Curse the Moon: Vesely Academy, #2

By Silvana G. Sánchez

In this school of magic, the villain is the hero.

 

When Kade and Laurent warp out of Vesely Academy, they accidentally arrive at Bryson Tower. Wanted by the Wards, Kade is forced to remain hiding in his family's ancestral home. But his past creeps back to haunt him and resisting his secret love for Laurent never hurt so badly.

To make matters even worse, an old flame of Kade's storms into their lair. The angel Cassiel knows who killed the Brysons. She will do anything to win Kade's love again. Little does she know that a wolf shifter might hinder her plans.

In this steamy paranormal adventure, Kade must choose between two loves while struggling to unveil the mystery that surrounds his family's murders.

Curse the Moon is the thrilling new installment of the Vesely Academy series. It features a pansexual morally grey hero, who, although immensely broken, has his heart in the right place.

TW: Cursing, death or dying, mental illness, blood.

Reading book one is strongly advised before diving into this installment.

Don't miss the second installment of Vesely Academy, a Forced Proximity, Yandere, and Friends to Lover's steamy paranormal mystery that will keep you on the edge of your seat!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Silvana G. Sánchez
• Release date: May 5, 2022
• ISBN: 9798201471002

Book preview

KADE

"Y ou took something from me, Drahoslav hissed, as I faded under his grip. I will never be the same. Everything went black. I was slipping away fast. Faster than he wanted. Die, Kade Bryson. Die and go to Hell."

Drahos! a shuddering voice said. Don’t!

Laurent… I groaned, coming back to my senses. Only then, true fear swept me through. Not for my sake, but for his.

Don’t do this, mate! Laurent added, a cautious hand raised, as if the gesture could somehow ease the daemon’s fury. This isn’t you. You’re a Guardian, remember?

Drahoslav huffed cynically. Not anymore, he mumbled, raising me an inch higher in his hold.

I have the potion! Laurent blurted, now standing next to me.

The Fallen swung his head towards him, confused. What potion?

The one that will shift Raven back into a woman, he stammered. It’s right here. Look! A vial came out of his jacket’s pocket. He gave yet another step, entering the den. His hands quivered with fear. 

You switched the potions? Drahos growled, rage thickening each word. You betrayed your friends... His grip around my neck tightened. Why would you do this, Laurent? Why would you…?

I love him, he said simply.

Love. The word shook me through and through. 

At once, the daemon released me from his hold. I slammed on the floor and somehow managed to rise to my knees. Gasping for air, I took my hands to my throbbing neck. Laurent darted towards me. Exhausted, I lay a hand on his shoulder, and closed my eyes as I lowered my chin, murmuring a spell to get us out of here.

My snakes clustered around us, enveloping Laurent and me completely. In an instant, we disappeared. And so did the snakes, seconds later. The sole proof of our presence in the room was the crystal vial which had slipped from Laurent’s hold. 

Ten Years Ago

CHAPTER 1

KADE: DIFFERENT

Tonight would be the last time I’d dine with my family. I didn’t know that until this morning, when Dušan appeared out of the blue, throwing pebbles at my bedroom’s window. Godfrey had sent him, he’d said. And when he’d asked if I was ready, my answer had come in an unwavering yes. Minutes after he’d left, I’d packed a suitcase and hid it in my wardrobe.

It had broken me weeks ago, when I’d heard the dreadful news. Godfrey had resigned from his position at Vesely Academy as professor of the Dark Arts. How could that be? It made no sense for him to step down, merely days away from receiving tenure.

It was because of Godfrey that I’d stopped skipping class. He’d wakened my interest in school once again, challenging any certainty I’d ever had about magic. But more than that, he recognized the darkness harboring in my soul. And far from shaming me for it, Godfrey sought every chance to find goodness in my power. 

Death Magic. The natural talent to swing the strings of life and death. A rare occurrence nowadays. A practice forbidden in our world, punished by the highest cost... I always knew I was different, and Father usually reminded me of it. But, unlike Godfrey, my father forced me to keep my gift a secret. He would not have his family name stained by my sin.

A year into our friendship, Godfrey’s influence over me could not have been greater, nor more rightfully deserved. And I couldn’t shake the feeling that, perhaps for that reason alone, my father had played a part in Godfrey’s decision to leave… I wished I could call my suspicions teenaged and self-centered thoughts. But the truth was, Father couldn’t stand to see me happy.

