by M Guida
“Thanks.”
The truth was, I loved my dad. For so long, it was just me, him and my grandparents. I’d always trusted his judgment, but in this case, he was dead wrong. Someday I would prove it to him.
“I’ll let you get changed.” He headed for the door. “As soon as you’re packed, we leave for New Orleans. Bring some warm clothes because it can get cold at night.”
I nodded but still couldn’t get rid of the lump in my throat. Normally, I was loved traveling, but not this time. This Christmas, I wanted to go to Havenwood. It was always so beautiful at the holidays. We always got a huge tree in the Great Hall and Abrianna went all out with decorations. Each year, she’d buy extravagant outside lights and do something different. Last year, in honor of Raven, she had gotten a six-foot silver dragon dressed like Santa Claus that breathed real fire. I wouldn’t know what special surprise she would do this year.
I’d miss the baking, too. Abrianna, Cadye, Raven, and I would always bake cookies and scold the guys for gobbling them up, but it was so much fun. These last few Christmases had been great, with all of the Defenders coming to visit. It was one time of year we could forget about Ryker, Cormac, and the Unseelie.
And I would miss all of it.
Saddest of all, I had made Gunnar a special love candle in Potions class that I was going to give him as a surprise, but now I wouldn’t get the chance.
Feeling sorry for myself, I stripped off my sweats and hopped into the shower to scrub myself clean. I kept thinking about the time Gunnar had been in the locker room, waiting for me. I longed for him to do that again here, but no way could he sneak into Anton’s quarters without being seen.
I grabbed my robe and wrapped it around me, and then ran my fingers through my wet hair. I opened the door and froze.
Looking like a handsome devil with his white hair damp from the snow and dressed in jeans and a red sweatshirt, Gunnar was sitting on my bed, waiting for me just like he had been in the locker room. Afraid I was seeing things, I shook my head and blinked my eyes but he was still there.
“What are you doing here? Are you crazy?”
“Don’t worry. Montae’s standing guard. He conjured a spell that when I touch him I turn invisible, but it doesn’t last long, so we don’t have much time.”
Montae? I’d give the big ruffian guard a big hug for doing this.
“I couldn’t let you leave for Christmas without giving my best girl her gift.” He lifted something off the bed that I hadn’t even noticed. It was a slender rectangular box with a big red bow around it.
“Gunnar, how sweet. Thank you. I got you something too.” I opened my drawer and pulled out the pink candle. “I haven’t had time to wrap it yet, but I made it for you in Potions class.”
He came up alongside me and brushed his lips over mine. My heart thundered and I couldn’t breathe. “I don’t want to go to New Orleans, Gunnar.”
“I know you don’t.” He slipped his arms around my waist and crushed me to his broad chest. I clutched his neck, not ever wanting to let go. His kiss became dominating, desperate, as if he was as afraid of losing me as I was of losing him.
Someone whistled like a bird outside the door.
He broke off the kiss. “Sorry, that’s the signal. I’ve got to go.”
Before I could say another word or tell him about the mysterious voice begging me for help him, he quietly opened the door and disappeared.
Tears blurred my eyes. “Merry Christmas, Gunnar,” I whispered.
I picked up the rectangular box and slowly opened it. My heart clenched and a sob escaped my trembling lips as I took out a thick silver bracelet with a red ruby heart, and I read the handwritten note.
You will always have my heart.
With shaking fingers, I put on the bracelet and ran my fingers over the heart. “Gunnar, you have mine. Always.”
Softly crying, I finished getting dressed and packing my suitcase with warmer clothes along with some T-shirts. I’d never been to New Orleans, and under normal circumstances I would have loved to go, but not now. I wanted to go back to Havenwood and be with my friends and family.
Someone softly knocked on the door again. “Ebony, can I come in?”
I sniffed and took a breath to compose myself. “Sure, Mom.”
“Are you almost—“
I couldn’t contain the tears when I saw her loving face. She was a badass warrior to everyone else, but to me she was Mom. And right now I needed her.
“Mom.” My voice cracked.
She walked over to me, drew me into her arms, and kissed the top of my head. “I’m sorry, Honey. Don’t judge your father too harshly.”
