Arcane Studies: Magic Guardian Academy, #2

By Rebecca Goodwin

Last time evil came, it left mayhem and sorrow in its wake. What will be the costs this second time around?

 

Zoey has made it through her first semester of Magic Academy, barely. Still reeling from her losses, she realizes she doesn't quite fit into this school either. While she hunts for those responsible for killing her parents, she uncovers more riddles and secrets.

Her relationship with the three 'hot' guys grows more complicated, including that one might not have escaped the dark mages unscathed. But can she really trust any of them?

As tough as her training and classwork are, she must learn how to control her powers before the dark mages strike again and her new world comes crashing down. Except that even her own magic fights against her to give up the rules and go for blood. If she does, she'll become an enemy of the light and her guys.

Can she juggle three guys, new magical classes, and the battles to come?

 

Welcome to the Magic Guardian Academy, where supernatural creatures try to keep the world safe even on the days that suck.
Warning: This is a steamy reverse harem paranormal romance that will leave you addicted.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Rowan Publishing, LLC
• Release date: Apr 1, 2020
• ISBN: 9781393188636

Rebecca Goodwin

Rebecca Goodwin fell in love with fairytales and sword fighting. Now, she creates damsels-in-distress that rescue themselves and often the hero(es).  When not creating fantasy worlds and characters, Rebecca enjoys singing along to the radio and maintaining her fencing practice which she teaches to her son and daughter. Rebecca lives in Boston with her husband, two kids, three cats and three dogs. She loves hearing from readers. Signup to her VIP Newsletter today: http://eepurl.com/cWQ3gv UnderLand series: Underland - Book 1 Fairest - Book 2 Olympian Elemental Trails: Hidden Legacies - Book 1

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

TUG-OF-WAR

Ilooked down at my palms, pressed flat against my bare thighs. The magic swirling inside of me, pushing against my fingertips as though it was begging to be let out. There was a small part of me, whispering seductively to do it, just release the power . How, when I had done so in the past, I felt so potent, unbound by the rules or restrictions of others. The magic was an extension of me after all, and I wasn’t bad, was I?

I balled my fingers into fists and looked away. I’d nearly drained Jasper and Reed when I’d given in to the allure. How I’d nearly killed everyone around me when I’d taken my first trial to become a student here by fighting a wraith. Standing up, I released my hands and smoothed down the folds of my uniformed skirt.

It bothered me that I couldn’t answer that question with certainty.

I wasn’t bad. I knew that. But I didn’t think I was totally good, either.

So much had happened since I came here to the Magical Guardian Academy. A piercing ache hit my chest as I remembered my mom. How she had supported me and we both thought she’d be safer with me here. Yet, even with my power, I couldn’t protect her.

I was here to learn how to control my power and keep whatever was after me at bay. But none of that had mattered. I was no better off than when I first arrived. And my mom had paid with her life, because of me. Because of the magic prank I’d done against Darren at my old, human school and alerted him to my powers. How was I supposed to know that he was a dark mage out to recruit new members? My actions to him being a bully had led him right to us. I choked out a sob, scrubbing a hand against my eyes and the threat of tears.

It had been three and a half weeks since our fight against Darren and the other dark mages, and the vibrations humming through my blood were still tempting. Calling for me to forego discipline and training. I felt like I was the rope in a tug-of-war that never ended. I wanted to be safe here, but I wasn’t. The dark mages had infiltrated the school and attacked me. It had taken all of us to stop them.

And I’d been too late to save my mom. Every day, the hole in my heart seemed to expand into a vast emptiness that I was certain would never heal.

I squeezed my hands into fists, my magic churning inside me. Numbly, I forced my body to pull itself together. I had to get through today. Move on with my training. Get to where I would never be vulnerable again. Where I could protect those I was starting to care about without fear. To be sure what happened to my mom would never happen again.

I took several deep breaths to squash the magical sparks that sizzled across my palms and calmed myself and then the magic faded away.

A knock sounded on my dorm room’s door, followed by Jasper’s voice. Hey, Zoey, you gonna primp all day or are you coming to class?

