Origins of an Academy Bully (Zodiac Academy, #0.5)

by Caroline Peckham

Perhaps if I learned to wield it well enough, I’d feel a little like I was in control of my own life more too.

My father’s eyes had shone with more pride than I think I’d ever realised he was capable of as he’d looked upon my transformed state.

His family were all Vampires and to replenish their magic, they had to feed on the blood and power of other Fae.

Max joined us last, his dark skin covered with navy blue scales which marked him as a Siren.

“Congratulations, Max and Darius,” Professor Zenith said encouragingly. “You both hold the power of water.”

“Congratulations Seth and Max, you have both harnessed the gift of air,” the Professor said.

“Congratulations, Caleb and Seth, you both hold the power of earth.” I finally looked away from Max’s father to find my two friends entwined in the trailing embrace of vines and grass which hadn’t been there a moment ago. It dawned on me that I hadn’t managed to match my great grandfather’s ability of holding three powers as my Father sighed just loud enough to let me know he was disappointed. I swallowed down his displeasure without allowing my face to show I’d noticed it let alone cared about it.

“Embrace who you are, Lance. It feels better than you can ever imagine.”

The world was not black and white. It wasn't even a patchwork of greys. It was rainbows layered upon rainbows. The nicest Fae in the world could turn around and stab you in the back. The cruellest would occasionally offer a helping hand to a stranger.

“Lance Orion, you will guard my son at the detriment of your own life. Nothing will ever be more important to you than that,” he announced and my hopes and dreams wavered before my eyes.

That the Shadow Realm was home to the elusive Fifth Element: the Element of shadows.

“I can do something to get back at him, Darius. And so can you. I want to see you rise. To be the most powerful Heir of them all and crush your father beneath your heel.” His eyes sparkled with the idea. “Do you really think I can?” “Yes,” I said firmly. “I'll help you. And nothing will ever stand in our way.”