by Imogen Rose
The next visual was a new one, a clip of a hallway at a human school. Colton had managed to get the clip off the Internet. From the camera angle, I could tell Faustine would see herself standing by a semi-open locker. Groups of students milled around, chatting, getting stuff from their lockers, and walking to class.
A group of girls appeared, walking toward the locker where Faustine was positioned. I glanced over at her in the chamber. She was standing up, looking at where the girls would be in her vision. I looked at the monitor again as one of the girls—a mean-looking brunette with green eyes—punched the spot where Faustine stood. I quickly looked back at the chamber. Faustine was flailing her arms around. Looking back at the monitor again, I noted that all the girls—six of them—were laying into Faustine. In the chamber, Faustine was showing off her fancy kickboxing. I remembered that she’d mentioned taking some classes. She was really into it, giving it her all. I breathed a sigh of relief that she’d not transformed.
Colton changed the visual back to her bedroom. After a short break for Faustine, he ran the final visual, a clip Asmen had asked us to play. The movie showed the initial minutes of the recording from the incident with Nari. I had objected to the stimulus, but was overruled by The Smelt. I noticed Faustine’s body tense as soon as Nari’s human form came into view. As expected, she transformed as soon as Nari phased into his panther form. I heard gasps from Asmen, Professor Kunz, and Frau Schmelder at her transformation; none of them were used to seeing her over-the-top, impressive demon form.
I could hardly breathe as the panther charged her. A dropping pin would have been heard in the room, and everyone held their breath. I froze in anticipation. I was scared to watch what she’d do, but forced myself to look at the chamber. Faustine held out her arms as though she’d grabbed hold of the panther, and then proceeded to slap him around. She made a throwing motion toward the wall and transformed back into her human form.
I breathed out in relief. “That concludes the test. I’ll go get her.”
Once we were all sitting around the table again, I couldn’t help saying, “Well, that went well.”
“Hmm,” Asmen said. “I agree somewhat. Faustine, you did much better than I expected. However, what’s to stop you from transforming if say, a normal dog attacks you? It won’t be a pretty sight if you do that to someone’s poodle in the middle of Park Avenue.”
“I can tell a normal dog from a shifter,” she said sullenly. She had to be exhausted after that test, but she needed to remain respectful in order to get through the process. I threw her a warning look.
“I didn’t transform when I saw the spider,” she added in her defense. “That’s just a regular animal.”
Asmen shrugged. “That was just a spider.”
“Actually,” I said, “it’s not just a spider. The spider happens to be Faustine’s Achilles’ heel, so to speak. We tested her against a number of different animals, with the spider being the one that elicited the strongest reaction. During the initial Initiation session, Faustine transformed fully when she was presented with one, doing considerable harm to both herself and the chamber.”
“Fair enough. But even so, should she not be able to ignore the spider altogether? That was an unnecessarily violent reaction, even in her human form,” Asmen insisted.
“Yes,” Professor Bern interjected. “However, that’s not within the scope of the training we provide. As far as I am concerned, she passed with flying colors. She didn’t transform in the settings where she shouldn’t have, and in the paranormal setting, she showed restraint.”
“By not actually eating Nari this time?” Asmen asked.
“That, and by transforming back to her human form so easily. She showed full control,” Professor Kunz said.
Asmen gazed at Faustine. “I’m sorry if you feel I’m being hard on you, but after all that happened, I was asked to make sure that you’re not excused for your behavior, that the Academy doesn’t let you graduate without fair assessment of what you did. Do you understand?”
“Yes, and I’m really sorry. Not a day goes by when I don’t feel sick about what I did. But there’s nothing I can do to undo it, other than just trying to be a better person in the future.”
Asmen nodded. “This is not about you feeling ‘sick’ about what you did. I am not exactly sure what you mean by that. This is only about your loss of control. That’s all. I have to make sure that you don’t kill in an out-of-control manner.”
She nodded.
