Dragon Fire Academy 1: First Term: an RH academy romance Read online

  The rumor being spread around was that I had been given special privileges because of my title, but little did they know, said title had served as more of a handicap than an advantage. Beyond the option of bypassing the initial application, I had done this all on my own just like the others.

  Trainers worked me ten times harder, and then judged me with far more scrutiny. It seemed the world assumed I’d been pampered my whole life, and fighting that stigma was the reason I pushed myself. They seemed to have forgotten who my father was. If they thought a man who’d dropped so many bodies that he earned the nickname Reaper would raise weak, defenseless children, they were sadly mistaken.

  “Good evening, Queen Evangeline,” a group of teens off to the right said with wide grins. The boys among them bowed politely while the girls stooped into dainty curtseys.

  Mom gave a gracious nod when they addressed her, smoothing the pleats of the floral-print dress she spent hours selecting. She had no idea how little something as trivial as her attire mattered around here. Our generation idolized her—a forgotten queen who rose to power against some pretty tough odds. As much as she tried to hide it, she’d never been fully comfortable with the attention either, but she endured it because this was her calling. She was born to lead.

  “Right this way, one-seventy-seven.” A solid arm gestured toward me after I’d been addressed by my ID number.

  I peered up to find that one now directing me toward the other contenders standing in line was Dallas—the closest thing I had to a grandfather. He bore that title, yes, but looking at him, you’d never guess he was a day over twenty. That was one of the many blessings bestowed upon lycans and dragons alike. After transitioning, aging further was optional. So, naturally, most in attendance tonight could pass as siblings of their own children.

  My parents and extended relatives included.

  Dallas’ southern accent had given him away long before I met his gaze, but I was grateful to find comfort within his eyes. He’d been present for most of the tryouts. Several students, like myself, had their hearts set on joining the Guard after graduating the academy. So, with Dallas’ military background, it was a no-brainer why the Council, and Advisors from the academy, requested that he take part in our regional screening process. He saw firsthand how grueling the trials had been, so now that I was an official Dragon Fire co-ed, his proud smile meant everything.

  He stepped forward to escort me toward the others who’d been accepted tonight, but before he could whisk me away, I was brought into a tight hug. My father and siblings had said their goodbyes before we left home. My mother, however, had been uncharacteristically quiet since I shared the news of being accepted. It wasn’t lost on me how hard it was for her to let me go, but she’d be strong.

  We both would.

  The warmth of her embrace caused emotions to resurface. “I need you to always remember something, Noelle.” She paused to compose herself. “You’ll encounter a lot of people wanting to throw their weight around, those who will try telling you what to do, and who to be, but never let anyone define you in this life. You’re the only one with that measure of authority.”

  That advice couldn’t have come from a better example than her. She released me and I nodded. The gesture was met with a watery stare that held a mix of emotion. Fear and pride were among them.

  I turned from her before my own eyes could fill with tears and bounded toward the other contenders.

  These steps I took away from my family and toward the future were bittersweet, but I wouldn’t forget what I’d been told.

  No matter where I went, no matter what I endured, Seaton Falls would always be home.

  Chapter Two

  Noelle

  The constant whir of helicopter blades made it difficult to think. With one set thundering in the front, and a second in the back, the headphones we’d been given were nearly ineffective, but I was grateful for the distraction. The sound made it harder to focus on leaving my clan behind.

  More than twenty-four hours had passed since acceptance letters were issued, and I still thought I might be dreaming. After disembarking from the planes that brought us from all over the world, several Super Stallion helicopters awaited us. They took to the air, transporting us to the final stop of our journey, an island in the heart of the South Pacific known as Sanluuk.

  All I knew of the place was that it was located halfway between the Hawaiian and Samoan islands, and that it was home to a large population of formidable dragons. Hence the reason Dragon Fire Academy—an academy that welcomed every breed of shifters—bore its name. It also bared mentioning that, based on photos I’d seen in the brochure, this island surpassed the standard of beauty where remote, tropical destinations were concerned.

  My vision lowered to my feet, shifting to the array of gym shoes, flipflops, and sandals lined down the row beside me. My stomach had done somersaults all morning, knowing today was the day. As I scanned the massive fuselage, my gaze snagged on a set of dark green eyes.

  The presence of Blythe Fitzgibbons was the one blemish on this experience I wished I could wipe out, but I’d have to settle for ignoring her. Before she could read too much into the look, I turned away as a flood of bad memories came in flashes. Memories of a friendship gone bad for reasons I still didn’t understand.

  It had been over a year since I’d seen her face-to-face, and I nearly dropped out of the trials when she and her crew walked in to register. Seemed silly now to think that I nearly let her cost me my dream, but it was true. Apparently, being bullied by my ex-best friend was more traumatic than I realized.

  Even now, knowing we’d likely have to deal with each other at some point was nearly enough to kill my spirits, but she didn’t deserve to win again. I’d simply have to learn how to pretend she wasn’t here, ignore her so intentionally that she became a non-factor.

  In fact, as I pushed our past from my thoughts, I decided today was a good day to start.

