Xmas Fallout: Magic and Mayhem Universe: Ho, Ho, Ho Academy, #2

By Isabel Micheals

Under the mistletoe, a final gift they share... a spark to banish the spirits of Yuletide despair.

 

Something sinister lurks within the hallowed halls of my beloved school, Ho, Ho, Ho Academy, this Christmas. Dane and I thought we had defeated the darkness after our battle against the former headmistress last year. But now, creepy events plague the academy whenever we're on the grounds.

 

Each dawn reveals new damage – from smashed gingerbread houses to severed holiday light cords. Ominous omens pile up faster than the silently falling snow. Someone or something wicked stalks these hallowed halls, extinguishing the Christmas joy.

 

My witch instincts tell me dark magic is afoot, again. When I go missing after secretly investigating alone, icy panic grips my heart.

 

I had just reunited with Dane after our fight against our dangerous foe, the vengeful dark witch Marci. Now I'm captive in her lair for some vile ritual sacrifice. To rescue me, Dane must confront our evil nemesis.

 

With my life at stake, Dane charges into the darkness to save me. Marci's warning about a traitor amongst us haunts me. Can I trust anyone from our school days? Alone I have little chance of stopping the evil taking root in our academy. Only together with Dane and the Supernatural Strike Force can I hope to unmask the villain and rekindle the vanishing spirit before midnight chimes on Christmas itself.

 

Warning: Beware of the creeping shadows haunting Ho, Ho, Ho Academy this Winter Solstice, as ancient evil seeks to feast on Christmas light.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Isabel Micheals
• Release date: Oct 30, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223849315

Book preview

PROLOGUE

WHISPERS OF DARKNESS

Dane

The room went cold. A sudden, eerie silence fell upon us as a menacing figure appeared in the doorway. My heart thumped like a caged bird trying to escape its confinement. I could feel my pulse racing in my ears, the sound drowning out everything else. The others around me seemed to share the same unease, their bodies stiffening and breaths catching in their throats.

Who are you? I managed to choke out, my voice barely audible.

She didn't respond. Instead, she stood there, her face obscured by a veil of darkness that seemed to consume the light around her. Her crimson eyes flickered with malevolent intent, sending shivers down my spine. It was as if they were piercing through my very soul, unearthing my deepest fears and insecurities. Her ghastly pale skin seemed to barely contain the dark force within her, like a dam about to burst under the pressure.

Answer him, Holli demanded, her voice wavering slightly despite her best efforts at maintaining composure.

I don't think she's here to talk, Abbi whispered, her hand gripping mine tightly for reassurance.

The woman's wild, untamed hair defied the rules of nature, moving as if it had a mind of its own. It danced and writhed around her head, casting shadows on the walls that looked like grotesque faces leering at us.

Marci, Zelda finally spoke, her voice filled with disbelief and dread.

In that moment, I knew who she was.

Stay back, I warned Abbi and Holli, placing myself between them and the witch. Don't let her get to you.

But Marci just stood there, watching us all squirm in terror. She seemed to revel in our fear, her eyes gleaming with malicious satisfaction.

The air around Marci crackled with an oppressive, menacing energy that weighed heavily on my chest. I could feel the dark magic pulsating off her in waves, like a storm about to break. It was as if the very atmosphere surrounding her had become poisoned, filling us all with the kind of dread that burrows into your bones and refuses to let go. My heart raced, my breathing shallow, and my mind screamed at me to run.

Can you feel it? Abbi whispered, her voice trembling with terror. The darkness… it's so… strong.

Stay strong, Holli urged, though her own voice betrayed her fear. We can't let her win.

Marci stood there, still as death, the tattered remnants of her dress clinging to her spectral frame. The once-elegant fabric now hung in jagged strips, revealing glimpses of her pallid skin beneath. It seemed as if the darkness itself had claimed her clothing, wrapping around her like a shroud and enhancing her unnerving presence. The frayed edges of the dress rustled softly, swaying with every pulse of malevolent power that emanated from her.