My mind whirled with trampling thoughts while I watched the wintry moors as night set in. A thick layer of snow carpeted the land. The breeze lifted a slight mist that scurried downhill, slow and mesmerizing. And hugged between the clouds, a dark moon appeared, the auspicious kind to cast curses and do cleansings.

I watched through the fogged pane of glass, counting the tall oak trees that lined the estate in the distance—Laurent Michaels lived beyond those trees. I would’ve rather spent my evening there, but Father’s plans to celebrate Yule had been quite different.

Kade, a mellow voice said, have you seen where you’re standing?

I blinked, snapping out of the trance. Huh? As I turned, I found Liesl Weiland standing next to me. Her ash blonde locks of hair bounced off her shoulders as she tiptoed and clasped her hands over her lap. She was staring at me, hopeful. Even though Liesl was almost as tall as me, her frame looked smaller, what with her oversized tweed coat and short plaid skirt.

Discreetly, she pointed at the ceiling, wearing a mischievous grin. Mistletoe, she whispered, then pursed her ruby lips.

My head swung up lazily. I saw the wraith decorating the window. When I locked eyes with her again, my lips parted, ready to break the girl’s heart, when her mother suddenly walked into the parlor saying, Kade, Liesl… come join us. Dinner is served. Having said that, the woman snuck back into the dining room, closing the sliding doors behind her.

After you, I told the wicked creature, lightly raising my brow. Liesl stared at me sidelong, giving me the hint of a smile. A she-devil if I ever saw one. But I wouldn’t fall for her game.

I slid open the dining room’s double doors. The air inside was warm and still. The silence, deafening, save for the sputter of a roaring hearth. Our families waited, already seated at an oblong table. Two empty chairs remained. Mine, opposite my father’s seat, and Liesl’s, conveniently placed beside me... Hardly surprising.

I pinched the seating card between my fingers and slipped it away from the plate, then pulled Liesl’s chair and had her take the seat. Once I’d sat down, the conversation stirred alive.

A grandfather clock chimed the hour. Over the buzz of my sisters’ stories and our mothers’ chatter, Father clinked glasses with Liesl’s dad. My father laughed, a most irritating noise. People treated Derek Bryson as if he was royalty. And in the magic scene, he was. The heir of a long line of headmasters in the most prominent school for the magically gifted. Not only that, but Vesely Academy itself rested in my family’s hands.

Nobody deserved this legacy less than him.

Derek Bryson’s charm was but a facade. I knew my father for who he truly was, the monster he was. An unfaithful husband, a selfish and emotionally distant parent. He stuffed our pockets with gold, as if that sufficed to heal my mother’s wounds and make up for his absence. My father gave me everything I could ever want—I had it all, as long as I played by his rules. My sisters, Audrey, Beatrice, and Cerise, were too young to understand my father’s game. And perhaps that was a blessing.

Time and time again, my father had tried to shape me into a creature of his making. And time and time again, I’d refused. Tonight was no exception. He was keen on me dating the Weiland girl, on orchestrating an advantageous match for the family. Many others had tried the same. Even when days away from turning fifteen, my parents’ friends would all but throw their daughters at me, hoping to make the social climb. It was the saddest thing. Made me absolutely miserable... But to Father, that mattered very little.

Liesl Weiland sat quietly beside me. She was a pretty girl, with freckled cheeks and dark green eyes. A talented witch. Also, a fearsome bully. I’d known her to torture more than one freshman in Vesely... Absolutely abhorred the girl.

We expect great things from Kade, Father began, his eyes locked on mine across the table. A social smile thinned his lips. He has a brilliant future ahead of him. He referenced me with a tilt of his glass.

I gave him a slight nod. Otherwise, he’d get angry. Slowly, I swept the table with a glance, watching the faces of Liesl’s parents and siblings, pleased to have the Bryson’s in their home. Audrey and Beatrice played double-double at the table.

A frown creased my brow. Where was Cerise? She’d probably stayed behind. The house was but a walk away... Oh, how I envied her. I wished I’d spared myself this grievance. I turned to Mother and Father. They were too enthralled in their roles at the Weiland’s to even notice my sister’s absence.

