Dragon Freak- Book 1 of the Freaks Series (Complete)

Six

Journal of Frankie DragonSpire

Dear Diary,

Yesterday was my first day of school; I met a good-looking male; his name is Zoric. He seems familiar like I have met him before and forgotten about it; it is strange. So, the parentals were full of it; Grandma is not a psycho, and Casper has not pulled the legs off any cats. Selene is the only monster in this family. Miss Grimily, my Witchcraft teacher, asked me about my neck, it opened the door and I was having trouble closing it again. I hate when I feel like this, I have so much difficulty trusting. I am afraid to turn my back on anyone, in case someone has another knife. Nosferatu seems like a good school; no one has attacked me or spit on me; most of the kids take one look, see I am a DragonSpire and either whisper or run away in fear. The running away in fear, this I can live with. I met Mr Tibbies he is one of the deputy heads of the school; apparently, he is Selene’s son, making him my cousin.  If he is related to Selene, I am up the creek without a paddle. I hope I see Poppa soon. I miss him.

Frankie DS.

I woke as the shutters rose for the night. I opened my eyes slowly. I had a headache, and my eyes felt like someone glued them together. I stumbled out of bed. I had had the craziest dream. I found a cavern with dragon statues; I screamed at them, crying out my misery to the stones. My grandmother had been there, she was crying and my Poppa too livid with rage. At that moment, I felt a smile surface, my parents would be two dead ducks if Poppa ever found out. I thought smugly continuing my trudge into the bathroom.

After my shower, I felt a little better, happier than I had in a while. I stood in front of the mirror and reapplied my make-up. Using my knitting needles again, I put my hair up into its customary messy upsweep. The bright red highlights stood out sharper than usual. I was a little paler than yesterday, my eyes looked haunted, though I felt better. I walked into my room and pulled on my school uniform. I felt a lot more like myself as I fastened my velvet collar around my neck again. I spent a few minutes hunting around for my socks. Triumphantly, I found a pair with a hoot of victory and perched on the end of my bed, pulling my shoes on. I sat for a moment; my stomach rumbled, I was starving. I had not touched dinner last rising, I remembered. With a sigh, I got to my feet and grabbed up my books casually shoving them into my bag. I left my room. Today was going to be better. The door in my mind firmly closed and I was feeling chipper.

I walked into the kitchen, Cookie was making bread. I smiled at her, she and most of the bench covered in flour. It looked like she had been through a snowstorm.

“Good evening Miss Francesca, you look positively spooky tonight.” She beamed at me. My smile grew wider.

“Thank you, compliments will get you everywhere. You look like you have been through a blizzard Cookie.” I replied hitching one hip against her workbench. Cookie chuckled motioning to the fridge.

“Indeed, I do. You know there is nothing better than fresh bread. Breakfast?”

“I was thinking I might have my dinner from last night if that’s alright,” I replied suddenly unsure. At home, I had not been welcome in the kitchen. Clem, the parentals cook took an instant disliking to me and threatened to quit each time I stepped into his creative atmosphere. Cookie beamed at me again.

“Of course, Miss Francesca. I covered it and put it in the fridge last night. Would you like me to heat it for you, it won’t take a moment?” I nodded a little unsure.

“Yes, thank you if it’s not too much trouble,” I replied. Cookie wiped her hands on her apron and crossed smoothly to the fridge in the blink of an eye my food was hot.

“In here or in the dining room?” she asked holding the plate with an oven mitt.

“Here please, if you do not mind.”

“I never mind.” She laughed and placed the plate on the kitchen bench. I pulled out a stool. Cookie walked around to the other side, produced a knife, fork, and napkin.

“Thanks,” I said quickly diving into my food. I heard Cookie chuckle as I enthusiastically attacked my food. I was starving. A hot black coffee appeared in front of me. I muttered a thank you around a mouthful of mash potato. I wiped the plate clean with a piece of bread. She took my plate while I mainlined my caffeine. I sighed in contentment, placing the empty mug on the bench.

“I like it when my food is appreciated; I think it gives one a nice lift of the spirits. Do you agree?”

“I’m not sure; I don’t know how to cook. My mother was not forthcoming with any helpful skills. I don’t think she even knows how to boil water. Clem their Cook did not let me in the kitchen. I lived off those pre-packaged frozen dinners. The only thing my father ever taught me was to stop, drop, and roll.” I told her. Cook shook her head.

“Well, I will teach you. Cooking is easy and a skill that once you learn continues to grow.”

“Thanks, that would be co-. Oh god!” Pain jack-knifed up my spine and around into my stomach, throwing me backward off my stool. I hit the floor with a resounding thud. A roar sounded in my mind, deafening me. Cookie cried out rushing around the bench.

“Francesca, are you alright? Oh goodness!” Cookie was frantic, her face creased with worry as she crouched next to me. Leon came hurtling through the door, with Mark on his heels. I lay on the floor concentrating on breathing, my back, stomach, head, and butt hurt. For a moment, pain paralysed me. I struggled to breathe. My heart thundering in my chest.

“Miss Francesca, what happened?”

“Frankie are you alright?” Questions were flowing thick and fast. I sucked in another gasping breath. Grandma hurried in with Casper on her heels.

“What is going on? Oh, dear gods. Francesca are you alright? What happened here?” she demanded. Leon and Mark moved to one side.

“I ah, I-I fell off my stool. I’m cool, I’m fine, just hurt my butt, winded myself, and possibly relocated my spine into my skull.” I muttered my eyes pleading with Cookie not to say anything. She nodded once stiffly, her gaze said I would be explaining later. Casper laughed, leaning over me she grinned holding out her hand.

