Demigod Magic Academy: Daughter of Zeus: Demigod Magic Academy, #1

By J.A. Bennett

A new generation of Demigods have risen, and they hate each other.

Rhea Olympios knows part of her is missing. Her looks, favorite foods, and even her last name are Greek, but the father who gave her those traits chooses to hide. It doesn't help that Tarpon Springs boasts the largest Greek population outside of the country itself.

Drew is the first person who doesn't make Rhea feel like she's other. A Korean immigrant, Drew stands out in her small town. He has everything Rhea could want in a boyfriend, a loving family, a job at a bookstore, and gorgeous brown eyes a girl could fall into forever.

It's Drew's secret—however—that will prove to be Rhea's entire undoing.

The magic Rhea hides in her empty heritage becomes manifest with Drew's nearness. One minute Rhea is struggling to survive high school. The next, she's thrown into the world of the gods where power rules and the weak get trodden over.

Rhea must struggle to put herself together or risk tearing everything and everyone apart.

• Language: English
• Publisher: J.A. Bennett
• Release date: Oct 17, 2022
• ISBN: 9798223748052

Book preview

Demigod Magic Academy

By J.A. Bennett

To my mom. My biggest fan. I still dream of making you proud.

Demigod Magic Academy

1: Daughter of Zeus

Text © 2021 Jennie Bennett

Cover Design © 2021 Jennie Bennett

Cover Photo © Depositphotos, Faestock

Font © Roboto Condensed, Christian Robertson

Font © Lobster Two,  Impallari Type

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any means without the written permission of the author.

This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead, or to actual events or locales is entirely coincidental.

ISBN: 9798768002343

Editing by  Precy Larkins

Printed in the United States of America

CONTENTS

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Chapter 29

Chapter 30

Chapter 31

Chapter 32

Chapter 33

Chapter 34

Chapter 35

Chapter 36

Chapter 37

Chapter 38

Chapter 39

Chapter 40

Chapter 41

Epilogue

Acknowledgements

About the Author

Chapter 1

The other side of the river feels like a place I can never reach.

It’s not far—only a matter of feet. One very crossable bridge is nearby, but I’ve never traveled it. My entire life has taken place within a few square miles.

Most of the time, I’m okay with that, but there are some days I wonder if the water is bluer somewhere else.

The early September heat presses into my pores, urging me to the ledge of the sidewalk, which stands inches from the river. I grip a dock pole next to me and watch as the smooth water flows under my feet. How much of a relief would it be to jump in and swim?

Even if I think about it, I won’t. I never will. Instead, I only look and wish.

Should we go inside? Lois, my best friend, stands next to me, fanning herself.

Lois’ long brown hair is pulled up in a high pony and secured with a scrunchie. She wears a tank and shorts that fit snug around her curvy hips. If she were a stranger and I saw her walking down the street, I’d think she’s a reincarnation of Aphrodite herself.

I should be used to it, considering I live in a town with the densest Greek population outside of the country of Greece itself, but I’m not. I’m still that one girl with ghostly skin and blonde hair. Sometimes I feel like a white grape in a bowl of Greek olives.

At least I have a solid Greek name from my dad’s side of the family to keep me from being a complete outcast.

Lois snaps her fingers, drawing my attention away from the water. Rhea? Are you listening?

I step down from the ledge. Yeah. I think the heat is melting my brain.

We continue walking along the sponge docks where all the action happens in Tarpon Springs, Florida. Little shops sit opposite a wide walk that follows the river. Fishing boats fill the river, ready to head out to the Gulf of Mexico.

The main export of our town is sea sponges. I don’t find them exciting, but it draws in thousands of enthusiasts every summer. At least it’s not busy now that school is in session.

My feet shuffle to a stop when I spot a group of teen boys a few yards ahead of us. Is that Kyros?

Lois shudders at the name. He’s such a creep.

My teeth clench as I think about all the times Kyros has told loud blonde jokes in my presence or jabbed at me with snide remarks like, Do you think you’re pretty or something? The kid makes my blood boil.

I take Lois’ arm, intending to cross the street, but halt when another boy steps out from the group.

Lois follows my gaze, a tiny crease forming between her brows. Bookstore boy? Is he hanging out with Kyros?

My cheeks feel even more flushed than they were from the heat. Bookstore boy, AKA Drew Song, has been the object of my recent obsession.

I don’t know him well—okay, we haven’t actually spoken to each other—but I never saw him as the type to hang out with jerks like Kyros.

