Shade Academy

Chapter 18

When I woke the next morning I felt more rested than I have in a long time. Actually I couldn't even remember the last time I had felt so well rested and refreshed. I smiled, there was something about Axel that made me fell protected, safe. So much so, I was able to sleep peacefully. I don't know if I ever wanted to sleep without him again after this. 

When I stretched out I found I was in bed alone. With my brows knitted together I got my phone and found that it was only eight in the morning. What was he doing so early in the morning? I would say there wasn't anything for him to do, but I'd be lying. There were so may rooms in this house that even I haven't even explored it all yet. Groaning I crawled out of bed and into the shower, if he was exploring then he would be gone a while. 

When I was showered and dressed and he still wasn't back I decided to go looking for him. I decided to check the dining room and the kitchen first. He was a shifter after all, and judging by the amount of food he always had piled on his plate during lunch he ate a lot and was always hungry. 

As I made my way downstairs I noticed the house was busier than normal. Staff was bustling in and out of the house like chickens with their heads cut off. They were carrying things like chairs, balloons, flowers, food, and so many other party supplies in I lost count. When I stopped a young woman rushing out the door her eyes went wide. "Miss. Ashford. What are you doing up? You're not supposed to be up yet." Her eyes darted around nervously. "What do you mean I'm not supposed to be up yet?" I demanded. "I wake and sleep on my schedule not yours."  She looked at me nervously before bowing her head slightly. "Forgive me Miss. I meant no disrespect." She whispered. 

"What's going on ?" I demand. "I'm sorry Miss, we were asked by your mates not to say anything."  I put my hands on my hips and stared her down. "Which one?" I asked in annoyance. "Well, all three of them." She said. I raised my brows as my arms fell limp beside me. "Three?" I asked shocked. She just nodded as she fiddled with her dress. "Thank you. You may go." 

She rushed out the door while I was stood confused. What was Alex doing here? How did he know where I was? What were they all working on? And why were they all working together on this? Had hell frozen over? Because that was the only thing I could think of that would get all three of them together and not have d**k measuring contests. 

"Anna? What are you doing awake? You're never up this early." Turning around I saw Samuel walking towards me carrying what looked to be, a pinata? What in the world was going on? "Samuel, what are you three doing? And what is Alex doing here?" Samuel smiled mischievously. "Nothing you need to worry about right now. And Alex came to spend time with you, same as myself and Axel. Now, go back up stairs and rest, someone will be up there soon to get you."

I didn't question him, I just turned around and made my way back up to my room. But I was still curious as to what was happening and why I was left out of the loop. What was today that they were all being so secretive? And why was Alex not home with his family? Questions just kept circling round and round in my head that I was starting to feel dizzy. "UGH!" I groaned, throwing myself into bed. "What are they doing?" I said, thinking out loud to no one. 

Great, now I was talking to myself. These men were driving me to insanity. Sitting up I decided to go out onto the balcony and practice my magic. First I rang the bell that was in my room and in no time at all a maid came in. "What can I do for you Miss. Ashford?" I looked at her and smiled. "Since I am not allowed downstairs right now, could you please bring me some coffee and breakfast please?" She nodded her head "Of course." She said, before rushing out the door. 

Out on my balcony I sat in one of the chairs and closed my eyes. I concentrated, digging deep within myself for my power and for the power that I knew I had but haven't been able to access. As I concentrated I wondered what all I could do with my mental magic. Redirecting my thoughts, I focused on Alex. I pictured his face, his voice, his smell. Letting him take up every bit of my mind, I quickly found myself looking at the back lawn, except it wasn't the back lawn anymore. It was decorated in brilliant blues and silver. Banners were covering every tree, lights were strewn upon branches and tree trunks as well as the stone stair railing. A table was covered in elegantly wrapped gifts, while another was covered in food of every kind. Turning my head a bit there was another table with four chairs, a beautiful sapphire blue table cloth and elaborate candles in the middle. 

I pulled my subconscious out of Alex's mind and back into my own. My eyes snapped open as a wave of vertigo hit me. Wow, that was unreal, and slightly nauseating. I stumbled to my feet, fighting off the dizziness that threatened to consume me. When I saw the cart of food and steaming coffee I smiled and rushed over to it, just barely catching myself from falling as I reached it. 

I eagerly grabbed the mug and chugged it, ignoring the burning as it made its way down my throat. I immediately felt better and it no longer looked like the world was spinning. Maybe I shouldn't have done that. It consumed so much power, I wasn't strong enough to hold that kind of magic long. Maybe that was why I couldn't access all of my magic yet, I wasn't strong enough or trained enough to wield it. It made sense if I thought about it. Witches grew their magic by going to Shade Academy, none of them knew their full capabilities before entering school, and as school progressed so did their powers. 

I was now more determined than ever to finish my four years at the academy. My first year was almost over already and I didn't feel any different, but I came into the school more advanced than my peers, maybe year two would meet my needs more, advance my magic more. I plopped back on the bed with a sigh and cuddled into the pillow. The last thing I remember before drifting off to sleep was a floating purple orb above my head, then I let the darkness consume me.