Icefire: Shifter Academy

by Alessandra Jay

  As she wrote down each weapon in her journal, she double labeled the ones she thought were the most lethal. Her favorites were the ones that struck with her ice but did damage with her fire. Much like her ice whip, there was a dagger that shined bright from the ice but glowed an orange from the burning fire inside. The dagger would pierce the target, then immediately melt into deadly lava.

  Another favorite were pellets made of ice but shaped like miniature icicles. Those were filled with a fiery poison that exploded upon contact. But her top favorite was a shield. The outer layer was thick with ice, shaped like a diamond. It was weightless and impossible to pierce--or so she hoped.

  After she filled fifteen pages of potential weapons, she dragged her feet to bed and threw herself on it. Her body was so numb that it felt as if she'd worked out all day. Her brain felt fuzzy and her arms heavy on her body. Juliet wasn’t tired before and she was not going to let the sleepiness take over because she was committed to training herself if she was needed. She wanted to be needed.

  Staring at the ceiling was sure to put her to sleep and she refused to waste her time that way. She knew she was too exhausted to keep training and she didn’t think she could think of any other weaponry. Thinking of calling her father to see if she could take him up on his offer, she bravely pulled out her phone. Only, it wasn’t as easy as asking the question.

  Juliet stared at her phone for a few minutes, wrote a message, then deleted it. She tried again and went through the same process for the next ten minutes. Growing frustrated with herself, she put her phone down for a moment to gather her bearings.

  Suddenly, someone knocked on her door. Confused, she stood and walked slowly to the door. As she got closer, she could hear more of a commotion and grew even more perplexed. Reluctantly opening the door, she cracked it open and peeked through.

  “Really? Open the door, ya nut.” Nik laughed at her as he dug his face into his hand. Still unsure what was going on, she opened the door for her boyfriend, who was supposed to be with his unit.

  “How did you get out of being at your post?” She didn’t mean to sound harsh, but it came out that way.

  “Well, after your dad tried to block everyone from leaving, the students kind of lost it. So they came up with a compromise that we can have a movie night for the students. It’s silly, but it kept them calm. Your dad gave me the night off so I could take you, since you love to watch movies.” Nik had an amused smirk on his face, making his dimple sink into his cheek.

  “Oh… sure. Okay.” It was just the distraction she needed.

  “Wow. That was easy. Too easy. What gives?” Sitting on her bed, Nik crossed his arms with one eyebrow raised and a smirk itching to show itself.

  “I just think it’s a good distraction from what’s happening out there. Is there more to report?” Juliet slipped her shoes on and threw her hair in a high bun, getting all of the curls out of her face.

  “More to report?” Nik stood from the bed and laughed lightly as he walked toward Juliet. “Since when do you care about what’s to report? And since when do you request a report like that?” As Nik hugged her from behind she could tell he was curious but serious.

  “Um… I don’t know. I guess I’m just interested in knowing what the process is. I feel useless sitting back not knowing.” She pulled away to look him in the eyes, wanting to see his reaction.

  “Well, there hasn’t been any more movement around the Coltar home, but it’s only been one night. Malachai is sure we’ll be safe if we stay inside. But we did that last time and I died.” The air in the room grew thick with tension. It was always awkward whenever his death was mentioned.

  “I agree. I don’t like just sitting back and waiting for something to happen. But if those are dad’s orders, I guess there’s nothing else we can do."

  “Juliet Quinn following the rules? Never thought the day would come.” Nik leaned down to place a kiss on Juliet’s lips, causing her to smile under them. Juliet playfully pushed him away.

  “I’m great at following rules.” Juliet gave him her best pout, but it only made him laugh harder. Rolling her eyes and trying to hide her own smile, Juliet pulled him out of the room so they could join the others for the movie.

  “So what movie did they pick?” She was excited, but assumed they’d pick a vapid movie.

  “I heard a few different things so I’m not sure. But we’re about to find out.”