A smile tugged at the corner of my lips and I grabbed my backpack before opening the door. Morning.

He stood leaning against my doorway. His sandy-blond hair was tousled like he just rolled out of bed. Despite his wrinkled, untucked oxford shirt, he looked like a total prep and not the guy I’d first met with slashes in his jeans and heavy metal t-shirt. He still had the twinkle in his green eyes though, like he was thinking of his next joke or prank. My heart squeezed that I’d nearly lost him too.

Though you look like you're about to be snatched, he said.

I twirled in front of him. Really? It’s the same uniform as everyone else. Dark blue checkered skirt and tie with bright turquoise running through it. Complete with a button-up white shirt with a Magical Guardian patch, loafers, and the white glittery socks I wore.

Wig. On you, it looks amazing.

My cheeks heated at his compliment. He leaned in, pinning me between his body and the wall. He didn’t even have to kiss me and I was already breathless. I could feel his body heat against mine. His apple-scented shampoo filled each inhale.

He swept his hand under my hair, tugging at the base of my neck to bring me even closer as his lips crushed onto mine. My eyelids drifted closed and our kiss deepened. A soft whimper escaped me as his tongue touched mine and I melted into him. All of me was suddenly flushed and feverish. My knees weakening. All my fears and thoughts vanished. I clung to his blue blazer, never wanting to stop.

All too soon he pulled back, letting me slowly drift back to down Earth for a minute before he spoke. Two younger girls strolled past us, their faces red and giggling.

Ready for your full day of classes? He waggled his eyebrows, holding out his hand. Heard there’s even going to be a lesson on dragon etiquette today.

Wow, really? I slid beside him, taking his hand. As we walked down the hallway, pushing aside my earlier worries.

Would I lie to you? Jasper asked in a mocking, shocked voice.

Hmmm… I tapped my finger to my nose, turning my face to look at him. I know a truth spell and can find out if you are.

For a split second, his eyes darkened. I paused mid-stride and clasped his arm.

What? he asked.

The look I’d seen was gone. I shook my head, thinking it must be the light or weariness on my end after everything we’d gone through.

Zoey? Worry laced his voice.

Nothing. Sorry, just still worn out I guess from battling the dark mages, I said as light-hearted as I could. Even though the physical wounds were healed, my energy levels were slow to recover. And how my emotional or mental state would ever be the same. How before all of this, I’d taken everything for granted.

He nudged me with his shoulder. You know you’re safe here, right?

Sure. Everyone had said that before too and I’d nearly died. Darren’s words echoed in my mind. We don’t want you, we want the magic inside of you—that created you.

I shuddered. And there was the issue of the binding curse that I’d put on me and Megan to keep her from betraying me. I had to figure out how to remove that without involving the dark side of my power. We’d all been too injured after the battle to risk it. Though if she had died, I’d have followed after her into death, with no choice.

So is the dragon class first? I asked, trying to force my mind to focus on other things. Fun things.

He clasped my hand as we entered one of the academic buildings. Nah. First-up is beginner classes for the noobs.

Don’t tell me I’m with a bunch of freshmen. I’m a senior!

He bowed in front of a classroom. In the human world, sure. But here you are nothing, Padawan.

Ugh. I let go of his hand. Might as well get this over with. I pushed open the door and grabbed a seat in the back.

Jasper blew me a kiss, then left.

The full classroom made my head spin with the scents of cologne, perfume, and deodorant vying for dominance. Kids who looked like they just hit puberty choked the room. Even the lesson on levitating small objects looked down at me from the chalkboard, like it was supposed to make sense.

I scribbled down notes while the professor rambled on about science and magic merging. My head was pounding. How was I going to catch up on all of this stuff?

Tomorrow, the professor said erasing the board with a wave of his wand, We’ll work on projecting our magic into an item and choose your wands.

The entire class exploded in cheers and claps. What was the big deal about a wand? Sure tons of old magic movies had the witches and wizards using the wooden things, but I never needed one or saw the point of waving a stick around.

