Magic Guardian Academy Series

Chapter 4: Doubts and Misgivings at the Academy's Gate

"Once you're settled and it's safe, then we'll talk more," my mother's voice cracked, and she missed a breath. "Make sure you wear clean socks."

A choke of laughter erupted from me and I wiped my tears. "Always."

She gave me a stiff nod. "Go, Zoey, be safe, remember all I tried to teach you."

Why did she suddenly sound like she wasn't my mom but some kind of weird mentor? Was it her way of letting go? Still, I didn't question her, the words burning in my chest as I hugged her back.

"We need to go," Reed said, gently.

Despite the sorrow so sharp in my heart I thought I was going to keel over from the pain of it, I let him lead me away, feeling like I'd never be the same again.

My mom gave me a short wave, but I couldn't tell if she was crying from my tears blurring my vision.

Outside, a small black car was parked. Reed opened the trunk and threw my suitcases inside. Normally I would've yelled that there might be something breakable inside. Lucky for him there wasn't anything except clothes and books. Instead, I stood there like a robot, unable to speak or move, until he opened the door and led me inside.

A sandy-haired guy was already in the back with his leg hiked over the other and wearing jeans with slashes along the legs and a faded Heavy Metal T-shirt of some band I'd never heard of. The skull and snake coming out of its mouth clued me in on what type of music.

Reed climbed into the passenger seat in front of me. The driver had dark hair and eyes from what I could tell from the back of his head and the rearview mirror.

"Sorry you had to meet Reed first, he's a stickler for rules. I'm Jasper and that's Kento." He held up bunny ears behind the driver. "He thinks he's the leader of our group."

"I am the leader," his thick Asian-accented voice vibrated through the car. "And I can see what you are doing, Jasper."

Jasper stopped, but not without first flicking him the finger and flashing me a smile. "So we got the damsel in distress, we gonna go now?"

"Hey, I was perfectly fine on my own." I crossed my arms over my chest, pressing my lips together before I said more than I wanted. Damsel indeed.

"Oh?" Reed said from the seat in front of me. "And if wraiths had shown up or a dark warlock? Then what?"

"Bet I could give the baddies a showdown..." If my magic didn't go berserk as it often liked to do. Like blowing a hole in the school wall today.

My mom had been teaching me magic and spells since I accidentally set the kitchen on fire when I was three and had tried to help cook dinner. Whenever she used her power, things went smoothly. With me, it was almost a toss of a coin as to whether it was gonna be good or end up with me covered in crap.

Maybe this magical academy would help me. Teach me to control my abilities, be able to trust in them instead of cringing as I waited for the outcome. Then I could protect myself and Mom - she wouldn't need to be afraid for me anymore.

"Have any questions about the school?" Jasper waggled his eyebrows. "I know all the best spots for hanging out and professors. You don't wanna get stuck with Grimy."

I couldn't resist. "Who's Grimy?"

"A freaking leprechaun who hates the fact everyone is taller than him." Jasper's leg brushed mine, and his easy smile had the corners of my mouth twitching.

"Or maybe it's the fact that you stuffed his shoes with shaving cream," Reed said.

We took the road to the freeway and I slouched down in the seat, still not wanting to go to this academy and trying to show interest in their stories when all I wanted was the world to open up and swallow me.

"Or how about when you glued his mouse to his desk or put black shoe polish on his glasses?" Reed continued.

"Now you're just bragging on me." Jasper puffed out his chest.

"Save your tricks for the academy," Kento merged with traffic. "We've got to deliver Zoey safely to the Headmistress in less than two hours."

Deliver me? Like I'm a bag of groceries? I fought the urge to say something, but what would it benefit? I was here because I had to be. Because my mom was in danger and couldn't protect me. I stilled. My body suddenly went ice-cold. Exactly who or what was after me? And would mere students and a building be able to stop them?

* * *

I stared out the window as we stopped on a long driveway that circled an ancient-looking building with stone archways and some kind of vine creeping up the sides. The place reminded me of a huge cathedral. Abandoned with dark windows and no outside lighting as the sun faded behind us.

"Welcome to Magical Guardian Academy," Jasper intoned in a mock announcer voice. "Home of the Arcane. Where the unknowable is studied and mastered."

What did I really know about these guys? Reed could've done some magical bonding on my mom or something to make her think I had to come with them, but what if it was a trick? I didn't even know why I was here except that my mom's life was in danger if I stayed. What if they'd brought me here to do some sick ritual and kill me?

My power pulsed along my hand and I clenched my fists. If they tried anything, I'd fry them or blast a hole in them like I did the wall at school.

Jasper peeked his head into the open door, and I realized I was the only one still in the car.

"You gonna stay in the car all night? I'll protect you from the leprechaun, he's not as bad as I let on."

I shook my head, swallowing against the tightness in my throat. The humidity hit me as I stepped out of the car. "Where is everyone?"

"Inside." Reed held out his hand, but I didn't take his offering.

Until I knew this place wasn't a death trap, I wasn't going to show any weakness or release my magic that was locked and loaded.

Reed shrugged, remaining at my side. Kento led while Jasper plucked at the leaves of the vines as we crossed the threshold of the black iron gate. We followed a cobblestone path to the academy's wooden gate that looked large enough for a giant to pass through. Just who all did they have at this school?

A cool wind tickled my dark hair as the door swung open. Flickers of lights from candles lit stone walls. Gold rugs with purple, blue, and red swirls laid across the floor. A vaulted ceiling rose above us, also in the same grey stones used throughout the place.

"This way to the Headmistress' office," Kento said without even glancing back to see if I was keeping up.

Was he anxious to deliver me and wipe his hands clean? I finally spotted a few students in school uniforms, so unless they planned on attacking me for my power or killing me, I was safe.

We entered a small office with an oak table and a woman sitting behind it with folders and papers in neat stacks on her desk. Her gray hair was pulled into a tight bun and I could imagine her with a ruler in her hand and rapping students' knuckles who didn't obey.

"Ms. Zoey Dane," she adjusted her rhinestone glasses. "Congratulations, Reed, for finding and bringing her in."

He bowed his head. If I hadn't done magic at school and in front of humans, would he have known? Yes, Mom had said this was necessary. Being here would protect me somehow and keep her safe. That was all that mattered. She was the only family I had in this world.

"I'm Headmistress Olsen." She gave me a tight smile. "Before you are admitted into the academy, you must pass several tests."

"What?" I looked between the three guys who kept their gazes from me, except for Kento who met my stare unblinking. "Why?"

"We can't just allow anyone into our facility." She straightened her navy blazer. "And since you've never been formally trained and at your age, you must pass with near-perfect scores."

Ugh! Why had my mom made me come here? But if I didn't pass, then what? They'd send me back? Part of me debated not trying on purpose. They'd kick me out and I'd be back with Mom. Then I remembered the look of terror on her face when I had suggested us moving.

Someone or something was after me and she wouldn't be safe if I returned. Not until I worked out who the hell wanted me dead.