“Dude, you are supposed to sit on the stool, not fall off it.” I rolled my eyes grasping her outstretched hand. I stood up slowly.

“We need a young priest and an old priest. The stool is possessed.” I replied, an unmistakable ache in my voice.

“Are you sure you’re alright dear, you seem to have landed hard,” Grandma asked concerned. I stretched gingerly, a couple of loud cracks echoed in the room. Everyone around me winced. I breathed a sigh of relief as my spine realigned.

“Grandma, I’m good, just hardcore embarrassed to have fallen on my butt. Kitchen tiles don’t have a lot of giving in them.” I told her. I mustered up a small smile.

“Good, I am glad darling. If you’re both ready Mark will take you to school.” I nodded. Everyone turned away until it was just Cookie and me facing each other in the quiet kitchen.

“Francesca DragonSpire, what was that?” she asked hands on hips, her eyes sparkling with her temper.

“I have no idea. If I told Grandma, she would have called the healer. I don’t want one of them anywhere near me ever again. I’ve had enough of them for a lifetime. I am sure it is nothing to worry about. I am sorry I had to ask you to cover for me Cookie. I just cannot go through all the healer crap again.” I replied stonily.

“Francesca, an invisible force lifted you off your chair and slammed you into the ground, right before my eyes. I am worried about you.” I reached out and awkwardly pat the other woman’s arm.

“I felt like I was on fire. There was this roaring in my mind, it sounded like there was a creature in there demanding to get out. Please do not tell Grandma. If it happens again, I will call poppa. I promise. You can even sit on me while I do it. I don’t want to worry Grandma right now. She has enough on her mind. Besides, it might be a DragonSpire thing.” I replied breathing heavily, I rubbed my lower back.

“Very well.” Cookie said dryly, sighing in defeat.

“Thank you. You are the best.” I smiled at her, turning I strode from the room.

“She is definitely related to you Dresdorian. Stubborn as a mule.” Cookie said aloud walking back to her station. A chuckle came from behind her.

“Yes, yes she is.” He replied though he laughed his eyes were worried. He came to his feet.

“I think she may transition soon. That little display cements it.”

“Yes, I agree. She is a powerful one and as you know the more power, one has the more dangerous the transition. I recall hearing it nearly killed you, Dorian. The power emanating from that girl was lifting the hair on the back of my neck. Was that a DragonSpire thing? As Francesca says.” Cookie answered offhand over her shoulder. Dorian leaned against the bench he folded up his newspaper.

“I carried her to bed last night and even in a deep sleep, I could still feel it. I am aware the transition nearly killed me. Most do not remember theirs, but I will remember mine for an eternity. As for DragonSpire transitions, they are hard and hers will most likely be brutal. This Jensa my dear is one of the reasons why I am here and what I am afraid of. My little girl will not be alone as I was, and she will have the life that up until now, has been denied her. I swear it.” He growled. Cookie eyed the frightening male vampire quietly. She was somewhat confused. Jensa had known Dorian for many years and it was not the first time he had come out with something cryptic. She went back to baking her bread; her thoughts still whirled in chaos. What terrible thing had happened to Francesca to rail the powerful Lord DragonSpire and what had hurt her so badly, she feared the healers?

                                                                                 ****

I did not have to talk much when I was around Casper. She filled up the silence with meaningless prattle. We pulled up outside Glenwood. Kadina was waiting with a smile on her face as we stopped before her. Casper launched into telling her about the scene in the kitchen. Kadina did not laugh as Casper hoped she would. Instead, she turned worried eyes in my direction.

“I hurt like hell. I feel like someone has just kicked the holy crap out of me.” I told her with a small grimace. Casper stopped smiling.

“But, Frankie you said you were fine. If I had known, you still hurt. I wouldn’t have teased you about it. I’m sorry.”  I shook my head, sighing.

“I lied to everyone Casper. I didn’t fall off my chair. I told Grandma that to stop her worrying. Something happened. I had a huge flash of pain down my spine and into my stomach.  Something lifted me off my chair and slammed me into the kitchen floor. I do not know what it was, and I do not know why it happened. All I know is it hurts like hell and I do not want to do it again. I know that look. I am not going to a healer Kadina, so don’t even go there and Casper I am not telling Grandma. If it happens again I will call Poppa until then, I am fine.” Both girls nodded, though I could tell they were less than impressed with what I had to say. Mark pulled up at the school. I climbed gingerly from the car.

“Frankie, you do not have to tell your Grandfather anything. He arrived at the park last night. He was sitting in the kitchen this morning and saw everything. The school has my number, get them to call and I will come right away if you need me.” Mark whispered keeping his voice for my ears only. He’d heard the truth of what had happened this rising.

“Sneaky old fanger! Thanks, Mark, I appreciate it.” I murmured the reply. Saying a quick goodbye to Mark, we went up the stairs.

Alchemy once more rocked, I laughed most of the way through the lesson. Mr Jasper told us a joke and forgot the punch line. It did not matter to us one way or the other. It was still funny. Casper, Kadina, and I put our books in our bags and headed for the door after the gong. We walked slowly up to the entrance hall. Kadina and I had Etiquette and Casper had biology. We parted company on the stairs.

“What do you think happened this morning?” Kadina whispered as we walked into Mrs Toad’s class.

