Equinox Academy: Dark Prophecy

Chapter 11

Chapter 11

Kassandra’s POV

Fuck my life…

My entire body feels like a vast void of emptiness. Panic seizes my chest, and I am finding it hard to breathe. Everything fades and my body plunges into that familiar void but instead of that special place where my magic resides which had the warmth of a forest fire. I find an empty void with what feels like a bonfire in comparison. My head feels light, and I am now happy I took Headmaster B’s advice and sat down. My stomach twist with nausea and I grit my teeth to prevent myself from vomiting. That’s all I need is to puke in front of Spiro the golden boy next door and our headmaster. The feeling of emptiness is overwhelming me. My soul feels like it is trying to grab hold of the last remnants of my magic, but the bonfire seems to be shrinking the longer it takes. I can hear voices around me urging each other to work faster but they seem so far away. I feel a small push of familiar power urging me to hold on a little bit longer. What’s funny is, it’s as if the magic is getting more frantic as my magic depletes.

              Just as my power reaches the size of a torch a blast of warmth surrounds me and my magic pushes back at full force. I try to steady it as I feel it surge through my entire body. It fills the emptiness and at first, I am nervous I’m gonna lose control but instead it wraps around my body like a hug. I mentally giggle at the feeling of each of my elements falling into place but find it odd that they seem to be apart of something bigger. I’ll have to speak with my teacher or Than about it later. It courses down my wrist and my worry returns but once it reaches the bracelets it stops with little to no effort. Instead of blasting out like it did before, I feel it slowly trickle past the bracelets. It reaches my palms and then my fingers. It begins to focalize in my fingertips when I hear a loud shout “Kassandra!”

My eyes flash open and I am staring at Spiro who is hovering a mere two inches in front of my face. His bright beautiful sky-blue eyes are etched with concern and worry. It’s then that I notice his large warm hands are cradling my face and he is rubbing soothing circles on my cheeks. On instinct I run my tongue over my dry lips and his eye leave mine to tract the movement. When he looks back up, I notice that his eyes are a shade darker and there is an unmistakable heat present. I notice for the first-time small flecks of silver that twinkle like stars. Like a magnet he shifts slightly closer and my lips part like they have a mind of their own. We stare for a while him bouncing between my eyes and stroking my cheek gently. My eyes flutter close at the comfort I feel in his touch and just when I think he might close the gap we hear an annoying female throat clearing. Spiro clenches his jaw in annoyance and reluctantly closes his eyes and backs away. The place where his hands touched me feels oddly cold despite the warmth of my body.

              When I finally get a view of the room relief floods me to find that nothing is obliterated like it was the last time. However, when I glance down, I do notice some burn marks on the arm rest. Headmaster B is leaning casually on Ms. Naruhito’s desk studying Spiro. Ren is standing rigid with her hand on her hips glaring at both Spiro and me. It’s funny she was blatantly flirting with Spiro early and he turned her down, hard, but because he’s being sweet to me, she’s giving us the stink eye. I can only imagine what’s going on inside that woman’s mind but from the look of it, it’s not anything good. I’m certain if she could, she would annihilate me where I sit but she’ll find I’m not that easy to kill.

“How are you feeling Kass?” Headmaster B’s voice cuts into the tense stare off with Ms. Naruhito. When I glance at him, he has a peculiar smile on his face, and I find it both disturbing and intriguing. I remember he asked me a question and try to stop focusing on what that moment was between Spiro and I to answer him. “I’m okay I think?” I go to stand but as I get to my feet a bout of dizziness hits me hard. I feel the warmth of Spiro’s hand return as the room tilts slightly. I feel the blood rushing in my head, and I close my eyes again to fight off the dizziness. I lean a little into Spiro and I hear a scoff from Ms. Naruhito. “Here Spiro I’ll help her instead.” Spiro’s arm tightens around me and he almost growls “That won’t be necessary, you were needing help with those one-pound bracelets. I doubt you can help support a person in need.” I almost snort at the frustrated huff that leaves Ms. Naruhito. Headmaster B does nothing to hide his chuckle. It takes a minute and I feel Spiro’s magic getting anxious but it is also trying to soothe and calm my magic.

