A Different Kind Of Magic

By Ellis Michaels

Pick a card, any card.

 

Eli has loved magic – the pick-a-card, any-card kind – for as long as he can remember. The talented young magician is forced to leave home and attend a private school in Salem, Massachusetts—the most notable location in the history of witchcraft. Once there, he's shocked to learn of the hand fate has dealt him. Magic – far greater than any parlor trick – lies within him, waiting to be unleashed.

 

But Eli isn't the only one eager to tap into that power.

 

His potential has caught the attention of another, one with sinister intentions and a cruel plan. Witches begin disappearing, with Eli's own father and sister as victims. What this has to do with him, Eli has yet to uncover.

 

Now, to prevent anyone else from getting hurt, Eli must learn to harness the magic within him... before his lurking enemy can claim it as their own.

 

Fans of gripping urban fantasy and young adult page-turners are sure to love A Different Kind of Magic written by Ellis Michaels!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Infinite Summer Publishing
• Release date: Oct 6, 2021
• ISBN: 9781733324045

Ellis Michaels

Ellis Michaels is a science fiction and fantasy author who started writing professionally in 2014.

Book preview

1.

I don't want to go, I said.

Eli, sweetie, Mom replied, don't make this any harder than it has to be.

I just don't get why I can't stay here with you in L.A. What's so important about this stupid school?

We've been over this. I went there, your father went there, and your sister goes there.

And? I asked.

And I promised your father that when you were old enough, you'd move to Massachusetts and attend The Academy.

Mom pulled up to the American Airlines arrivals terminal at LAX. She popped the trunk and came around to the passenger side to give me one of the longest, tightest hugs of my life. If only she'd held on just a little bit longer, maybe I would've missed my flight. No such luck.

I'm going to miss you so very, very much, she said, tears forming in the corners of her eyes.

You don't have to miss me at all, I replied. I'd be more than happy to stay in L.A.

This is going to be good for you. You might not realize it now, but it will be. You'll get to spend time with your sister. And the education you'll get at The Academy is second to none.

The second I graduate, I'm moving right back to L.A.

And that's your choice. But a lot can happen in four years, Mom said, checking her watch. I don't want to let you go but you need to get through security so you don't miss your flight. Here, let me give you some money to get a snack for the flight.

Mom patted her pockets, then tilted her head and gave me a look. She held out her hand and said, Give it back.

I was going to, I replied and handed Mom back her wallet.

You really should take my advice, she said and handed me a twenty. I know you like your little tricks -

"They're not little tricks. It's magic. And I don't just like it."

"I know, sweetie. But you have to admit: your love of magic hasn't exactly won you a lot of friends. I just don't want you to start off on the wrong foot at your new school. All I'm saying is: maybe wait a while before you start making people's things – especially their wallets – disappear. Try to make some friends before you start making enemies."

Why? What's the point? They're just going to abandon me like everyone else has. And even if they don't, I'll be abandoning them as soon as I can come back to L.A.

We've been over this. Not everyone has abandoned you.

You're abandoning me right now, just like -

You need to go in and get through security, Mom said, glancing at her watch again. Like, five minutes ago. Give me one more quick hug and then get in there. The second Mom put her arms around me, she began sobbing. I love you, Eli. I'm going to miss you so much. Call me as soon as you get to Boston.

* * *

E! I heard my sister yell from halfway across Logan Airport.

Sarah came running up to me with open arms. Before I could protest, they were wrapped around me so tightly I could barely breathe.

It's nice to see you, too, I said when Sarah finally released me from her grasp.

How was your flight? she asked.

Not too bad. I did a few card tricks for the woman sitting next to me to pass -

I can't believe you're actually here, my sister interrupted. I've got soooooo much to tell you. I think you're really going to like it here once you get settled in at school. Mom told me you didn't want to leave L.A. I guess I can't blame you. Isn't it like eighty degrees and sunny there all year round?

Yeah, it's -

You should be thankful you're moving here in the middle of summer. The winters here are brutal. You'll get to see for yourself in a few months. But the summers are nice. Speaking of, I know I'm a bit late but happy birthday!

I didn't even bother trying to get a word in. I just nodded.

You're so lucky to have been born at the beginning of summer. You know how much it stinks having a winter birthday here? It's always cold and yucky. But this year, I don't really care. Dad says if I keep getting good grades at The Academy, he's going to buy me a car for my birthday.

"Where is George?" I asked.

Dad's outside at the car. He's dying to see you. We shouldn't keep him waiting.

He's waited twelve years to see me. I don't think a few more minutes are going to make much of a difference.

