and regurgitating it on demand. He was also much stronger and more agile than the other students, excelling at sports. So my little brother had very quickly developed a sense of supremacy and somehow missed out on the importance of being humble. The more arrogant he became, the more the other kids at school disliked him and joined up against him. The problem escalated with my brother being faced with groups of kids bent on teaching him a lesson. And of course, Pascal retaliated the only way he knew how—with his powers. Bad scene. He was quickly whisked away from school before the stories and rumors surrounding the strange happenings pointed at him. After a dose of homeschooling, he was sent to the Academy.
I spotted him as soon as I walked into the hall. Or at least, I heard him. He was bent over in a chair, laughing loudly. All I could see was his mop of bright or
ange curls bobbing up and down as he shook with glee. The other two boys at the table were chuckling as well, one of them with tears running down his face.
“What’s so funny, boys?” I thumped my brother’s back.
“Hey! That hurt.” Pascal sat up and spied me with a glint in his eye. “Wassup, sis?”
“We’re having lunch together. Remember?”
“Uh?”
“Oh, you can be so annoying. Come on, let’s get a table.”
Pascal stood up, taller than I was by at least half a foot. “Later, mates.” He waved at his friends and followed me to the meat station.
“So, how are you settling in?” I asked once we finished eating.
“It’s cool being in a school with other demons, but I’m not digging the dogs.”
No surprise there. Most demons had an aversion to werewolves. “How are you getting on with the other paranormals?”
“Okay, I suppose. I haven’t come across any vamps yet; they’re all sequestered—the Initiates, anyway—and I haven’t bumped into any Integrate ones yet. All I’ve really had any contact with are a couple of faeries, an incubus, and bunch of trolls. And boy, are those trolls annoying! Have you met the twins, Noella and Rea, yet? That Rea ran past me the other day and grabbed a rack of lamb right off my plate! Unbelievable. And they’re pretty much impossible to catch. I’m going to teach them a lesson if I ever grab them.”
I chuckled. I had heard about those two. They were going to get fried if they weren’t careful. Most trolls, irritating as they were, knew better than to mess with demons. “What about the hybrids?”
“Yeah. Weird stuff. Don’t know what to make of those, yet. Anyhow, there are enough demons to hang out with—a couple of cute girls, as well,” he added with a grin.
“Just use your head,” I warned.
“Why? I thought all those silly human rules didn’t apply here. They shouldn’t, not in a school for paranormals.”
“Of course they don’t. Just don’t hook up with anyone who’s dangerous, that’s all. Like a troll. They can be vicious.” I snickered.
He winked. “As if. You don’t need to worry about me, Sis.”
“Right. Whatever. Are you going to tell me what you did at your old school? Mom was vague.”
“Oh, nothing special. Just possessed a couple of teachers during lessons and had them smack a few of the annoying kids. That’s all. It wasn’t like I got into trouble for it. Not at school anyway. The teachers got fired, though. Bit of an overreaction by Mom to pull me out of school, don’t you think? I shouldn’t have told her. I thought she’d think it was funny.”
I couldn’t help but laugh, imagining my brother possessing some poor teacher. He really was naughty. I’d love to see him try that at the Academy.
“See? You think it’s funny,” he said triumphantly.
“Funny, but stupid. Especially telling Mom.”
“Yeah. But no biggie. I wanted to come here anyway.”
“Well, that was the plan. I’m glad to have you here. Let’s try to meet up regularly, and you can come over and hang out in my room sometimes.”
“Will do. Who’s the broody guy by the door? He’s staring at us.”
I didn’t have to turn around to know that it was Jagger. I had felt his urgency already.
“That’s my friend Jagger. Looks important; I have to go.” I stood up and tousled Pascal’s hair.
“Later, Sis.”
I felt my skin tingle as I walked toward Jagger. I was almost afraid, which was silly. But the thought of not being totally in control unnerved me, and I was never totally that when close to him. Somehow, he overpowered me, and that was something I needed to work on. What kind of pathetic demon would allow a faery to control her? Not right at that minute, though. I practically floated toward him in a moronic comatose state.
“Cordelia.” His tone was unexpectedly harsh. I looked up at him, trying to read his mood.
“Hey, Jagger. Did you have a nice break? Where did you go?” I smiled, hoping he’d melt just a bit.
He held me in his steely gaze, His only concession being a gentle caress of my cheek. He clenched his jaw. “Cordelia, Faustine just received a death threat.”
The walk to The Smelt’s office was made in silence, as Jagger and I hurried through the crowded hallways, jogging most of the way. Still, I was aware of my uncontrollable desire for Jagger the entire time. I fought my thoughts, concentrating on moving as fast as I could.
Frau Smelt’s large office was full of chatter when Jagger and I walked in.
“Good, you found her.” The room went quiet as Frau Smelt raised her voice. “Sit down.”