  The rest of the passengers were only vaguely familiar from regionals. Because we were kept so busy during the trials and were given breaks sporadically instead of as a group, there had been little time to bond. Unless you count learning a few names here and there. Many of those who reported to the Seaton Falls testing hub had transferred in from surrounding areas, so we were strangers when we started, and ended the same way.

  From the looks of it, the others were just as nervous as I was. Even more so once the announcement was made that we’d be landing shortly. To my right, Toni—a girl I’d spoken to a few times in passing while we tested—flashed an excited smile. She had been among those who flooded my town for the trials. She was friendlier than most, so I was pleased to see she’d received an acceptance letter, too.

  Watching as she craned her neck to peer out the window, I was brought back to the present, and also back to the thunderous hum of our helicopter.

  “Look how low we are! Should be landing any minute,” she beamed, the length of a hundred braids or more sweeping her shoulder when she turned.

  I did the same, taking it all in. The landscape was so clear now as we circled. The island was riddled with clusters of elaborate, picturesque bungalows, some situated around lagoons, others nestled in the palm trees. Next, I laid eyes on a waterfall so breathtakingly serene it put the manmade one our town boasted about to shame. And there, near the center of a clearing, a few miles from lush jungle-like greenery, a large structure with vines creeping the height of its aged brick—the academy.

  The building looked to be as old as the island itself and had only been used in its current capacity for a decade. Again, I mentally referenced the brochure I’d poured over for so many months. The interior had been completely refurbished, but not with the intent to modernize it. From what I understood, a committee of island natives oversaw the renovation, ensuring that all changes were made with the focus being to emphasize their homeland’s beauty.

  I recalled images of open-air passageways between classrooms, glassless windows with shudders to draw in case of a storm, a courtyard at the facility’s center where a garden that couldn’t be described with words showcased vibrant local flora. Even at this height, it was beautiful to take in.

  Towering palms swayed and shuddered with the heavy winds produced by the blades as we lowered, finally touching ground in an open field. The space was large enough to accommodate us, and the several other vessels that followed. Toni and I were frantic with excitement as we removed our seatbelts, unstrapped our bags, and then bounded off the helicopter.

  We didn’t make it far before being ushered aside. Only now did I realize that a line of what I guessed to be some sort of welcoming committee from the island stood posted beside each aircraft. They wore uniforms similar to those of our instructors during the trials—green t-shirts and cargo pants. Each with bronzed skin, a courtesy of the abundance of sun here, and dark, silky hair. It went without saying that we were having our first, official encounter with the inhabitants of Sanluuk—a beautiful tribe with a brigade of formidable dragon warriors.

  “Bring it in,” one beckoned.

  Toni and I were already standing at his feet, and with the wave of his hand, the others from our helicopter gathered closer.

  “My name’s Elijah, and hopefully your journey hasn’t been too treacherous,” the host continued, offering our group a warm smile.

  I glanced around, taking in the scenery from ground level. It was still hard to believe I was here. After all the hard work and sacrifices, this was the most rewarding payoff possible.

  “We’ll do a quick roll call before you’re shown to the dorms,” Elijah announced, seeming to give the same spiel as the others scattered across the clearing. “So, when we finish here, I encourage you all to have your paperwork handy. Once you’re trans
ported to campus, present what you have to the administrative staff, and they’ll assist with room assignments. After you’ve had a moment to drop your things in your new living quarters, you’ll need to meet your mentors. They will be your lifeline while you’re here, so make sure you remember their names and faces. Understood?”

  The question earned him a collective nod from our group. Once he was certain we were following, he proceeded.

  “Marcella Arroyo,” he called out, speaking loudly enough that his voice carried over the whirring and other racket.

  I glanced over my shoulder just as the one who’d been called raised her hand. As usual, Marcella—who I’d come to recognize as being stoic in disposition—didn’t crack a smile, just stared straight ahead with intense focus.

  “Manuel Arroyo,” he said next, prompting Marcella’s twin’s hand to shoot into the air. Unlike his sister, he offered a smile when responding. The two, from what I observed during the trials, were as different as night and day. She was intense and broody, while he didn’t seem to take life quite as seriously. From what I could tell, both seemed okay.

  “Blythe Fitzgibbons,” Elijah said next.

  Hearing her name, I didn’t move, avoiding even the chance of eye contact. As she responded to Elijah’s voice, I kept my gaze trained on only him. She didn’t exist.

  “Toni Reese,” Elijah said a little quieter this time as the helicopters lifted from the ground, taking off like a cohesive fleet.

  “Right here,” Toni beamed, unable to contain her excitement as she waved her hand wildly.

  Seemingly surprised by her enthusiasm, the corner of Elijah’s mouth curved with a smile.

  “Uh … thank you,” he said awkwardly. “How about Noelle—”

  When his brow tensed and he brought his clipboard closer, I knew he’d have the same trouble pronouncing my last name that everyone else did.

  “Don’t worry about it,” I laughed, lifting my hand in a far more sensible manner than Toni had. “I’m here.”

  He seemed to appreciate that I spared him when he nodded. His eyes went back to the attendance sheet and I zoned out through the rest, enjoying the sound of endless chirping and the constant breeze that seemed to pass through the trees. Yeah, it was hot as balls, but a girl could definitely get used to this.