My Liesl tells me he’s the brightest wizard in his class, Mr. Weiland said, piercing blue eyes bouncing from me to his daughter.

She recently won the Potions Tournament, did you know? her mother added, looking at my mother for approval.

Dearest Liesl, Mother said in a soft, charming voice. A beautiful girl, and so talented. She tilted her head, graceful as she smiled. I wish I had her expertise.

It gutted me, to hear her say it. My mother not only excelled at potion making, but she’d published her fifth grimoire not a few weeks ago. She’d discarded her pride long ago, especially if it favored my father’s interests... She called that love.

It took everything in me not to speak. I bit the inside of my cheek, my gaze drifting down. Don’t say a word, Kade. Don’t intervene. You don’t want to spoil dinner... Not. Yet.

It seems our children are blessed with many talents, Father said in a cheerful tone. He took another swig of wine.

Undoubtedly, Mr. Weiland said, raising his drink. Imagine what wonders would come from such a match!

My jaw clenched tight. I kept my mouth shut, staring down, waiting for the moment to pass, when I sensed something on my leg. Casually, I peeped under the table and found Liesl’s hand resting on my knee. When I locked eyes with her, the corner of her lips curled in a malicious smirk.

My expression went flat. You, fiend... I told her in the lowest of voices.

Liesl started, confused.

Perhaps we should find out, my father suggested with his usual charm.

My gaze, sharp and darkened, cut to his. We won’t, I muttered. Slowly, I grabbed Liesl’s hand, reveling at her gasp as I did.

Father’s eyes all but bulged in fury. Kade, he said, and my name became a warning.

I won’t, I continued, making sure Liesl’s hand found its way back to her lap.

Father leaned forward. A nervous laugh escaped his lips. I beg your pardon? he asked, taming his temper as much as he could.

I have other plans, I told him with no inclination.

"Other plans?" he asked, vexed.

I’m enrolling in Dark Arts next year, I added in the same dry tone.

That’s not happening anytime soon, he said, relaxing his posture.

It is, I added with a nod.

Another brief laugh. Haven’t you heard? Father asked, furrowing his brow. I’ve pulled out the class from the curriculum. He softened his tone’s iciness as he added, One of the perks of being headmaster. Now he turned to Mr. Weiland for encouragement. The man smiled in agreement. He couldn’t help cheering him on.

So it’s true then, I said, adamant, though in my usual detached tone. A skill I’d mastered growing up in a controlling household.

Kade, darling… Mother intervened, but I didn’t listen. Not this time.

"Godfrey didn’t quit. You sacked him from Vesely. I bit my lower lip, feeling the heat rise to my cheeks. Just when I thought Father could no longer disappoint me... It doesn’t matter, I said, gathering my aplomb. I’m not dating this little monster." I cocked my head towards poor shocked Liesl.

Dad? the bully whined with an insufferable pout.

Now, hold on a minute… Mr. Weiland rose from the chair, an appeasing hand raised. I wondered what it would take for him to turn against me.

Father’s hands clenched into fists over the table. You’ll do as I say, Kade. And that’s final. His voice came low and demanding.

Something snapped in me then. I don’t know why it took so long, but I was glad it finally did. Really? I challenged, determined that this evening would become engraved in Father’s memory.

Heartbeat throbbing in my dry throat, I leaned forward with eyes narrowed. Make me.

My father’s fist pounded hard on the table, glasses and cutlery shaking in the commotion. How dare you defy me? he all but hissed. His face flared red.

I sprung off the seat. "It’s about time someone did!" I exploded, slamming my hands on the table. The chair fell back behind me. I kicked it away and marched to the door.

Kade, Father roared. Come back here this instant!

I did not look back.

I did not hesitate as I darted across the checkerboard marble hall, or when I grabbed my coat and pulled the door open, or as I ran outside.

When I reached the front lawn, I shot my gaze skywards, relieved as I released a long exhalation. It was as if I breathed for the first time, and the chilling air that hit my lungs sprung me into life.

Lacy flakes of snow floated in the wind and landed on my lashes. White mist fled my burning lips. I smiled and started to walk. And walked some more until I crossed the property’s treelined hedge to enter the most beautiful copse.

For the first time in my life, I felt free. Fire coursed through my veins as I envisioned a future of my making. I knew what I wanted from life, the man I dreamed of becoming. And tonight, I'd taken the first step in the path that would lead me to him.