“Okay, Faustine, you are excused. The panel will discuss your results, and we’ll let you have our decision by the end of the day.”
Even though I was lying in my most favorite place—the crook of Jagger’s left arm—I felt a sense of deep sadness, bordering on grief. It was my last day at Bonfire Academy, a place that had been my home for nearly five years. It was finally time for me to leave and move on with the rest of my life. Not that I wasn’t looking forward to jumping into King Sebastian’s world. From what I had seen of it so far, it was going to be one hell of a ride. I would miss lazy mornings lying in my boyfriend’s arms, staring out at the magnificent snow-capped peaks of the St. Moritz Mountains—the mountains where we’d had so much fun skiing and, lately, skydiving. I wondered what Quinn was up to. It was his last day, too.
“You look sad,” Jagger whispered.
“I am a bit. I’m going to miss this place.”
“Yep, me too.” He planted a kiss on top of my head.
“I guess we’d better get ready,” I said, wondering if they’d miss us if we just skipped it all together. Of course, we couldn’t, and I didn’t even really want to. It was also Faustine’s last day.
She’d been so excited when she’d gotten the call from Frau Schmelder just an hour after her evaluation session. I had known, having been part of the decision, which was unanimous. Of course, no one could guarantee any graduate’s behavior after the student left the academy. Everyone on the panel felt that Faustine was ready for reintegration into human society. Her paranormal life needed work, but staying in the school would hinder her reintroduction into human society. Her father providing a paranormal tutor went a long way in the decision process. The Academy’s work was thus done, and I’d watched as Faustine’s face lit up in excitement when she was told the outcome.
“I made it! O-M-G! What should I wear to graduation?”
I giggled as I watched her face fall just a smidge when I told her that the Academy uniform was a must under the graduation gown.
“Gah! Oh well, at least I’ll get a gown.”
I was brought back into the present by Jagger running his fingers up my spine, making me feel all kinds of sensations that weren’t going to help me get up and dressed.
I giggled. “Hey, we’re going to be la—”
He covered my lips with his.
We missed breakfast with the gang, but made it to the auditorium in plenty of time. The place buzzed with activity, and the new graduates were already seated in the front rows. I spotted Faustine immediately; she was standing up and waving at me.
“Go ahead,” Jagger said. “I’ll grab us some seats.”
“Thanks.” I made my way down the aisle toward Faustine.
“Hey! You didn’t make it to breakfast.” She pouted.
“I slept in. Sorry about that. Congrats, my fave demon.” I kissed her cheek.
She melted and hugged me back.
“Hi, Cordelia,” Viola said from the seat next to Faustine. Her twin waved at me, too.
“Glad you two made it. How are you liking New York?”
“Love it!” Audrey replied. “We can’t wait for Faustine to introduce us to the in crowd, though.”
“I’m not sure I even know who they are anymore,” Faustine mumbled.
“Your mom will,” Viola said. “I saw her at Barney’s the other day. I wanted to go up and introduce myself, but I chickened out.”
“Why?” Faustine asked. “You should have. She’ll love you.”
&nb
sp; “Oh, look!” Viola pointed toward the door. “There’s Ryker.”
I looked and saw Ryker and Mason walk into the auditorium together, both fully gowned up. I wondered how they’d managed to graduate. There was no way Mason could have passed an evaluation similar to Faustine’s. And Ryker…had he attended any classes or test sessions at all?
Viola and Audrey got to their feet and made their way toward Ryker.
“They got pretty close during Integration,” Faustine explained.
“Really?” I guessed my interest in Ryker had only extended as far as his involvement with Faustine. Ryker’s eyes lit up when he saw the twins, embracing them as they giggled uncontrollably.
“Yep. Anyhow, there’s Dad. He was at breakfast, and he said he wants a word with you. Go ahead. I’ll be fine. I’m going to catch up with Quinn.”
“Oh. Quinn’s here?”
“Yeah, over there.”
