Lost Souls

• CHAPTER ONE • GLASSCADE ACADEMY 1840 CAEN, CALVADOS, FRANCE The midnight moon shone brightly casting withering shadows amongst the tall headstones. A nervous man paced back and forth anticipating for what seemed like forever. Buckets of sweat slithered down his forehead as he spoke to himself, calming himself down. He hated cemeteries, the thought of death terrified him and even worse it was pitch black. He had no idea why he agreed on meeting the careless stranger here but the stranger told him it was the last place The Dark Rising would look. It was eerily quiet apart from the soft wind rustling it's way through the trees. He assumed judging by the moon it was clocking towards midnight. He had been there since 8pm and was fairly tempted to just trod on back home until he felt the strangers presence overwhelm his entire body. He became deaf from the sound of whispers invading his eardrums, and a tingling sensation captivated his mind. He winced in pain and dropped faintly to the ground, bowing down to this stranger. The stranger had come dressed in a hooded black gown and held a tall thin Sheppards blade. His face was not entirely visible and his skinny white fingers were tattooed bones. “Hello, Maximus” the careless stranger grinned, “it seems we meet again”. Maximus slowly stood up rattling with fear, “why did you call me, Grim?” he asked, “it appears the dark rising has planned to feast amongst the living” Grim viscously hissed. All the blood washed from Maximus’s already pale face, “souls are going missing every hour”. Maximus felt a quick chill zap through his spine. Grim stared into his eyes, “we must create an angel army” Maximus combed his fingers through his wild untamed locks. “We can’t just send every angel we have down here, are you mad?” Grim snarled and collided his death scythe to the ground beneath them sending the earth to separate. Bursts of hot lava arose and licked through Maximus’s jeans, he cursed at Grim. “What the hell is wrong with you?” Maximus growled forming his fists into balls so tight his fingertips pierced the palm of his hands allowing droplets of blood to escape. Grim pondered a moment running his fingertips gently across his blade before putting his outburst to rest. The ground formed back together and any lava that was left had disappeared into thin air. Maximus stood up and dusted his jeans, “Your temper can be quite demanding, brother” Maximus scowled. “Well, the dark rising is slaughtering them like pigs” Grim spat, “the outcasts are our only hope to save the human race, do you want fathers creation to die out?” Maximus let out a frustrated sigh lowering his eyes before speaking, “I’ll report back to father… get ready, brother” and with that Grim nodded in agreement “time is ticking” he softly answered while disappearing once again into the shadows. PRESENT The wind rustled the dead autumn leaves across the pavement as I brushed my delicate wave of curls from my face, making my way over to the front gates of the Academy. I gripped the rusty bars and squinted through the thick fog that hung low around the dark forest that covered the school. A bright glint of light caught my eye which seemed to be coming from the steel gate. A silver voice box containing a phone button was attached to it, before I had time to call a static sound blistered my eardrums startling me. “Welcome to Glasscade Academy” an elderly woman said. The steel gates opened before me as a gush of wind whipped through my body. Before I had time to look up droplets of rain decorated my newly washed clothes. Black clouds had swirled above me, hinting that it’s soon going to rain heavily. I hugged myself with chattering teeth and proceeded back to my car. A mercedez benz I had received on my 16th birthday, a present from my parents. A distant memory that I held onto after my parents died in a horrific car accident last year. My aunt took care of me before sending me off to Glasscade Academy. I had never even heard of it, until one day a letter with gold printed handwriting slid under our front door. Good evening, Velvet James You have been invited to attend Glasscade Academy. The new season starts this fall. You are expected to be there by the headmaster, Amora. The academies escorts will be awaiting you. Sincerely yours, Glasscade Academy I scrunched up my nose. How did they even get my address? I figured maybe my auntie had something to do with it but she shrugged. “I think It will be good for you my darling” she said, as she stroked my soft cheek. “You need new friends... And to find happiness, Velvet” I knew fairly well what it felt like to be the new girl, I had moved from town to town all my life. I revved my engine turning on my headlights to get a clearer vision of the gravel road that led to the Academy. I quickly glanced at the review mirror to get a good idea of my appearance before entering, last thing I want is to walk in with my hair looking unnaturally messy and smudged lipstick. That’s not a look. You could say I was attractive, carrying platinum blonde hair and eyes like the colour of a freshly cut lawn. My body is fairly petite and I have legs longer than the wall of China. Fairly booby with a round backside, most boys would bend over backwards for me. But being beautiful was a curse and it led to one of the most unfortunate events of my teenage years. I stared down at the scar on my wrist, thinking back to that night gives me nightmares. I forced a deep breath and gripped the steering wheel… “Here we go” I murmured as i steered my way into the lonely dark forest. Glascade Academy began to take shape amongst the fog as i drove closer. I rolled to a stop, and I scavenged for the map of the Academy. Although to my luck I pulled it out too quickly and managed to spill