Weird…

Eventually the energy inside me settles and my head clears. Spiro leans in and whispers in my ear “Feeling better.” His warm breath on the shell of my ear causes a shiver down my spine which I try to suppress but I’m sure he feels it from the small chuckle I hear. After a couple more seconds I reluctantly take back my weight though Spiro keeps his hand on the small of my back to make sure I’m steady. I give him a nod and say, “Thank you Spiro.”

Does my voice sound breathy…?

Goddesses get it together Kass…

You just met this man…

I clear my throat and try not looking at him again although I have a weird urge to do so. Instead, I focus on Headmaster B, but he seems to be watching Spiro very close. “So, Headmaster B, what’s next?” He finally looks at me and his mouth spreads into that peculiar smile again before answering. “Well, that’s a bit of a dilemma Kass. New students normally are placed in the tower of their element but seeing as you have all five elements, we aren’t sure where we should place you.” Spiro shifts slightly beside me as if he wants to volunteer something, but Ms. Naruhito speaks first. “There is an opening in the water tower.” I turn to look at her and everything about her face screams scheming b***h. I see Spiro flinch slightly at her words and I know I want nothing to do with being placed in the water tower. However, neither Spiro nor Headmaster B can come up with a better answer. Just as I think she’s about to get her way a knock comes to the door. I feel a familiar presence and smile as I notice both Spiro and Headmaster B turn towards the sound. “Come in.” Just as I turn Than glides into the room with all his beautiful glory. He looks at Ren for a moment and she bows her head in respect. I feel his power lash out causing her to flinch. Ren seems to shrink in place, and I try to hide the smirk but fail miserably. He then turns his gorgeous, mismatched eye on me, and I can’t help the bright smile that forms on my face.

“Hello again Kass hope you are feeling better.” He smiles softly at me, and I can’t help returning it. He nods to Spiro who nods back, and he faces Headmaster B again. “I took the liberty of arranging Kass’s living quarters. I think it is the safest option for her given the circumstance.” I see his eye flash to Ren who hasn’t lifted her head. Headmaster B smiles softly at Than and again I wonder what their relationship is but decide not to inquire. He gives Than a nod and he turns to me and offers me his hand. “Shall we Ms. Phoenix?” “One moment please,” his eye flash to Spiro’s and then he moves towards the door. I turn to Spiro and smile at him softly “Thank you golden boy genius, I appreciate your help. I hope to see you around.” He smirks at the nickname, and he steps forward to offer me a handshake. We clasp hands and I try to ignore that weird spark again. “The pleasure was all mind and I have a feeling we will be seeing each other soon.” He slowly releases my hand and I make my way towards Than without even acknowledging Ms. Naruhito. He turns and reaches his gloved hand out to me, and I grasp it immediately. I hear Ren gasp behind me but make no move to entertain her dramatics. Not sure what her deal with me and Than is but apparently Mr. Mind reader finds something amusing because he smiles full force as we exit the office.

After tucking my hand in the crook of his elbow we begin to make our way down the hallway at a leisurely pace. The walk is silent, but I think we both prefer it that way. Than seems to be thinking about something and I’m just trying to memorize my way through the building. The hallway looks familiar, but I can’t really tell if its one I’ve traveled through already. As we round the corner, we reach a door leading to the outside. Than moves ahead to open the door and I chuckle at his chivalry. He is a peculiar man, but he seems to be endearing and kind hearted. I hear him chuckle as I pass through the door and immediately retract my previous statement while mentally shouting “DAMN MINDREADER,” which earns me an outright laugh. We follow a path that leads towards what look to be the earth and fire tower. However, just when I thought I was going to be in the Earth building, we veer around it toward a smaller tower behind the four major buildings. I chance a glance at Than, but he doesn’t seem to notice my question or he’s just choosing to not acknowledge my disappointment.

