Infraction: Academy of Ancients, #4

By Avery Cross

Mysterious necromancers. Wicked summoners. Fierce witches. Occasional familiars. Military experiments. Secret councils. Forbidden alliances. The Academy of Ancients will suck you in.

Briar's been accused of murder and she's now firmly entrenched in the hands of the enemy!

Warning: This series will hook you! Violence can be found in this series of action-packed fantasy, with necromancers, summoners, and badass witches. And occasional cliffhangers!

• Language: English
• Publisher: ACross
• Release date: May 12, 2020
• ISBN: 9781393420538

Book preview

Chapter One

Briar

I screamed until I was hoarse, but no one heard me. Undead. They were everywhere, surrounding me. I tried to fight back, but my summoning wouldn’t work. No fire, no spirit. I was alone. Utterly alone as the enemy closed in around me. They reached out, their dead hands pulling at my arms and hair, dragging me back into the darkness with them.

Zach. I heard him screaming my name, but I couldn’t see him. He needed help. Needed me, but all I could do was let myself be surrounded by the enemy, not able to fight back and save myself let alone him.

A cloaked figure appeared before me, and his hand reached out, throttling me.

Join us, he hissed.

I gasped, tearing at his hand, but he only squeezed harder as I kicked my feet furiously. Go to hell, I spat, and then he threw me into the darkness.

I fell and fell—

I jerked upward, ready to fight, until my blurry vision cleared, and I remembered where I was.

Not surrounded by undead and getting ready to die. No, I was somewhere that was almost worse in ways, I guess. I flopped back to my squeaky cot of a bed and tugged the rough blanket up over my head. On the bright side, I’d made it to Talon HQ. On the downside, I was now a prisoner for the death of Samantha Stone, daughter of General Alba Stone and Councilman Gary Stone. Yeah, because my life couldn’t have gotten any more complicated than it already was.

I’d been here for over a week now, sitting in this tiny gray room with no view of the outside world. There was a single door with bars, so when I did get visitors, they could open the door on the outside at least, and I could see them through the bars. But the only visitors I had were the guards who brought me meals twice a day. No one else. No one told me anything. I was just here.

Alone. Slowly going insane.

I wondered if that was their plan, make me go nuts and then ask me questions. I was getting damned close to losing what little sanity I had left after all the shit I’d been through.

Oh, and yes, the damned cell was magic proof. No summoning in here. Not even a spark.

I was going stir-crazy with nothing to do or anyone to talk to. Zach had not been allowed to see me since I’d been processed. Or Morris for that matter. I’d been on my own. I hadn’t even had a chance to tell them what happened before I found Sam dead. Most of the ride here, I’d been too much in shock to say anything except nod when one of the other Pierce brothers asked me a question.

I thought back again over what they’d said. Mostly trying to tell me to keep calm and they’d get this figured out. None of them believed I did it, but the evidence screamed otherwise. Who else could blow off someone’s head with their summoning? Oh, that’s right, just little old me.

Needing to suddenly get up and move, I threw the blanket off and stalked around the space. I had no way to tell what time it was. The light stayed on in my room at all times. I had a bathroom at least, though it lacked a door. Not that I cared too much at this point.

I wanted to see Zach, needed to just hear his voice and know he wasn’t dead or dying, as I’d seen nearly every night in my dreams. Since coming here, the nightmares had returned in full force. Always the same. I was surrounded by undead and Zach, I heard him bellowing in pain, but never saw him. The cloaked figure grabbed me every time, asking me to join him. I kicked the wall in my frustration, hobbling on one foot as I held my throbbing toes and glared at the stones.

Come on already, I yelled, glaring at the ceiling. What do you want from me, huh? What?

I waited, but if anyone watched the camera feed of my cell, they made no show of it.

I want to help here, I really do, but if you all want to continue being arrogant bastards who won’t even talk to me, then maybe I won’t say another damned word. Is that what you want? I’d cursed and threatened until my voice was hoarse.

