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“Let’s not get all sappy here,” I laughed, trying to add humor to the too serious situation.
Mom laughed, pushing herself off of the counter. “I’m just happy to see you finally enjoying something. Now, go finish packing. We have a long trip ahead of us and you don’t want to be late.”
Watching her walk away, I released a heavy breath once I was finally alone in the kitchen. I tore another bite of the muffin off and finished my breakfast. Soon enough, I would be back at the academy and my life would go back to being anything but normal.
***
Nervous energy flowed through the car as Mom turned the SUV off the main highway and onto a small, two-lane road. We were moving further into the familiar countryside that had once caused me so much anxiety. We were miles away from Charleston, South Carolina and now hidden in the countryside.
My luggage rumbled around in the back seat and I glanced out the window as a strange urge to jump out of the moving vehicle and rush toward the estate came over me. As we pulled up to the expansive southern estate, a wave of horror surged through me.
“Look, there it is,” Mom announced, as the sinister spires of the large, iron fence came into view. The school seemed to always have a heavy fog hanging around it like a blanket.
I couldn’t help but feel a wave of excitement and trepidation rush over me as the expansive trees and blood-red roses of the cursed forest came into view. Just reflecting on the creatures that lived inside made me excited. I knew it was crazy; I should be terrified of the horrendous beasts that lurked inside ready and willing to destroy me — but I wasn’t.
If anything, since the attacks, I had been more intrigued by it all. There was still so much I needed to learn and I planned on gaining as much insight as I could during this new semester at Shadow Legacy Academy.
When the car stopped, I practically tore off the door as I jumped out. To my shock, Headmaster Patricia was already smiling and waving to me from the large wooden doors that led inside of the academy.
I hadn’t realized just how much I had missed this place until now. Tears pricked my eyes as the memories flooded me.
“Farrah, welcome back to Shadow Legacy Academy,” Headmaster Patricia said, her warm smile greeting me. Moving from the grand entrance, she moved with a grace that captivates you and stops your breath.
“It’s nice to be back,” I said, and I truly meant it.
Mom grabbed my bags and walked along the pavement as I headed toward the school.
A flash of lavender whizzed past me, and suddenly, I was pulled into a warm embrace.
Farrah, did you forget how to use a phone?” Candi exclaimed, hugging me tightly as she twirled us around.
My mom laughed as I struggled to find my footing again. I couldn’t help but smile as I rolled my eyes at my new, yet crazy friend.
Candi stood in front of me, her soft, lavender hair resting neatly on her shoulders. She was already wearing the navy blue uniform and looked ready for classes, while I was still sporting my dark jeans and black t-shirt with red Converse sneakers.
To most onlookers, my greeting by Candi looked completely normal. Just two friends happy to see one another from a two-week break. However, considering our rocky start, mine and Candi’s friendship was almost surreal. It took us some time, but through some pretty tumultuous times, we ended up creating a bond and I was grateful now to call her my friend.
“I didn’t forget,” I laughed, trying to present a cool tone. “I just unplugged from the world for a while,” I admitted.
And, it was true. While most students had been excited to get away from school and all things educational, I couldn’t wait to learn more from my mom. I had spent too much of my life fearing that I was hopeless and would never gain powers. Coming from a strong line of Supernaturals, it was expected of me to be something great. Thankfully, I had gained my powers. Now, the other part is still being determined.
“How can you unplug? The entire universe runs by cell phones and technology,” she mused, placing her hand on her hip in a sassy move.
A howl in the distance had my head swiftly turning to the right and my heart rate spiking.
Candi smiled and wagged her finger in my face as she whispered,” I bet I know someone who you missed,” she said, winking at me.
My cheeks flushed and thankfully, my mom was too busy talking with Headmaster Patricia to notice.
Before I could even find a sarcastic comment to reply with, Anson raced out of the woods and headed straight toward me. My eyes could barely focus on the swift movements of his legs. In one movement, he reached out and pulled me in for a hug. Unlike Candi’s, his was very much welcome.
As my eyes met the dark stormy ones of the strong Wolf Shifter in front of me, my heart skipped a beat. His typical alluring and boyish smile was painted on his face as he gazed down at me.
“Hey,” he said, taking a step back from me.
My body suddenly felt cold when he released me.
“Hi,” I replied, my voice shaking with nervousness.