Drew’s family moved here this past summer and opened up a bookstore. It has a bunch of rare finds and classics redone in leather. I’ve loved going inside to touch the spines, read the titles, and sniff the pages.

Now I feel dumb for staring at him over the top of the shelves and hanging out near the counter so I could listen to his family banter in Korean.

When I finally made a purchase a few weeks ago, Lois was the one who walked right up to the counter and asked his name. After responding to her, he looked me in the eye and told me the paperback eighties version of The Hobbit was a great choice. All I could do at that moment was blush, but his smile made up for any words left between us.

Since he just moved here, I can see why he’d need friends. But Kyros?

I frown. He seemed so sweet.

Lois tugs at our still interlocked arms as if asking me to move. Appearances can be deceiving.

The old book smell must’ve messed with my vision of Drew. Of course, looking in his beautiful, angled eyes didn’t help either.

I had found him cute at first glance, but the more I looked, the more handsome he became. Especially when he flexed his arm muscles as he carried all those heavy books through the store.

Lois and I turn our backs to the boys when a sudden splashing sound pulls our attention right back to the group.

Idiot! Kyros yells, his little cronies laughing around him.

Drew has disappeared. I let go of Lois’ arm, craning my neck. Drew pulls himself onto the sidewalk ledge a second later, something gleaming in his hand.

Did he jump in the river? Lois’ jaw is wide, her mouth forming an O, and a limp hand touches the upper part of her chest.

I gasp as he stands, his black T-shirt clinging to his abs. Sparkling droplets fly from his hair as he runs a hand through the strands that have fallen in his face.

He approaches Kyros, fists balled. I don’t know what to expect, but it’s not a roundhouse kick to Kyros’ skull that knocks the bully to the ground.

Lois and I exchange open-mouthed smiles then we start laughing uncontrollably. The sound draws the attention of Drew. He glares us down, like the anger directed at Kyros is still surging in his veins.

We scurry across the street and duck behind a building—still laughing as we take the back alleys to Lois’ property.

That was so awesome! I squeal as we hit the edge of her front yard. I’ve always wanted someone to do that.

Lois nods. I can die happy now that I’ve seen Kyros get his due.

Who’s dying? a deep burly voice calls from ahead of us.

Lois runs toward her father. "Bampas!"

Her dad pulls her into a hug and kisses her head. His burly arms squish her tight, and I’m sure his salt-and-pepper beard is tickling the top of her head. You came to hug your sweaty old man?

Lois backs away, pinching her nose. Have you been working in the shed? You could’ve warned me first.

They both laugh as she notices some of his sweat has leaked onto her shirt.

A pinprick of jealousy squeezes in my chest.

Ninety-nine percent of the time, I love being best friends with Lois. She’s charming and witty, unafraid of speaking up for an introvert like me. I’m lucky she adopted me in kindergarten and hasn’t let me go since.

The other one percent of the time, I’m reminded of everything she has that I don’t—like a dad.

"Matakia mou," Lois’ dad says, beckoning me over.

The jealous spark in my belly vanishes, a smile stretching my cheeks. Ever since Lois first brought me to her home and pronounced me her bestie, her dad has called me this. Matakia Mou, Little Eyes. I don’t understand the whole meaning, but I know he finds me very precious to him. Almost like I’m another one of his daughters.

The screen door to their cottage home flies open—Lois’ plump mom stands on the precipice of the entryway. Quit distracting the girls and let them come inside. It’s hot as Hades out here, and dinner’s ready.

Lois’ mom is all curves, whereas her dad is all muscle. They look adorable together.

All three of us laugh at Mrs. Filo’s request, climbing the porch steps one after the other into the Filo’s home.

The scent of oregano hits me the moment I enter, and I’m sure whatever Mrs. Filo has cooked us up tonight is going to be fantastic. I eat with the Filo family almost every night as my mom needs to work late.

Lois’ younger brother, Alec, takes his usual spot across from his dad and next to me. Mrs. Filo always sits at the head of the table because she’s the boss.

Smells amazing, my dove, Mr. Filo dotes.

They flirt uncomfortably in front of us every night, and I’m still not used to it. If only someday I could have a love as deep as theirs.

Mrs. Filo sets pulled pork, pita bread, and Greek salad on the table. Mr. Filo always wants to help, but his wife doesn’t trust him. She slaps his hand away as he reaches for the bread. We say grace first.

