Cursed: Immortal Heart Academy, #1

By Magen McMinimy

The heirs born of a daughter's treachery will see their true loves demise.

 

Kyra has always known where her future was headed… A love that will lead to her death, but one she will gladly embrace and relish, as long as the Fates see fit to allow. As the omniscient daughter of an elite class of warrior, Kyra is ready to welcome all that her lineage has afforded her. Including the love of her best friend.

Makiah has watched every step he's ever made, with the eyes of the Underworld posing a constant threat, and the weight of a family curse given life nearly a millennium ago breathing down his neck, he can't afford to make mistakes.

Now that the Immortal Heart Academy has reopened and the next generation of guards and warriors are being recruited, Kyra, Makiah and their friends are busy working through the rigorous training, while struggling to find their place among their peers. As spring finds its way to the Middle World, Makiah's determination begins to falter, after he pushes the one woman he's always loved further away, and the reality of a lonely existence begins to weigh on him.

 With the help of their friends, Kyra and Makiah will fight against the Underworld, the curse, each other and the outside forces that would threaten to break them all apart.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Magen McMinimy
• Release date: Aug 10, 2020
• ISBN: 9781393482284

Book preview

A gate in front of a building Description automatically generated

Prologue

Ten Years Ago

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Marie smiled, as Kyra and Makiah laid in the garden staring at the clouds. He was growing so fast, to the point where he was nearly taller than the now ten-year-old blonde-haired beauty that was Bain and Izzy’s eldest daughter and was also just about as advanced as the eldest second generation of the Immortal warriors.

What is it you see when you look at them?

Lifting her gaze toward the towering blond warrior, her eyes squinting against the bright sun lighting the Middle World.

I see my little boy growing far faster than the rest of his cousins and catching up with your little beauty, who is six years older than him.

Bain smiled, as he ate up the space next to Marie on the marble bench that peered out over the garden maze. The double dose of demi-god in him no doubt... none of us can truly know what that means to a growing child.

Marie sighed, her gaze drifting back to the laughing children, as they pointed to the gently moving clouds. All the kiddos seem to be growing far too fast.

Bain sighed. Fae blood works in mysterious ways... our world gives us what we need, and something must be brewing if the children are advancing so quickly... it happened with all of us as well.

Marie bit her lip. When your fathers passed?

Bain nodded. Yes, there was a need for new warriors, and we hit adulthood, as our world demanded.

What does that mean for you all now?

Bain chuckled. I don’t think it’s a dire situation this time, I think it’s our world changing. Josiah and Astraea are in large part to thank for that. New warrior blood is awakening all over, the Academy will be up and ready to train the newest generation in the next couple of years.

Marie smiled. The Academy.

Bain grinned and echoed her words. The Academy.

***

Five Years Later

I don’t get it. I’m at least six years older than all of them. But I’m going to be in the same class? Kyra pouted her lips and crossed her arms over her chest. Playing the act of a petulant teen.

Cree offered a wry smile, as he eyed her. He often wondered if she forgot what his gift was. He could read her performance like the back of a book.

Don’t play with me, Miss Kyra. I know damn well you’re getting what you want.

Biting down, Kyra attempted to staunch the smile pulling at her full lips. I totally am... but seriously, how is that supposed to work?

The others are receiving an accelerated education, not a single one of them lacks the smarts for the rigid schooling they’re receiving right now. By the time the Academy opens, you all will be at the same skill level. Ensuring that you all go through the Academy together and graduate as part of the same class.

So, you’re pulling strings for us?

Cree arched a brow at her. We are guaranteeing that you all stay together... Do you think that your aunts, uncles, father, and I would have made it this far carrying the Light Fae, if we weren’t as close as we are?

Kyra shook her head. That was doubtful.

That’s why staying together will ensure you all stay safe. And, Kyra, don’t forget that your cousins look to you as a leader, and we expect you to act like one.

Kyra dipped her chin, as she stood and headed for the door. Thank you, Uncle Cree. I won’t let you down.

***

Fianna! Let’s go, little succubi, we’re gonna be late.

Kat and Kale’s stunning daughter stepped from her room, nerves etching every inch of her porcelain skin, as her bright teeth worried her lip. Kyra smiled; their sweet little succubus was going to have to find the confidence her beauty allotted her.

