Slayer's Pursuit: Moonshadow Academy, #1

By Finley Knight

I'm the daughter of the world's greatest Nightwatcher and I'm going to find out why he disappeared.

 

To do that, I must enter the Moonshadow Academy, an intense training institute for young mages, and work my way to becoming a licensed demon-slayer.

For the next three years, I'll be training and competing with other mages who all want to bear the title of Nightwatcher.

 

Especially the star student, and all-around beautiful jerk, Desmond Dawn.

 

But things don't appear to be what they seem within the walls of the academy. When students start going missing, and Demons begin invading our grounds, I begin to wonder if it's connected to my father's disappearance.

 

There might be a traitor in the Academy. Someone who has more to lose than I do.

 

And the truth might be even scarier than all the lies...

 

Slayer's Pursuit is book one in the Moonshadow Academy series; a YA/NA Supernatural Urban Fantasy series full of magic, demons and sarcasm. Join Ronnie on this action-packed tale of good versus evil.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Finley Quinn
• Release date: Oct 21, 2022
• ISBN: 9798201299088

Book preview

About the Book

I'm the daughter of the world's greatest Nightwatcher and I'm going to find out why he disappeared.

To do that, I must enter the Moonshadow Academy, an intense training institute for young mages, and work my way to becoming a licensed demon-slayer.

For the next three years, I'll be training and competing with other mages who all want to bear the title of Nightwatcher.

Especially the star student, and all-around beautiful jerk, Desmond Dawn.

But things don't appear to be what they seem within the walls of the academy. When students start going missing, and Demons begin invading our grounds, I begin to wonder if it's connected to my father's disappearance.

There might be a traitor in the Academy. Someone who has more to lose than I do.

And the truth might be even scarier than all the lies...

Slayer's Pursuit is book one in the Moonshadow Academy series; a YA/NA Supernatural Urban Fantasy series full of magic, demons and sarcasm. Join Ronnie on this action-packed tale of good versus evil.

Chapter One

Acceptance Letter

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"You ready?" Uncle Mason asked as I pulled my midnight blue hair into a high ponytail.

I scoured the empty streets, thankful no human stragglers remained. Any collateral damage from this initiation would’ve looked bad on me. Plus, there was the whole killing thing, which would’ve sucked. Either way, the area was cleared other than my uncle and me. And of course, the professor who looked down at us over the roof of a high tower. Even from up there, I knew his steely gaze was trained on me. Watching me. Assessing my abilities and determining if I was qualified for that acceptance letter.

I inhaled a lungful then let it out slowly before responding. Ready as I’ll ever be.

Don’t be nervous, Ronnie. You’re ready for this. Uncle Mason’s words of encouragement should’ve warmed me up, but I was too wound up to appreciate them. There was a lot on the line here.

Crouched over the edge, waiting for the demon to show, my magic burning with anticipation for the moment I would beckon it to the surface. My fingers itched, and my impatience weighed heavily on me.

Where is it? I asked through gritted teeth. Shouldn’t he just summon the thing so we can get this over with?

Calm down. He knows you’re expecting it, so he’s purposely waiting in hope of catching you when your guard is down. Part of being a licensed Nightwatcher is always being prepared to fight, no matter the time of night, Mason explained.

I rolled my eyes. I know all that.

And I did. I’d studied my butt off for this moment since I was a little girl. I wanted nothing more out of life than to be a Nightwatcher. Now, the opportunity was within my reach, and my nerves picked tonight of all nights to freak out. I wanted this. I wanted it so bad I could taste it. I looked up to the professor, whose eyes never left my direction. I wouldn’t let him have the satisfaction of catching me unprepared.

Veronica Moon is going to be a Nightwatcher.

Another five minutes passed, and there was still no summoning circle or demon in the vicinity. If I’d known it would take all night, I would’ve brought a snack or something. I was about to ask Mason if he wanted to spar while we waited, but then a flash of red light from below caught my attention. I quickly looked down to see a summoning circle forming in the center of the street. The glowing crimson portal rotated clockwise while the pentagram star in the center moved in the opposite direction. A large, three-taloned claw stretched through the portal, slamming its palm on the road, the demon hoisting himself into the human realm.

Here it comes, Mason called out.

Anticipation bloomed inside me. Finally. Finally, I would get the chance to show what I was made of. That I deserved to be at the academy this coming fall.

My smile beamed from ear to ear, but my sharp gaze never left the dark skeletal creature surfacing. Its reptile-like body was made of bones and rotting flesh. A stretched-out jaw with arrow-tipped teeth and a tail that wrapped from side to side. It was pretty gruesome to look at, but it was still a low-class demon. These guys were nothing but target practice for up-and-coming Nightwatchers. The beast lifted its head and let out an ear-splitting shriek that sounded like nails on a chalkboard then took one step forward. That was my cue.

