Shade Academy

Chapter 15

I was frozen in shock. Two power families, both killed leaving me as their only living descendant. I, me, the unwanted, unloved orphan. I didn't grow up in this world so I honestly don't know what all of this entails. What were my parents powers? What were their families powers? 

"But what about the council? They have some random person representing the Whitemore clan when the position is rightfully mine. Not that I am power hungry, I'm not. I would much rather people leave me alone and treat me like I am invisable, but this is different. That is MY family this person is representing." 

"Anna, I understand how you feel. But this is something that has to stay between the two of us. It is dangerous information. If the council or even the rebellion find out you will be in higher demand. The council would want to use you as a weapon. And the rebellion would want to turn you against the council." 

I scowled. "What if I don't believe in what either of them do?" Axel leaned away from me and looked at me like I had lost my mind. "What does that mean Anna?" He asked suspiciously. I rolled my eyes at him. "Don't worry, I'm not going to fight anyone." I sighed. "But it'd obvious by what I have seen and observed of the council all they care about is power. I will not be a weapon for them to use. And the rebellion want to split the supernaturals up into factions. I don't believe they should be separated, they need to work together. Otherwise the rebellion  will win anyway." 

Axel's eyes widened as he took in what I said. "You're right." He breathed. "All they want to do with me is put me on the front lines. They want me to destroy the rebellion. As the only living dragon shifter I am more powerful than any of the others." 

"See." I said flailing my arms like a mad woman. "All they care about is power. The Academy's are only there so they can recruit the students who graduate top of the class." Axel stood and started pacing the room. By the look on his face he was kicking himself for not thinking about it himself. He looked angry and betrayed. But he also looked sad and resentful. I felt bad for him and what I had done by saying my thoughts out loud. I stood up and placed myself in his path, blocking him from continuing his pacing. On instinct I placed a hand on his cheek. "I'm sorry Axel. I never meant to upset you by speaking out." 

Axel gave me a small smile before covering my hand with his own. "It's alright. You made a good point. I don't want to be used as a weapon any more than you do." He then sighed and moved my hand away. The silent rejection hurt, but I'd never admit it. "I'm going to go up to bed. You should get some rest too." 

I shook my head before heading back over to the table. "No, I need to know more. You go ahead, I'll be alright." Axel nodded once and turned to walk out the door, but didn't expect someone to be outside the door, just getting ready to knock. In his haste, he just about knocked the poor woman over. She had her hands full, with a tray of food for me. Axel apologized profusely before moving passed her and up to his room. 

I fell heavily into the chair and pinched the bridge of my nose. All this stress is going to make me go grey, and I was only 18. "Miss. Ashford." The woman said timidly. "I have your food." I looked up to her and could see the fear but also admiration. "Thank you, just put it on the table." I told her. She bowed her and and did as I asked before she disappeared through the door once again. Then I was alone. At this point I kind of wished Samuel was here, at least he wouldn't have left me alone after finding out something so big. He would have stayed and supported me in any way he could. Well, I think he would at least. After what happened in class I honestly wouldn't be surprised if he showed up here at some point over the break. 

I loved Samuel, I did. But he could be a bit intense and overprotective, especially since what happened here last time. The events of that night still haunt my dreams. Not the attack itself, but the image of Samuel on the floor in a puddle of blood. I clenched my eyes closed and shook my head. No, I can't think about that right now. 

I didn't know how long I had been in the room until a chaotic knocking started on the door. "Ok, ok I'm coming." I yelled, annoyed. I jerked the door open surprised to see an angry Axel staring at me fuming. "Who pissed in your corn flakes?" I asked, crossing my arms over my chest. Axel snorted, and I swore I saw his lips twitch slightly into a smile before instantly being replaced by a hard frown. "What is it now Axel?" I asked. He raised his brow at me. "You've been down here all night Anna. It's ten in the morning." 

"What?" I said loudly enough it echoed off the walls. Axel just nodded as I sighed loudly. "Come on, let's get you fed." He said ushering me out of the room. I let him lead me, still confused as to how I had spent so much time down there and not realize it. 

We sat in the dining room eating our brunch in silence. It wasn't that I didn't want to speak to him, I did. But my mind was still reeling. I had found out that throughout my entire ancestry mind magic had been our strongest kind of magic. But in the Whitemore clan, they had been most advanced in spells and potions. Well, that would explain why I am so advanced in those classes. But with me still learning to harness my magic, how much do I have that I haven't been able to access yet? And once I am able to access it, what would I be able to do?