As we approach the building, I notice a strange symbol on it and my neighborhood mind reader has no problem translating. “The symbol means Pneuma. It can be interpreted in many ways, but the spiritual version was adopted for this building. It means Spirit or soul. This is where I reside as well as some others for privacy purposes. Unfortunately, due to your powers and their unpredictability it is best that we isolate you until you have better control.”

Huh spirit…

Wait what?!?

“Do you think I’m dangerous?” Part of me is worried while the other part is kind of insulted. I get my power is different but am I really a hazard to other people. Just as the thought crosses my mind the damage at Sphinx Alley flashes through my head and I inwardly flinch. “Never mind, this is for the best.” I see sympathy flash in his eyes, but he doesn’t speak. I’m glad. I know he could’ve been an ass and made me out to be a threat but instead allowed me to come to my own conclusion and didn’t act smug about being right with his choice.

We reach the door to the Spirit tower, and I anxiously wait while he unlocks it using a keypad. When the door slides open, I’m in awe of the modern and stylish lobby in front of me. The floors are a shiny black tile that look like a black mirror and remind me of my dream. Although it doesn’t ripple as we walk across the floor. The desk we approach look to be made of a white and silver marble and the backsplash is a glossy blue which looks fabulous against the robin’s egg wall. I notice as we get closer there is a cozy lounge area to my right and shiny sleek elevators to the left.

Holy s**t this is fancy…

I can’t help but be baffled at the modern look on the inside. The outside looked very old and honestly in need of some TLC, but the inside looks like a high-end luxury apartment building. I wonder if there is a reason, they don’t maintain the outside. Maybe its to keep people away from the building. It would make sense especially with all the high-born students that go here. Many wouldn’t be caught dead entering a run-down tower. I failed to see the gentleman behind the desk and to my surprise he’s human. Than approaches the desk and the man stands up with a huge smile on his face and greets him warmly. “Than old friend, how are you?” He reaches out and grasp hands with him and I notice that Than pulls back his powers to return the handshake. Also, I see the fondness in his eyes for the man. “Deven, its so very good to see you. How are Nathalie and the boys. I know she must be going mad with those twins running around.” Devens’s proud smile is adorable and positively glow with satisfaction. “Nathalie is doing well. We just found out she is pregnant again. She won’t say it, but I know she’s hoping for a girl this time.” Than chuckles softly and I can’t help being fascinated by there conversation. Than seems genuinely interested in Deven and his family. “Let’s hope the Goddess makes it so lord knows she needs a break from all the male testosterone.” Deven outright laughs and I find myself smirking. They chat for a for more second and I simply just watch and listen as Deven seems to go on and on about how big his boys are getting and Than listens on with a smile that would make even the worse monster swoon.

“Than where are your manners, I’m sorry young lady I’m Deven the manger of the spirit building. If there is anything you need, please feel free to call and ask.” I smile at him and look towards Than and holy s**t this powerful man next to me looks to be blushing. “My apologies Deven, this is Kassandra. She will be living here during the duration of her stay at Equinox Academy.” He seems to have recovered quickly but I’m still floored that a human had the balls to chastise such a powerful being and even more that Than actually looks embarrassed rather than pissed. Turning back towards Deven I stick out my hand and he grips my fingers gently and smiles. “It’s just Kass, its very nice to meet you. Do you mind if I call you Dev?” He smiles could light up the dark and he says,

“Absolutely its what I go by most of the time anyway. Only Than here likes to use my full name. Says it’s a sign of respect.” When he lets go, I simply chuckle. I can already tell that Deven is good people. Especially since he can humble a powerhouse like Than. Than must have read my mind because he clears his throat and says to Deven, “Well I’ll be showing Kass to her room and I’ll be back to get her credentials for the building. Are her things in the room like I requested?” Dev nods his head and says “Of course they are Than. I just got back from delivering them. I may be getting of age, but I can still move just as fast as the old days. Kass welcome to Equinox Academy and welcome to the spirit tower. I hope you enjoy your new life here and let me know if you would like a tour tomorrow, I’d be happy to help you get acquainted with the tower and the campus.”