You look stunning, now let’s go. Kyra reached over and pulled Fianna to her side, with an encouraging smile.

I don’t want to do this... why is everything so formal with our family?

Because we are royal.

Fianna cocked her brow. No, you, Arianna, and Tyrn are royal. I’m just...well... me.

Kyra tossed her arm around the petite youngest triplet. Don’t be silly, we’re all family, our parents are the elite, and that makes us the next generation of the elite. So, let’s go do this.

Fianna blew out a deep breath, eyed Kyra and shook her head. Of course Kyra was confident, she was basically a feminine version of her father. Shimmering blonde locks, violet-indigo cat eyes, and she stood at least a foot taller than even her younger sister. She was stunning... that’s what drew the eye of every boy they passed. That and the fact that she was older. Kyra could get and do things the rest of them couldn’t, like sneak bottles from the Hole.

Fianna sighed once more but forced a smile. The Academy was finally open, and they were among the first students that would be moving into the dorms. Classes would be starting in less than a week, and while the elite program would take years to complete, in a matter of three years, they would have a new class of Royal guards joining the ranks.

"This is important. We are important."

Fianna knew it wasn’t vanity, Kyra was down to earth and probably one of the kindest of her cousins and siblings, she just seemed to understand their role in the world better than most of them.

Linking her arm in Fianna’s, Kyra led her toward the rest of their group.

Makiah lifted his gaze to see Kyra leading a hesitant Fianna. Kyra looked stunning in her long shimmering purple gown. It stood in stark contrast to Fianna’s blood-red dress. Makiah’s gaze flicked to Tyrn, whose eyes, as Makiah had expected, were glued on the tiny sandy-haired succubus.

It’s about time, Fi. I swear you take forever. Fianna shot daggers at her brother, Sorry, Dec, some of us have to work a little harder than throwing on just anything in their closet.

Rainier shoved Declan; of the triplets, Declan was the least in tune with his sibling’s feelings. You look beautiful, Fi.

Declan rolled his eyes. Well, of course, she does.

Kyra sighed and shook her head, as she caught Makiah’s gaze... some days it felt like they were the guardians of this rat-pack-crew they called family.

Can we go now? Arianna eyed the group from where she leaned against the stone wall outside of the ballroom. Black gloves covered the entirety of her slender arms, leaving only her shoulders, neck and collar bone bare, as her amethyst dress hugged her chest then floated elegantly to the floor. Kyra eyed her sister. Arianna and Fianna felt about the same when it came to these kinds of events... both keeping distance from others for very different reasons.

Kyra smiled reassuringly to Arianna, as she swept past the group and took her sister’s gloved hand. You bet, Ari... let’s get through this and get to the after-party.

Arianna sighed, as longing flashed through her pale gaze. I just want to be done with this evening.

Watching Arianna, Rainier saw the distress and desire in her gaze. Being a reaper wasn’t easy... Arianna had trouble controlling her gift in large groups. It took so much focus to keep from siphoning others’ gifts, which left her feeling isolated and wanting for the freedom the rest of them were granted. Unfortunately, unlike her mother, Arianna’s gift was actually deadly when she lost focus. Pushing past his brother and sister, Rainier made his way to the front of the group, winking at Arianna as he passed.

This shouldn’t take too long. He yanked the massive double doors open and with a flourish, ushered the group inside.

***

Three Years Later

Perched atop a rolling hill that led into a small valley, Izzy watched closely, as Makiah and Kyra sparred. A smile pulled at her lips, as the subtle swish of beating wings announced the arrival of her favorite reformed Immortal Ruler.

Patting the ground beside her, Izzy waited for Makyle to settle down in the gently swaying grass.

You’re lost in thought, baby Fae.

Izzy nodded, not lifting her gaze from the two now-grown children before her. Kyra had turned into a beautiful young woman, she looked so much like Rowan and Bain, with hints of the mother she’d lost so many years ago; high cheekbones shadowed the hollows of her striking face, as her full lips lifted into a stunning smile, revealing white teeth and small fangs when she gazed upon Makiah. The chubby little bundle with his adorable mismatched eyes, had grown into a fine specimen of an elite warrior. The demi-god in him mixed well with the Norse goddess of his father’s lineage. Dark hair swept his forehead, as he ducked another crushing blow Izzy’s girl tried to deliver. The devilish smirk he laid upon her was more his uncle Kale than his father, but there was a gentle strength and sweetness to the oldest of Ragnar’s newest generation.