I held her tight, needing to inhale her softness. “But he’s wrong. He’s wrong about Gunnar.”
“Your father’s doing what he thinks is right.”
I pulled away. “So, you’re on his side.”
She clasped my cheeks. “Not all is what it seems, sweetheart. You must trust me on this and your father.”
“So, you think Gunnar’s evil, too?”
She stroked my hair. “No more than I think you are, or your sister, or me, or your father. I know how you feel about him Ebony. I read your letters—and so did Raven.”
I searched her face to see if I could tell what she was thinking, if she and Raven would be my allies or foes. “You did?”
“Yes.” She kissed my forehead. “Now get packed before your father comes in here. He’s chomping at the bit to go.”
I wiped my cheeks. “I’m ready.”
She held my elbow. “Then shall we?”
I smiled through my tears and nodded. I looped my arm through hers and we headed out of my room. There was no sign of Gunnar or Montae. Only Dad, Raven, Lucien, and Anton were waiting in the living room.
Dad rubbed his hands together. “Good, finally. We’re flying dragon style.” He gestured toward Lucien. “And Golden Demon. Plane rides take too long. Ebony—”
Raven finished his sentence, “Will ride with me.” She winked. “Us sisters have to stick together.”
I didn’t know if her words held a secret meaning, but I hoped they did.
I looked up at Mom. “I just need to get something to drink before we leave.”
She stroked my hair. “Okay, sweetheart.”
I ran into Anton’s kitchen and grabbed a glass to fill it up with water.
Ebony, he knows why you can’t shift.
It was that same voice, but it was louder in here.
I scanned the kitchen, looking for the slightest of clue about where the voice was coming from. “Who are you? Do you know why I can’t shift?”
I wasn’t sure if the voice knew the answer, or only the person he was taking about.
“Ebony, who are you talking to?” I jumped and put my hand over my thumping heart.
Anton stood in the kitchen doorway with a confused look on his tight face.
“Nobody.” I put the empty glass down on the counter with my other shaking hand. “I was just talking to myself.”
I brushed past him and he didn’t ask any more questions, which was so unlike Anton. Something was definitely wrong with him. Maybe Costin would have the answers.
Chapter 27
Mom, Dad, Raven and I carried our luggage out into the snow-covered courtyard. Parents and kids were milling around but when we came out, all their conversations died and everyone stared at us. The Golden Phoenix and my sister, the most powerful supernatural, caught people’s attention wherever they went.
And then there was me.
Mom, Dad and Raven all stripped and shifted into their dragons—Dad, purple, Mom, red, and Raven, silver. Lucien flicked out his Golden Wings, that were beautiful and as wide as a bald eagle’s. Call me biased, but I still preferred Gunnar’s black ones.
I hated that I was the only one who couldn’t fly, thanks to my dragon still stubbornly refusing to make its stupid appearance. Christmas was already here and I was the only one in the whole school who hadn�
�t shifted. How embarrassing.
Raven motioned for me to climb on her back and I hurried, not wanting to look at the faces of the parents curious faces as to why I wasn’t shifting. I had on my black and white checkered winter coat, a black knitted beanie, and a pair of black leather gloves. I didn’t want to freeze to death while I flew to New Orleans dragon-style. My family grabbed our luggage with their talons and lunged into the wintry sky.
An icy wind whipped at my cheeks and snowflakes spun around me in a white dance. I clutched Raven’s thick neck and pressed my knees against her ribs, holding on tightly. I found myself wondering if my sister wanted me to ride on her back in case any Dark Demons or Unseelie got any ideas about attacking. Hopefully, they would hesitate to ambush us with both the Golden Phoenix and Raven in our group. Lucien was behind us, protecting the rear, while Dad was in the lead.
Below us, street lights twinkled and I couldn’t stop thinking of Havenwood and Gunnar. I was so homesick. I buried my face into Raven’s neck and let my mind wander. I thought of Gunnar, his intense blue eyes, his lusty kisses, and his masculine scent. I also thought about Hades. I missed Hades and wished he was at my side.