“Not a clue. Scared the hell out of me and Cookie, though.” I shrugged, sitting gingerly in my seat. Thankfully, today’s class was a theory about yesterday’s lesson.  I did not talk much, and Kadina respected that. My mood had altered dramatically since I woke up. The class seemed to fly by. I was tired and startled when the gong sounded for lunch. A strange lethargy seemed to descend on me. The male from the Falcon family was standing at the end of the hall. I pressed my hand to my head, shaking it slightly to try and clear it. He stood up, from his position leaning against a wall. He made to step towards me when Kadina cut off my sight by appearing in front of me.

“Frankie, are you feeling alright?” Kadina asked quietly. I shook my head again.

“I feel weird,” I answered my voice slurring as I walked carefully down the stairs. I held tightly to the banister. My brain was beginning to feel a little foggy. Somewhere, someone called my name. I stumbled, a pair of arms caught me. Holding tight.

“Frankie, what is it about you and these stairs?” Zoric muttered amused, holding me up. I swayed a little. I felt his hands on either side of my face. He frowned down at me.

“Something’s wrong.” I murmured. My eyes coming in and out of focus.

“She said, she felt weird. She was slurring.” Kadina told him quickly. Zoric swore softly in my ear as I swayed again.

“Kadina, dad’s in the next classroom with Mr Whitt, get him, will you?” Zoric said cradling me against his chest.

“Hey Frankie, it’s alright. I got you, you’re not going to fall.” Zoric told me softly. Footsteps thundered behind me.

“Zoric man, what’s wrong with her? Frankie, what happened?” Magnus picked up my bag. I dropped it on the step behind me. His face creased with concern.

“Hey, get out of my way. Move it, moron, yeah that’s right Montcastle coming through. Frankie, oh gods Frankie! What happened? Zoric is she all right; did she fall down the stairs?” Casper skidded to a stop. Lucian managed to catch her before she ran into Magnus and create a domino effect. Worried grey eyes caught my gaze over Zoric's shoulder, from the tall blond male.

“Hello, brother,” I whispered as a wave of dizziness rolled through me. Those grey eyes popped wide, confused, and curious.

“What did you say, Frankie? Can you hear me, Frankie?” Zoric clutched me tighter. Everything was starting to turn black. I held one hand to the side of Zoric's face.

“My Shadow,” I whispered before succumbing to the dark.

“Oh, gods she is going, out. Frankie come on babe, don’t faint. Dad, geez I do not know what happened. She was all groggy, her voice was slurred. She’s passed out.” Zoric swung me up into his arms. Mr Ravenstone and Mr Whitt sprinted into the foyer.

“This way Zoric, take her to the infirmary. Casper, do you have any idea what happened?”  Casper and Kadina shared a look, before spilling their guts to Mr Ravenstone. He listened intently as the two girls told what happened in the kitchen this morning as they hurried towards the nurse’s office.

“Dad, Frankie said something before she passed out,” Zoric said quietly laying me down on the bed in the infirmary. Nurse La Grou hurried over to check my vitals. 

“What was it?”

“She called me a shadow. Specifically, my shadow.” Z murmured. Mr Ravenstone stared at his son.

“A shadow was a form of a dragon, Zoric. They were rare. There has only ever been one we know of. He could project his shadow into full corporeal form. He was killed by the first Ravenstone. Stay here with Francesca, I must call Monique Montcastle. This is not going to be fun.” Zoric's father strode into his office muttering.

“Better her, then Lord DragonSpire, Dad,” Zoric called with a chuckle.

****

Dresdorian DragonSpire swept through the main doors of Nosferatu Private School amidst whispers of fear from students and teachers alike. He stalked into the infirmary, scaring the collective wits out of the school nurse.

“Ravenstone! What the hell happened? Francesca had better not be hurt!” Dresdorian demanded filling the doorway. All heads snapped towards him. Zoric, Magnus, and Lucian stepped closer to the girls. Dresdorian did not miss the small protective movement of the male who appeared to be the headmaster’s son. He stepped in front of me. A feeble shield against so strong a vampire. Dorian bit back a smile. His little Francesca had an admirer, good for her he thought.

“Dresdorian, I did not realize you were in town. I was expecting Monique.” Mr Ravenstone crossed the room, his hand out in welcome.

“I arrived last night. I wanted to see my little girl. When Monique got your call, she was beside herself with worry. Francesca had an accident of some kind this morning. I came to make sure she is alright.” He answered shaking the headmaster’s hand. Ravenstone nodded.

“Casper and Kadina filled me in on the details. Francesca told them exactly what happened. It was not a fall at all, rather it was something else.”

“I am aware of this; I was there after all. Francesca did not realize I was reading a paper only a few feet from her. She did not see me. I would ask the healer to step away from my granddaughter before she wakes. She has a deep-set fear for that particular profession and I have vowed to kill the next person who causes my girl to feel fear. There are some lessons your students should not learn, yet.” Dorian swept past Mr Ravenstone. The healer scurried to the other side of the room using preternatural speed. Casper looked up at Dorian, a mixture of fear and trepidation.

“Do you think she is going to be ok?” She asked, her voice trembling slightly. Dorian cupped her cheek gently as he peered down into my now open eyes.

“Yes, Casper I believe she will be. Hello dearest, what have you been up too?” I blinked, my Poppa was standing over me worry lines on his brow; I reached up to smooth them.

“Poppa, I had a dream you were here. What happened, where the hell am I?” I whispered. Poppa laughed.

“You’re in the school infirmary, Francesca. You gave your companions quite a scare.” I looked around me at my friends and Mr Ravenstone. I groaned closing my eyes again. Poppa leaned down closer to me. A tear leaked out from the corner of one eye, it landed on the pillow.

“I don’t remember coming to school. Poppa, what’s wrong with me?” I begged him to give me an answer. He shook his head.