I smile brightly at Deven and promise to let him know the moment I’d like the tour. Than says his goodbyes for the moment and we turn towards the elevators. Than hesitates just out side but presses the up but to call one. When it arrives, he gestures for me to step in but instead of joining me he reaches in and swipes the card and the number four lights up. “I’ll meet you up there.” Confused I stare at him for a moment, and he must understand the look or reads my mind because he grab the door and explains, “My powers tend to negatively impact modern technology. I can’t tell you how many cellphones and tv’s I’ve destroyed. So, unless you feel like spending the next couple hours trapped in the elevator its best if I just take the stairs.”

Oh…

Yeah no thanks…

Than gives me a quick nod and allows the elevator doors to slide close. On the way up my mind starts to reflect on everything that has happened today. It’s crazy to think it’s only been a couple hours since I arrived here. It feels like an eternity has passed. All the events of the day have felt like a rollercoaster of emotions. The worse being the removal of the cuffs and the best being my encounters with Soph, Ky, Spiro, Deven and Than. The thought of the emptiness I felt makes me shudder. I come to realization that what I experience today is what it must feel like to have your powers completely suppressed. I still had some magic left but as it was dwindling, I felt like the very fabric of who I am was being drained along with it. I can only imagine how others have felt being deprived of their magic and realize why they use that as an ultimate punishment. Just a hint of that sensation made me never want to experience it again. It helped me renew my determination despite the battle ahead of me to learn to control my magic because even it its hard I never want to experience that void ever again. I’d rather die than live without it.

Just as my thoughts begin to turn dark the elevator dings and opens to a long hallway. It’s just as elegant looking like the lobby with black carpet and wallpaper that is light blue with silver swirls in it. Every so often there looks to be black and white prints hanging in silver frames. Than stands off to the side and I’m surprised to see that he beat me up here. The elevator rides were pretty quick and even with super human speed he would have at least been just exiting the doors. I catch his smirk as I approach and in the smuggest self-satisfying way, he rustles his wings a bit and then it hits me.

Ha, cocky bastard can fly…

Well whatever works…

He strides over and without thinking I place my hand on his offered elbow. We make our way down the hallway, and I notice doors as we go. They are space far apart meaning the rooms must be quite large. We pass two doors on the right and three on the left. Once we reach the final door, Than pulls the same card he used for the elevator and presents it to me. “This is your room key. You are allowed to make copies, but it is better if you keep them to a minimum. Those who have your key will have access to the building and your room only. If you or anyone you gave the key to loses their key, you must immediately let Deven know. He will reset the lock and produce another key, but you will be place on a probationary period for copies. This building is private for a reason we don’t want other people roaming around. This card also allows access to the elevators as you saw, the lounge on the first floor, the gym on the second floor and the pool on the third. All residents in this building live on the fourth floor including myself.”

I wonder who the other four residents that are occupy this building. Are they teachers like Than? He places the card in my hand and steps back to allow me space. I accidently brush his feathers and they seem to rustle. I turn to apologize but notice he’s turned his face away. I mumble an apology and swipe the card on the reader. It beeps twice and I hear a latch click. I turn the knob and suck in a sharp breath upon seeing the inside. I mindlessly walk forward with my mouth slightly agape at the sheer magnificence before me. It’s a whole luxury suite. I knew the room was big, but I wasn’t expecting this. Hell, the rooms in the brochure look like average dorm rooms in comparison. The common area has an open plan so you can see the living room, dining room and kitchen. The floor is a soft gray and the walls match the color in the lobby. The furniture is all black including a large sectional sofa, a recliner and glass coffee table in the center that sits on a fluffy black rug. There are two glass side tables that have lamps made with moon stone crystals. A large seventy-two-inch flat screen tv is mounted above the wall and just below is a fireplace that gives the room a rustic chic feel. Large windows sit on both sides letting in natural light and makes the room look welcoming. I can see myself lounging on the couch binge watching my favorite movies or reading a book. The dining room to the right sports a long table big enough to fit eight people. It’s made of glass and black metal and has comfy high back chairs to match. A chandelier hangs over the center of the table, and it also has moon stone crystals that hang at different lengths giving off soft ambient light as they sway. The kitchen is fully stocked with the latest appliances. The countertops are a beautiful white, gray and silver marble and the cabinets are matte black. I’m excited to get some groceries in here so I can cook my own meals. I’m sure the dining hall here is fantastic but I’m used to common foods and from the way the brochure described it they serve a fancier menu than I’m used to.