They’re all grown up, she mused. And whether they realize it yet or not, they’re in love.

Makyle nodded, his gaze shifting from Izzy’s profile to the couple below them. That they are. And you fear that love.

Izzy nodded, finally looking the handsome demi-god in his diamond colored eyes. She’s my daughter. Of course, I’m scared, terrified in fact.

Makyle nodded. Curses are never as simple as they seem... Holly came back to Lothar, and Kat came back to Kale.

She swallowed, as the words she began to speak tightened her throat. But Jelena did not return to Uriah... Kyra has known she would love Kiah from the very beginning. I knew it would happen. She’s rarely wrong. But we’ve been researching this curse for years now. Even Sam can’t find the true origin or verses that brought it to life. If we knew the words to the curse, we could work on a counterspell. Shaking her head, she looked back to the two below them. We just don’t know what will happen to Kyra.

Makyle nodded, his gaze also returning to the two sparring in the fading light. He will do what he believes is right for her.

Izzy bit her lip. And it will break her heart.

Makyle stood and reached out to Izzy, taking his hand, she let him pull her from the ground to stand next to him. Which do you fear more, Isabelle?

Izzy sighed. A broken heart will shatter that sweet girl.

Chapter One

Present Day

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Beams of late morning sunlight filtered through silky white feathers, as Kyra’s feet hit the hard-stone courtyard of the massive Academy campus. Calling on the magic that would cocoon and protect the wings that marked her as a descendant of one of the three original Fae warrior lines, she hurried toward her next class.

She was late.

Again.

Pushing her muscles with hurried strides, she made a beeline for the locker room. The one thing she knew about her Demi-god teacher, was that tardiness was not acceptable for any reason. If she was late to rollcall, she’d end up sparring with one of Makyle’s assistants, and he never let the warrior guard go easy on the students. It was his job to teach them to protect themselves and eventually defend the Light Fae and humans from the Dark Fae, and Makyle took that job seriously.

Running her fingers through her long-tousled locks, Kyra pulled her golden tresses into a high ponytail, as she rounded the corner of the ancient stone building. Startled, Kyra jumped back, when the door to the locker room swung inside the room and Arianna and Fianna nearly collided with her. Years of self-preservation had ingrained in Kyra the reflexes to avoid unintentional run-ins with her younger sister. She’d learned early on, as Arianna started showing signs of her reaper ancestry, that inadvertent contact could have serious consequences.

Seriously, Ky? Arianna sighed and shook her head.

I know, I know, Makyle is gonna kill me if I’m late again.

What held you up this time? Fianna smirked.

Kyra tilted her head, a small flush warming her cheeks. I’m sure you know.

Arianna and Fianna looked to each other and echoed. Rune.

Kyra nodded. So, Ari? Still have any of aunt Holly’s gifts flowing through those magical veins of yours?

Arianna smiled, closing her eyes, she let the elven magic swell, as she pulled at what was left of the siphoned power. She was working on control with the help of her mom, Makyle, and Holly. The only way they could do that was by letting her practice on her family members without more passive powers. She’d heard the stories about when her mom first discovered her gifts. How she’d nearly torn a room apart with Uriah’s telekinesis. Arianna’s gifts mimicked her mother’s gleamer abilities, but Arianna was a full-on reaper like her great, great grandfather, Azrael, and her gifts were lethal. Lately she’d been working with her aunt who could heal, like her father, and conjure.

Kyra’s jeans and tank were replaced with a pair of tight yoga capris and a light blue Immortal Heart Academy t-shirt.

Kyra grinned. Thanks, and love you. Let’s go. She grabbed Fianna’s hand and pulled the petite girl with her, as Arianna followed behind them, stepping in line, as the final bell sounded.

Conjured uniform, Kyra? Makyle asked, as he eyed the girls.

Kyra’s shoulders slumped, as she held the demi-god’s gaze. Seriously, how can you tell?