You ready? Mason asked again, and this time I truly was.

Time to play, I called out, standing tall and then turning around.

With my back to the demon, I stretched out both arms to the side and leaned back, allowing myself to fall. Just as my feet left the rooftop, I snapped my fingers and allowed my body to vanish with nothing but blue glittery dust of magic left behind. I teleported, landing three feet in front of the demon. As soon as it spotted me, it let out another eardrum-rupturing screech. It reeked of the woodsy scent of magic mixed with the grotesque stench of death, and I resisted the urge to gag.

All right, you decomposed banshee, let’s see what you got, I said then tugged at my magic, bringing it to the surface and forming a pair of daggers in my hands. I threw them, the sharp blades piercing through the demon’s chest right as it lunged for me. I managed to teleport away before it could get the jump on me, reappearing behind it and conjuring a second set of daggers.

Over here, big boy, I shouted.

The demon turned its head to face me, even though I couldn’t tell where its eyes were. Its tail lifted, and I teleported again before it could strike. This time I appeared on top of its back, my legs wrapped tightly around its thin waist. Before the demon noticed, I jabbed both daggers through its shoulder blades and then teleported when it arched back in surprise and pain. I appeared in front of the beast again, two more blades formed in my hands.

Before it could try to make another move, I threw the two new ones forward. One pierced the center of its chest while the other went to its left thigh. Its cries became louder as it tried backing away, but I threw two more at its feet, pinning it to the ground. I made one more dagger. The demon kept whipping its head this way and that, so it was hard to get solid accuracy, but when I felt I had the shot, I swung the blade forward and watched as it struck right at the top of its head.

The demon let out one final screech that had my bones and teeth rattling then dropped to the ground and didn’t move. Seconds after, the demon’s body glowed in a deep red light as the summoning circle formed underneath it. The demon’s body sank back into the unknown, and I was left standing in the middle of the road alone. The rush of excitement and adrenaline dimmed, and I welcomed the gentle night breeze cooling me off and bringing me back to myself. I exhaled, hunched over with my hands resting on my knees as I heard Uncle Mason’s shouts of victory from above.

Woooo, way to go, Ronnie!

I smiled brightly at his cheering. After all these years of training—of reciting spells, mentally cataloging every known class of demon, and the endless hours of combat practice until my whole body ached with bruises, scrapes, and scratches—I’d been able to take down my first demon.

I wondered if Dad was watching from above? The mental question had my heart sinking. He should’ve been here to watch my initiation. He should’ve been my coach preparing me for this moment, but he wasn’t. Still, I hoped I’d made him proud. Mason teleported beside me, and I stood up in time for him to embrace me in a tight hug.

I’m so proud of you, he shouted as he hoisted me off my feet and twirled me around. I squeaked and laughed until he set me back at my feet. So? How did it feel? Was it everything you hoped it would be?

It was. It was such a rush facing one in battle for the first time. It was scary and amazing all at once. My smile dimmed when I asked, Do you think the professor will accept my application?

Before Mason could answer, another low, raspy voice spoke from behind me. Excellent work, Ms. Moon.

I whipped my head around to face the man in question. It was hard to decipher his features since he was wearing a thick blue cloak with the hood draped over his head. The only thing I could see were his callused hands over the clipboard and the short beard he sported. His gaze on me was intense, as if he could see into my core and study the magic buried inside.

Thank you, I muttered softly, wrapping my arms over myself, suddenly feeling vulnerable and cold despite the coat I wore.

You’ve managed to defeat a low-class demon without sustaining a single injury, which is rather impressive. Most applicants would’ve at least acquired a scratch during their first fight.

Does this mean Ronnie is accepted into the academy? Mason asked the professor.

The professor looked from me to Mason then frowned with a shake of his head. I’m not sure yet.

My insides were like a car crash. What do you mean you’re not sure? I asked in a panic. I defeated the demon, didn’t I? Doesn’t that mean I’m qualified to attend? You even said you thought my performance was impressive.

While defeating the demon without taking any hits was impressive, as I said, your overall performance leaves me skeptical as to whether or not you’re a fit to take the role as Nightwatcher seriously.

I gaped at the man, offended. What is that supposed to mean? Of course I take the role seriously. It’s all I’ve ever wanted since before my first magic lesson.

The professor eyed me warily, and I could see he was determining if my words rang true.