You have no idea how much Dad misses you. He talks about you all the time.

Sarah's just trying to be a good big sister. But I know it's not true. George is too caught up in his own political career to spend much time worrying about me.

I followed my sister out to the parking garage. It had been so long since I'd seen George that I didn't recognize him at first. I would've walked right past him if Sarah hadn't grabbed my arm. He didn't seem to notice me either. George was leaning up against a black Escalade talking on his phone – yelling, really.

"No. You tell him that I said he needs to get the signed contract on my desk by the end of the day. And if he doesn't - George's eyes met mine, then he looked at Sarah who was still holding onto my arm. I'm going to have to call you back," he said and stuffed the phone into his pocket.

I found Eli, Dad, my sister said, finally letting go of me.

Eli, George said, opening his arms wide to give me a hug. It's good to see you!

I took a step back and offered him my hand. He swung his arms together and shook it with both of his as if that's what he was going for all along. Looking good in public was something George had mastered. I wondered how many other hug attempts he'd been denied over the years. His hug-to-handshake move looked so natural it couldn't have been the first time.

George, I replied, squeezing his hand a little harder than I'd meant to.

Darn, Son, that's quite the handshake you've got there. I guess I shouldn't be surprised. You're practically all grown up. Look at you.

I wasn't any more comfortable with George calling me Son than I was calling him Dad, but I didn't say anything. It had only been about five seconds and I was already biting my tongue.

Dad, why don't we get Eli back to the house, Sarah suggested. He must be tired after the long flight. I'm sure he's eager to get settled in.

Of course, George replied to my sister, then turned back to me. Let me help you with your bags.

It's fine, I said. I got them. Just pop the trunk.

Can I drive? Sarah asked.

My brand new Escalade? George replied. I don't think so.

Please, Dad? she asked, flashing puppy-dog eyes. Eli's never driven with me before. I want to show him what a good driver I am.

Oh, alright, George replied and handed my sister the keys. Just be careful.

I threw my bags in the trunk and got in the backseat, making sure my seat belt was extra tight. It was strange seeing Sarah in the driver's seat. My sister casually pulled out into traffic as if she'd been driving for years, not months. I double-checked my seat belt to make sure it was nice and secure.

You must be excited about starting at The Academy, George said. Not only does Sarah go there. Your mother and I went there, too. It's actually where we met.

I know, I replied.

But did you know that more SAE grads go on to be successful than graduates from any other institution in the country?

"Maybe by your definition of success."

Success isn't defined by me or by any one person. It's defined by society. Doctors, lawyers, businessmen, politicians – these are the types of successful people The Academy produces every year.

People, Sarah corrected.

What, sweetheart? George asked.

"It's businesspeople. You said businessmen. That's not very PC, Dad."

Your sister's always helping me stay current with what is and isn't okay to say.

You'd think that as a congressman, you'd already know that kind of stuff, I said to George, then addressed my sister before she had the chance to correct me. "And in this instance, congressman is appropriate because George is a man. Under my breath, I added, More or less."

I wasn't going to correct you, Sarah lied. But Dad has a point. You should be excited about starting at The Academy.

And why is that? I asked.

Because you're finally going to find out -

George put his hand on Sarah's arm and interrupted, You're going to find out all sorts of interesting things. The education at The Academy is second to none. You'll not only learn about science and math and all the normal high school stuff. You're also going to learn a lot they don't teach at other high schools.

Oh yeah? I asked, almost interested. What kind of stuff?

You'll just have to wait and find out, George replied.

2.

It's not fair that I have to start school already and you don't, I said to my sister.

We were on our way to The Salem Academy of Excellence a few days after I'd arrived in Boston. This time, George was driving with Sarah in the passenger seat.

I told you, my sister replied, all freshman have to move in two weeks before everyone else comes back for the fall semester. I had to do it when I was new.

Even I had to do it when I was a freshman at The Academy, George added.

Which was when? Like a hundred years ago? I replied.

George slightly turned his head and glanced at me out of the corner of his eye. I was surprised he didn't respond. Usually, whenever I reminded him of how young and cool he wasn't during one of our infrequent-but-always-awkward phone conversations, he'd go out of his way to convince me of how young and cool he was. Even with his own children, George never stopped being a politician. With me, at least.

Don't worry, E, Sarah said. The next two weeks will go by wicked fast. Before you know it, I'll be at The Academy with you. Speaking of, we're here.