An owl cooed, breaking the stillness that engulfed me. I slipped my hands into my coat’s pockets and walked a bit further. And just a few feet shy from reaching the clearing, I saw a figure standing in the fog-veiled land. I moved closer, wishing the gods had blessed me with a sharper eye.

He did the same. And my smile eased into a grin the second I met his pale blue eyes.

Laurent! I called him, then strutted across the remaining feet that stood between us, heart jolting into a wild gallop. I’d been absolutely elated before, but all paled compared to this.

As we stood face to face, I couldn’t help the thrill that spread through my limbs. How did you know…? I asked, marveled.

He snickered, fierce eyes fixed on mine. His soft eyebrows slightly lifted. Other than your father’s screams, d’you mean? A smirk tugged the corner of his smooth lips and carved a dimple on his left cheek.

My face grew warm. I lowered my head and smiled. Laurent knew exactly who I was and cared for me, regardless.

Whatever you did, you really crossed him this time, he pointed out.

Unable to wipe the grin from my face, I slowly nodded. Yeah, I said under my breath. "Yeah, and I guess you’d hear that." I scratched behind my ear.

Laurent pursed his lips. Mm… he conceded. Folding his arms over his chest, he nodded. That’s what happens when you slowly turn into a werewolf. He shrugged.

My joy instantly tarnished. Heightened hearing was the first sign of the wolf’s claim. Laurent would turn fifteen in a few months. Wolves shifted at sixteen. The closer he got to that age, the more often he'd experience these changes. I hated hearing it—a painful reminder that the pack would claim him soon.

His hand landed on my shoulder. Let’s get out of here… He tugged, leading me to the house.

CHAPTER 2

KADE: LAURENT

No place was cozier than Laurent’s home. I’d spent more hours in here than I ever did in Bryson Tower during the holidays. I’d learned my way around its many rooms and knew all about its secret passages.

We entered through the backdoor. I hardly heard a sound on our way in. The corridor’s lights were off too. By the time Laurent and I reached the hall, it became clear to me the house was empty. Where is everyone? I finally asked, slipping off my coat as I followed him into the family room.

Laurent sluggishly tossed his jacket on a chair. He folded his white shirt cuffs over his navy-blue wool sweater and pushed the sleeves up below his elbows. A sigh sailed through his lips as he glided on the bench that faced the hearth. Dad got called back to London, he said, slumping in the seat. Mum and Rob are away at Vesely. Packing.

Oh, that’s right... I mumbled, standing next to him. Rob’s graduation. At last, he’s free.

Yeah, he said, warming his hands by the fire.

I swept the room with a glance. It seemed so different when the lights were dim. And they left you here alone? I frowned.

Why wouldn’t they? Laurent snapped. His cheeks burned. The fire’s amber gleam mirrored in his eyes, fiercer as the shifting age caught up with him. I’m old enough to take care of myself.

Hey… I raised a cautious hand. I meant no harm, I assured him. Of course, you’re old enough. You wolves get an early start in life, don’t you? I flashed him a warm smile, waiting for him to see me.

He stared at me sidelong, not particularly enthused. Laurent straightened, broadening his shoulders. That’s true, I guess, he said. His outward sternness belied his years. It was always so with him. In our friendship, I was the whirlwind. He was the rooted tree. Unmovable. Calm. Collected.

So you finally stood up to the old man, he added, inviting me to join him with a slight pat of his hand on the seat.

I did as he asked.

I nodded, biting my lower lip. I’d spoken about doing it for too long, elaborating on the many ways I’d defy my father, boring Laurent to sleep more than one time. You should have seen his face… I choked a laugh, "and Liesl’s."

Liesl Weiland? He scowled.

My head swung to face him. Oh, didn’t I tell you? I said, scratching my chin. "They tried again."

Again? His eyes widened in undiluted bafflement. Gods! Last I checked, this wasn’t the Middle Ages. I can’t believe your dad would insist on such a hideous match! He shook his head, vexed. "Fuck. There’s a chunk of woods standing between her and me and that blows... His hand glided in the air, aiming at the window. She’s a terrible neighbor. Just imagine what being married to the woman would be like."

