Equinox Academy: Dark Prophecy

Chapter 9

Poe once said "There is no exquisite beauty without some strangeness in the proportion," and to say the man behind me seemed to embody that quote in its entirety is putting it lightly. Standing at about six feet five inches he is both intimidatingly beautiful and elegant. His inky black hair is slicked back from his face and falls down his back in long wavy trendels. His face gives off the essence of youth but his eyes speak of wisdom that goes back centuries. He sports high cheekbones, an aristocratic nose, a strong jawline, and skin as pale as bones. However, instead of looking sickly it only enhances the allure and mystery about him. He honestly reminds me of a pale Douglas Booth with long hair. His body was obscured by the large cloak he wore but what caught my attention the most wasn't his good looks it was his eyes and wings.

Yes I said f*****g wings...

He has heterochromia like me but his is just as strange if not stranger. He has one eye that is such a pale blue it looks white and his other eye is so dark brown it looks black. If it weren't for my supernatural eye sight I would have guessed that they were white and black. His wings though are as inky black as his hair. Strangely they match the color of my hair in the moonlight. His feathers have a slight silver shimmer to them and it's kind of mesmerizing.

"Kassandra Phoenix."

His voice is like melted chocolate and I can't stop my eyes from snapping to his. His mouth is no longer scowling but instead sports a knowing smirk. I feel my cheeks start to burn slightly and I silently curse my over active libido. I clear my throat and try to put my mask back into place. Today has been exhausting and keeping my usual cool is proving to be harder as the evening progresses. Not to mention this guy has thrown me off kilter which is not normal for me.

"I'm at a disadvantage here. You seem to know my name but I don't know who you are."

My curt answer seems to amuse the stranger and I hear the headmaster snicker slightly behind me. Without speaking he glides further into the room and his power pulses harder. Icy licks of power pulses against my skin but my power immediately melts it away in an attempt to protect me. I don't think he is doing this intentionally. The way it feels makes me think his power is simply reacting to my own. There isn't malicious intent behind the moves its more like the probing I felt earlier. He rounds the chair next to me and languidly collapses into the seat. Without preamble he turns his chair to face me and his wings rustle in an effort to get comfortable. I follow suit because obviously he will be the deciding factor on whether I am accepted to this academy or not.

"My name is Than."

The headmaster snorts and my eyes flick to him. The mischief present gives me pause but he does nothing to stop Than from interrupting our meeting. In fact the cold person I encountered moments ago seems to have morphed back to the man on stage. Apparently Than has brought Headmaster B back and honestly I'm thankful for it because Headmaster Bishop unnerved me.

"Well you said you would be the judge of whether I'm a fraud or not. How will you go about that?"

"It's simple. I will touch you as you touched Glaukopis if I can not sense the powers with in you then you will be escorted off the premises. The board of directors will also be informed of your deception. Given your circumstance you will likely receive punishment on top of what they already have planned for you."

My heart lurches in my chest and icy cold dread skates down my spine. I mean I've done nothing wrong but to think if this guys finds something amiss I could be punished. To say I'm scared shitless is an understatement. However, I refuse to back down at all. No part of the test was tampered with and the fact I'm being accused of such enrages me. I bet if I came from a prominent or royal family this wouldn't be an issue. Indignation fills my being and my magic flares in irritability. Than seems to sense my thoughts and his next words stun me.

"Where you come from matters little to me Kassandra. My job is to access whether you possess the ability that Glaukopis stated you have. If you tried some sort of magic to fool him it would only work once and I'm not so easily deceived."

Shit did he read my mind...

If so...

My earlier thoughts about his looks flash through my head and it takes every fiber of my being not to turn bright red. His eye crinkle at the corners but his mouth stays steady not portraying his amusement. Without thinking I mutter "Damn mind reader." This causes his brow to arch and elicits another snicker from the headmaster.

"Okay fine lets just get this over with. I've done nothing wrong and I have nothing to hide, not even my thoughts apparently."