  Within minutes, our entire group had been called and accounted for. Elijah’s clipboard settled against his thigh as he peered up.

  “Before you move on, I have a few words of wisdom to pass along,” he announced.

  We were all ears.

  “It would be remiss of me not to warn you all that our island’s beauty can be deceiving. Even a rose is beautiful until you’re pricked by its thorns.”

  Toni and I glanced toward one another, sharing a look of confusion.

  “First,” he continued, “I encourage you to only travel in groups. Especially at night. It’s easy to get lost, and with the island’s size, it could take days for someone to find you. Next, should you ever encounter a sign stating that you’ve wandered near sacred land, or too close to the northern border, we ask that you heed these cautions. Not everyone will understand the delicate balance between our realm and that of Spirit, but we don’t require that our ways be understood. Only that they be respected,” he stated gravely. “Lastly, keep in mind that you’re no longer on the mainland. Things are different here. Just like any new home, there are sights and sounds that may be unfamiliar. With that being said, consider this our Advisors’ official forbiddance from crossing the barrier onto the island’s northern hemisphere. Should our watchmen encounter any of you making an attempt to pass, it is lawful and necessary that they take action against you.”

  Never taking her eyes off Elijah, Toni leaned in. “Is this man saying they have permission to hurt us?”

  I wouldn’t say this out loud, but I had a feeling this threat went beyond just ‘hurting’ us. When I nodded, Toni swallowed deeply, and then straightened again.

  While her question was valid, Elijah’s statement raised a far more pressing one in my mind. Like, what lie beyond this boundary he spoke of that warranted such harsh punishment?

  “Any thoughts, comments, or concerns?” he asked. I had all three, but kept my mouth shut.

  “Well, if all minds are clear, on behalf of my people, I welcome you all to the living island of Sanluuk,” he announced. “And in keeping with tradition, I leave you all with a heartfelt, tribal blessing. Ano-luana.”

  Chapter Three

  Kai

  The stench of sweat and defeat followed us home. Our filthy weapons were tossed into a heap before finding a spot to collapse.

  Paulo and Rayen laid out right on the dock, while Ori snatched his shirt over his head, and then dove straight into the lagoon. Big as he was, everyone got splashed pretty good. Even me as I sprawled out on the porch.

  This day sucked more than most. As proof, we all had our share of open wounds—some half healed, others completely sealed over with only traces of blood left behind. It wasn’t often we got pulled into domestic disputes, but this wasn’t the average conflict. We showed up seconds before a son took a hammer to his unsuspecting father’s skull. With how he’d torn the place up before our arrival, you’d think he would’ve been exhausted, but that wasn’t the case. The guy was like a cyclone.

  It took all four of us to restrain him, and then we had to radio in for the Eros and Aurora hives for assistance. None of us had ever seen anything like it, someone so enraged and vacant.

  Pushing moisture from my brow, I lifted my head when Ori hoisted himself onto the dock after a labored swim to the cliff wall. It was a good distance from the bungalow, but I guessed a brief dip beneath the waterfall had been worth it.

  “His eyes,” Ori panted. “Anyone else get a look at them?”

  “You mean between ducking punches and that big lamp he torpedoed at my head?” Rayen laughed. “Yeah, I saw them. Pretty wild.”

  I’d noticed them too, the way even the whites surrounding his irises had turned pitch black.

  “Ever seen that before?” was Ori’s next question.

  I shook my head. “Never.”

  “What do you think it means?” Rayen was the most analytical of our hive, so I believed he only asked because he already had a theory.

  Ori shrugged, standing to wring water from his shorts. “Not sure, but whatever it is, it can’t be good.”

  None of us argued with his logic.

  “Still say we should have killed him.” Paulo may have been the one with the balls to speak his mind, but I had a hunch the others felt the same way.

  As we spoke, Isaac—the wild man who attacked his father, and then us—lie chained in a makeshift cell. Had it been up to the others, he’d no longer be breathing, but I couldn’t allow that to happen. In some instances, death couldn’t be avoided, but this wasn’t one of those instances.

  “I promised I’d take care of it,” I grumbled, “and I always keep a promise.”

  “We can’t save them all.”

  I lifted my head long enough to glare at Ori when he made the comment. Stubborn, he held my gaze to make it clear he wasn’t intimidated.

  “Nor can we turn our backs while innocents die,” I reminded him.

  “Innocents?” When Ori laughed with the question, it was a dark, cynical sound. “Is that what you think he was? The man who just nearly killed his own father?”

  That reasoning was flawed because Ori had chosen to ignore one important factor.

  “He’s infected with the darkness,” I pointed out. “Which means he wasn’t acting of his own will.”

  The others fell silent. The number of new reports seemed to increase every year. Specifically, since our hive had been activated, making it difficult to tell which had been the cause, and which the effect.

  “We’re supposed to do more than just defend the border,” I continued. “If killing out of convenience is what we’ve become, then I’m out.”

  Ori scoffed at that. Maybe because we both knew that wasn’t an option. Becoming a Firekeeper wasn’t some job we applied for.