I struggled to bury the smile that bloomed on my lips. Laurent’s outbursts of rage were such a rare occurrence. Dating her alone would be loathsome enough. The smile eased into a smirk. Marriage to Liesl would surely be hell.

Laurent’s countenance suddenly went flat. He threw me a knowing look. "I believe Marriage to Liesl is the name of one of the nine rings, actually."

We held each other’s stare in silence for a second, then burst into roaring laughter. I playfully shoved him with my shoulder and we laughed some more.

I swear, only you can find humor in the direst situations... As our laughter slowly waned, my gaze drifted to the fire. I’m nowhere near funny.

Laurent raised his chin, watching me with quizzical blue eyes. I bet you could be if you tried, he taunted.

I’ll tell you one thing, Laurent… My voice came low, sullen as my hands glided on the edge of the seat. I will never marry. Not Liesl, nor anyone else. I would never risk becoming my father. Not for anything in the world.

Laurent’s hand flitted closer on the bench until it barely touched mine. The sharpest thrill coursed up my arm and spread through my limbs. It was a warm sensation, deeply unsettling.

You better not, he whispered, shooting a tingling wave that swept me whole and paralyzed every inch of my body. Even the air thickened.

I swallowed hard. I promise, I managed. A quick exhalation escaped my lips. Immediately, I eased off the tension with, My father’s going to have a fit when I get back home…

Then don’t, he said simply.

My pulse skyrocketed like crazy. I lowered my head and ran my fingers through my hair. There was a reason I’d come here tonight. And I couldn’t bring myself to do it. I found it hard enough just to speak the words. However, I did. Laurent… I whispered, feeling the warmth as it rose to my cheeks.

This was it. It was now or never. I garnered my nerve and parted my lips to say, I’m leaving.

What? Why? he stammered, taken aback. He swept his hand away and set it on his knee, his breathing sharp and quickened. If it’s because of what I said…

No, it’s not that, I said softly, eager to ease his worry. As I leaned forward, my eyes bored into his. The Knights reached out to me, I began.

A slight frown creased his brow. The Knights of Death? Laurent mumbled, glaring disapproval hanging from each word.

I’m leaving tonight.

Laurent paled, starting as the truth hit him full force. He sat there, stunned for a minute. Hushed as the grave.

I must, I added in the lowest of voices, fighting to ease my restlessness if not his. This is my only chance to escape. My lips dried with hastened breaths. I’m going to the Tower to get my things. And then, I’m off to Godfrey’s house in London.

Laurent’s gaze angled downwards. And still, he said nothing. I couldn't bear his silence... Say something, Laurent. Even if it means you'll hate me. Say something!

If you leave now, I will never see you again, he murmured.

It’s possible, I said.

No, he growled, flashing a glimpse of his sharp canines. "No, it’s not a possibility. Kade, it is a fact. He faced me once more, testing my resolve. Godfrey and his Knights of Death are outlaws in magic. It's just a matter of time before the council figures out what he’s up to. He paused, reeling in the urgency in his tone. Once you’ve joined their ranks, the wards will hunt you down. That means you can never show your face in public again... Do you understand that?"

"Laurent, it is you who doesn’t understand, I whispered, determined. This is my calling." The call of death. He had his own. With the wolves.

His expression slackened. Please, Laurent breathed, unable to mask the wound I'd opened. Don’t leave.

Please, he’d said. The proudest of us both. His hurt strained my soul, but I could afford no hesitation. You can ask anything of me, Laurent. Anything, but this.

Kade…

I have no choice, I said, straightening in the seat, clutching the edge fast until my knuckles whitened.

Laurent’s hand slipped over mine, firm fingers burning into my skin. You do, he said.

My breathing hitched. In a split second, I would have thrown everything to the wind and did as he asked. I would have forgone my dreams and aspirations, if only for a taste of happiness... But reality struck harder.

I had enough of this torture. I rose from the seat, instantly becoming free from Laurent’s persuasive touch. Don’t you get it? I lashed out, flustered. Laurent, I wish things were different. But they’re not. I wish…!

That we were older, he added knowingly.

I shoved my hair back away from my face, pacing franticly in the room. In all my days of considering this moment, it had never crossed my mind that parting from him would be so damn hard.

Forthcoming tears warmed my eyes. It’s the only way I can be free of them! I exploded. Free from the life they’ve chosen for me. I pointed at the