“I do not know. How do you feel now?” He asked quietly. I tested the muscles in my body one by one, those around me curious I was taking so long to answer. I was feeling rather good. I smiled up at Poppa.

“I’m feeling really good right now, very rested,” I replied mischievously. Poppa chuckled, turning his head he peered over at the healer who appeared to be trying to fade into the wall to escape Dresdorian’s notice.

“You there, what is your opinion?” The healer stood up straight.

“Ugh, gods. Who let one of them in here?” I muttered sourly as I eyed him wearily from my place on the bed. Zoric grasped my hand, I held tightly. With Zoric so close and in possession of my hand there was no way to mask the slight tremors. The healer cleared his throat.

“Miss DragonSpire must be nearing her transition. I have found no other explanation for her symptoms. She is in very good health; her organs are in perfect condition. The only injuries to speak of are the scars on her stomach, side, and throat. Apart from this, she is in perfect health. So, you see my confusion sire. Transition is the only conclusion, I can come to. As you know each one is different. You cannot deny your granddaughter is powerful, it comes off her in waves. All six of these children are the same. It is difficult to stand in the same room with them. They and you included are so extremely powerful. Sires if you will excuse me, I have other patients to tend this rising. I am no longer needed here.” The healer turned quickly fleeing from the room. Poppa shared a look with Mr Ravenstone. They stepped away from us, talking quietly.

“I feel it too, though not as strong as the healer. I am a powerful male, though nowhere near as powerful as you, my son, or his friends.  I fear for Zorics transition as well; it will be a nightmare. His mother and I have been dreading this since he came of age. What would you like to do with Francesca? I would prefer she go home to rest and come back tomorrow? She said she feels great, but her symptoms came on rapidly. If my son had not caught her she would have fallen down the main stairs and hurt herself.” Ravenstone waited patiently for the legendary male before him to answer. If he recalled correctly. Dresdorian was one of the oldest of the ancients, his power unsurpassed by anyone. It was no wonder his granddaughter not only DragonSpire decent but a Montcastle too was so powerful. She would follow in her grandfather’s footsteps in this, he was sure. A terrifying thought indeed.

“I will take her with me I think, she can return tomorrow. I fear, the episode today was not the last.” Mr Ravenstone nodded turning back to me.

“Your Grandfather is taking you home Francesca. You can come back next rising if you are still feeling better.” He smiled warmly down at me, his sharp gaze resting for a moment on Zoric and my joined hands. I nodded, slowly sitting up. Poppa picked up my school bag; I moved slowly, my back still hurting from earlier in the rising.

“You did hurt yourself this rising, I thought so. Francesca, you are so stubborn. Why didn’t you say something at the time?” I levelled a stare at Poppa.

“Why didn’t you reveal yourself in the kitchen when I came down for breakfast?” I whispered back, arching one brow. Poppa grinned unrepentantly.

“I like to keep the element of surprise.” He replied smugly.

“Sure, you do,” I muttered. Finally, I gained my feet; it was then I noticed my collar was on the table by the bed. Instantly, my body began to tremble, a pained sob wrung out of my throat before I could stop it. I grabbed for the collar, fastening it as fast as I could. Poppa’s strong arms curved around me, he pulled me close until my head, rest on his chest. My friends saw, there was no way for them not to have. I turned fearful eyes on my companions.

“Frankie, who did that?” Kadina’s eyes shone with horror.

“Kadina’s right! You’re a DragonSpire, who would have the guts to do it?” Casper demanded standing with her mouth open in shock. All three males looked intently at the floor. Poppa nodded his head urging me to tell them my darkest of secrets, my deepest shame.

“They didn’t know or care, I was a DragonSpire. A group of kids on the bus, slit my throat with a broken vinegar bottle. My parents said it was my fault. To make the memory last, my mother dowsed me in vinegar again, to make sure it stuck. The same kids carved their names into my stomach a year earlier.” I replied through clenched teeth. All eyes bore into me. I refused to look away. I stood tall, with my head held high. Poppa smiled, a mixture of pride and sadness. Zoric stepped forwards; he unbuttoned his shirt, revealing a jagged scar, running from his left shoulder, across his chest to his navel.

“I made friends with some humans a couple of years ago, against my parent’s wishes and warnings. We had a sleepover at their house. Carl was his name, he came into the room I was sleeping in and opened the curtains. It was midday, and I burned instantly. I crawled under the bed to hide from the sun, where my skin continued to smoke. The pain was so great, I was unable to move. Carl started screaming for his parents, they had left the house. My friend rang his mates, telling them they had to come quickly. He had a vampire trapped under the bed of the guest room. I managed to snag my phone off the bedside table while Carl was in the hallway. I rang Steven our butler. I was terrified at what Carl and his friends would do to me. I was right to be afraid. When Steven got to me, Carl and his friends tied me down and one staked me with a broken-off chair leg. Thankfully they missed my heart. Unfortunately, the wood they used splintered inside my chest. Mrs Halide the housekeeper made lunch; she came running in after Steven, who’d kicked in the front door. She had a bowl of salad in her hands, she dropped it, and I got a balsamic shower.” I stared at Zoric in shock as he slowly buttoned his shirt. Mr Ravenstones face so fierce, he almost looked carved from stone.

“You got staked and scorched in one day. Damn, what happened to Carl and his friends?” I asked quietly. Zoric grinned; his eyes flew to his father; a small smile lit his face.

“Mum happened. Think of the worst punishment possible and then triple it. Carl disappeared for a whole weekend before he turned up on the back stairs of his house gibbering about vampires. He now has a nice room in the Mackay psychiatric ward. She won’t say exactly what she did to him.” Z admitted. I chuckled, looking up at Mr Ravenstone with amusement.