“Ebony, Honey, wake up. We’re at Red Rose Academy.” My mom’s voice interrupted my sweet dreams of Gunnar.
I blinked and sat up. The Colorado dry cold and the swirling snowflakes were both gone, replaced with a humid chill. We had landed in a courtyard that was similar to Legacy’s, but instead of pine and aspen trees, tall and proud oak trees stood guard over a sidewalk that led up to a building with white columns at the front. The sun was dipping low on the horizon and lights strung along in the branches of the oak trees were slowly turning on. Boughs of holly were wrapped around each of the pillars, and soft icicle lights hung down from the roof tops. It looked so homey. It was hard to believe this was the vampire academy. I thought it would look more like Anton’s Dracula room, but this looked really inviting.
What really caught my eye, though, was the beautiful red rose garden that was still in bloom. The roses were of every shade of red and only made the place more striking.
I slid off Raven’s back and she immediately shifted. My parents were already dressed and Raven quickly put on her jeans and sweatshirt and a short black leather coat. She shivered. “It’s colder than I thought it would be.”
Dad flicked up his collar. “It’s because of the humidity and the moisture from the Mississippi River and the ocean The cold gets right into your bones.”
The door opened and a tall, well-built man came down the stairs with his arms spread wide. “Welcome to Red Rose Academy.” He stuck out his hand to my dad and they shook hands. “It’s good to see you again, Vincent.”
So this was Costin. He was even taller and more muscular when I saw him up close. He had long black hair and a closely trimmed beard, and his green eyes drew me in as if he could read my very soul.
“And you, my friend. Let me introduce you to my family.” Dad clasped Mom’s hand. “This is my beautiful wife, Joanne. My daughter Raven and her husband, Lucien. And my youngest, Ebony.”
Costin studied me, his eyes intense. “You’re the one attending Legacy right now?”
Goosebumps burst all over me and I couldn’t breathe. Something fluttered inside me, pulling on me as if something was trying to get out. But what scared the pants off me was a hunger grew inside me, a hunger for blood.
No, you can’t have it.
Beads of sweat broke out across my forehead and I could barely nod my head. What the hell was happening? “Yes, I am.” My voice was small and fragile.
Mom rubbed my back proudly. “She just finished her tryouts and did wonderfully.”
“Costin, I need to talk with you about Anton,” Dad said. “It’s important.”
“Yes, of course.” But he didn’t look at Dad, he was looking at me.
The sensation grew stronger and stronger. The desire for blood moved up a notch and my mouth watered.
No. Stop. Please.
I tightened my coat belt around me, as if to keep whatever was trying to get out inside. I almost thought he was trying to see right into my heart.
“Costin,” Dad said. “It’s important.
“Yes, of course.” Costin broke his gaze from me and the strange sensation and craving for blood stopped. I could breathe, but I was shaking so bad I thought everyone could hear my bones rattling.
“Excuse me. I’m sorry for staring,” Costin said. “Please, come this way. Welcome to my home.”
We grabbed our bags and followed him up the stairs. I just hoped my wobbling legs wouldn’t fail me. This was strange. I wished one of The Sentinels were here—Rusty, Cadye, or Gunnar, but I was alone.
He glanced over his shoulder. “All the students are away right now for Christmas break. However, tonight I’m having a party with some close friends, and naturally you are invited. My guests will be staying for the holiday. My servant will show you to your rooms.”
A man dressed in a tuxedo bowed as we entered. “Good evening. I’m Ethan.” He spread out his arm. "If you’ll follow me, please.”
Just like the exterior, the inside of the house was warm, inviting and elegant, with white walls, gold drapes, and an ornate chandelier that reminded me of the one in Phantom of the Opera. A fire flickered in a white marble fireplace, chasing away the chill. The traditional gold embroidered Chesterfield couches and loveseats looked like they were something out of Buckingham Palace. I’d be afraid to sit down.
Ethan opened a door that led down a red carpeted hallway. “This way please. Your rooms have been prepared.”
My parents had one room and Raven and Lucien another. My room was in between. I couldn’t help but think that this was done on purpose so they could keep an eye on me. Even though I had slept most the way, I was exhausted.