I followed her glance. He looked good in full graduation regalia. I waved at him. “Tell him I’ll try to catch up with him after the ceremony. Okay, see you later. Smooches.”
I walked over to the dignitary area, where King Sebastian was engrossed in conversation with King Albert and McKenzie. I noticed the woman sitting on the other side of him, a stunning blonde dressed in black, with a thin embroidered veil attached to a pillbox hat covering her intense red eyes. There was no doubt in my mind that she was Martha’s mom, the sovereign demon of Dallas. I walked toward them, not sure what to say, and was relieved when King Sebastian noticed me and stood to meet me.
“Ah, Cordelia. I believe the ceremony is supposed to start soon, but could we have a quick chat?”
I nodded, and he led me out of the auditorium and into the hallway. His demeanor changed as soon as we were on our own; gone was the easy charm. King Sebastian combed his hair back with his fingers, looking decidedly worried.
“What’s going on?” I asked.
“Cordelia, I did say that you could have a few days off before coming to London, but I’m hoping that you can change your plans and come right away.”
“Mom is expecting me, but I guess I could, if you really need me. Why the rush?”
He held out a piece of paper. I took it—another haiku.
Angel blood is sweet
And angel demon sweeter
Can’t resist Kismet
“I’m sorry. I don’t get this one. Do you know what it means?” I asked. “Apart from this Kismet bit. Is it threatening her?”
“Yes, and she’s in New York at the moment, so I’ll need to go there right after the ceremony.”
The auditorium bell sounded, signaling that we needed to be seated.
“We’d better go. I’ll have to explain later,” King Sebastian said. “I need you to go to London. A car will be ready to take you to the airport. My assistant, Dorian, will be at the other end to update you.”
I went back into the auditorium and sat down next to Jagger.
“What’s up, babe?”
I slid my chair closer to his, slipping my arm into the crook of his elbow. “I have to go to London right after the ceremony.”
“Why? I thought we were going there together on Monday.”
“I know, but King Sebastian just asked me to go now.”
“Okay, I’ll come with you.”
“Oh, no. No need to change your plans. Go home and see your mom. I’ll see you on Monday like we planned.”
“Hmm. I don’t know. I don’t like this sudden change in plans.”
“Whatever is going on is happening in New York, not London. I’ll be fine.”
“Oh, before I forget, Quinn’s looking for you. He wondered if you could find him after the ceremony to say good-bye before we go. He said that he texted you.”
“Thanks. Will do. We better shush; here comes Frau Schmelder.” I checked my phone for the text from Quinn. He wanted me to stop by his room at the skydiving center. I’d have the chauffeur make a quick stop. I was so glad we’d managed to restore our friendship.
The auditorium fell silent as The Smelt took up her position behind the podium. She looked regal in her graduation gown, with her hair put back in a twist.
“Welcome to Integration graduation,” she said, and the room erupted into applause.
She held up her right hand and waited for everyone to calm down. “This has been an extraordinarily charged year. Before I say anymore, I’d like us to observe two minutes of silence, in remembrance of the two students we lost—Martha Wills and Nari Russo. Please stand.”
I rose and closed my eyes, remembering Martha and wondering what was going through her mom’s mind at the moment.
“Your Highness,” The Smelt said after the two minutes were up, “please accept my very deepest condolences.” She nodded toward where Martha’s mom was sitting.
King Sebastian put his arm around Martha’s mom, who leaned into him. They were obviously very close.
The Smelt turned to Professor Kunz. “Professor, thank you for guiding this intake through Integration.” She looked toward the rest of the staff. “None of this would be possible without each and every one of you doing your part, so I thank you. I’d also like to take this opportunity to thank all the parents for their support and the students for working so hard to get to this point. Students, you are now ready to graduate! Some of you have opted to stay on to take advantage of our Enrichment program, but others will leave and head out into the world outside this Academy. You are ready for that, and I look forward to hearing of your progress and achievements. I am excited for each and every one of you. I’d like you to remember what you’ve learned here. Take the three golden rules with you; they will be even more relevant out there. In addition to those, remember the following, even think of it as the platinum rule: We must work together to remain undetected by the humans.