But still, nothing.

Fine. You know what? I flipped the camera off. That’s what. You all suck. Horribly. I hope you trip and fall on your faces.

Shroud, really?

I whipped around, almost not ready to believe my ears, but there on the other side of the bars was Zach. He smiled at me with that crooked grin I’d missed too damned much, but the tic was running rampant in his jaw, and his cerulean eyes watched me with a whole lot of worry in them.

I walked to the bars, ready to take his hand, but he held it up, making me pause for a second. Then his finger went to his ear.

I frowned, wondering what he was up to when he started talking in a quiet undertone.

Thanks, Luke, owe you one, he said, then the bars unlocked.

Zach gripped them and slid them aside. It took me half a second before I threw myself into his arms. He caught me easily, crushing me to him as his lips found mine, backing us into the room.

We don’t have much time, he whispered urgently, kissing me again.

What’s happening out there? No one’s told me anything, I said, not letting my arms leave him for a second. If this was going to be short-lived, I was going to make the visit well worth it.

He clung to me, too, as if worried the second he let go, I’d disappear.

Zach? How bad is it?

You want the truth?

What do you think?

He sighed, shaking his head, tucking my hair behind my ears while he studied every inch of my face as if this was the last time he’d ever get to see me. I gripped his arms, worried someone would come along and drag him away from me, just like in my nightmares.

His eyes grew dark, as dark as the news he delivered. Bad, worse than bad. Bloody, freaking politics. Plus, the masters are here, and all members of our council have arrived. In four days, they’re coming for you.

And what’s going to happen? I asked, hating how much my voice shook. His arms tightened securely around me, but did little to comfort me.

Undead, we could deal with, but laws and courts? Politics? I was being accused of murder. There was no fighting our way out of this, not with our usual tactics. We would have to prove I was innocent and I didn’t even know where to begin.

They’ll bring you before the court, and the trial will begin.

Trial, great.

All you have to do is stick to the truth, that’s it.

Yeah, but from the way your jaw keeps twitching, the truth might not be enough, I muttered.

His eyes darkened even more with anxiety.

Why haven’t I gotten to give a statement or anything yet? I should be able to say what happened that day without them judging me first.

That’s part of the reason I’m here, too. I need you to tell me exactly what happened that day.

I leaned back, my brow furrowing. I went shopping as I told you. And then you called, said Sam was in trouble. So I ran to the hotel.

And her door was already open?

Yeah… Why are you asking me like this? I tried to pull out of his arms, but he didn’t let me go. You do believe me, right? That I didn’t kill her?

You look me in the eye and tell me what I believe, he replied sternly.

I did as he said and relaxed, falling back against his chest at the fierce determination in his eyes to try to get me out of this.

Sorry, I just… I don’t know what to do. Or what’s going to happen to me. I’m terrified, I whispered. More than when we faced down the necromancers.

I know, those we could kill, but here, we’re trapped by the rules, he murmured, kissing the top of my head. But we’ll get through this. Over the next few days, work on relaying the events as succinctly as possible. They’ll try to trip you up.

But why? They don’t even know me.

His jaw clenched as he whispered, No, but after what you did with the undead, some of the Talons are talking, and Theon had to report all the events of the fight. They’re scared of you now, Shroud. Scared of what you’re capable of.

So what, they want to punish me for what I can do and not the murder?

He shrugged. I don’t know their motives, but we’re working on it.

Wait, if he told them about the fight, about Hooke, then they know about the necromancers, right? The army of undead? Why doesn’t that take priority?

Zach hung his head. Some details were left out of Theon’s story, like anything to do with the necromancers and undead, actually.

Then who the hell kidnapped Hooke?

As of this moment? Ivan and some of his criminal followers.

I gulped hard, realizing now why they were all scared of me. They think… they think I killed people? That I blew off all their heads?