  They walked through the halls hand in hand, flowing with the traffic toward the gymnasium. She was happy with the placement of the impromptu movie. It would be a perfect place for a movie if they had a projector and loud enough speakers, which she was sure they did. Still, she was thrilled to participate.

  Walking in gave Juliet a rush of excitement and she no longer cared what movie was playing. There were blankets scattered all over the gym floor with students laid out on top of them. Nik led them to a spot in the far right corner where they could be in the back.

  “I always choose the back. It’s closer to the exit, gives you a clear view of the room, and no one can sneak up on you.” He ticked them off on his fingers after he spread their plaid blanket on the floor. She didn’t even see him carrying one. She was confused, but liked to hear his tips for future reference. She sat on the blanket and laid back on her elbows.

  “Good to know.”

  For the next few minutes, as they waited for other students to trickle in, Nik and Juliet stayed to themselves. It was beginning to get full and almost too loud to hear anything. No one knew what the movie was, but nobody seemed to care. There were only a few teachers there to watch the movie. But mostly it was the boisterous shifter kids that filled the floor.

  As soon as the lights dimmed, every student who was up took their seat and their loud words changed to whispers. There was no announcement, just the beginning of the movie echoing off the walls. When the credits began rolling, Juliet knew exactly what movie was playing and she smiled to herself for the classic pick.

  When the title flashed on the white wall from the projector, The Goonies, the students cheered. Nik slid in closer to Juliet and he wrapped his arm around her shoulder. She snuggled in and got lost in the movie. It was odd to share something that she so heavily loved to do on her own with the other students, but it was a nice change.

  Throughout the movie, although there were no breaks or pauses, students got up to get snacks, drinks and other things to keep them occupied. A couple beside them were scrolling through a phone together as they watched, another couple was in deep conversation a few blankets away, and another group played a quiet game of telephone together. But everyone kept their voices down for the movie. It was nice.

  When the ending credits rolled over the wall, the kids groaned because they didn’t want the night to be over. But they definitely wouldn’t have gotten permission to play another movie. Unsure what to do, everyone just floated around socializing with each other.

  A few of Juliet and Nik’s friends went over to have small talk which caused Juliet to look for their old group of friends who were all together on a blanket laughing and conversing. It made Juliet sad but she was glad that they were happy, the last thing she wanted to do was bring them down with her anxiety. Just in time for a distraction well needed, there was suddenly a commotion at the front of the room.

  As everyone made their way to the front of the room to see what the bustle was about, it made Juliet’s heart speed up. Nervous, she cautiously looked over and immediately relaxed when she saw the group making all of the fuss. They were showing each other tricks with their gifts and keeping it small enough that they wouldn’t get into trouble.

  A spontaneous show and tell event was the cherry on top for their perfect evening. Juliet marveled at everyone’s incredible gifts and the fun that they had while they were using them. It wasn’t until it was her turn to show them something that she realized having fun with it was exactly what she was missing every other time.

  With the added enjoyment, her gifts came t
o her easily and safely. It was a nice change. The charge it gave her caused her to make a vow to herself: always try to have fun. She knew it would be hard. But it was something she wouldn’t give up on, thanks to the amazing night she had with her fellow shifter students.

  Chapter 17

  Remain Secure

  Juliet woke refreshed from letting loose the night before. She was sure everyone else felt the same way because there was a smile on each of their faces as they all left the gym that night. Working together they cleaned up their mess and left it as pristine as it was before they were there.

  Nik was always so sweet to walk her to her door when he slept in the military quarters. It was something that constantly made her blush. His consistent show of affection was exactly what Juliet needed. To mean that much to someone felt different and new to her and she was smart enough to appreciate that kind of devotion.

  With the unhealthy state her mind was continually in, his loyalty never faded. She knew it couldn’t be easy for him, but he still stood by her side. She didn’t think her love for him would continue to grow so quickly. But with each show of his passion, her heart pounded stronger for him. As she pulled her hair into a messy French braid, her phone buzzed.