The headmaster outright laughs this time and I can't help but smirk when Than mutters "smartass." He places his palms out face up and for the third time today my magic leaps from its reservoir because of a magical signature. It pulses down my arm and slams into the bracers which gives me pause. Despite my fear I have to trust that Than can reach past it if he's anywhere near as powerful as the owl.

I reach my hands across the void and gently place them in his. At first his hands are like icebergs. His fingers flex around mine and a shiver runs up my arm. I feel the cold thrum of magic push through my palm and immediately my magic pushes harder against the bracers. The sensation creeps up my wrist and sneaks under the bracers. The once hot metal hisses and begins to form frost and steam. Just as the cold begins to burn my skin my magic makes contact with his. Simultaneously we both suck in a breath. His eyes fall shut as our magic entwins and travels up my arm until it reaches the scar above my left breast.

Than's eyes flutter open but his eyes are no longer two different colors. His once black eye is now the almost white like the other. A soft smile spreads across his face and when he speaks gone is the chocolatey masculine voice and in it's place is a distinct feminine voice. One I remember all to well from my time unconscious.

"When Dark and Light's balance is doom to be lost,

A savior will come forth from the grey.

The royal blood of four must defend at all cost,

To prevent the end of days.

Together united fates strings are bound,

With balance to be their guide.

Love and Sacrifice are so uniquely profound,

To fight forces that deceive and hide.

Through friendship is love and pain is strife,

The warriors decide our fates.

With darkness and light to guide their path,

Our savior must find her mates."

His eyes snap back close and I try to pull from his grasp but his grip is relentless. Just as panic starts to manifest in my brain, I feel his magic begin to trickle down my arm. My eyes flash toward the Headmaster and his brow is furrowed in contemplation. I don't miss the concern and maybe even a little fear just before he shutters his emotions. As the magic reaches our connecting palms Than's eyes fly open and to my relief they are back to normal or at least our normal.

His eyes latch onto mine and for some reason there is a warmth their that I can't quite decipher. He brushes his thumb gently over the back of my left hand and exhales a long breath. Then in a blink the warmth vanishes and he releases my hands so abruptly if not for my good reflexes I would have fallen flat on my face. He stretches his long arms over his head revealing muscular biceps and I get a flash of strange markings from his hands all the way to his shoulder. Before I get a chance to decipher anything he re-covers them seeming to catch me staring. He turns back towards the headmaster and states plainly "Glaukopis revealed the truth." And just like that he stands and moves to exit the room. Before I can stop myself I grab his hand and he freezes.

"What the hell was that?"

Without even acknowledging my question he gazes past me at the headmaster and speaks sternly.

"I will teach her the basics on the fifth element but she will need to learn the others from the best available. I can offer my service to teach her once daily and give private lessons once a week she can join Calix and I on Fridays. I would like to replace Mrs. Dracul as her academic advisor so that I can help keep track of her progress. I will leave the rest of her elemental training up to you but Nico she must gain control of her powers, her life depends on it."

His eyes meet mine and that softness returns for another moment. I can't help but feel there’s more to it and my heart warms slightly. He gently squeezes my hand and pulls away. He glides gracefully to the door and it seems like he's actually floating not to mention as hard as I try I cant hear his footsteps. Once he's gone, I collapse back in the seat and for a moment I sit stunned. Today has been a clusterfuck of what the hell. Finally my tired eyes meet the equally tired eyes of the headmaster. I think its possible we have both aged about ten years in the last forty minutes. He breaks eye contact first and his eye flash to the door for a moment before turning towards me and smiling.

"Well Ms. Phoenix I guess I should welcome you to Equinox Academy."

Relief and dread fill my body at the same time. As happy as I am to have been accepted to the Academy, Than has left the victory of getting accepted feeling more daunting than fulfilling. Its like getting chocolate and realizing its dark chocolate. The happiness of getting candy and the disappointment after taking the first bite. However, no matter what I have to do I will make the most of this opportunity.