Mom had shown me plenty of pictures of The Academy over the years, but they didn't do it justice. The place was massive. The entire campus was surrounded by a tall brick wall with vines growing all over it. The even-taller metal gate at the entrance was wide open and had strange designs on it with MDCXCII at the top. As we drove through it, a strange chill ran down my back.

Oh wow, I said. I had no idea it was so big.

The campus is beautiful, isn't it? Sarah asked.

George glanced back at me in the rearview mirror.

It's okay, I answered.

As much as I don't want to be here, as much as I'd rather be going to high school in L.A., my sister has a point: this campus is pretty sick. It's like something out of a movie. Even the brick buildings are covered in vines. Creepy.

You're going to love this place, E. I know you're not thrilled to be here right now. But once you get into the swing of things, once you realize why you're here, you're going to love it. Trust me.

Why I'm here? I already know why I'm here. Because George insisted I leave everything I care about to go to the same stupid school he went to a hundred years ago.

Listen to your sister, Son. You'll like it here.

What's your favorite thing about this place? I asked.

That's a great question, George said. I'd have to think about it. There were so many amazing -

I was talking to Sarah, I said.

"My favorite thing? she replied. Well, that's easy. But I can't say – not yet. We'll talk about it soon, though. I have a feeling my favorite thing will end up being your favorite thing."

And I have a feeling your sister's right, George added.

We pulled up in front of one of the large brick buildings. There were several other cars parked out front with open doors and trunks. The second George put the Escalade in park, some dude slouched over a clipboard ran over to the driver-side door. He was about my sister's age and looked as happy to be there as me. But that changed the second George rolled down his tinted window.

Congressman Alden, the kid said and stood up straight. Then he saw my sister in the passenger seat and his pimple-covered face lit up like a Christmas tree. Sarah, I wasn't expecting to see you back on campus for another couple weeks. Miss me so much you decided to come back early?

My sister rolled her eyes.

I'm not here to drop off my daughter, George said, nodding toward the back seat. I'm here to drop off my son.

Oh. Half the lights on his Christmas-tree face went out. My mistake, Congressman. Your son's name?

Eli.

Alden, I assume?

George nodded.

Alden. Eli Alden, the dude said, looking at his clipboard. Ah, here we are. Alden, Eli. Found you. You're in the right place. This will be your home for the next year. Welcome to the East Dormitory. It looks like you're in room two-thirteen with one roommate. Whenever you're ready, you can start bringing your stuff inside.

Thank you, George said. I'm sorry, I didn't catch your name.

How rude of me. I'm Byron. I'm the R.A. here at the East Dorm.

It's nice to meet you, Byron. When I was a student here...

While George and Byron chatted, I leaned closer to my sister and whispered, R.A.?

Resident Advisor, she whispered back. Each dorm has one. They're in charge of making sure everyone is safe, has everything they need, and follows the rules.

Thanks again, Byron, George said. Take good care of my son.

Oh, I will, he replied. Don't worry.

Alright, George said, turning to look at me. Let's get you moved into your new home!

Home? I'm an Angelino. My home is on the other side of the country. But I'd rather live here than with you.

He offered to help me bring my stuff inside but I told him me and Sarah could handle it.

I guess I'll say goodbye here then, George said, getting out and walking around to the curb. You're going to like it here, Son. Give it a chance. And if you need anything, I'm just a phone call away.

K, I replied. See ya.

George went in for a hug. With my backpack in one hand and a suitcase in the other, this time I couldn't offer him my hand. And with the Escalade right behind me, I couldn't step back. I was trapped. George wrapped his arms around me and gave me the most uncomfortable hug ever.

I don't know why you give Dad such a hard time, Sarah said as we walked into the dorm. He's only trying to show you that he cares about you.

"No, he's trying to show you and everyone else that he cares about me," I replied.

We found our way to the elevator and headed up to the second floor. While the outside of the East Dormitory looked like it was a thousand years old, the inside looked like it was built yesterday. There were even USB outlets in addition to normal ones in the hallways.

Ten, eleven, twelve, Sarah read aloud as we passed each room. Ah, here we are: room two-thirteen. Welcome to your new home, E!

Before both of my feet were even in the room, I got blasted in the face with a strong whiff of cleaning supplies. There was a bed, a desk, and a closet on each side of the room. A suitcase with enough cleaning supplies to disinfect all of Salem was open on the bed to the left.

Squirt, squirt, squirt, I heard coming from the closet to the left. Wipe, wipe. Squirt, squirt. Wipe.

Sarah and I exchanged looks.

Hello? I asked.

One minute! someone yelled from the closet.

Squirt, squirt. Wipe, wipe, wipe. Squirt. Wipe.