Her sharp, talon-like fingers gripped the door frame with an unsettling intensity. Her nails glinted in the dim light, seemingly eager to rend flesh and draw blood. Despite her motionlessness, it felt as if she could pounce at any moment like a predator poised to strike.

Why are you here, Marci? I demanded, trying to keep my voice steady. What do you want?

Stay away from her! Holli shouted, her bravado returning for a brief moment.

But Marci just stared at us, silent, as if our suffering amused her. And then I heard her laugh—a cold, chilling sound that echoed through the room, making me shudder involuntarily.

Get out! I yelled, but the words felt hollow and powerless as they left my lips.

Are you afraid, Dane? Marci finally spoke, her voice barely more than a whisper, but it still carried the weight of a thousand nightmares. You should be.

Leave them alone, I snarled, desperation lending strength to my voice. It's me you want, isn't it?

Enough! Holli screamed, and in that instant, I knew we were all on the verge of breaking.

A heavy, oppressive silence fell over the room, broken only by our ragged breaths and the thundering of my own heartbeat. The air itself seemed to thicken, suffocating us under a blanket of dread that clung to our very souls. It was as if Marci's mere presence was slowly draining the life from every corner of the room, leaving behind an all-consuming darkness.

Ah, Dane, Marci drawled in a voice like ice, each syllable dripping with malice. How touching to see you so protective of your little friends.

Her words were a dagger twisting in my heart, and I clenched my fists, willing myself to stand strong. But it wasn't just her voice—it was the sickening way she spoke, as if she took pleasure in toying with our emotions.

Leave them out of this, I spat, struggling to keep the tremor from my voice. This is between you and me.

Is it now? Marci's laughter was a chilling melody, sending shivers down my spine. You always did have such a hero complex, Dane. But tell me, what makes you think you can protect them?

Because I won't let you hurt them, I replied, but my resolve was beginning to waver. I could feel the insidious tendrils of Marci's dark magic creeping into my thoughts, sowing seeds of doubt and fear.

Strong words for someone who has already lost so much, Marci taunted, her crimson eyes gleaming with wicked delight. Do you really believe you can stop me, Dane? Or are you simply too scared to admit the truth?

Shut up! Holli cried out, her voice cracking with emotion. Just leave us alone!

Enough of your games, Marci, I hissed through gritted teeth. If you want me, come and get me.

Careful what you wish for, darling, Marci purred, her voice a vile caress that made my skin crawl. You just might get it.

As I locked eyes with her, I knew in my heart that she was right—I couldn't protect them all. But I would be damned if I didn't try.

Marci's lips curled into a sinister smile, her eyes narrowing as she raised her hands towards Holli. A torrent of dark energy surged through the air, tendrils of black mist crackling with an ominous intensity.

NO! I yelled, lunging in front of Holli, but it was too late. The force of Marci's blast veered off course, the darkness twisting and snaking towards Abbi instead.

Abbi! Holli screamed, her voice laced with terror as the dark magic struck her best friend. Abbi convulsed for a split second before collapsing to the floor, her body limp.

Consumed by rage, my body began to shift involuntarily. When I turned to seek my revenge, the wicked witch had disappeared into thin air.

CHAPTER 1

FROSTY FEELINGS: LOVE, MEMORIES, AND SHADOWS

Dane

Six Months Later

The morning sunlight filters through the frost-covered windows of my dorm, casting delicate icy spiderweb patterns on the walls. I squint at the light show, wondering if it's always had this habit of reminding folks of brighter days. With a groan, I push myself out of bed, feeling the chill of the wooden floor beneath my feet. It's hard to believe that six months ago, I was battling dark forces alongside Abbi and our friends. Life seemed simpler then - all we had to worry about was surviving.

Morning sunlight, I mumble to myself, pulling on a sweater.