I’m thankful for this moment of silence to reflect on how generous the Filo family has been to me. As owners of a boat dealership, they make plenty of money to live somewhere fancier, but Mr. Filo likes to be near his potential customers in this part of town.

Did you do your homework? Mrs. Filo grills Lois right after the amen.

Lois takes a big scoop of salad. Mom, it’s only the second week of school. We don’t have homework yet.

Mrs. Filo stares at me. Is she lying?

I shake my head, hands in my lap. No, Ma’am.

Okay, Mrs. Filo says, picking up her fork. I believe Rhea.

Lois scoffs. You believe her over your own daughter?

The offending fork gets pointed at me before being stabbed into the platter of pulled pork. Rhea’s the good one.

Lois is pretty great, too, I chime in. She saved me from having to stand up and answer a question in history today.

History is the worst, Lois adds.

Alec pounds a flat hand on the table. I had homework today, and I did it.

Son, Mr. Filo starts, shaking his head. You don’t need attention that way.

Mrs. Filo puts a large portion of pork on her eleven-year-old son’s plate. "No, no, no. He is doing good. Somebody should praise him."

Lois pouts. What about me?

Mr. Filo pats her back. You are my princess. That will never change.

Lois puts on a triumphant smile and digs into her food.

After dinner, I say goodbye. The Filos believe I’m heading home, but I’m not ready to face that yet. Instead, I walk to the river's edge right below the bridge. A little parking lot leads straight to the water. To my left, cars rush across the bridge in a hurry. No one else sees the bridge as an obstacle, but I can’t imagine crossing it.

I sit on the dirt edge of the riverbank and focus on the sound of the water trickling by me. It smells fresh here with all the trees nearby. I close my eyes and place my hands in the soft dirt behind me. I rest my body weight on my wrists and crane my neck backward, letting my head relax.

After a moment of peace, I open my eyes to search for stars. There aren’t many, but some are better than none. I know it’s just light pollution, but sometimes it seems like the sky is disappearing.

Mars, a male voice says behind me.

I jump, trying to flip around, but I end up slipping and landing on my back instead. He’s standing over me with a smile on his face.

Bookstore boy?

Chapter 2

I wish my eyes were deceiving me. Despite the cover of night, I’d know Drew’s figure anywhere.

Drew throws his head back in laughter. Bookstore boy, huh? That’s a new one.

I mentally facepalm as I regain my sitting position and try to dust off my back. He takes a seat by my side but far enough away to be unthreatening. Somehow that makes me want him to sit closer.

He pulls up a long blade of grass and starts fidgeting with it. I thought you knew my name. You were in the store enough this summer.

My throat closes. He’s noticed me?

It’s Drew. Drew Song. In case you were wondering.

I knew. I’ve paid you way too much attention.

I know you can talk, he continues as if I haven’t been sitting here staring at him with fisheyes. Your friend might have bought your book, but I could hear you laughing with her.

My gaze flicks to the ground as my cheeks heat up. Has he paid this much attention to me? I’m flattered and completely mortified.

Are you not going to tell me your name?

I swallow hard, willing the lump to push down. Rhea, I squeak out, not daring to look his way.

Leia? he says with a laugh in his tone. "Are your parents Star Wars fans?"

The comment relaxes me a little. I lift my head enough to watch the river flowing by our feet. Rhea, with an R. It sounds more like Sia.

I catch him nodding from the corner of my eye. Sia has some good songs.

Yeah, she does.

We sit in silence for a moment. I watch Drew’s hands as he rips at the grass, putting it into a little pile. I have so many questions I want to ask him that my heart reverberates with every bit of dead air between us.

I clear my throat. He faces me full-on. I’m glad it’s dark enough to hide the blood rushing to my face.

Did you want to say something? he asks, the laugh still lingering in his tone.

I draw a tiny circle in the dirt. Mars? That’s not what I really want to ask, but I need to work up my courage first.

Oh yeah, Drew says, nodding as he remembers. I saw you were looking at it, so I said something. It’s pretty bright tonight.

Now that I focus, I can tell it’s a planet and not a star. I can even see the hint of red in it. I like it.

Me too.

My gaze flutters to his, and I see he’s looking at me and not the sky.

No. That can’t be. I only wish that.

Yet, I can see enough of his face to be captured entirely by him. My eyes could explore his sharp Korean features forever. Part of me wants him to understand how sitting like this has my entire nervous system on high alert, but the other part wants to keep it quiet while I enjoy the thrill.

