Soul Magic: Aurora Academy, #3

By Michelle Mackenzie

When nature takes over Kiera's city, she is once again fighting for survival. But this time, it's more than the academy at stake. 

 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Reflective Line Publishing
• Release date: Apr 18, 2023
• ISBN: 9798215414804

Michelle Mackenzie

Michelle Mackenzie is the writer and author of the published novel, The Dark Queen series (Book 1): The Storm Within.  Encouraged by the sucess of her book, she is continuing to her career as a thriller and suspense writer.

Book preview

Soul Magic

Chapter 1

After a full week of reading healing books, I was looking forward to having a lay in. The curtains were drawn closed, blocking out the early morning sunlight from entering my room. I had also made some more regeneration potions and put them in the fridge ready for Vicky’s morning drink. She had been feeling tired lately, so I wanted to be sure she had an extra bottle ready for the morning.

My name is Kiera Thorne. Two years ago, I found out that I was born as a storm witch. My powers were a little hinky to start off with and my powers wouldn't work. It wasn’t until I caught my boyfriend with my best friend that my rage ignited my powers and made me a target, and a dangerous witch to be messing with. I was given two choices. Either give up my powers or go to the magic school for witches. Of course, I chose to go to the magic academy Aurora. But my problems did not end there. In the first year, Devron betrayed me and used magic crystals to steal people’s magic and their life force. That was when I decided that I wanted to help heal people and started my path to becoming a healer.

Then, last year, I was faced with someone who was using shadow magic to control the dead and used one of our friend's Father to haunt us. Of course, we banded together and put a stop to it. After some quick thinking, we stopped the idiot who was messing with the powers that they didn’t understand. While all this was happening, we also had to deal with the night terrors that came into reality because of the shadow magic and turned the nightmares into reality. In order to put the nightmares to an end, I had to go back into my own nightmare without the use of the terror stone and defeat them once and for all. I have lost count of how many times I almost died.

The sound of footsteps and the fridge opening echoed through the house, hearing the door close with a click. Thanks, Dear! she called out. I smiled, knowing that having it ready for her went appreciated.

It was almost two years ago, when I first invented the potion, and now, it has become an important part of our lives. She relied on it to keep her energy up, so that she could fight off the cancer. From the way she had been zipping about the place, I was confident that she was winning. Thankfully. Perhaps, in a few more months of the extra bottles, the cancer would be gone entirely. That’d be a nice thought to finish on.

I was just dozing back off to sleep when a thump woke me. I jolted awake, almost falling off my bed.

Vicky knocked on my door and entered my room.

I groaned. Really? It’s the weekend.

Come on, she said with a smile. I have things I want to do today. So, up you get.

Like what? I asked, not entirely sure of why I need to be awake at the crack of dawn.

Like, we’re going to go out and do some shopping, and I was thinking we can go on a picnic.

I smiled. Actually, that sounds like a good day. I’ll be right down.

I thought you might, she grinned. Then closed the door and left.

I sighed, Vicky was looking a little pale this morning and wondered if she was feeling alright. I made a mental note to myself to ask her if she needs some more potion for her health and whether she had enough. The potion was helping beat her cancer, and I was determined to get rid of it completely. Up until now, she had almost been like her usual self. But now, the excitement of the day turned into worry.

Hey, Vicky? I asked, walking into the kitchen, just as I pulled my clean purple jumper over my head. It went well with my white skinny jeans and my black sandals.

Do you need more potion for your health? You’re looking a little pale this morning.

No, dear. I’m ok. I am just a little tired. I’ll get the colour back in my cheeks in no time. I just want you to eat your breakfast and get ready  so we can go and enjoy our day.

WE ARRIVED AT THE PARK almost an hour later with a full bag of drinks and snacks. She handed me the cheese and ham sandwiches, whilst I dug into the first bag of crisps I could find. The grass felt scratchy against my ankles that hung over the bright red fleece blanket that we were sitting on. The bag of food was placed in the middle where we could both reach. Beside us, we could see the shadow of the tree branches, belonging to the tree that we were sitting under, to shade us from the thirty-degree sun. I used my free hand to take the sandwich and thanked her for it.