********************************************************************************************

The Headmaster excuses himself for a moment and I'm left sitting in the same chair contemplating the poem Than said while going all white eyes on us. He said something about balance, royal blood, fate, friendship, and mates. The more I think the less I seem to remember. Usually I'm good at recall but for some reason every time I try to grab hold of a phrase it fades from my memory. Frustration builds in my head and I grasp it willing my mind to work.

Somethings not right...

Why can't I remember what he said...

After a few more minute I eventually give up on trying and decide to scope out my surroundings. A picture catches my eye and I can't help myself. I cross the room to get a better look. Surprisingly its a photo of the headmaster and a young boy who looks just like him but slightly different. The headmaster looks to be in his late twenties or early thirties and the boy looks to be between seven or eight. He has sandy blonde hair and bright sky blue eyes. He's wearing glasses that make his eyes look huge and his smile is gapped tooth. Headmaster B has him squished against his side and smiles down at him in an adoring way that makes me think they are related.

I wonder if he has a son...

My eye drift around the office for the first time seeing as my initial entrance gave me little time to browse the design. The room looks more like a home office or a study. Its extremely spacious and has high rise ceilings making room for the large book shelves on the back wall. It has a modern feel with the furniture but the room screams of old Victorian. You can tell the headmaster wanted it to feel up to date with out over powering the natural architecture of the space. He stuck to the floor and wall coloring of the school but what strikes me is that he opted for black furniture rather than gold. From what Sophie said air users are consider light so its surprising he opted for the dark color scheme. The black frame desk has two Pharma Lamps that glow softly on either end. The only other thing on the desk are a mac-book and a name plate that reads Headmaster Nico Bishop in black and silver. The plush chairs in front of the desk are comfortable and offer support unlike most chairs found in what is essentially the principles office. Pictures and diplomas line the walls showing that not only is Nico professional but he seems to care about not only his family but his students. In many of the frames you can find him posing with students and staff. In each and every photo he is smiling or being silly.

I eventually retake my seat and contemplate everything that's happened today. First you have the weird magical signatures that I felt calling to my very being along with that voice of my mysterious stranger. Who were they? Sophie says that the area where the magic was coming from is where the princes sit but if that's so why were they probing me and for what? Most importantly why did it feel so good? Also why would my mysterious stranger be here of all places?

Secondly I have five elements. People struggle to gain control over one and I was now in charge of trying to handle five. Not to mention an element that most people don't really know about. How the hell was I suppose to master all five elements before I graduate.

Lastly there's Than. His poem, though I can't seem to remember it, shook me to my core. Some parts sound familiar but I cant seem to remember where I have heard it before. Not to mention the man himself is quite unnerving. And now he is going to be my academic advisor along with my teacher. I don't hate the idea but I am unsettled by the fact that I am clearly dealing with a powerful being. His magic just felt different than what I've felt as of late. Even the powers from earlier seemed limited compared to him but his power wasn't overwhelming just.. f**k I don't know ancient.

Just as my thoughts begin to overwhelm me the door slams open to reveal Lee, Nick, Headmaster B and a tall young guy that looks eerily similar to Nico. Before I can get a good look at him I'm wrapped up into the loving embrace of my mother and father.

"Thank the goddess you are alright."

Headmaster B speaks with an amused voice "I found these to raising hell down the hall trying to find you so I figured I'd escort them to you. I'm not used to being threaten but the Lemonte's are legendary on the battlefield and I like my head attached to my shoulders thank you very much."

Lee's arms tighten around me and my heart warms even further as I squeeze her back just as hard as my father snickers in my ear. We step back and I finally get a chance to see the stranger.

Holy boy next door hottie...

I stand still as the stranger walks forward and stretches his hand towards me. He smiles almost shyly and says "Hello my name is Spiro Bishop you must be Kassandra. Welcome to Equinox Academy."

Fuuuuuckkkk.....

He may have the golden boy exterior but his voice screams pure seduction...