Beside the dining room I notice a door and move to peek. Relief floods me to see a washer and dryer. I don’t mind the dry-cleaning options they had available, but I prefer to wash my own clothes. I turn around and head to the door on the opposite side guessing that is where the bedroom is located. Again, I’m struck speechless when I see what my room for the foreseeable future will be. In the center of the room is a luxurious four poster bed big enough to fit at least six people in it. The frame is made of black metal and the back has a cushioned gray headboard. Black chiffon drapes hang down around it that match the beautiful comforter set. There are so many pillows on it which makes me so happy I sleep with at least three at home and these seem of higher quality than the ones I brought.  On either side of the bed are two nightstands with lamps that, yep you guessed it, have moon stone crystals. In front of the bed is a black chest which I assume is for the excess pillows and storage purposes. On the right wall underneath the large window is a day bed with blush cushion made of a satin like material. Of course, there are more throw pillows and a blanket in all black. Further down is a large desk that I assume is for studying purposes with a comfy looking computer chair and a large book shelf. To my left is a large chest of drawers that matches the overall black theme.

Two doors are to my left so I walk over to see what’s inside. The one closest to the nightstand opens to a large walk-in closet fit for a princess. I find to my amusement all my belongings stacked to the back wall. That’s gonna be a b***h to get through. I also notice a couple of boxes that aren’t ones that I brought with me and deduce that they are from the school. I close it back and decide to get to that tomorrow. I move to the next door with anticipation because I read in the brochure that each room has its own bathroom. When I fling the door open, I can’t help the girly squeal of delight as I spot the most beautiful thing I could ever hope for. A large jacuzzi tub sit in the ground and its so big enough to fit at least three of me with no problem. To the left is a large walk-in shower with like nine shower heads. There’s a black porcelain toilet in a closed off space to the right. Interestingly there’s a large two person sink area with black cabinets and floor to ceiling mirror opposite it. Overall the entire area is straight out of my dream bathroom idea list.

Just as I’m contemplating running to bath to test it out, I hear a throat clearing behind me that has me jumping about a foot in the air. “I’m assuming the room meets your standards by the gape mouth, girly squeals, and constant mind babbling.” Than chuckles at his own comment and at my over the top reaction to him.

Damn I thought he left…

“Only for a moment I was lucky enough to return when you discovered your room and then the bathroom. I have to say your reactions are quite adorable.” I feel my cheeks heat and turn my face to avoid him seeing me blush. Once I recover from my embarrassment, I turn to speak to Than but he’s no longer there. I walk out the bathroom and see he’s lounging on my day bed which should look weird with his height and wings but of course the man looks nothing short of gorgeous. I cross the room and pull out the chair at the desk and Than chooses that moment to sit up. “Well now that you are acquainted with you room, I will take my leave. The mixer is in a couple of hours so you should unpack some and relax. Someone will be by to escort you to the hall since I’m sure you haven’t had the chance to properly get to know the campus. This packet is for you. I included my cell phone, the front desk number and Deven’s cell should you need anything. Most of the information should be available in your packet. There are apps you need to download for deliveries but other that that you should be all set for today. We will discuss you schedule later this week so for now familiarize yourself with the campus. Before I go are there any questions you need answered now?”

So many questions…

But none that can’t wait for tomorrow…

Wait…

“Only one and its kinda embarrassing to say out loud.” Than chuckles softly because he must hear what I want to ask. He moves towards the exit, and I follow. When he reaches the door, he turns back and his beautiful mismatched eyes twinkle with mirth and mischief. “I’m sure whatever you decide to wear tonight will only make you look lovelier than you already do right now Kassandra.” With that he opens the door and leaves, I turn with my face blushing once again but the smile I wear makes it hard to be embarrassed. I mutter to myself softly, “Damn mind reader.”