That'll have to do – for now, the voice said.

Some dude around my age emerged from the closet. He was a few inches shorter than me and wearing latex gloves. In one hand was a bottle of all-purpose cleaner. In the other, about ten used paper towels.

Sorry, I said. I'd been told the room was ready to move into. I can come back later if you need to finish cleaning.

Sadly, I'll never be done cleaning, he replied. But I don't work here. I'm a student. This is my room.

Oh, I said. Mine, too. So I guess that makes you my roommate. I'm Eli and this is my sister, Sarah.

Nice to meet you – both of you. Do you live here, too? he asked Sarah.

Yes, she nodded, then shook her head side to side. No. I mean yes, I am a student here. But I live in the North Dorm. And I'm a senior, so I don't have to move back to campus for a couple more weeks. I'm just helping my brother move in.

That's cool. I'd offer to shake your hand but, you know, he said, wiggling his gloved fingers. Anyway, I'm Fred. Fred Holstein.

I'll let you two get acquainted, my sister said. Don't hesitate to call me if you need anything, E. I know you wouldn't call Dad even if you needed a kidney and he was the only matching donor on the planet. But please let me know if you need anything.

I will, I replied.

I really do think you're going to love it here – once you truly understand what The Academy is all about.

"What does that mean?" I asked.

You'll find out soon enough, Sarah replied with a smirk. But I don't want to keep Dad waiting. Give your big sister a hug.

Sarah squeezed me so tightly that if I was an orange, juice would've come out.

You and George talk about this place with so much secrecy you'd think it was the C.I.A. It's just a school. I really don't get what's so special about it.

3.

So, I asked Fred as I began unpacking after sister left, what's with all the cleaning?

There's no point in trying to hide it from you, he replied, his eyes glued to the floor. You're going to figure it out sooner or later – probably sooner.

Figure what out?

Have you ever heard of OCD?

I answered with a blank stare. Fred eventually glanced up at me long enough to notice.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, he continued. I was diagnosed when I was little. I get super focused on certain things and can't help myself from doing them.

Like cleaning? I asked.

"Exactly. That's the big one. If everything around me isn't spotless, it drives me crazy. Not like crazy, crazy. But if I feel like there are a lot of germs around me, I can't stop thinking about it."

I see.

But you don't have to worry about me touching any of your stuff or anything like that. I just ask that you try to keep your side of the room as clean as possible, if you don't mind.

Yeah, no problem.

What's all that? Fred asked as I unpacked.

This? I'm really into magic. These are some props and whatnot. I have a lot more back home in L.A. Where are you from?

That's so cool. I've always liked magic. I don't know any tricks or anything. But I do like it. Los Angeles, huh? I was born in Romania but moved to Massachusetts when I was little. I grew up just south of Boston.

So you're somewhat local. Lucky.

I guess. Well, I have to finish cleaning the closet so I can put my stuff away. But maybe you can show me a magic trick later? Maybe a card trick? Those are my favorite.

Sure.

Fred went back into his closet armed with a handful of fresh paper towels and a bottle of cleaning spray.

Squirt, squirt, squirt. Wipe, wipe. Squirt, squirt. Wipe, wipe, wipe.

It didn't take long to finish unpacking. Aside from some clothes and a few magic-related items, I didn't bring very much with me. Just as I was about to plop down on my bed, someone knocked at the door.

Can you get that? Fred yelled from the closet. I'm still cleaning.

I opened the door. Byron stood there slouched over his clipboard. The happy face he'd put on for George was long gone.

Getting all settled in? he asked.

Yeah, I replied. Just finished unpacking.

Good. Where's your roommate, Byron asked, glancing down at the clipboard, Fred?

He's cleaning his closet.

Is that some sort of metaphor or something? Because I don't like metaphors.

No, he's literally cleaning his closet, I replied and pointed. Can't you hear him?

Squirt, squirt. Wipe, wipe.

Fred, Byron yelled, glancing down at his clipboard again, Holstein. Get over here.

One sec.

Wipe, wipe, wipe.

Now! Byron yelled.

Fred came rushing out of the closet and over to the door.

Oh, hi Byron, Fred said with a smile.

Why are you cleaning the closet? Byron asked, eyeing Fred up and down.

I was just making sure it was spotless before I put my stuff away. You see, I have this thing where I -

The closet was already spotless, Byron interrupted. And so is every other closet in the East Dorm. You know how I know that? Because I made sure the entire building was spotless before you freshman pukes moved in.