Outside of the classroom, I hustled to the next one on my schedule. Tarot reading. The hair on the back of my neck stood on end. That was the class where I’d learned my mom was in trouble. Except it had been too late.

I rushed outside, taking in gulping breaths as the air felt heavy and suffocating. My magic pinched my palms and up my forearms.

I’m ready to do your bidding. The dark magic in me whispered inside my head. Take your revenge on everyone for failing your mom. From Headmistress Olsen who wanted you to come here and insisted that your mom would be safe without you, to Jasper, Kento, and Reed who escorted you here.

No, this wasn’t me. I clapped my hands to the side of my head, forcing away the voice. No matter what stupid dark mage Darren had said. He didn’t know me. I was good.

I adjusted my backpack, marching out to the football field. The black stain where the wraith had been banished was still there. I still remembered its cold, bony hands on me. The sound of footsteps echoed behind me.

Wiping at my eyes, I stood and turned to go back inside when a movement caught my attention.

My breaths froze in my chest as a hooded figure dashed behind a tree.

CHAPTER 2

MORNING INTERRUPTED

Ibroke into a sweat. I froze in place and gripped the strap of my backpack tighter.

Who’s there? I growled in fear and immediately tried to appear brave, but the urge to flee was stronger than the desire to fight.

The sun suddenly dimmed and the grass started to bend and twist wildly. Magic wind whipped around me feeling like tiny bee stings all over me. The light faded more, turning the morning into night. I took a shaky step forward, desperate to find out where the figure had gone.

I looked back, only to see the person move. Before my eyes, they disappeared entirely, replaced with a single point of light. My skin prickled and I swallowed against the tightening of my throat. I turned around and glanced at the football field, to find that the light had just faded, leaving the space an eerie stillness.

A feeling like I was being watched itched across my back. I spun, the darkness slowly fading back to morning.

Zoey, Reed cried as he dashed across the ground.

Over here. The words strained my throat as if I’d been shouting at a pep rally for hours.

Wisps of magic drove away the rest of the shadows as both Kento and Reed ran up to me.

What are you doing out here? Kento asked. His black hair was combed neatly in place and his piercing dark eyes studied me. Unlike Jasper’s uniform, Kento’s was perfectly pressed. His tie was straight and his blazer buttoned.

I came out to get some air and found some guy in a hood. My breaths were shaky, and I didn’t like the feeling of being in danger or surprised at all. Who was that guy? Why was he following me?

Kento raised his wand, pointing it at the ground. Revela Domino inimicos uestigia.

The grass glowed with a pale blue light that pulsed and led off into the forest.

Stay with her, I will go and see if I can track down her attacker. Kento bowed his head to me.

He didn’t attack me, exactly. I rubbed my arms. You can’t go off hunting for the guy alone. What if it’s a trap?

I’m going before the trail goes cold.

Reed, go with him, I said.

No need for a babysitter. Kento straightened. I can take care of myself.

And if it’s a cluster of dark mages waiting in there? Please let me be wrong. I couldn’t handle it if something happened to him or Reed. Nearly a month ago, the dark mages had taken Jasper and I had thought he was dead. I didn’t want there to be any more death because of me.

Then I will sound the alarm or shoot fireworks and you can come rescue me. Kento brushed his knuckles across my cheek.

I closed my eyes briefly, reveling in his touch. Both Jasper and Reed had kissed me. But Kento held back. Merely giving me a brief kiss on my forehead when I was in the infirmary after battling Darren and the other dark mages. We were all pretty banged up that day.

When I opened my eyes, he was gone. A strangled cry broke from my chest. Reed, don’t just stand there, go after him.

And leave you unprotected? No way. Reed clasped my hand and led me to the school with a slight limp from his ankle that was mostly healed from the mage battle.

Why do I need protecting? I tried to pull away, but he looped his arm around my shoulders. Olsen said that we had nothing to fear. That everyone else would be safe here.

It will be, when you stop luring evil to you.

"Why do I feel like this