No, he said Ivan managed to create more of those golem type creatures, and you killed them, but still, it’s got everyone on edge, and they all seem to think you could’ve easily killed everyone at the fight.

I wanted to disappear. Fade away. I was not capable of murder. The first creature like Carter I’d killed, I’d gotten sick, imagining it being human. I wanted to ask Zach why they just didn’t let the truth come out, but then he glanced over my shoulder at the camera in the ceiling.

What’s wrong? I asked quietly.

He tilted his head and tapped his ear when I asked him what he was listening to. Damn. I have to get out of here. Luke’s shift is over in five.

Already? My hands fisted in his shirt, not wanting him to leave, at least not leave without me. Is Morris here?

He is. He’s going to try to see you before the trial, but he’s under fire right now, too.

For what?

For hiding your true identity all these years. He cupped my face in his hands and kissed me. You have to stay strong, Shroud. Promise me, no matter what they throw at you during the trial, you won’t lose it.

Are you implying that I have a short temper and a big mouth? I asked innocently.

His brow arched as he laughed. Yeah, something like that. He sighed and hugged me again. I’m going to get you out of this. My brothers and I are doing everything we can for you. Swear it.

I know, I just, I keep seeing her, Zach, I mumbled, thinking of Sam’s dead body every time I shut my eyes. How grisly that scene had been. And the nightmares, they’re getting worse.

Nightmares? They’re back? He tilted his head again and grunted. Alright, I’m coming. He frowned. I have to go, he said this bit to me. I’ll see you again in a few days.

I had so many more questions I wanted to ask him. Like about Ivan and Dresden, and if they’d said anything helpful. Or if they translated that book yet. If any more students had been captured. But there wasn’t enough time.

Zach kissed me again, telling me how much he cared for me.

But then, he was pulling away. Love you, Shroud, he whispered against my lips.

Love you more, I replied, watching him step out of the room as the bars slid back into place.

My heart clenched painfully in my chest as he took another step back and with a look of regret on his face, closed the door, shutting me off from him. I rested my forehead against the cold bars, cursing whatever asshole decided to frame me for murder.

I longed to be outside this room and show them all I was innocent. Show them I wasn’t dangerous. I chuckled bitterly to myself and sank to the floor by the door. Alright, I was dangerous, but it wasn’t on purpose.

A couple more days in here and then I’d finally be given my chance to present my story. Because from the way Zach was talking, that’s what everyone I’d be facing down seemed to believe. It was all a story. What were they even going to ask me aside from if I did it or not? I thought back to that day again, figuring I’d do as Zach said, and work at getting the facts straight in my mind of what I’d been doing before he called me.

I remembered it well enough, I thought. I stayed on the floor for a long while, not finding the motivation to get up. I shut my eyes and willed Zach to find who really killed Sam and get me out of this prison before they made up their minds I was guilty, and I was stuck in here forever.

Chapter Two

Zach

As the lock clicked into place, I rested my hands on the door outside Briar’s cell, cursing that I had to leave her in there. It had taken everything I had not to drag her out of that damned cell and make an escape. We’d be caught, but damned if I didn’t want to try before she had to face down those wolves.

Zach?

Yeah, sorry, Luke, I muttered in reply to his voice in my ear.

Nah, brother, I get it. But we’ve got work to do here still if we’re going to get on top of this mess of a situation.

I know.

My fists hung at my sides as I backed away from the door, one step, then another, before I turned all the way around and stalked down the corridor. I was just about to leave the prison when a whisper of Briar’s voice brushed against my mind.

I paused, glancing back over my shoulder. I had to be imagining it. No summoning would ever work from inside these cells. The wards had been put in place by the masters themselves. Briar was strong, but I doubted she was strong enough to break through such powerful magic. I waited to see if I’d hear her again, but there was only the humming of the lights overhead.

Where’s Adam? I asked Luke, forcing myself to keep on walking.