“Does Mrs Ravenstone do requests?” I asked cheekily. Before he could reply Poppa’s, voice hissed out from above me.

“Leave your parents to me. I will deal with them, Francesca. Come dearest we will go. Casper, Mark will still pick you up after school.” I lifted a hand in a small wave as I followed Poppa out of the infirmary and into the wide hall.

“Poppa about what that healer said. Could he really feel the power from me, from all of us?” Poppa placed an arm around my shoulders pulling me into his side.

“Yes, he could. So, can I. Dearest listen closely, the more power a vampire has, the harder their transition will be? Yours will be very dangerous.” I sucked in a breath I could hardly believe it. Mark stood at the bottom of the stairs, the car door open and waiting.

“You alright there, Frankie?” His voice rang with sincere concern. I nodded.

“Yeah Mark, I’m fine. Fledglings these days will do anything for attention.” I murmured sliding into the backseat. Mark and Poppa shared an amused chuckle. Poppa climbed into the car. I made a noise of surprise in the back of my throat. The male with the grey eyes was standing at the top of the stairs. He rubbed his chest, radiating anxiety, and concern. Mark held the door open. I leaned past Poppa.

“I’m fine, thanks. Transition stuff, they think. I suppose I’ll find out soon enough, either way.” I admitted though I did not know why. The male nodded, one corner of his mouth kicked up in a small smile. He bowed, turned, and walked back into the school. Mark closed the door. I leaned my head against Poppa’s arm. I felt safe with him, loved. It was a new concept for me to feel loved and treasured. I missed him after he visited. The moment Poppa left; the parentals reverted to showing how much they regretted my existence. I used to wish he would take me with him.

“Do you know him?” Poppa asked curiously. I shook my head.

“No, we’ve never met. Not really. I feel a connection to him, a strong one. As I told Mark, it’s like there is a piece of string holding us together.” I replied. Confused.

“That is Lord and Lady Falcon’s boy. Tristin or Thomas, I cannot remember. Don’t let Monique see you talking to him. She’ll pitch a fit. Now, I have seen the scars. Tell me everything, Francesca.” Poppa’s green eyes filled with questions. I pushed my sunnies up onto my head, wincing when the nose pads pulled my hair.

“I needed to run to you, but I never wanted you to know what was happening. Mum and Dad desired a boy and got me instead. They have an unrivalled hatred for me and told me so on many occasions. Selene as well, with a blinding passion. I am not sure why she just always has. Being forced to move to Grandma’s was the best thing to ever happened. Don’t get me wrong, I put up the fight of a lifetime. If the parentals thought I wanted to go, they would have thought up something else. I would have had to stay with them.” I told him shrugging one shoulder. Poppa’s mouth curved up at the sides. A slow smile lighting his hard features.

“Well played Francesca, ingenious work.” I bowed my head at his praise.

“Thanks. I’m a DragonSpire, you know. Poppa who is Giovanni, Selene threw his name at Grandma once. Casper overheard it and Uncle Lance forbade her to ever mention it?” I asked. Poppa’s smile died.

“Giovanni... A name I have not heard spoken for many a century. Lance was right about not saying anything to your Grandmother; it still pains her to think of it. Giovanni died hundreds of years ago, he was Monique and Selene’s older brother, a dear friend of mine. Gio was going to be a very powerful male. He did not live through his transition. Selene blames Monique for his loss. Monique and I were with him when he died, there had been nothing we could do to save him. Selene does not have the guts to accuse me of any wrongdoing.” I felt bad for Grandma, to lose your brother, and not be able to lift a single finger to help, must have been agonizing. I startled, when Mark opened the door, we had arrived at Montcastle Park. Leon waited by the front doors. Poppa helped me out of the car still holding my school bag. I smiled shyly at Mark; he winked as I passed him. Poppa spoke a few words to Leon, handing him my bag. Once I stepped over the threshold Grandma was there, worry made her blue eyes brighter. She placed soft hands on either side of my face, staring down into my eyes.

“Are you still feeling faint, sick, tell me where you hurt? I have been out of my mind with worry Francesca. I am so glad you are not badly injured. The headmaster said you fainted on the stairs; gracious you could have broken your neck. Cookie, quickly we will have soup, many vegetables, oh and red meat, Francesca is too pale. Darling, we are putting you right to bed this instant. I will not hear any argument. Leon, fetch a heat pack, please. Come, sweetheart, up the stairs. Slowly now, no need to rush. Lean on me darling, everything will be all right, grandma is here.” Grandma was in full fuss mode. I glared over my shoulder when I heard a suspicious noise somewhat close to a chuckle. Poppa’s face composed, was a picture of serenity. I could have sworn he winked at me. Grandma walked me slowly up the stairs, her arm firmly anchored around my waist.

“I was almost on the bottom stair when I fainted. I was talking to Kadina and Zoric Ravenstone. The headmaster’s son caught me and carried me to the infirmary. Grandma, I am fine, the healer said I might be close to my transition. He thinks I have a lot of power and that it is going to be hard on me.” I told her. I saw the frightened look my grandparents shared; my stomach did a little flip. This was not going to be cool, I thought. Especially since my Grandparents were not just worried, they were scared.

Grandma stood outside the door, listening for any sign of me falling, as I showered and changed into my flying skull pyjamas. When I emerged, Grandma insisted on helping me to bed, where Cookie brought up a big stable-table. The unfolded legs sat on each side of me. She tucked a thick napkin into my shirt, ordering me to eat the whole bowl of beef and vegetable soup. I gaped; the bowl was nearly the same size as my head! Grandma and Cookie, the hens from hell, left me to eat. Poppa leaned against the door jam.