  NIK: HEY BABE. HAD FUN LAST NIGHT. GONNA BE STUCK WITH MY UNIT FOR THE DAY. LET’S MEET AT OUR TABLE FOR DINNER. MISS YOU ALREADY. LOVE YOU!

  Even through a text message Juliet could feel Nik’s love for her radiate. Bringing a smile to her lips she responded quickly to let him know she was excited to see him for dinner. Just as fast, he replied with emojis that made her giggle.

  Juliet’s plan was to visit her dad, then go to the gym in hopes of seeing her workout buddies there. Leaving her room with her training clothes on, she threw on a headband over her braid to hold her curls back. That was her favorite way to be, clear of any make-up, hair product or heavy clothing.

  As she got to her father's office door, she subconsciously put her hand on the knob to enter without knocking. But she paused as she recalled how uncomfortable he looked when she walked in on him and the doctor the other night. Although she was sure they’d only been in the middle of a session, like they stated.

  Knocking lightly, Juliet waited a second before entering. Even so, she peeked her head in first. Malachai had his back turned to the door but waved her in. Because she had such a great night, she momentarily forgot the severity of the lockdown they were in.

  Malachai’s stern frown that was plastered on his face reminded her of how crucial it was for him to focus on the safety of everyone. It saddened Juliet that so much was on his shoulders. But then, as she watched him know exactly what to say at just the right moment to figure out a solution, she couldn’t think of anyone better for the job.

  It was then that she fully understood how vital it was for him to be there and why he had to leave them behind. Surprising them both, Juliet walked up to her dad and wrapped her arms around his back, hugging him from behind. Malachai stretched his arm back and covered her side with his own embrace.

  Clearly distracted, Malachai stumbled his last order and hung up the phone. Pulling away, Juliet blushed as she took a seat. Sitting across from her, he signed a few papers, then filed them away.

  “Finally done. It’s a nice surprise to see you. How was your night? Was the movie to your liking?” He spoke so traditionally sometimes that she wanted to giggle, but she held it back as she thought of the night she had.

  “It was actually a lot of fun. Great movie and the students weren’t all that bad.” She smirked, knowing he would get her introverted humor.

  “I did hear that it was a success. Maybe there should be more of those nights. It seems to have made the students happy and calm.”

  “And distracted.” Juliet cut her father off. Malachai cleared his throat and squirmed in his seat. She loved that she could get him to do that when no one else could. “Been busy?” She continued to make him fidget.

  “Always. I know Nik is with his unit all day, so what are your plans?” He tried his best to steer her away from the questioning. Unfortunately for her, it worked.

  “My schedule is not made around his, Dad. I know he’s busy. I was just going to hit the training room then pop in and see Dr. Ember. Just wanted to stop by here first to see what’s the latest on the vamps.” Juliet hoped that if she sounded unbothered then he would answer without a problem. But just like Nik, Malachai caught on.

  “Why have you been so curious about that kind of stuff?"

  “Um…I don’t know. It’s not that I'm worried or afraid. I just like to know what the plan is so I know how I can help. If it ever came to that.” Again, she hoped she sounded confident.

  “Hm. That dream that you had seems to have clicked something inside of you, huh?” He could see right through her. She couldn’t answer him, though, because she still wasn’t sure what it was telling her. It was her turn to squirm.

  “I just got done with a council meeting. I don’t have to be at my next one for another two hours. Wanna see where I like to train? It’s sort of hidden.” Malachai’s eyes got wide as he waited for Juliet. She wasn’t expecting to train anywhere else but the training room, but she also wasn’t going to pass up his invite.

  The moment she nodded her head, he hurriedly tidied up his office and grabbed his keys. As gently as he could, he took his daughter's hand in his and rapidly walked through the walls toward the defense room. Confused, Juliet began to pull back but got nowhere against her father's strength.

  They entered the defense room but didn’t stop. Walking past all of the equipment and the staring students, she figured they would be going into the sim room but they kept walking. Her curiosity was at its peak and butterflies fluttered in her stomach. She felt like she was doing something wrong, but she was with her dad and knew they were fine.