Makyle chuckled, as he summoned her to his side with the curl of his finger. Kyra hurried to him and huffed with resignation.

I’m millennia old, I see all magic. And cutting corners won’t help you in my class.

Kyra nodded. She knew the second he beckoned her to his side, it was going to be a brutal lesson.

Makyle addressed his students. We have a special guest joining us today. Emerald eyes peered out at the class, as the sharp-featured, platinum-haired Immortal stepped up beside Makyle. I believe you all recognize my brother, Josiah... who will act as your sparring partner today, Kyra.

Kyra suppressed a shudder, as she glanced at Josiah. She knew the demi-god well. Not only was Josiah her Defense Against Fae Magic teacher, he was the only other Immortal Four and former ruler of the underworld to now call the Middle World, and more precisely the Light lands, his home. Josiah still delivered the occasional soul to his brothers in the dark underworld, but for the most part, he had followed in Makyle’s footsteps and given up his role as ruler. Leaving the job to Alistair and Zarek, the last remaining Immortal Four to reside in the world of dark souls. Josiah and Makyle shared few physical similarities, even though they were two of the four quadruplets born to rule the harshest Fae domain, but they carried the same pointed tone while teaching and were equally tough on their students.

You’re making me spar with him?

Should I try and teach her some respect while I’m at it? Josiah asked crisply, walking to the center of the room, taking up a spot on the padded mats.

Makyle grunted at his brother, before turning back to Kyra. Perhaps you’ll take my class a bit more seriously and make it here on time.

I was on time, Kyra argued, with incredulity.

Because you cut corners, and had your sister conjure your uniform... lives will one day depend on you being where you are needed at the right time.

Kyra nodded and hurried to her mat, taking a defensive position across from Josiah, she felt all eyes on her, but did her best to push the embarrassment aside and focus on her opponent.

Josiah narrowed his gaze, as he eyed her form. With no notice he struck, coming at her with lightning speed, she blocked the first couple swings, each block resonating bone deep, with the crushing blows. Biting back the pain, Kyra pushed forward, searching for a break in Josiah’s attack, a lull or misstep that would afford her the opportunity to connect with one of her own strikes. His right arm dropped a fraction of an inch, and she drove forward, her fist flew at his jaw. With a simple twist of his neck, her fist missed its mark and within seconds she landed hard on her back. Josiah having whipped her legs out from underneath her.

Impressive, he muttered looking down at her. Now get up, your enemy won’t lag in finishing the kill.

Kyra glared, as she rolled to her side and up to her feet. Anger fueled her body, as she barely found her footing before Josiah attacked again. White wings sprang from her back and her eyes glowed a fiery purple.

Josiah chuckled, his own massive, armored wings springing free. Your opponents will often be larger than you, stronger than you, and wield many of the same tricks, he warned, before bearing down on her.

***

Kyra drew in deep, heavy breaths with her head hung between her knees. Every muscle hurt, her feet ached, her hands throbbed, hell, her hair even hurt. She heard footsteps approach and lifted her gaze to see Makiah starring down at her.

You okay? he asked offering his hand to her.

She took it with a grateful smile and nodded. Yeah, I thought Makyle was tough... Josiah put me through the ringer.

Yeah. Makiah rubbed at the back of his neck. I saw—

Phff, we all saw, Declan announced, rounding the corner.

Kyra glared up at the six-foot raven-haired triplet. Of Kale and Kat’s children, he was always the first to shove his foot in his mouth, never held back, was arrogant, and often provided the entertainment... Kyra supposed Declan was most like his father. Yes, Dec, I know you all took that humiliating journey with me.

Declan laughed and slung an arm around Kyra, causing her to stifle a pained groan. It wasn’t humiliating... it was kind of impressive. He’s a fucking god, was a leader of the underworld, and you held your own.

She laughed, as they headed toward the locker rooms. He let me hold my own... he could crush all of us with the power he wields in his damn pinky.

It’s a beautiful pinky though, a wistful voice added.

They all stopped and stared at Fianna, as she leaned against the brick wall.

Gross, Fi. Declan gagged, as he entered the men’s locker room.

Makiah shook his head. For once I have to agree with your brother.

Fianna’s gaze bounced between Makiah and Kyra. Her shy nature returning, as she closed in on herself. Kyra shot Makiah a stern glance, before smiling at Fianna.