“There is no way I can eat all this, I’ll burst. Grandma and Cookie are carrying on like a couple of wet hens.” I groaned.

“I cannot say I have ever seen how a wet hen carries on, it sounds rather frightening.” Poppa grinned. With a flourish, he pulled another spoon out of his pocket. I laughed motioning for him to come in. Poppa and I sat in silence, eating my soup and bread. With the two of us, the bowl was soon empty. Poppa was looking at the titles in my bookcase. Leon came to get the tray; he eyed the extra spoon suspiciously.

“Mum’s the word, Leon.” Poppa murmured as he tapped the side of his nose. Leon shared a covert nod; he covered the extra spoon with my napkin before leaving the room. I turned my head.

“You and Grandma are afraid for my transition, is it because you think I may not live through it, like Giovanni?” There I had asked the question that had been choking me for the past half an hour. Poppa looked shocked; he turned around from his place by my window.

“Yes and no. I don’t have all the answers, Francesca. As much as I like to think I do. In this instance, we are blind. Your transition will not be like Giovanni’s; he was gravely ill when it happened. Now sleep dearest, tomorrow will be better, you’ll see.” Poppa strode out into the hall, gently closing my door behind him. I curled up in my blanket. I was afraid of my transition too. I felt a tear roll down my cheek.

“I don’t want to die,” I whispered fearfully to my empty room. The creature inside me hummed soothingly, as I drifted off to sleep.

I slept like the dead. Nothing disturbed me at all; the sound of the shutters opening brought me sitting up in bed. I yawned and stretched arching my back I flung my arms wide. It was a new rising, and nothing was going to stand in my way. Not even the looming threat of transition or death. I skipped to the bathroom, feeling great. Dressing quickly and applying makeup. I left my hair down, it was now cool enough to do so without sweltering. As soon as my shoelaces were tied, I grabbed up my bag and hurried down the stairs. Grandma was standing in the foyer talking on the phone. With one hand, she covered the mouthpiece.

“Evening Grandma.” I kissed her cool cheek. She smiled, eyeing me suspiciously.

“Evening darling, you’re looking chipper this rising, how are you feeling?”

“Good, great, and awesome. Not tied, sick and no pain tonight. This is the best I have felt in a long time. Is Poppa up yet?” I admitted realizing, I was jigging on the spot from one foot to the other. I made a conscious effort to stand still. Grandma still looked concerned, I grinned happily.

“Good, I am glad. Francesca your Father is on the phone; he would like to talk to you.” Grandma held out the receiver. I eyed it as some would a venomous snake. She again covered the mouthpiece.

“Good mood gone,” I muttered frowning.

“Dorian had to leave at sunset. He didn’t say when he would return, I’m sorry darling. I have his number if you want to speak with him.” Grandma handed me the phone, with an inward sigh I pressed the speaker button and placed the receiver gently back in the cradle. Grandma crossed the room to talk quietly with Leon.

“Hello Dad, how are you?” I asked slipping easily back into my neutral voice I saved for my parents. Showing emotion around them was like putting your foot in a nest of fire ants.

“Your Grandfather called looking for your mother, he had quite a few things to say to her about you. Why could you have not kept your filthy scars to yourself? You know as well as we do, those children did that to you out of self-defence, you attacked them first. How dare you tell your Grandfather such disgusting lies?” My father began scathingly.

“Dad-.” He cut me off, his voice rising with his temper.

“No Francesca, don’t you Dad me. Your mother and I have had a gut full of your lies. This has got to stop. My father was livid with us. Now you will get on the phone and tell Dresdorian, you are a liar to get attention. Those children were defending themselves against a monster, you. Your mother and I are arranging for you to be admitted into an institution, Holly says you are too dangerous to be allowed out in society and I agree with her. What do you have to say for yourself, young lady?” I stood like a statue, staring at the stone floor.

“Figures you would side with her. This is the last time I am going to say this. Those kids attacked me, not the other way around. Poppa is standing up for me, because surprise, surprise. He loves me. You and Mum are barking mad. I cannot believe you. I am your only child, and you hate me. Why is that? Why do you hate me so much? What have I ever done to deserve such loathing?” From the corner of my eye, I saw Casper suddenly sit on the stairs, her face pale. I had Grandma’s full attention. She stared at the phone as if it were an armed bomb. Leon stared as well; a mixture of incredibility and anger.

“Your mother and I wanted a boy; instead we got stuck with you. We wanted a child to carry on the name DragonSpire and the line of Montcastle. A proud and powerful vampire like his Grandfather and Grandmother, but then we got you. A troublemaking liar, who will never transition because she is too weak, a genetic defect. Never have I been more disgusted then I am in the filthy stupid little creature we were forced to birth.” He spat across the line. I arched one brow.

“Interesting, it’s your entire fault you know. You’re the one who should be punished, not me. It’s the male who determines the s*x of a child, not the child itself, and if my genes are so screwed up than it is yours and Mums fault too; because you gave them to me. Oh, and if you feel the need to defend yourself, just remember my genes are also Grandma and Poppas too. Are you going to ring them and tell them that their genes are as, defective as you think mine is? The only negative defect in this family is Mum, and that female needs a slap up the side of the head, and no, I am not going to call Poppa and lie to him to get him off your case. You two made this bed, now you can sleep in it. Did I mention you are on speaker and Grandma; Casper and Leon heard every horrible word you just spewed? Good, evening Benson.” I pressed the disconnect button to the sound of my father’s spluttering.