I like having a picnic with you. It’s like we used to before everything changed.

She smiled, I know. I was just trying to cheer you up. You were such an emotional child.

I laughed. Emotional? That’s putting it politely. My moods change faster than the direction of the wind.

True, she said, laughing lightly.

Though, through her smile. I could see some sadness in her eyes.

What’s the matter? I asked, frowning. Something’s wrong, isn’t it?

No, she answered. I told you, I am fine. Please, let’s just enjoy ourselves and no more talk about health, right?

Vicky... I said, pleading with her. Please, talk to me.

She sighed. Look. There is nothing you can do. Just... promise me that no matter what happens in the end, you will remember what I told you.

I frowned. My concern grew.

What did you tell me?

That it isn’t your fault and that there is nothing you could have done. Everything and everyone dies eventually. And when it is your time to go, or mine, nothing will stop death from claiming that life. Nothing. No magic potion, or spell. You accept the way things are, and you grieve.

A hard lump rose in my throat that I struggled to release. Ok, I replied hoarsely. I’ll remember. Just... don’t die yet, ok?

She laughed again. I’ll certainly try not to.

After the picnic we went for a walk around the park. I noticed she was becoming breathless. then her legs buckled. I grabbed her quickly to stop her from landing on the floor.

Are you alright? I asked, concerned.

She's tried to assure me. Yes, but I think it's time for us to go home.

I nodded in agreement. I gently held her until she regained her balance and then we headed back to the car. Are you sure you’re not hurt? I asked her again. Are you sure you're alright?

Yes, yes, She repeated. I just need to lie down. Just over done it. That's all.

Do you need more potion? I can go and get yourself to help you regain your strength.

No, Keira. Vicky snapped impatiently. Please—I'm fine.

She took a deep breath. I could see she wasn’t fine. She didn’t sound angry. She sounded scared. Please, don't worry. I just need to lie down. Just for a little bit.

I reluctantly agreed.

I will be okay, she said.

I laid her down on her bed carefully, and helped her to get comfortable. She grabbed her phone from her bag and typed something into it. She replaced the phone back into her bag.

Do you want a cup of tea or something? I asked. Again, she declined. Reluctantly, I left the room. I shook my head, feeling somewhat uneasy about leaving her. Taking a deep breath, I headed for the kitchen to make myself some tea.

After I finished my tea, I went to go and check on Vicky. I smiled, pushing the bedroom door open. Just as I was about to step inside, the doorbell sounded. I sighed, and turned around, heading back the way I came and opened the front door.

Oh, hi Hildegard. I wasn’t expecting to see you today.

Oh, really? she frowned.

Vicky is just taking a nap. I’m about to go and wake her. Wait one tick.

—Actually, I think I better go and have a look, she jumped in.

Oh. Uh... alright. Is everything ok? You’re acting weirder than normal.

She gave me a tight lipped smile. Everything is fine. It’s... I just want to check something with her, ok?

I shrugged. Ok. I’ll make everyone a cup of tea. She’ll be gasping.

I went into the kitchen and switched on the kettle whilst my social worker went into the bedroom.

Tea made, I took the three cups into the bedroom.

Hey Vicky...

Hildeguard jolted up from the bed and turned to face me. Her eyes were red and puffy, with tears rolling down her face.

What’s the matter? I asked with a frown. Is she ready for her tea?

She’s—She’s not going to be able to drink her tea.

I cocked my head to one side, still holding the cups. I could feel it burning my knuckles through the china.

Well, I’ll put it on her bedside table in case she changes her mind. It’s been a long day.

Kiera, she said, her voice wavering. She’s gone.

I shook my head. Gone where? To the toilet. I didn’t even hear her get up... I mumbled, trying to make sense of what she was telling me. I had a hunch, but I didn’t want to hear it. I couldn’t hear it.

She grabbed me by the arms, and looked at me square in the eyes and spoke slowly.

Kiera. She’s gone.