The quiet wins. I’m not that brave yet.

Drew leans closer to me, chin on his fist. Aren’t you afraid of me?

What a strange question. I want to tell him that I usually shy away from strangers, but he’s been respectful enough that I’m not worried. Maybe I should be. Um...

You saw me earlier, didn’t you? Drew presses. I kicked someone and knocked them out.

Did he knock Kyros out? I have wondered what had happened. Should I feel afraid of him? I search my gut for any unease building in my system, but there is none.

Scratch that—I’m terrified.

I don’t think he’s going to hurt me. He’s had the chance for that. It’s his attention that scares me.

Drew keeps talking, unbothered by my silence. I kicked him because he stole my necklace.

Sure enough, I notice the string around his neck. At the very bottom is a tiny orb that glints in the moonlight. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a jewel like that.

I almost ask what it’s made of, but I’m distracted by the sudden buzzing of my phone.

It’s my mom, I say. I need to go.

He takes a deep breath, unmoving. All right. See you around.

If he were a scary person, he wouldn’t let me leave.

I groan as I stand; my legs have fallen asleep on the hard ground. I take a few steps away then turn to study Drew’s back.

Curse my inability to talk to those with whom I’m not comfortable. There’s so much I didn’t get to say.

My phone stops buzzing for a second but then starts right up again. I quicken my pace and answer the phone once I’m out of earshot.

Everything okay? Mom asks the minute the line connects.

Yeah, I answer. I was just out for a walk.

Mom’s tone heightens. This late at night?

I pull my phone back to look at the time. It’s only nine.

But it’s dark out.

My head knows it might not be safe, but my introverted self needs time to recharge alone. Sorry, I murmur. I’ll be home in a few.

Mom sighs. Where are you? I’ll come pick you up.

It’s not far. By the time you get your keys and start the car, I’ll be there.

All right, but you better have 911 ready to call on the way home.

Okay, Mom. I hang up.

My five-foot-five self strides home as fast as my legs can take me. As I pass by the Hansen’s house, our next-door neighbor, I hear a little bark. I turn and see their tiny white dog running to me.

Muffin always does this when he’s out, but I have no idea why. He yaps all the livelong day at anyone else who dares enter his territory, but when I’m around, he trots right up and sits—wagging his tail.

I give him a quick pat. I gotta go fast today, okay?

He follows me all the way to my door and whines when I go inside.

Mom is pretending to straighten up the already clean living room under the guise of not waiting for me. Neither of us is home enough during the week to make it dirty.

You hungry? she asks, walking into the kitchen. I know she’s relieved to see me alive and well, but I’ve told her recently I needed more space. She’s trying to give it.

I ate at the Filo’s.

She peeks her head out. Did you have a good day?

I think about Drew kicking Kyros in the head and talking to me on the riverbank. I had a great day.

Mom beams. Glad to hear it.

I love my mom, but I hate small talk in general. It’s a school night, so I’m going to bed.

Her genuine smile stretches to strained. Okay, we’ll talk at breakfast.

‘Night, Mom.

‘Night.

Our house is nothing fancy—a one-story, two-bedroom cottage on a small piece of land. It’s better than the one-bedroom apartment we lived in until I was ten, but it’s falling apart in places. Mom keeps it tidy, so at least there’s that.

I lie on my bed and pull out my phone to text Lois. I talked to Bookstore Boy.

I can almost hear Lois screaming as she types WHAAAAT??!! in response.

When?

How?

Did you go book shopping without me?

I love how she sends me three extra texts without waiting for my answer. Her fast-talking loud Greek voice comes through with the action.

At the river. I text back, feeling tingly all over.

She sends a giant shocked-face emoji. I need more details than that.

I sigh into my pillow as I relive the moment. I went for a walk to the river. He showed up out of nowhere and sat with me.

She replies so fast I don’t know how her fingers can keep up with her thoughts. It’s fate. Kiss-kiss-fall-in-love.

I laugh. Hold on there. It was one conversation.

Girl, Lois replies, and I swear she’s snapping her fingers, too. I have never seen you have a crush, ever. This is special.

She’s not wrong, but I’m not as ready as she is to dive into anything. Just because I’m not boy-crazy doesn’t mean my first crush is the one.

Can I call you?

Oh boy. She knows how awkward it is for me to talk on the phone. We would have to be quiet because my mom is home.

My phone starts buzzing, a beautiful picture of Lois popping up.

Hey, she whispers as I pick