“Francesca darling I’m-.” Grandma began to speak. I shook my head. Turning I met her shining gaze.

“I do not want to hear it, Grandma! From now on, if they call and want to speak to me, say no. I knew if Poppa ever found out, what Benson would do. He is not brave enough to stand toe to toe with his father. So, he will step around him and attack me. Not once, have I lied, they have. I cannot believe they are my parents. Defective my foot, I really hate those fangers. He’s a spineless jellyfish and he calls himself a DragonSpire! Ha!” I murmured squeezing her shoulder lightly as I passed heading for the kitchen. I ate my toast and drank a cup of coffee. Cookie wanted to make me more food; she said I still looked tired. I shook my head.

“Thanks, Cookie, I’m full. I had better fly, or I am going to be late. Thanks for the chow.” I escaped before she could catch me and force another round of toast down my throat.

Mark waited outside, the door of the Rolls open. Casper was already in the car, and she had a piece of toast in one hand and a book in the other. She read and chewed at the same time. I slid in beside her, rolling my shoulders to release the tension.

“Hey man.” I reached into my bag and pulled out my timetable. I was happy to see a double of witchcraft first. I leaned back in my seat with a sigh.

“How are you feeling tonight Frankie? We were freaked, yesterday man. Mr Ravenstone was pacing the whole time you were unconscious. When Dorian came through the door instead of Grandma, the headmaster looked like he was going to faint too. Nurse La Grou almost crawled under your bed.” I allowed a small smile to touch my mouth. Casper was doing a fine job of avoiding talking about the phone call from my father.

“My parents always talk to me like that. He was telling the truth about why they hate me. Don’t worry about it, I am used to it.” I said staring out the window. Casper grabbed my hand; without another word, she held it tightly until we arrived at school.

As we pulled up my mood lifted considerably, standing at the front doors was Kadina, Magnus, Lucian, and Zoric. Casper opened her mouth to say something and only a silly giggle came out. A chuckle started in my chest before bursting out my mouth, we were both laughing as we slid out of the car.

“Girls, you are an odd breed,” Mark muttered and rolled his eyes.

“You have no idea.” I teased. Our driver closed the door and hurried back to the driver's side.

“Hey, hey Casper looking fine as always. Sleeping beauty lives! Hey Frankie, how do you feel, tonight?” Lucian called as Casper and I climbed the stairs. I grinned.

“I’m feeling surprisingly spry and miffed about missing Military studies. How are you all?”

“You didn’t miss much, we got a fill-in teacher who made us read Shakespeare,” Luc muttered sourly.

“Are you sure, you’re alright?” Kadina asked she stared me right in the eyes. I nodded. With a sigh, she handed me a large coffee with a non-spill lid.

“Cheers mate, you are awesome.” I murmured taking a sip as she handed one off to Casper too.

“We already did this; apart from Magnus having fought with his Dad this rising, we are all good,” Kadina told us. I peered around her to Magnus.

“Worry not friend. I had a row with my old man too.” I told him stepping closer. His eyebrows lifted.

“Was yours about not being good enough?” he snarled. I nodded.

“Yeah, how did you guess? Do you think our parents have been reading the same handbook?” Magnus chuckled, shaking his head ruefully.

“For real Frankie, your Dad had a go at you for not being good enough too?” I nodded.

“Oh yeah, he even slipped in there about my genes being defective. The complete you’re not worth it works, because you were born a girl. Hey, man don’t worry. The parentals are just miffed, they’re a bunch of aging fangers. There is no way to measure up to how awesomely, epic we are.” I answered flashing a sunny smile and a wink in Zoric's direction. He shook his head, slinging an arm around my shoulders.

“Wow, Frankie you know what? You are awesome. I should have thought of it myself.” Magnus cried grinning like a loon.

“Nah man, not just awesome, but awesomely epic. It’s a scale and we’re at the top of it.” I returned trying to keep my face and voice as serious as possible.

“I believe Miss DragonSpire is correct. A national holiday should be declared, set aside just for those of us who have the defective awesomely epic gene?” Lucian remarked turning to Casper and Kadina who were openly laughing. They nodded through breathless giggles. Zoric waited until the others passed us before he spoke. We were heading up the stairs; he dropped his arm and took possession of my hand, checking for signs, I would fall again.

“You scared the crap out of us yesterday Frankie. What happened, do you remember anything?” He asked quietly. I nodded, trailing my fingers over the smooth stone banister.

“Yeah, I was fine when I woke up. Then after breakfast, this monumental pain hit me. It went up to my spine and around into my stomach. Something picked me up and slammed me into the stone floor. I felt like a basketball being slam-dunked. The pain faded some, apart from where I landed. I told Grandma I fell off the chair. The thing was, Cookie saw everything. I pleaded with her not to tell on me, Grandma would have called in a healer. I have a phobia of them. I did not realize Poppa was in the room, I did not see him. I came to school, I got tired. I began to feel dizzy, a fog came down over my mind. It was not until I reached the bottom of the stairs, my body refused to stay standing any longer and goodnight, I was out cold. Everyone thinks it’s my transition starting soon.” I shrugged falling silent.

“Did the pain feel like someone stabbed you and ripped you and open from neck to pelvis?” My gaze snapped to his, realization dawning. I opened my mouth to speak but Zoric shook his head.

“Last week when I was at home listening to music, the same thing happened to me. After the pain knocked me off my desk chair. I called down to mum and told her I was not feeling too hot and I was going to stay in bed. I slept for the next day and a half. I haven’t had another like it. So, I didn’t fess up to the parents.” Z admitted wincing guiltily.