NO, I SAID, SHAKING my head defiantly. She can’t be gone. She was getting better. The potions have been making her better. I said, standing up. I need to get her some more potion, and she’ll wake up. You’ll see.

Kay, Hildegard said, tearing up. You need to accept that she’s gone. She’s dead! she croaked.

No! I screamed, pushing past her into the bedroom where Vicky laid motionless in bed. Her face white, her eyes closed. She looked peaceful, although her face had lost some colour.

Come on, Vicky, I said, forcing myself to sound cheery. Your drink is ready, and you’re giving Hildy a fright.

She didn’t move. I stared at her, waiting. Waiting for her to catch a breath and laugh. I was waiting for the joke to be over.

Come on, I said again. I reached out to her with my hands trembling. Wake up. You said you wouldn’t die. This isn’t funny anymore. You’ve had your joke, now. It’s not funny anymore, Vicks.

Still nothing. Despite shaking her around like a rag doll, it did little to bring the woman back to life. I reached out and cupped a hand on her neck, searching for her pulse. Her skin was unnaturally cold. There was no pulse, no sign of life. Even the texture of her skin felt unnatural. It slowly began to dawn on me that Vicky was no longer there, and I was looking down at a lifeless corpse.

I felt sick, as nausea threatened to take over. I took a deep breath, trying to hold my nerve. Mum, I said with a weak voice. Please, come back. I can’t do this without you...

Tears rolled down my face. Suppressing a sob from escaping my lips, my body began to shudder. My legs buckled beneath me. I barely noticed Hildegard rushing in to catch me.

Come on, she whispered. Let her rest. We’ll have some tea and we’ll arrange for someone to come round and collect her.

Collect her? I asked, feeling confused. To take her where?

To the funeral home, so she can be put to rest with her husband. She’ll be missing him.

Her husband? I frowned. I didn’t even know she was married.

It was well before your time, she explained. She’d been a widow for almost five years before you came along.

I wiped a tear from the corner of my eye. She never mentioned him.

That’s because she still misses him. It’s hard for her.

I could understand that, not that I could admit to it.

But, we need her... didn’t she want to stay?

She tried. But she knew. She knew it was her time.

I frowned again, harder. How...?

Hildegard sighed, taking out her phone and showed me the last text she received.

Please come over, right away. I feel it is time for me to go. I am feeling weak. I’ve had a lovely day with Kiera, but my Terry is calling for me. I couldn’t leave without saying goodbye. So, goodbye to you my dearest friend. Please take care, and look after Kiera. I feel she is going to be needing you. All my love, Vicky.

I passed her the phone back, with tears streaming down my face.

That’s it then, I said, wiping away my tears. I’m all alone.

I’m still here, Hildegard corrected. And I ain’t going nowhere.

I nodded and wrapped my arms around her, as she led me away out of the house.

It’s time to go, she said, closing the door. We’ll have lunch and she’ll be collected before we get back. They’re good like that.

Will she be ok?

Of course. She’s already picked out her outfit ready for her reunion. She’s going to be beautiful, they’ll make sure of it.

I reluctantly agreed, and crossed the road towards her car. I took one more look at the house, feeling a wave of grief wash over me. And for the longest time, I couldn’t breathe.

Chapter 2

The day of the funeral was three weeks later. It had been almost impossible to stay at the house, without her there. Though Hildegard had knocked and came over almost every single day to make sure I was ok, it was becoming unbearable. I couldn’t move or take a breath without envisioning Vicky laying there. I kept expecting her to walk through the door, laughing at how silly we’ve been.

She loved the summer and spring weather, and always planned to go with the sun on her face. She got what she wanted. She made sure of it. But now, I was alone, dealing with grief the only way I knew how. I got lost inside books, and refused to live in the reality of becoming an orphan. I sighed, feeling somewhat lonely. With my only consolation being that the academy was due to open at any time now, and then I would be gone and this would just be a terrible memory.

Even memories let you down eventually, however. And it would still be waiting when the semester finished, with the renewed sense of grief and loss when no one greets me at the front door.

How are you coping? a voice chimed in my ear.

I shrugged. "I am not sure.