“I would like to talk with Costin as soon as possible,” Dad said.
Ethan bowed slightly. “Of course. After you’re settled, I will escort you to his study.”
“Thank you.”
I almost wanted to invite myself along, but I thought better of it.
When I saw my room, I gasped. It was just as ornate as the living room, with a gold canopy king-sized bed with stuffed pillows of every shape and color. An antique dresser with a mirror was across from my bed. I set my bags on the floor and walked over to the French doors that opened onto a balcony. There was a view of a small courtyard with a fountain, a little bridge and a gazebo. Super fancy. I would have loved to snuggle with Gunnar in the gazebo but that wasn’t happening.
I closed the doors and decided I needed to wake up with a shower. It also gave me a good excuse to check out the bathroom, which was just as elegant, with a gold faucets, a sunken tub and huge walk-in shower. I thought of indulging in a bath but in the end decided on the shower. I needed to wake up, and baths tended to make me sleepy.
I was just about finished drying my hair when someone knocked on the door.
“Yes?”
“Ms. Erickson, this is Ethan. Master Tarus and your father have requested your presence in the study.”
Fear slid down my back at seeing Costin again and I shivered.
“I’ll be right out.” I threw on a pair of jeans and a sweater, slipped on a pair of flats, and opened the door.
By Ethan’s cocked eyebrow and his pursed lips, he obviously didn’t approve of my attire, but I didn’t care. I’d brought comfortable clothes, not stuff for a ball.
Ethan escorted me to two large oak doors and opened them. “Ms. Erickson, Master Costin.”
“Thank you, Ethan.” Costin sat behind a magnificent mahogany desk with a wooden globe and nodded. He motioned elegantly. “Ebony, please have a seat next to your father.”
He didn’t have to tell me twice.
Ethan shut the doors after me as I walked in. I felt like I had just entered a beautiful prison.
I did as Costin asked and joined Dad on a leather couch. He was sipping what looked like brandy. I glanced around
the study. There were at least three sets of armor and a glass case with swords. Like Anton, Costin clearly enjoy living in luxury.
"The reason I asked you to come,” Costin said as he put down his snifter of brandy, “is that I have heard your dad’s account, but you were there the entire semester, and I want to hear your observations. And please, don’t leave anything out. The smallest detail could be important.”
I took a deep breath. I started with what happened with me in Dr. Greenwood’s infirmary and went all the way up to when Anton caught me in the kitchen. For some reason, I didn’t leave the part out about the voices. It was as if something forced me to reveal the complete truth.
Dad stared into his brandy thoughtfully. “Why didn’t you tell me about the voices earlier?”
I shrugged. “I don’t know.”
Costin smiled gently. “Isn’t it obvious? She doesn’t trust you.”
Dad gave me his best you’re-in-for-a-lecture glare. “Because of Gunnar? You suspect it has something to do with him?”
I tried to my best to keep the exasperation out of my voice. “This is exactly why I didn’t tell you, Dad. If anything goes wrong, you always blame him.”
Costin held up his palm. “Before you say anything else, Vincent, I must tell you that I myself don't think this has anything to do with Gunnar.”
My eyes widened. I couldn’t believe he was standing up for Gunnar.
Costin got up and refilled his glass of brandy. “I fear Anton is indeed under a spell. He’s a very powerful vampire and only the Unseelie would have the ability to enslave him. From what you have described, I believe it is the Vengeninus spell that has been cast on Anton. The Vengeninus spell puts vampires into a deep sleep until they are almost in an almost zombie-like state. Even awake, they are not fully conscious. If the spell is not broken soon, Anton will become enslaved forever.” His soft words chilled my heart.
I looked between Costin and my dad. “How do we do break the spell?”
He smiled. “Simple. Blood. Very old, very potent blood.” He got up and walked over to a portrait on the wall of a man with long curly hair, a mustache, and a jeweled red hat. He tapped the gold frame. “This is Vlad the Impaler. He was a ruthless ruler in the fifteenth century who impaled his enemies on stakes.” He grinned at me. “And, as you can guess, he was the first vampire."