But alas, it was back to school, and I was finally going in with my powers accessible. Not all of them, but I was powerful enough that I was going to have a real shot at learning magic.
“So based on your near straight A's last year, what did you decide to take this year?” Ilia asked.
Despite all the drama that had surrounded me, I’d aced most of my first year classes—with a lot of studying and a lot of help from Axl, and that meant I could choose more electives this year.
Picking up my schedule, which had been delivered last night, I stared down at the blank fields. The magical parchment would give me my timetable as soon as I picked classes. The second piece of paper, which had arrived with it, held the multiple options for classes.
“I’m definitely taking Water Magic and History again,” I said, knowing they were important. “Herbalism and Sword and Sorcery, as well.”
Year one had been an introduction year, giving us basic knowledge for each subject, but year two would see us delving deeper.
“I’m going to ditch Demon Mythology though. Princeps Jones said the more advanced years were for people that wanted to focus on it as a career.”
I had no interest in a further career in that area.
“Are you going to try Healing Magic this year?” Ilia pointed it out on my list. “It’s a good pair to Herbalism.”
I nodded. “Definitely. And I think I’d like to try Advanced Attack and Defense. It pairs with Sword and Sorcery.”
Ilia nodded. “Hells yeah, that was my favorite of every class I ever took.”
I looked down the long list, pausing at Race Morphology. “I really should take it again too. I’m still behind on learning about this world, and I love that we’re moving on to more in-depth demi-fey in year two.”
The six classes I’d mentioned started to swirl themselves into a Monday to Friday schedule, and I realized that there was one space left, which I could either leave for independent study or fill later. The Supernatural Academy, like American colleges, initially let you pick and choose classes for a basic overall education, until eventually you specialized. I had to laugh that on Thursday I had Herbalism and Healing in the morning and Sword and Sorcery and Advanced Attack and Defense in the afternoon. Heal in the morning, kill in the afternoon.
“I’ll figure the rest out later,” I said to Ilia, shoving my schedule into the leather satchel she’d gifted me last year. “I’m running late for a meeting with Princeps Jones.” I really didn’t want to miss the first assembly of the year.
She nodded, giving me a wave. “I’m heading out on a job soon,” she said, following me toward the door. “Shouldn’t be gone long though, but I wanted to let you know just in case I have to leave before lunch.”
I patted the cell phone in my pocket. “Girl, you know I finally got my phone hooked up. Just text me.”
She muttered something about it being freaking time, and I shook my head. I’d never really had a proper phone in my old life—too expensive—so the one I had now was often forgotten, uncharged, or lost in my room somewhere. I was trying to get better at using it, because a lot of shit had happened in my life and it was an easy way to contact someone in a hurry.
Speaking of … it vibrated in my pocket.
Asher: What are you wearing?
With a snort of laughter, I shook my head. Somehow sexting had come up yesterday—from Calen, of course. Since then I’d been getting my share of random texts from Asher. Something told me he was building up to either embarrass meorturn me on so badly that I would go running to him.
Me: Skirt, tights, shirt with buttons. Very sexy.I added a winky face emoticon and then sent it.
Asher: I fucking miss you. Waking up without you … not cool, baby.
My laughter dried up and an ache started low in my stomach. Asher had been trying to get me to live with him; we’d practically stayed together every night since the drama of last year. But I wasn’t quite ready to give up my room in the Academy. I’d been independent my entire life, and I couldn’t quite go there yet with Asher.
Me: I’ll see you at breakfast, right?
Asher: Possibly… I have a meeting with one of my teachers. I might be late.
Disappointment hit me, but I pushed it down. I didn’t want to completely lose myself in Asher and not be able to function at all if he wasn’t around. On the other hand, I’d always felt couples needed to spend a lot of time together to maintain a healthy relationship. Doing whatever it was they both loved to do … common activities. And if they didn’t have common activities, then go out and discover some together.
That was my dream relationship. And so far, Asher was making all of it come true.
A light knock on the door had me turning to find Larissa casually strolling in. She’d changed a lot from the shy, scared vampire I’d met a year ago. Now she bristled with energy, her flawless skin bright and vibrant. She no longer dropped her head when she walked; she wore her awesomeness with confidence. It made me so damn happy to see that.
“Hey, dudes.” She strode forward to give Ilia a hug. “Dad said you were heading out soon,” she said to our friend. “Be careful out there.”
Ilia nodded. “Yeah, it shouldn’t be anything too crazy. Old textbook case. This supe should be an easy find.”
