At least mages had high regards for the security of their children, doing anything to protect them. Other mages were not the only threat. While little knowledge of elementals existed in the human world, we were known to some—or rather, to folklore. The Mage Council helped protect our secrets and existence, but they couldn’t keep it from trickling out. It was thought by the non-magic population that our capabilities only consisted of mere magic tricks, and we were referred to as witches. They surely did not know about dark mages. There would have been mass panic.
“That’s why the council sent academy guards all the way from Alaska?” I glanced at the fox at his feet, its little mouth opening in a wide yawn.Was it bored?It had a teal to purple gradient collar with a small charm. It had to be his familiar—a companion animal with a magical bond with its human—given the way it practically sat on his feet, but I’d never seen a familiar until tonight. Now I’d seen two, assuming the lizard belonged to the fire mage. “How do we know you are who you say you are?”
“You don’t.” John stayed where he was, no longer advancing.
Viv and I could fight—Mom had made sure of that—but we were outnumbered and had no clue of their levels of magic. He was right. Viv would be safest there.
Mom had taught us about Fives Academy. She had said it was not only the most prestigious academy for training but also the most secure. She knew because she had gone there. It was oneof the few elemental academies in the world that recognized fighting as a required skill.
I couldn’t win a fight against the dark mage who killed Mom, but a dark mage would have a hard time crossing the academy’s wards. If this group wanted to harm us, they already would have tried.
“Okay.” I nodded. “We’ll come.”
“What?” Viv grabbed my arm. “You can’t be serious. We can’t trust them.”
“No. We can’t.” I lowered my voice. “But if they’re telling the truth, it’s our best option. We’ve already been found once. That dark mage, Viv. If it found us instead …”
Viv blanched. She took a deep breath and nodded. “Let’s go to school.”
She deserved to have a normal high school life.
I didn’t.
Chapter Three
Selene
Byfiveo’clocklaterthat day—which was essentially our midnight—we were driving through Fives Academy’s massive iron gates, its name intricately swirling across the top like metal vines and bending to create symbols that acted as a ward. A few of the pickets below the name were bent to form the same insignia the guards wore on their jackets.
Just five minutes ago, there had been a blinding desert of snow, but once we had crossed an invisible threshold, the massive manor-style academy appeared inside a clear dome, the other end not visible. Woods bordered the buildings while luscious green grass with tall trees rolled over the hills and surrounded the stone buildings. Some of the leaves were painted red and orange, a sign that fall had arrived.
“The academy is cloaked from the outside world. Only when a mage crosses its border is it seen,” John said from the passenger seat of the Jeep, the fox sleeping soundly in his lap. If hehad brought his cute familiar to seem more trusting, it wasn’t going to work. “But the mage must be what we callinvitedto be allowed through. If humans were to wander out here, they’d become disoriented and simply pass by as if there was nothing and, after the matter, forget they’d even been disoriented.”
“Like the Bermuda Triangle?” In the seat next to me, my sister practically smooshed her nose against the car window.
While the academy’s beauty was evident, I saw nothing but trouble.
“In a way.” John was facing the front, but there was amusement in his voice. “It’s a mix of elemental magic and enchantments. Earth combined with air magic creates an invisible barrier—manipulating temperature and air density—and air pressurizes the surrounding area to disorient any unwanted visitors with an added complex spell.”
“How does it differentiate humans and elementals?” I asked, wondering how that could be so easily detected. Dark mages were able to sense other nearby elementals, which helped draw them to powerful mages so they could siphon their magic. Other elementals could sense others by smell, but it wasn’t always easy to pick up on, and magic could be used to block scents.
“It’s similar to testing for elemental magic mixed with complex spells, which will be a part of your senior year.” John glanced over his shoulder at me.
“And we were specifically invited?” If he was going to share, I would attempt to get as much information about this place as I could.
“Yes,” John said in finality.
Okay.I guess he wasn’t going to share everything.
“What about animals?” Vivian asked as a bird flew overhead.
“Animals can come and go, apart from those that carry magic. It helps the ecosystem, as the academy grounds extend throughthe forest and mountains.” John pointed out the window. “The main entrance.”
The gravel driveway perfectly circled a stone dragon fountain in the front, except the fountain shot out fiery flames from the center of the dragon’s mouth instead of water. The dragon’s body was entangled with vines and deep violet flowers that were almost black. Dragons symbolized strength, power, and courage. They were a natural enemy to dark mages due to their resistance to them, but the dark mages had eliminated dragons a long time ago for that reason.
Once the Jeep stopped, I hopped out, wanting to be out of a confined space. The air was filled with wood scents, flowers, and a hint of burnt pine—nothing like the salty breeze of what had been home. Loose strands of my hair swirled in the wind. It was styled in two French braids that led into two low buns—just like Mom had always done for me.
My heart ached, but I straightened my shoulders. I needed to be aware.