my morning coffee all over me, not all that surprised, I have grown to living with my known clumsiness. My eyes skimmed the map until a rattling knock from my tinted window made me jump. A young man with deep sea blue eyes told me to roll down my window. “You look lost” he grinned as he leaned in, I could feel my cheeks begin to burn as I smiled “um, yeah” I barely choked out. “If you just keep going forward the Academy is on the right across the bridge - you won't miss it” he chuckled. “Yeah, sure... Thanks” I half smiled, surprised I even got those words out. He smiled back and ran off. Sweat had stained the back of his navy jersey, and his dark hair was ruffled and wet from the rain... his muscles were defined and...Stop. It's been ten minutes and already I'm falling in love with a boy. “get it together, Vel” I said to myself. I made a promise not to develop any feelings for another male whatsoever. This year was my year to stay focused and on top of my game. Once my thoughts were cleared I drove slowly towards the Academy and just right up ahead like he said was a white bridge with beautiful lanterns. The academy was fairly small, it looked more like a house than a school. A mansion as such, white and modern with overgrown vines that decorated the outward exterior. I assumed there wasn’t going to be many people living there at all which eased my anxieties. Growing up I’ve never been a people person, and it led to me getting ridiculed so moving was the best option for me. It was very secluded, finding it was a mission in itself. I gradually rolled my mesedez to a stop, and proceeded to get out. A man with silver hair and sunken eyes standing out the front trotted over and asked me for my keys, he looked like he was still stuck in the 1700s with the clothes that he was wearing, I looked down at his white gloved hands before he apologised, “oh my apologises miss, I am Charles… I am the Academy’s butler” he gave a small smile, “I am here to take all the students cars to the underground car park” I laughed at how silly I was and handed my keys over at him, “you must be…” before he could finish I replied “Velvet” he echoed my response “Velvet! Ah yes, heard much about you…come, I’ll show you inside” he bowed at my presence. He pushed open the big cream coloured wooden doors and I was hit with the smell of lavender. Above me was a crystal chandelier that shimmered when the suns rays hit it, in the middle was a golden glass table that carried a huge bouquet of lavender flowers. Two long stair cases ran along the wall of either side of the entryway. The floor was made out of marble and was so clean it showed my reflection against it. I slowly looked over to my right to see the evening room. A girl with orange curls and earthy brown eyes, scanned my body up and down and quickly shut the door restricting me from seeing inside of it. “Ah... That was Lady Lilith” Charles chimed in seeing my puzzled face, “She doesn't acustom to new guests very well, don't take it personally” he smiled. “Lady Lilith?” I questioned. He cleared his throat and whispered. “She is the daughter of Queen Amora” he walked towards the staircase still with my keys in his fingers. The evening doors busted open and Lady Lilith walked out along with a man dressed in all black, leather pants... Black boots and jacket slung over his broad shoulder... The typical “Bad boy vibes” radiated off him like no tomorrow. Another woman followed after them. She was astonishingly beautiful, straight dark raven hair sat neatly around her shoulders ... Her dark green eyes landed on me. “Who is this may I ask, Charles?” The dark haired lady asked eyeing me sternly, making me feel uncomfortable. “New student - she has arrived today my Queen” Charles bowed. “Make sure she is sorted to her room immediately - give her the biggest suite we have” Charles grinned, “Most certainly your, Majesty” he beamed with excitement. The bad boy locked eyes with me, his eyes were blacker than the night sky and something about him felt so familiar. I quickly averted my gaze, I still want my soul thanks. They walked off towards the long hallway that featured a lot of doors. “Whats down there?” I asked Charles cautiously. “The dining room, the ball room, the Queens quarters... Which is out of bounds by the way” he shot back, “If she was to catch you lurking around you would be banished from Glasscade” he warned. I nodded so he knew I understood but I knew sooner or later my curiosity will get to the better of me. I was still very confused... I had no idea that the outer skirts of Canada had a queen, unless we were talking about Queen Elizabeth. That's the only queen I knew. I followed Charles through the twists and turns of the mansion until finally we were situated in front of my suite. “Dinner will be at 7pm, sharp. If there is anything else you need my lady, please, do not hesitate to ask” he quickly bowed then ran off. I pulled out my phone and saw I had 21 missed calls and at least 100 text messages from my aunt. I sighed and assured her that I was fine and everything was ok. “You must be the new girl?” it was jogger boy. “My room is a few doors down - oh wow” he pointed to the number on my room door, “assigned a suite?” I looked up and laughed, “Oh, yeah... I have no idea why. My aunt must have paid extra?” I shrugged. He laughed, “You must be joking? Only people -” he stopped mid sentence when the bad boy I had saw earlier approached and cleared his throat. “Alex, aren't you supposed to be studying for something?” his voice was deep and husky, making me experience major butterflies and jelly legs. Alex rolled his eyes and turned to me, “ill catch ya later, Vel” he whispered before returning to his room. Bad boy examined me before he spoke, his gaze was serious and