Putting my nicest smile on I place my small hand into his big calloused one and as soon as our skin comes in contact static bounces up my arm straight towards my scar. My lips part involuntarily and my eyes start to wander over his face for a moment. He has a strong square jaw and high cheek bones. His lips are a dusty light pink and for the life of me I know I need to look away. I finally find the will to look back in his eye and am stun to find the same light blue that inhabits my eye.

"It's Kass. Nice to meet you Spiro and thank you."

I take a step back and scan him from head to toe. He's at least 6'3 so I have to look up at him just slightly. He has sandy blonde hair that's cut short on the sides and has just enough on top to run your fingers through. His skin is lightly tan and his shoulders are broad showcasing that he clearly works out or at least keeps himself in shape. He's wearing Khaki shorts and some name brand performance shirt that leaves little to the imagination. Inside my lady parts are purring but the last thing I need is to be horndogging the headmaster family member so I school my features to a sexy smirk and give him a wink before turning back to everyone else.

"How much do you guys know."

Lee answers "Not much we saw the stones light up but everything kind of got chaotic after that. Is everything okay?"

Well if that's not a loaded question I don't know what is...

"Yes and No. I think you should both sit down before we continue."

Instead of listening they both tense and I hear both Spiro and Nico snicker. I turn towards him and glare which only earn me a full on laugh.

Fucking hell...

Is he really the headmaster....

They must sense the defeatism in my stance because they both move to the available chair and Nick sits while Lee parks herself on his knee leaving a seat available for myself. I sit and face them ready to just rip the band aid off.

"So I have been accepted to academy but...it turns out I'm as much of an anomaly as we thought. From what Glaukopis and Than, a teacher here, have discerned I have affinities to all five elements."

Spiro, Lee, and Nick all suck in a gasp. My eye snap to Spiro and his apparent shock is written all over his face. My parents sit stunned and I look toward the headmaster for help explaining but he seems to be waiting for their reaction.

Lee speaks first, "Five elements?"

"Yeah."

"I thought there were only four?"

The headmaster decides to finally steps in. Thank the goddess.

"Contrary to popular belief their are five elements although its only manifested twice in the history of supernaturals. But no one has ever possessed all five elements. We are honestly not familiar with anyone having more than one. We have someone researching the matter but as of now Kassandra has made history in being the first supernatural being to possess all five elements which makes her unique as well as dangerous."

My parents sit quietly for a moment but neither seem to know what to say. Eventually he decides to proceed because we both know as much as we want to thoroughly explain neither of us has enough information to give them. Spiro shifts behind me and I see the flash of a cell phone and his fingers fly over the board and I wonder who he is texting.

"So with that being said we are going to customize Kassandra's schedule so that she can learn to master each element. She will have regular class with the other students but given that she has five elements to learn we find it important for her to learn control as well as the beginners level courses. Her first year will consist of daily beginners courses with tutoring on each element from our top students. We will try to balance the schedule to ensure she isn't overwhelmed but we must comply with your local counsels request in order to keep her here."

Feeling suddenly overwhelmed I slump in my chair and place my hands over my face. I feel a warm hand on my shoulder and instead of my normal flinch the hand feels strangely comforting. I keep my hand over my face and soak in the comfort from what I presume is Spiro's hand. I can hear my brain zone out thinking about how my life only seems to get tougher as time goes by. I not only have to master five elements but I also have to maintain a 3.0 GPA, and maintain control. Tears burn my eyes but I refuse to f*****g cry. If I can survive my past I can survive my future no mater what it holds.

With my resolve restored I sit up letting my moment of self-pity slip away I realize that everyone has stopped talking and are looking at me intently. With one final squeeze Spiro removes his hand and steps back and I look at the headmaster. His eyes and smile are both warm and sympathetic. Steeling my spine and putting on the best face I could manage I ask "So what's next?'

I hear Spiro chuckle and the sound is so appealing I vow to make it happen soon. The headmaster smile spreads into an amused and approving grin. The bastard winks at me and says "Well right now, we have to get a move on. We have to remove those bracers, put your new bracelets on, and then you need to go get ready for the meet and greet mixer. I've got a feeling this is going to be a night to remember."