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

by Caroline Peckham

I just wanted to gain control of my own power. 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. Although that would only ever be an illusion. My path had been mapped out from the moment my parents had gotten married.

Thankfully, on my eleventh birthday, my friend Seth had gotten a little too exuberant while dancing and had managed to knock my entire birthday cake to the ground. My anger and disappointment had been punctuated by me turning into a thirteen foot golden Dragon right in the middle of my parent’s banquet hall.

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 lips had hooked into a smile and he’d run his hands along my glimmering scales in a touch that was as close to an embrace as I’d ever gotten from him.

My transformed body was almost the size of his green Dragon form now and I was almost positive that I would be bigger than him in the end. It was likely I would be a larger man in my Fae form too.

At almost six foot I was still growing and given four more inches, I’d be the one looking down on him. I was determined to see that day come to pass.

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.

“Don’t say a word,” he muttered, a trace of embarrassment colouring his deep voice. He still hadn’t quite gained control of his transformations and whenever he experienced heightened emotions, he got overwhelmed and his scales appeared. “Wouldn’t dream of it,” I replied, throwing an arm around him so that he could draw some of my amusement into himself with his Siren power.

“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,”

“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.

Seth’s mother noticed me looking and held out an arm to encourage me to join them. I cleared my throat uncomfortably, glancing at my parents and wondering if my father would self-combust if I threw myself into the midst of a Werewolf nuzzling session or if he’d just beat the desire to ever do so again out of me in front of everyone here. Likely the latter. I gave Seth’s mother a polite smile as I turned away and pretended not to notice the pity in her eyes.

When I'd fed from all of them (because why the hell not?) I headed outside to find Clara.

“Have you ever ridden a Dragon?” I asked, raising my eyebrows in a dare. “But...” Lance bit his tongue against the objections he’d been about to raise.

“And try not to touch my wings when you’re climbing on,” I added. “Are they fragile?” he asked in surprise. “No. They're ticklish,” I admitted.

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.

“Do you often take fourteen year old boys to secluded places?” Darius joked and I snorted a laugh. “Only the hot ones.” “Lucky me,” he jibed.

“Mildred’s lineage is undisputed,” Father said loudly, his tone warning against further outbursts. “Her parents are-” “Your cousins. Her father is your cousin. She’s my goddamn cousin,” I spluttered. “Second cousin,” Father growled, his eyes flashing to green, reptilian slits.

“I'll go along with his bullshit engagement for now, but I'm not marrying her.” “You won't,” I agreed. “But just in case you do, I'm not available as a godfather to your goblin kids.”

“Lance Orion, you will guard my son at the detriment of your own life. Nothing will ever be more important to you than that,”

“I’m thinking we avoid doing that again,” I said, pushing aside the pang of longing that went with it. “The last thing I need is you trying to dry hump me while you’re feeding.” “You might be right about that,” Lance replied, his tone joking but his eyes alight with desire for my magic.

“Stardust created on a Lunar Eclipse takes the traveller to only one place,”

“Tonight we'll be the first Fae to ever enter the Shadow Realm,”

The Shadow Realm was the darkest mirror world in existence. Nothing good came from there. But there was one rumour that had yet to be confirmed. That the Shadow Realm was home to the elusive Fifth Element: the Element of shadows.