“With that, let’s get started. Asmen, are you ready with the diplomas?”
Asmen walked onto the stage and took his place next to The Smelt. He called out each name and waited for the student to walk up on the stage to be handed his or her diploma. Student after student walked up in an orderly manner to get their scrolls, posing briefly with The Smelt for the obligatory photo before returning to their places. Professor Bern returned the powers of the shifter and demon students as soon as they were given their diplomas.
I could hardly breathe when Mason’s name was called. Surely The Smelt wasn’t going to reinstall his powers. He walked onto the stage, nodding at his father, who sat in the dignitary section. Mason grabbed the scroll from Asmen and walked up to The Smelt, glaring at her. She frowned, hesitating. The entire auditorium was spellbound as Frau Schmelder seemed to have a major moment of indecision. But she nodded at Professor Bern, who then reinstated his powers.
“Mason,” she said, her tone hard. “Remember that this power comes with responsibility.” She stepped back as Mason transformed into a magnificent eagle. He extended his wings and took to the air. He circled the auditorium a few times, with everyone crouching down in their seats, arms covering heads, before he flew out the door his father held open for him.
Once the auditorium had silenced under The Smelt’s death glare, Asmen moved back to the microphone.
“Ryker Darley,” he called. Even though there was no way he could top his half brother’s little performance, I heard Spencer Darley cheer loudly as Ryker walked up to get his diploma.
When Faustine’s name was called, I stood and yelled in delight. She gracefully approached the podium and transformed. She bowed to the audience in her demon form before elegantly changing back into her human one for the picture with Frau Smelt.
I felt a lump in my throat when the last Integrate walked off the stage. This was it. Jagger put his arm around me as The Smelt returned to stand behind the podium. “Congratulations to the new Bonfire Academy graduates!”
“Is everything under control? It’s time to deliver on your first haiku.”
“Mostly,” Robert said. “We’ve had one hiccup th
us far.”
“What?” Miss Miller hissed. “We can’t afford any mistakes.”
“We’d expected Faustine to ride home with her father, but they left separately. We haven’t been able to pick her up yet, but I’ll get on it. It shouldn’t be too difficult.”
“I can do it,” Mason offered.
“Don’t underestimate her,” Miss Miller warned. “Remember that she has her powers back. What about Sebastian, Joplin, Alexander, and Cordelia?”
“We got Sebastian and Joplin on their way to the airport. And I had Alexander picked up in New York. Cordelia, I believe, is on her way here. Quinn?”
“Yes.” Quinn walked over to his office window and looked down into the parking lot. “Here she is now. You guys better disappear. I’ll bring her to New York as planned.”
“Potomal’s crew is on their way to help you with that,” Miss Miller said. “Keep it simple. Just a sharp blow to her head ought to do it.”
Whenever I write this section of my book, I imagine myself standing on a stage, holding a little golden statue. I look over the room full of people, feeling overcome with gratitude, knowing that without all them, this book would remain a figment of my imagination.
The first person my eyes find is my youngest daughter, Lauren, now eleven years old and grinning at me with her shiny new braces. Without her, there would be no stories…no books. She is my muse.
Next to her sits my dear friend and editor, Sue Bernstein, perhaps relieved that she’s no longer visiting my head…until I send her the next book. I bet she never expected to be editing my seventh book when she unsuspectingly offered to edit my first one a few years ago. There is no one else I would trust with my beloved characters.
Late at night, when I’m up writing, there is always one person I can depend upon to be around—Al Kunz. To call him just my beta reader doesn’t begin to describe our friendship. He is the brother I never had. Similarly, the best way to describe how I feel about Allirea Brumley—who also beta reads for me—is to say that she is like a sister. Sometimes, you can choose your family.