Sir, what part of Ronnie’s performance did you feel signifies her not taking it seriously enough? Mason asked as he rested a hand on my shoulder, offering me his support. Both as my uncle and as my coach.

You were treating the whole ordeal as if it were a game. You didn’t show much of what you were capable of in combat during that fight. You merely teleported back and forth, throwing magic daggers until the beast was terminated. The goal of being a Nightwatcher is to terminate wandering demons as quickly and effectively as possible to decrease the chances of humans discovering us. While taking no damage was a feat only you possessed of all applicants, you were unfortunately one of the slowest to terminate your low-class demon.

Every ounce of confidence I felt going into this initiation was washing away like the tides of the ocean. My eyes burned as the desire to cry overwhelmed my senses. Even though he hadn’t said so yet, I could feel my chances of enrolling in Moonshadow Academy burst into flames.

This can’t be happening.

Sir. Mason spoke up when my throat felt too dry to speak. If I may interject, I do believe that Ronnie here has just as much a chance at being a licensed Nightwatcher as anyone. She’s incredibly bright and gifted. You’ll never find anyone as determined.

Is that so? The professor sounded unconvinced but then turned his attention to me. Ms. Moon, is what your coach is saying true?

I turned to look at Mason, then back to the hooded man. It is, I said in a soft voice.

Becoming a Nightwatcher isn’t child’s play, young lady. The demon you fought was one of the weakest you could ever face, and the fights will only get tougher. There are higher-class demons that are a thousand times greater than that one. Teleporting in and out may have worked this time, but you’ll quickly learn that a strategy like that will not get you far. There’s a lot at stake, a lot to think about when on duty. Your life is not only on the line should you succeed or fail, but the lives of the humans who know not of these monsters’ existence, as well as the lives of your comrades. Are you sure you have what it takes to one day call yourself a Nightwatcher? Can you face all the challenges that await you?

I let his words sink in before answering. I felt that whatever I said in response would either help reignite my chances of enrolling, or become the nail in the coffin that would conceal my dreams. What could I say that would make him understand how important this was to me? How could I show him that this was serious for me? I must’ve been quiet for too long, because Mason gave my shoulder a gentle squeeze. When I looked up at him, Mason grinned in reassurance.

He believes in me, so I need to believe in myself.

I took a deep breath and addressed the professor with confidence I only half felt. Sir, my father was a Nightwatcher before disappearing in battle. I constantly watched him go to work, and I always used to imagine what it would be like to fight side by side with him. I’ve trained for this day my whole life. There is nothing I wouldn’t do if it means becoming a Nightwatcher. I swallowed the lump forming in my throat before continuing. My uncle is right; I take this seriously, because there is nothing else I want to do with my life than this right here.

I took a step further toward the professor and spoke strongly. Throw any obstacle at me, and I will face it with all my might. Put another demon in front of me, and I will fight it head-on if that’s what it takes to convince you. I’m more than capable of enduring anything Moonshadow Academy throws at me. I just need the opportunity to prove myself, sir.

If I weren’t mistaken, I could’ve sworn I saw the professor giving me the smallest of grins. It was hard to see past the shadow cast by his hood. Either way, I’d said what I needed to, and it was one hundred percent true. If he didn’t believe me, then I didn’t know what else to do.

The long silence before the professor reacted was agonizing, but he finally spoke. Very well, Ms. Moon. I will consult with my colleagues regarding your performance and your application, and you’ll receive a letter from the academy as soon as possible.

I watched as the professor turned around and started walking away. About three steps in, he vanished in a flash of red light. My body visibly relaxed, and I undid my ponytail, allowing my wavy locks to fall inches past my shoulders.

You did good, honey, Mason soothed as he rubbed circles along my upper back.

I didn’t feel like I did good at all. I thought so in the beginning, but after what the professor said, I wasn’t sure anymore. Do you think I’ll get in? I asked in a broken voice.

I have no doubt in my mind. Now, let’s get you home.

Mason led me to his car, a black Hyundai, and once we were in and buckled up, he drove us back home. I remained silent the entire ride. Even when Mason turned the radio to the country music station, which he knew I hated with a fiery passion, I didn’t bother teasing him like I normally did. I didn’t have the energy.

Mason frowned. Cheer up, Ronnie. You’ll get in.

And if I don’t? Then what? I challenged.

Then you’ll get to do whatever you want. Attend any other college you want.

I shook my head. I don’t want to do anything else; I want to be a Nightwatcher. I want to attend Moonshadow Academy, and train, and graduate, and get my license. I paused then added in a softer tone, Just like Dad.