showed no emotion. “Any relations between another student is forbidden, understood?” he said lifting up one eyebrow. “Who are you?” how dare he tell me what to do, so rude of him to even assume I wanted any kind of relations with anyone. Who does he think he is? Anger bubbled up inside me. “I’m Dean - your escort... But let's just say I'm your... “school buddy”” he replied with his fingers in bunny ears. “Don't assume we will be anything more than that, not even friends” I crossed my arms and glared at him. “Thats fine with me, get ready - dinner is in 15” he went to go but turned and quickly added, “Also, don't bring your attitude to dinner... Queen Amora will be there” and with that he walked off. Ugh. I'm stuck with him it looks like. My suite was my dream bedroom, a massive queen bed with blue velvet sheets was placed in the middle. A marble bathroom with a spa bath, and an outside shower which overlooked the ocean. A walk in wardrobe with a bunch of long dresses, I was never a dress girl... never in a million years would I be caught dead wearing them. A note was slid under my door, The queen has requested you to wear a dress for tonight. Please, do as she asks. Charles Go figure. I tried on the first dress I saw, it was a cherry red colour and was made of silk. It hung down past my ankles so I'm sure they won't be able to see my ballet flats. I left my curls the way they were, and only added a red shade of lipstick to my plump lips. A swift knock rung from my door, it was Charles. “Are you ready?” Dinner - I walked in to find myself staring at only 5 students. In my mind I had pictured at least over 200, but to my shock and surprise only 5 have been requested to study here. “Velvet, please be seated” she urged, I sat in the closest plush chair nearest to the exit just in case I need to bolt. My anxiety can at times become too overwhelming in social gatherings. Alex sat across from me, and gave me a reassured smile. Bad boy was standing behind the Queen, with his hands placed behind his back. Charles closed the door behind him and the dinner commenced. “Welcome, Students to Glasscade Academy. I'm sure you are all very excited to start the semester” she nodded at Charles and he went around pouring everyone wine. “Before we enjoy this delicious meal, I must first address the rules while attending Glasscade” The tension rose in the room, Alex coughed at what seemed like the most inappropriate time making Bad boy shoot him a death glare. Alex covered his mouth and shifted his eyes to his empty plate. “Any relations between fellow students of any sort are absolutely prohibited. If I find out that there is any kind of foolishness going on you will no longer be allowed to attend the Academy, as it is not considered proper” the students eyed each other off. “When entering your classes it is compulsory for you to wear the correct uniform. Girls must make sure your skirts are at a appropriate length and boys, please shave and wear a tie at all times” One of the boys winked at a girl from across the room. I’m most certain he uses his tie for other things, and not just to look formal. I could feel my anxiety coming on, and my palms were getting slippery with sweat. My heart began to beat 100 miles an hour and my breathing fastened. Queen Amora had caught onto my nervousness and closed her eyes, any sign or feeling of anxiety I had was gone within seconds. She smiled at me and continued on, “Any troubles or questions please, ask your escorts that you have been assigned to” she glanced around the room and sighed, “That is all, you may eat” The way Amora spoke was so effortlessly and elegant it was like she came out of a fairytale. The butlers went around with plates of roasted chicken and vegetables. How did she manage to take away my anxiety like that? She didn't even speak to me. Let alone, touch me. There's no way she could have eased me like that. “So, Vel is it?” I nodded at Alex’s question, “Well, Vel... What are you studying?” I pondered for a moment, “If I'm going, to be honest, I don't even know why I am here” I whispered, he almost choked on his baked potato, And gave me an alarmed look. After our short conversation tension began to arise again and the silence between him and I thickened. The dinner was eerily quiet and awkward, not a single student spoke. ••• After dinner had finished we made our way back to our rooms. Alex decided to walk me to mine, he looked eager to bring me back to my room as soon as possible. As we approached Dean was already slouched against my suite door. “I’ll take it from here” Dean stopped Alex abruptly. “Do you mind if we have a quick chat?” Alex growled. Dean rolled his eyes and took him down stairs where i assumed the Queen Quarters were. I decided to follow them and planned to listen into their disclosed chat. “You do realise she doesn't have a slightest clue why she is here?” Alex whispered “Shes not to know anything just yet Amora spoke. “She’s not ready” She added. Alex soffed and made his exit before noticing me, eavesdropping. Go back to your room before they catch you snooping, Vel. Did he just... Do telekinesis on me? Goosebumps captivated my whole body and I shivered. Now I was absolutely terrified. Without a word I reatreated back to my room with Dean following closely behind. “I know you heard” Dean said matter of factly, “What did she mean... “Shes not ready?”” I questioned him, “It doesn't concern you right now” He opened the door to my room and ushered me in, “You will soon understand” he glided over to my cupboard and pulled out a set of pink silk pyjamas and laid them out on the bed in front of me, “for now get some rest... Goodnight” he gave me a gentle smile and left me alone in the dark with only a dim night light on to dwell on my racing thoughts.