Getting ready to speak with Ivan again.

Alone?

No, Nick’s with him, Luke grunted. Doubt they’ll get anything out of him. That man’s a damned steel trap. He hasn’t spoken a word since we brought him back here.

And nothing on Didgen yet?

Not since you asked an hour ago.

Sorry, I just, I need something to do.

No, you need someone to beat the shit out of, he replied, and I nodded in agreement. We might have that soon enough. Got a message while you were chatting with Briar.

From?

Hunter. Sounds as if he and his team might’ve found something at the temple.

I thought we cleared that place?

Apparently not. A few more undead have popped up, as if something’s calling them there. No hordes yet, but it could always get worse.

I stopped at the end of the hall. I wouldn’t get any more time alone with Briar. This was Luke’s first shift on security detail, the only reason I’d been able to see her in the first place. He’d altered the recording, so it looked like she hadn’t gotten any visitors. I had so much pent-up rage at how this whole situation went down, and hitting a bag only did so much.

There anyone around I can hit? I finally asked.

There might be, depending on where it leads.

I hesitated, not sure I should leave HQ right then.

But Luke added, If anything changes with Briar’s case, I’ll call you. Get out of here before you drive yourself crazy.

Anything changes, no matter how small—

Do you dare doubt your big brother? Go on.

I hustled back to my room to pack an overnight bag and then was on my way to the garage to take one of the SUVs back to Academy. The drive would be long, but I had to do something. Sitting around here had me plotting ways to break Briar out, and each day my ideas only grew more ridiculous and dangerous. I’d spoken to Morris shortly before he’d been thrown through rounds of intense interrogation over why he kept Briar a secret, or if he’d known all along she’d be this dangerous. I hadn’t seen him since, but if the rumors were anything to go off of, he was in serious trouble. They even spoke of removing his general title, something never done before. It was bad enough so many seemed ready to believe Briar was capable of murder, or worse, that they treated her like some heartless killing machine about to go off at any second. If they would just talk to her, they’d see the truth. And hopefully—if protocol was followed—she would have a chance to speak to the investigating lead, but so far, they’d just kept her locked away.

I sped down the interstate once I reached it, hating how every time I glanced at the passenger seat, I missed Briar a bit more. I should never have sent her to go check on Sam. I should have gone myself and then called her. This was all my fault. If I’d found the body, and Briar had been nowhere to be found, I’d been the one explaining why I was found with her corpse.

That stuck with me, giving me horrid nightmares of a dead Sam with half a head, pointing an accusing finger at me. I’d avoided her parents’ arrival at HQ, but once the trial started, there’d be no dodging them. I’d never met them before, and from what my brothers had told me, General Stone was not a woman to cross. Councilman Stone wasn’t much better, and they constantly looked down their noses at those they deemed beneath them.

Though in truth, Briar was a Morris, the solitary remaining daughter of a well-respected general. Or at least he had been. Before now.

My hands tightened on the steering wheel, willing Briar to hang on a bit longer. We’d catch a break in this mess one way or another. And then we’d be able to start training her the right way, teaching her to control her newfound abilities.

And keep her away from the greedy hands of the masters.

I didn’t expect to see you here, Hunter said in greeting after I’d hiked my way up into the trees to the open-air temple where we’d saved Hooke. You doing alright?

Best I can be, considering, I muttered.

And Briar?

I shrugged. On the verge of going insane. I finally got to see her, but it wasn’t long enough.

She’s strong, man, she’ll get through this.

And if they find her guilty? If they decide she’s better off being locked up for the rest of her life and being used as a weapon? Or worse? They might decide to just kill her and be done with it, I snapped and felt my heart clench in pain at the idea of Briar being executed.

I hung my head and kicked at the leaves. If that happened, I wasn’t sure I could control myself. They would have to take me down, too, to stop me from tearing them all apart with my bare hands.

Never going to happen, Hunter swore.