It always hurt to talk about him. The worst part about his disappearance was that we never knew what happened. We never knew if he lived or died, but after the first year of no word, he was presumed dead. Mom died when I was born, and then I lost Dad. Add in the stress of trying to follow in his footsteps, and it was a lot for an eighteen-year-old to take in. Most human girls my age were getting ready for college, getting ready to get married, or getting ready to have a baby. I guess I fell into the college category, but instead of trying to be a doctor or a designer, I was hoping to train to fight demons like some vigilante. But that was the life I wanted for myself.

I know you do, sweetheart. I just don’t want this to destroy you if you can’t get in. Not even your dad would want you to obsess over this, Mason said. Just promise me that if you don’t get accepted, you don’t let it defeat you. You have your whole life ahead of you, Ronnie. Don’t let it go to waste just because one plan didn’t pan out.

I wanted to argue that I wouldn’t have a life worth living if I didn’t make it, but I knew he’d be expecting it. He was right about one thing: Dad wouldn’t have tolerated me beating myself up if I didn’t get accepted. I knew that as well as I knew the sun would rise in a couple of hours. Would it be so terrible to live my life without being a Nightwatcher? Probably not. But there would always be that ‘what if’ ringing in the back of my head. It would latch onto me like a parasite and suck the life out of me.

Ronnie? Mason called out when I didn’t say anything.

I promise, Mason, I relented with a frown. That was all I could say.

Mason visibly relaxed then reached out a hand to me. Brushing a lock of hair behind my ear, he then cupped my cheek. No matter what happens, I’m proud of you. And I know your dad would be, too.

The rest of the car ride was silent until we finally turned the corner of our cul-de-sac. All the houses here looked the same. White painted walls, navy blue roofs, two stories tall, double-door garage, and a mailbox placed on the right side of the driveway. I’d lived with Mason since I was thirteen, and my thoughts about this neighborhood were about the same as they’d been then.

Cookie-cutter.

Once we were parked in the driveway, I got out and grabbed my backpack from the back seat. I was so lost in my thoughts that I hadn’t noticed that Mason stopped halfway toward the front door until I bumped into him.

Ouch, I groaned, rubbing my sore nose. What’s wrong?

Mason stepped aside, allowing me to see a folded-up note taped to the door. A logo was printed on the front: a castle with a crescent moon shape behind it. It was from Moonshadow Academy. A flock of butterflies danced within my stomach as I gaped at the letter that may have the answers I’d been seeking.

No way, I whispered in disbelief.

Mason swiped it off the door since I was too paralyzed to do much of anything. He scanned the letter, his face unreadable. I waited a few seconds to see if he would tell me anything, but...nothing. He just kept standing there, looking at the written contents.

Well? What does it say? I asked, growing impatient. The waiting was making me nauseous.

Mason looked down at me with a devilish smirk. Do you really want to know?

I groaned, not in the mood for teasing. Yes. What does it say? Did I make it?

He laughed, then passed the letter to me. I snatched it quickly and examined it, reading the first paragraph.

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Ms. Veronica Moon,

We’ve examined your application and performance exam and are pleased to inform you that you have been accepted into Moonshadow Academy for Nightwatchers in Training. We look forward to your attendance in the fall.

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I didn’t read any further before I screamed at the top of my lungs and jumped into Mason’s open arms. We laughed joyfully as I hugged him as tightly as possible, the acceptance letter crinkling in my fist, but I didn’t care. I’d gotten accepted. I was going to Moonshadow Academy.

Chapter Two

The Portal

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Two months later...

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"Ronnie, are you still down there? Get up here and eat your breakfast," Mason called from the kitchen upstairs.

I heard him, but I was too busy on the punching bag to acknowledge him. Ever since I’d gotten the acceptance letter, I’d spent more time in our basement training room than ever before. The professor wasn’t impressed with my initiation performance and wasn’t sure I had what it took to face a high-class demon head-on. I wanted to make sure I proved him wrong. To prove wrong everyone who may doubt me. I had to make sure I was prepared. 

Bouncing on the balls of my feet, I continued delivering rapid-fire punches, summoning forth a small portion of my magic to help enhance my physical strength. My blows caused the large red bag of sand to push back against the chain that held it up from the ceiling, and when it swung back toward me, I threw a few more punches. 

Ronnie, Mason yelled. That means now, young lady.

I groaned through gritted teeth, throwing one last punch at the bag. I hadn’t realized I pushed more magic into my fist than I meant to. When my knuckles connected with the punching bag, a blue force of magic reverberated, sending ripples outward in waves. The force of it had me back-pedaling, and the chain holding the punching