“Did you wake up feeling...I don’t know...it is crazy-?” I whispered.

“Did I wake up feeling like I could put a fridge on my shoulders and run around the yard, dragging a Mac truck behind me? Yeah. You’re not crazy, coz if you are, I’m right there with you.” He whispered back. We turned a corner, our class was leaning against the wall, waiting for Miss Grimily to arrive.

“Hey Zoric, this might sound crazy; but do you sometimes hear a roaring in your head. Like something wanting to get out? Or am I alone in my delusion?” I asked quietly leaning closer. I felt more than saw him stiffen in shock.

“Holy crap Frankie, yeah it happens all the time. When I met you the roaring stopped, it felt like something inside me purred. This cannot just be a coincidence.” He replied seriously.

“Honestly, I am a little freaked out about it. Whatever it is, thinks it’s hilarious.” I murmured swallowing the fear crawling up my throat.

“What are you two whispering about?” Kadina teased us. I shared a look with Zoric he nodded.

“Have any of you had pain in your back? Shoots down your spine and into your guts, slams you off chairs and onto the floor, then make you sleep for a day and a half.” I asked trying to appear casual. Lucian and Magnus swore staring at me they nodded.

“Oh, yeah, did we ever,” Magnus answered grimly.

“Weekend just gone, Mag was over my place. Happened I don’t know, about midday. Woke us up and dumped our butts on the floor. I was hurting too much to even make a noise. We slept for the rest of the weekend. Mum thought we’d gotten into dad’s booze again and grounded me.” Lucian reported. I looked at Casper; she shook her head, Kadina mirroring her response.

“Four out of six. Too many to be a coincidence, something is going on. Casper, Kadina if I am right, you two are next and it’s not fun. Brace for it.” Zoric told them sternly. I agreed, something was going on. Something so bad, it scared the wits out of my Grandparents, two of the most powerful ancients in breed society.

Miss Grimily arrived, we filed into class. I noticed as a group we moved in pairs when we were all together. We never walked just in a clump, like the rest of the students. I sat in my seat in front of Zoric. He was fast becoming my favourite person. I do not know how he did it, but he was the type of male who inspired confidence. I pulled out my books. While copying from the board, I quickly wrote a note. Reaching behind me as if to move my hair to the outside of my chair, Zoric took the piece of paper. I heard the rustle of note as he unfolded it.

Have you noticed it? We, the six of us, travel in pairs. We automatically fall into this state without conscious thought.

A second later, he tapped my shoulder. I turned while Miss Grimily wrote on the board again. Zoric handed me the folded paper a curious expression on his face.

No, I had not thought about it. Now that you mention it, it is weird. I have not seen other groups demonstrate the same pattern or I would have picked up on it. What do you think it is? Could it just be us?

I thought about it again for a minute. I copied a little more from the board before I could form a reply. It was a little complex. It was almost as if we were dancing, moving around one another. Like magnets.

I think it may have something to do with the pain we have felt. Do you think there might be a connection between us somehow? It seems a little crazed, but the six of us have fallen into step so well and we have only just met. How are we so comfortable with each other? Who does that? Do you feel as though we have done this before, I mean the six of us could we have met before? I do not know much about reincarnation; maybe we could ask Miss Grimily, she might know something?

Giving up on pretence. I turned and handed Zoric the note. He placed it beside his book while he finished copying from the board. Miss Grimily arched her brows at me. She placed both hands on her hips.

“If I were to read that note to the class Francesca, would you be embarrassed I wonder?” All heads swivelled in my direction. I schooled my features into my usual expression of bored disdain. The corner of my mouth kicked up in a humourless smile.

“Not at all, Zoric and I have come across an anomaly. We are attempting to puzzle it out. It is rather fascinating; you can read it if you like.” I called back quietly. Miss Grimily crossed the room, she held out her hand. Calling what she may have thought was a bluff. Zoric handed over the note. The teachers began reading the scrawled words silently. After a moment, she passed the paper, back to Zoric.

“Do you really, unconsciously move in patterns?” She asked suddenly looking down at the six of us. The six of us paid off. Kadina and Magnus in one row, Casper and Lucian in another, and finally Zoric and me. We nodded.

“Yes. As I was saying to Zoric, it is strange to move like that. Like dancing or magnets. Our movements unconsciously mirror each other. How is it we feel so comfortable? It’s as if the action is not new but something that has always been there? I wonder if this has something to do with reincarnation or maybe our bloodlines. The six families used to be connected, right?” I mused aloud. Miss Grimily nodded following my words. A thoughtful expression crossed her features.

“It is a rather fascinating concept and something to think on. I will consult my books and attempt to construct an answer for you. For now, considering the subject does have something to do with this class. I shall refrain from giving you and Zoric detention. In the future, no passing notes in class, it is rude. Please complete the task I have set for you.”

“Ah Miss, I have, I mean we have.”  Somehow, I knew Zoric had finished as well. We had all finished, and the six of us had completed the whole chapter on Pentagrams. Miss Grimily picked up my book; she turned a couple of pages, quickly skimming its content.

“Have all of you finished the chapter or is Francesca the only one to have raced on ahead?” The other five nodded solemnly.  Miss Grimily smiled warmly.

“In that case please start the next chapter. If you run into any problems come and see me. The rest of the class will please not race on ahead it gets too confusing.” Miss Grimily turned back to her board. I sighed silently in relief. Zoric's hand gently squeezed my shoulder. I peered quickly over the back of my chair. He was laughing. I hunched my shoulders and opened chapter two. Spellcasting! Awesome it could wait; I pulled my journal from my bag.