No, it won’t. I’d break her out first before I let them take her from me.

You wouldn’t be alone, Hunter whispered. I’m here for you, whatever you need, and I mean that, too.

I glanced around, but the other Talons were too far away to overhear us. If it came down to that type of situation, I’d be on the run for the rest of my life with someone who is turning out to be the most powerful summoner we’ve ever seen. I can’t ask you to do that.

You don’t have to. All of this is bullshit. Briar would never kill anyone. It’s a setup.

I’d been thinking the same since we found Sam’s dead body, but only that someone wanted Briar out of the way for poking her nose in too far. The way Hunter was speaking sounded as if he was on the same wavelength, that it wasn’t a necromancer who slaughtered our fellow soldier. I leaned in closer, wiping a hand over my face as the implications I hadn’t let myself think struck me hard and fast.

You think she was set up by one of our own.

And you don’t? Hunter whispered, surprised.

I guess I didn’t want to believe it was possible, I murmured, but if that’s true, who has that power to kill Sam the way Briar did?

Theon had been genuinely shocked to learn of what Briar did, as well as witnessing it himself. His aura hadn’t shifted to anything that had red flags going up. But then again, the few people who had known about Briar’s special new gift had grown when she’d used it to end the battle, once and for all, by killing all the undead. She saved us. I figured that would be enough to reassure everyone she wasn’t going to try to kill them. Until Sam turned up dead.

I scanned the clearing, glancing at every Talon member here, wondering if any of them had gone and talked to Theon yet, or the other masters, or worse, Sam’s parents. If any of them opened their traps and blew what they witnessed completely out of proportion.

I did want to warn you, Hunter said, voice quiet, there are a few rumors going around about Briar and Sam having a few spats before Sam was killed.

That’s not news to me, I said, glowering at one of the newer recruits to the Talons—one not from our academy—until he blinked furiously and glanced away. I saw a few of them myself. Sam was pushing. Being rude and trying to come between us. I think any normal girlfriend would be pissed.

Yes, but not every normal girlfriend can blow off a person’s head.

Briar did not kill her, I said through gritted teeth.

I know that, man, I do, but some of these others… I’m just letting you know, once this trial starts, shit’s going to get ugly fast. I have no way of knowing how it’s going to turn out, but it’s going to be a nightmare for more than just Briar.

I’ll be fine, I told him firmly.

Which was a lie.

I was already not fine. I wanted to get my ass back to HQ and sit with her, even if it was only to see her through the bars. But I wouldn’t be allowed to even get a glimpse of her again until the trial, and I doubted there’d be another chance for us to be alone. At all. To talk about what she needed to tell everyone there.

I wondered who was even going to be there. Sam’s parents were who I worried about the most. If they believed Briar was the killer, it was going to be hell. Briar was going to be put on display, like some kind of freak show. I just knew it. They weren’t going to focus on the murder. Hell, no. I’d been to a few of these trials as a teenager when my dad was part of the deciding panel of judges chosen to grant freedom or decide punishment. If we weren’t careful, it would turn into more than a simple trial about who killed Sam Stone.

Briar’s life was about to be torn apart in front of everyone. Picked to pieces. They would question every action she made since coming to Academy, and her record wasn’t exactly clean.

I cursed loudly and kicked at a rock on the ground. I never imagined those events—the fire and the issue with Carter—ever coming back to haunt us, but now they were, and most of them were my fault. For not listening when I should have. For thinking I could handle those moments on my own.

Come on, Hunter said and clapped me on the shoulder. Something I want to show you, since you’re here, and there’s currently no random undead to kill.

Right, Luke mentioned something about them being drawn here, I mumbled, following him to the temple.

He stepped up toward the main altar and pointed to a strange symbol carved into the stone.

What is that?

"Dunno, but I feel like something about this altar, one of these symbols, perhaps, is acting as a beacon for the undead in the area. We took some pics of this one to send back to HQ, along with