I - Fred stuttered. I was just -

Look, Byron interrupted again. "This is my dorm. You just live here. Which means if I tell you to do something, you do it. I'm not here because I enjoy watching over a bunch of freshman pukes. I only agreed to be an R.A. because – it doesn't matter why. All that matters is you understand who's in charge around here. And who would that be?"

You? Fred replied.

I said: who's in charge around here? Byron asked, looking right at me.

I'd imagine whoever has the keys to the building is in charge, I replied.

That's right. And who has the keys to the building? Byron asked, patting the side of his jeans where the keys were hanging from a belt loop – were, past tense.

"That would be me, I replied, pulling the keys out from behind my back. So I guess I'm in charge!"

Whoa, cool, Fred mumbled.

What the – gimme those! Byron yelled, snatching the keys from my hand. How did you do that?

Magic.

Look, Byron said, a big vein popping out of his forehead. He poked his finger into my chest. I already don't like you. And I don't care who your father is. If anything, it makes me like you even less. Don't think you'll be getting any special treatment from me. I'm going to be all over you, Byron said, then poked Fred in the chest. "Both of you."

What did I do? Fred asked.

Here, Byron said, ignoring Fred. He pulled a couple sheets of paper from his clipboard, handing one to each of us. These are your schedules for the next two weeks. You'll be expected to arrive everywhere on time. If I find out you're late for even a single thing, I'll make sure it never happens again. Is that clear?

Crystal clear, Fred replied.

I'll be watching you, Byron said, trying to poke me in the chest again. I stepped back just in time to dodge his stubby little finger.

I made binoculars out of my hands and held them up to my eyes. Byron didn't seem amused, but I could tell Fred was holding back a laugh. The R.A. aggressively exhaled through his nose, then stomped off down the hall.

That was so cool! Fred said after I closed the door. How did you do that? How did you take his keys without him noticing?

Magic, my friend. Magic.

So cool. Maybe you can teach me how to do something like that sometime.

Not a chance.

Maybe, I replied.

But as cool as that was, are you sure it's a good idea to make our R.A. angry on day one? Fred asked.

Byron's a bully. I don't like bullies.

Yeah, me neither.

We looked over our schedules, then swapped them to see what we had in common.

Looks like they're mostly the same, Fred said, then pointed to one particular event on my schedule. Except for this: SAE Descendant Seminar. What's that? And why does it meet on a Sunday?

I grabbed my schedule out of Fred's hand and gave him back his. I hadn't noticed the seminar. Sure enough, it was there:

SAE Descendant Seminar: Tabuit Building, Room B333 – Sun. 8/22 12:00PM

I have no idea, I replied.

About which part? What it is? Why it meets on the weekend? What?

All of it.

I wonder what it is. You must be curious yourself. I guess you'll find out in just a couple of days.

I suppose I will, I replied.

4.

Bang, bang, bang!

I looked over at the clock. It was seven in the morning – Eastern time. But my body and especially my brain were still on Pacific time. The clock might have said it was seven but, to me, it felt like four in the morning.

Come back later, I yelled in a raspy morning voice.

Bang! Bang! Bang!

Get up, pukes! Byron yelled through the door. All freshmen need to be in the Thacher Lecture Hall by eight o'clock. Dean Osborne wants to meet with you.

We'll be there, Fred yelled from somewhere. My eyes were still adjusting to the light but I could see he wasn't in bed.

Don't be late, Byron yelled. Or else!

Bang, bang, BANG!!!

Byron shuffling off down the hall. A few seconds later, he banged on another door, though not nearly as hard as he had on ours.

You want to go together? Fred asked.

Sure.

I must've fallen back asleep because I woke up with Fred standing over me a half-hour later.

Eli, get up! Come on. We don't want to be late. You heard what Byron said yesterday. If we're late even once, he'll make sure we're never late again.

I'm getting up, I replied, not even half awake: twenty-five percent at most. I just need to shut my eyes for a few more minutes or, you know, hours and then I'll be good to...

I must've drifted off again.

Eli!!! Fred screamed. Get up! We only have ten minutes to get to the Thacher Building. We have to leave now. Right now!

I glanced at the clock: sure enough, it was ten minutes to eight. Fighting off the urge to go back to sleep, I sat up – slowly.

We're going to be late, Fred said, pacing back and forth. First meeting and we're going to be late.

I got up and threw on a clean tee shirt, pair of boxers, and shorts. Two socks and two Adidas Superstars later, I grabbed my backpack and we were out the door.

I have to use the bathroom real quick, I said.

We don't have time for - Fred said, looking at his