I found Faustine sitting next to Quinn. I nodded at Martha and Professor Bern, wondering what they were doing there. Faustine was slumped back in her chair, not looking the least bit perturbed. I perched on the stool by the door, and Jagger stood beside me.
“Okay, we have everyone here. Faustine, your father is on his way, but we can talk to him later. Now, show everyone what you found.”
Faustine looked reluctant as she held up a sheet of paper. “Do you want me to read it?”
“Yes, go ahead.” Frau Smelt took off her glasses and peered at Faustine intently. “Jagger and I have already read it, but let’s share it with Professor Bern, Quinn, Martha, and Cordelia. I asked Quinn to come, as he’s been so involved with Faustine.”
Faustine cleared her throat and began reading:
“Your final deep breath
Comes gifted in blood and pain
Followed by silence.”
I shuddered as a chill surged through me. A death threat delivered in a haiku. Jeez. The room was silent as we all looked at one another—Frau Schmelder, Professor Bern, Faustine, Quinn, Jagger, and me. And I was pretty sure Ryker was invisibly hovering to listen in on the conversation.
“A creepy haiku.” Faustine rolled her eyes. “Really no big deal, but Martha insisted I show it to Frau Schmelder.”
“And I’m glad you did,” The Smelt replied.
“Where did you find it, Faustine?” I asked.
“It was stuck to my door, just folded over, with my name on the other side.”
“It’s obviously Mason,” I spluttered. “He shouldn’t be here.”
“We can’t be sure,” Frau Smelt replied. “We don’t think he’s had the opportunity to leave the note outside Faustine’s door. He’s been with Ryker or Jagger all day. That’s not to say that he isn’t involved and collaborating with someone.”
“Did you check the surveillance camera? Surely it picked up on whoever left the note?” I asked.
“Unfortunately not. The note seems to just appear between two frames.”
“Someone who was able to make himself invisible. Can Mason do that?”
“I am not allowed to share that with you, Cordelia, as you know,” The Smelt replied. “But I have no reason to believe it was him.”
“So, a flaming invisible haiku killer. Peachy,” Martha drawled. “Now what?”
Faustine puffed out her chest. “I really don’t think this is a big deal. Probably just Mason being an ass. He must have gotten one of his pack to deliver it, or someone else. I’m not the least bit scared of him.”
With her fourteenth birthday not far away, she still looked so young and innocent—almost exactly the same as when I had met her for the first time, a year ago, in that very office. Almost. She had grown some, of course, and was blossoming into an absolutely stunning young woman, which wasn’t the least bit surprising considering who her mother was—the very gorgeous Lady Annabel. In addition, she seemed to be surrounded by a don’t-mess-with-me aura. Unearthing her powers had given her a sense of confidence that was perhaps a bit dangerous, especially since she didn’t know how to fully control them, yet.
I could see Quinn and Jagger were both thinking the same as we watched her trying to downplay the message. Hopefully, the act was partly bravado to hide her real fear and not just an unreasonable belief that she w
as omnipotent. From the sweat lightly beading her brow, I guessed the former.
“Faustine, I need you to take this very seriously,” The Smelt admonished. “It might be Mason working in collaboration with someone. Or like you said, he may have simply asked someone uninvolved to deliver the letter. The point is that we simply don’t know. I’ll be investigating this, and I’ll question Mason, who’s waiting next door. I do need you to remain on alert, and think about moving in with Cordelia for now. That’s okay with you, isn’t it, Cordelia?”
“Yes, of course. But I’m not going to be able to watch her twenty-four-seven due to my other commitments.”
“I don’t expect you to. Quinn has kindly offered to help out, so someone should be with her at all times. Martha, mostly, since their classes coincide.”
Faustine looked unhappy, but didn’t challenge Frau Smelt.
“Faustine, you have class right now,” The Smelt continued. “So head on over. I’m going to get Mason in here once you’ve gone.”
“But I want to stay while you question Mason,” Faustine protested.
“No. Go to class,” Frau Schmelder said firmly and waved her to the door.
Faustine stood up in slow motion and dragged her feet on the way to the door, throwing me a tell-me-everything look before she left. Martha followed her out and shut the door behind them.
“Right, any ideas?” Frau Smelt asked, looking from Jagger and Quinn to me.
“It had to be Mason,” I repeated. “Let’s get him in here.”
Frau Schmelder buzzed Mrs. Stone on the intercom and asked for Mason to be brought into her office. The door opened, and a striking girl entered. Even though we all knew who she was, I heard sharp intakes of breath from everyone. It was unusual for Mason to manifest in his female persona. What game was he… she playing? It was really confusing thinking of Mason as a she when I mostly knew him as a male. Last year, Jagger, Quinn, and I had figured out that Mason was a gynandromorph shifter, able to shift from his eagle manifestation to either a boy or a girl in human form. I wondered if Frau Schmelder and Professor Bern knew about the phenomenon.