  Finally they stopped at an all-black door with an all-black knob directly in the corner, just where no one could see it. Malachai took one look back at her before turning the knob and opening the door. A bright light gleamed through the open door, welcoming them with an alluring warmth, causing her to lift her arm for some shade so she could see where he took them.

  As she stepped through, all she did was stare with an open mouth. A beautiful spread of wild flowers was planted in an outline of a perfect circle. The view of what was outside of the Dome was filled with schools of the fish that swam in the lake.

  It made her want to stay there forever. Malachai stood in the center of the circle, ready to begin the training, but Juliet was still admiring the beauty of his secret place.

  “Long ago I befriended someone who loved to plant and loved the quiet. I found this spot and asked Oberon if I could make it my own for days I needed to train alone. He said yes, no questions asked. I requested a circle and this is how they grow now, as if it’s etched into the ground.” Malachai did his own admiring as he got lost in a memory.

  “I think it’s perfect and I never want to leave.”

  Malachai laughed at his daughter’s honesty.

  For the next hour, they trained until they were dripping with sweat and sore. Juliet knew she only had a half hour left with him because he would need to shower before his next meeting, so she took advantage of their time and sat in the circle with him, staring out at the moving water.

  ***

  As Juliet and Nik finished their dinner, they chose to go to their spot in the library for a while. Juliet wanted to look up a few ice-related things and was hopeful she’d be successful. As they exited the dining hall, they heard a commotion. Instinctively, Nik pulled out his phone to see if there were any messages from his unit. They both should have known there would be.

  “Oh no.” Nik’s only words held so much weight. Juliet drew her eyebrows together, wondering what it was that he read. Nik brought his eyes up to meet Juliet’s and she noticed his complexion had gotten three shades lighter.

  “Are you okay?” She found a seat and pulled him down.

  “Um, do you want good
news or bad news first?” He could no longer look her in the eyes. Juliet’s heart hammered through her chest.

  “Bad news.”

  “Good, ‘cause there’s double bad news.”

  Now it was Juliet’s turn to go pale. And she hadn’t even known what had happened yet. “Just spit it out!”

  “There was an attack… it was your dad. Good news is that he’s okay. Obviously, though, I mean he’s a general.” Nik buried his face in his hands before he stopped himself from blabbering.

  “My dad?” Juliet could feel her pulse picking up and her ability to think clear and sane was fading rather quickly.

  “He’s in the infirmary with Oberon. I have to report to my unit. They’re with him. Let’s go.” Quickly, Nik flew through the halls with Juliet in tow. She felt numb and sad.

  As they got closer, the crowd began to thicken. Nik had to let go to stand with his unit and Juliet got lost in the chaotic crowd. She could care less who she hurt in the process, she was going to get to her father. Juliet lifted her elbows and cut through to the front, where her father laid on a bed with blood escaping several holes in his body.

  “Juliet!” Malachai spoke with strength, giving Juliet hope. As she ran to her dad's side, she took his hand in hers.

  “Are you alright? What happened? Why would you leave the Dome?” There were so many questions she wanted answered.

  “I’m fine. I got most of them. Don’t worry, hun. This was the plan. I was the bait. I didn’t get the guy who seemed to be in charge, but he did lose a lot of his friends today.” Malachai laughed and started to cough as he clutched his stomach.

  As Ms. Heather, the nurse began to start her healing process on Malachai, Juliet stepped back in a fury. Her mind was spiraling. All she wanted to do was hurt the vampires who hurt her father. With all of the bustle from the worried students and staff, it was easy for Juliet to sneak away without anyone noticing.

  As stealthily as she could, she made her way through the halls and to the exit of the Dome. She hoped there wouldn’t be a soldier posted there, but there was. Although, he did seem distracted with his general in a bloody state. The thought brought more fury to Juliet’s heart. Thinking quickly, Juliet ran up to the soldier and frantically waved her arms.