It’s the only thing that made the class bearable... he’s got the good looks of the god that he is.

Makiah shrugged and followed where Declan had disappeared, leaving the girls outside their locker room.

Kyra reached for Fianna’s chin and lifted her face, so their eyes could meet. Don’t ever let your brothers, Makiah, or anyone for that matter make you feel bad for what you think, what you are, or what you have to say.

Fianna smiled, mollified. Following Kyra, as she moved past her and set out for a quick shower, before they ended up late for their next class.

Chapter Two

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Azrael’s blood ran deep, that’s what everyone always said. It was one of those bloodlines that was hard to escape, although a few had throughout the generations found their Fae gifts solidly placed in other species. Arianna hadn’t been so lucky. As warrior bloodlines had begun awakening, so had species of Fae that were considered extinct or incredibly rare. She was one of those rare specimens, now a full blood reaper, who had been born to an elite warrior and a gleamer of Azrael’s line. Sighing, she gave herself a long once over in the mirror. Someday she would be able to control her powers. For now, she would protect not only the people around her, but herself as well. So, Arianna pulled a pair of thin gloves up to her elbows. The black material was a red flag reminder to everyone who knew her to be careful, and to those who didn’t know her, they were a source of whispers and odd looks. But that didn’t really matter, because Arianna didn’t just siphon powers, she siphoned memories, personalities, lives... she could take it all and lately it felt like her control was slipping further and further away.

Glancing at her phone, she cursed softly. She was turning into her sister. Late.

Yanking a pair of knee-high boots on over her dark denim, she offered her reflection one more once over, before grabbing her bag and phone, then hurrying out of her room.

The Academy was all ancient buildings with modern amenities. The tall ceilings and stone walls threw echoes all around Arianna, as she ran down the marble floors. Exiting the dormitory, she bypassed the cobblestone walkway to the library. Instead, she cut across one of the many lush lawns that decorated the nearly eight-thousand-acre campus. The Academy consisted of multiple buildings—a full lower campus housed the youngest of their students, who were still receiving preparatory lessons. But on this part of the campus, there were buildings delegated specifically to the advanced students, who were seeking out a future as either a royal guard, or those who would continue even further to the elite warrior class. The library Arianna sought out was, of course, the furthest building from the dorm and sat between the lower campus and her own.

Heavy black scaled wings flapped silently above Arianna, as she rushed through the perfectly maintained grass. She jumped, as Rainier dropped from the sky in front of her. Shaking her head in mirth, she lifted her gaze to the massive beast Rainier had just leapt from. The satin sheen of Declan’s dragon form shimmered softly in the waning light, as he flapped his wings and turned to disappear around the side of the building.

Running late? he smirked.

Arianna narrowed her gaze, trying like hell not to betray the fact that he had snuck up on her. I’m apparently not the only one. She threw back at him.

Rainier shrugged.

What’s your excuse? she queried, as the two hurried across the grass together.

I’m dealing with Dec, he shook a few articles of clothing in her direction.

She rolled her eyes. Enough said... I’m not even going to ask why he’s in dragon form now.

Rainier huffed. Same reason as always.

Arianna’s lips curled. Showoff.

Always.

Truth was, if she had Declan and Rainier’s gift, she would likely live in her alter skin, she would be mostly lost to this Fae form. Shifting wasn’t a common gift, but somehow both of Kale’s boys had been given the ability to transform into massive beautiful dragons. One silver and one black. It was one of the coolest things she ever witnessed. However, with the shift came complications, like shredded clothing, which often left Declan in precarious situations, where he found himself buck ass naked in front of his schoolmates. There were times she guessed he didn’t mind so much. Declan was nothing if not proud of his physique and he had no qualms about showing off, especially to the female coeds.

Hurrying to the heavy library doors, Rainier pulled them open for Arianna and smiled. We’ll be there in two secs. Let the others know for me?

You got it, she answered, before ducking into the dusty ancient building. The room smelled of polished wood, linen, and leather. Admittedly, she loved the smell, she often lost herself in a good book, it was her escape and a way to experience things she may never be able to do otherwise. However, most of the tomes found in this massive room weren’t for leisurely reading, they predated the Fae, as she