With a sigh, I make my way to the cafeteria for breakfast, desperately hoping that some hot coffee will banish the lingering shadows of recent events from my thoughts. As I reach for a steaming mug, I can't help but feel a little apprehensive. The battle may be over, but there's still so much uncertainty ahead.

Ever have one of those days where even orange juice seems to challenge your authority? I quip to no one in particular as I accidentally knock over my glass, spilling its contents across the table. A fellow student chuckles as he helps me mop up the mess with a napkin.

Looks like you're off to a great start, Dane, he remarks, grinning. But hey, at least it's not spilled milk, right?

Right, I reply, forcing a smile. No use crying over spilled orange juice, I suppose.

Exactly! He pats me on the back before moving on. I watch him go, feeling grateful for the light-hearted moment in the midst of so much heaviness.

Still, I can't shake the nagging feeling that something isn't quite right. But for now, I'll try to focus on the simple pleasures of a wintry morning and a clumsy breakfast. After all, laughter might just be the best medicine for post-battle blues.

As I finish cleaning up the spilled juice, my gaze drifts across the cafeteria and locks with Abbi's. She sits at a table on the other side of the room, sunlight making her auburn hair glow like smoldering embers. A ridiculous holiday-themed scarf is draped around her neck, complete with embroidered reindeer and snowflakes.

I can't help but smirk, thinking of a playful comment about her choice of winter accessory. Pushing away from the table, I weave through the crowd, feeling my heart rate quicken with each step that brings me closer to her.

Morning, Abbi, I greet her, my voice betraying a hint of nerves. Nice scarf. Are those reindeer supposed to be a subtle hint at my shifter heritage or just a festive fashion statement?

She rolls her eyes, but a smile tugs at the corners of her mouth. You caught me, Dane, she replies, giving me a playful nudge. I thought wearing this might summon you from across the room. Seems like it worked.

Summoned by a scarf, I mutter, shaking my head. Who would've thought?

Come on, she says, standing up and tossing the scarf over her shoulder. Let's take a walk before class starts.

As we stroll down the frosty campus paths, our breaths visible in the crisp air, I find myself stumbling over my words. The conversation from the previous day weighs on my mind, but I struggle to bring it up again, unsure how to navigate this newfound emotional territory.

Remember the time when battling dark magic seemed easier than...talking? I manage to blurt out, my face heating up despite the biting cold.

Abbi chuckles softly, her eyes warm as she glances over at me. I think we're both going through some adjustments after everything that's happened. It's okay to be nervous, Dane.

I nod, feeling a mix of relief and gratitude wash over me. Yeah, you're right. Thanks, Abbi.

Anytime, she replies, giving my hand a reassuring squeeze. And for a moment, as we walk side by side under the snow-laden trees, I almost believe that everything will be alright.

The moment the professor casts the spell, a shiver runs down my spine. It's not the magic itself that rattles me, but the memory it dredges up. The very same spell we had used in our battle against Headmistress Morelli. I grip the edge of my desk, knuckles turning white as the memory unfolds before my eyes like a gruesome tapestry.

Focus, Dane, I whisper to myself, trying to will away the sudden chill that grips me.

Hey, are you okay? Abbi asks quietly, her voice barely audible over the sizzle of magical energy in the air.

Y-yeah, I stutter, forcing a smile as I glance at her. Just lost in thought.

Here. Her hand slips beneath the table, finding mine and giving it a reassuring squeeze. That simple gesture is enough to ground me, pulling me back from the depths of my memories.

Thanks, I murmur, my heart rate beginning to return to normal.

As the class comes to an end, we make our way to the common room where a few of our friends have gathered. The atmosphere is light and playful, with laughter filling the air as everyone shares their favorite school stories – a much-needed distraction from the lingering shadows of the battle we faced.

Remember when Professor Snowflake turned himself into a snowman by accident during potions class? one of our friends