Secret Prophecy: Institute of Magical Arts

By Tiffany Kahapea

As the daughter of one of the legendary six sisters, Danielle's heritage remains concealed from the prying eyes of her classmates. In a cruel twist of fate, she is deemed a "nopow," seemingly devoid of any magical abilities. Tormented and bullied, she endures the relentless taunting of her fellow students

• Language: English
• Publisher: Tiffany Kahapea
• Release date: Feb 17, 2023
• ISBN: 9798985719680

Book preview

Prologue

A scream tears through the house disturbing the silent night. Mary squeezes her eyes shut as sweat pours down her temples. She’s breathing heavily as labor takes its toll on her body. Sydney is leaning between her legs giving her instructions, but the pain makes it hard for her to focus. Her grip tightens in her husband’s hand as pain rips through her body once again. She gives one last mighty push and her daughter's the glorious cry fills the room. Mary sits back with a final pant of exhaustion. Her body is sore, and her muscles are screaming in agony. Sydney lifts from between Mary’s legs and places a squirming baby on her chest.

She pats her head. It’s over, Mary. You did well.

She ignores Sydney as she focuses on the baby in front of her. She’s a tiny light skinned little girl whose eyes keep switching from brown to gold with slitted pupils.

Mary looks at her demon husband, Volkath, with love. Isn’t she beautiful?

He nods as he smiles down at his daughter. Yes, she is.

Sydney leaves the room to let everyone know the baby is born. During that time, Mary and Volkath take the opportunity to choose a name. Soon, everyone runs into the room to gush over the baby.

Annie runs over first and lifts the baby off Mary’s chest. She is beautiful.

She begins walking around the room talking like a baby. This goes on for a few minutes before her turn is up.

Miranda grabs the baby quickly and looks at Mary. What is my beautiful niece’s name? I can’t walk around calling her girl or niece. I’m also not opposed to her being my namesake either.

Mary lets out an exhausted laugh. Her name is Danielle.

The sisters spend some time with Danielle, but Mary can barely keep her eyes open.

Volkath gives her hand a squeeze before going to retrieve Danielle. Alright, everyone. It is late. You will be permitted to see Danielle tomorrow. My wife is tired.

Ashley walks around his extended arms. You’re such a stick in the mud. You’ve been on earth long enough to know people don’t talk so formal. Lighten up or else Dani is going to be boring just like you.

Then Ashley hands the baby over to Mary. Get some rest. We’ll check on you tomorrow.

Mary nods her head and Ashley turns to leave. She only makes it a few feet before she freezes and a bright light flash in the room. Mary quickly shields Danielle’s eyes before peering around the room. Her eyes stop toward the far wall as figure appears.

Rebecca is standing by the window looking irritated. I’m so sorry. I’d stop popping in like this if Ashley would stop blocking me.

Ashley folds her arms. "Handling the dead is tiresome. However, I make no apologies for blocking you. Nothing good ever comes from your visits. Are you here to prove me wrong?"

Rebecca remains silent for a moment. Then she starts pacing in front of the window. No, I’m not. I really do want to see the baby, but I am here on official ancestral business.

Miranda stands closer to Mary and puts her hands on her hips. Whatever it is, it can wait until the morning. It’s late and Mary is tired.

Rebecca shakes her head earnestly. It cannot wait. Danielle’s birth has triggered another vision and the ancestors are worried.

Stephanie stomps over to her. Ugh, what is with you and your visions? And screw the ancestors. It’s always riddles and rhymes with them. We better not have to save the world again.

Mary sighs and sits up slowly. She waves her hand toward Rebecca. Out with it already. What does this vision have to do with my daughter?

Rebecca hesitates before answering. She seems scared to reveal the reason behind her visit.

Finally, she reveals the reason behind her sudden appearance. Danielle cannot be allowed to live. She will grow up to be a very powerful force.

The room grows cold, and the air thickens as Volkath stands taller. What do you mean she cannot be allowed to live? No one will touch my daughter.

Every hair on Mary's body raises as her husband's magic fills the room. Mary stands slowly and walks over to him.

She places a hand on his arm. Calm down and give her the opportunity to explain. I'm sure Rebecca doesn't literally mean to kill our daughter.

If Rebecca could cry real tears, they'd be streaming down her face. She looks at each of the sisters and bows her head. I meant exactly what I said. Danielle will be a powerful force that will either fall to the darkness of her demon half or fall to the power of her Mutane Sihiri half. On one hand, she'd kill the entire demon race and on the other, she'd kill all the Mutane Sihiri. She will disrupt the balance. I don’t know what causes it. I can only see her destruction. I am sorry but I'm not leaving here without her or ensuring she’s dead. The ancestors won’t allow it.

Mary feels pops of electricity trickling across her skin as more of her husband's power fills the room.

He moves closer to Mary. Danielle will not be going anywhere nor will she be sentenced to death.

Danielle begins crying from all the tension in the room. She starts squirming in her mother's arms as her face gets redder by the second.

Rebecca begins to glow. You do not have a choice in this matter.

He summons his sword quickly and attacks Rebecca. Just as he swings, she flicks her wrist and sends him flying across the room.

Black smoke starts swirling around Mary as she gathers her power. Tell the ancestors we will handle this. My daughter will not die, today or any day. Leave now before you do something to ruin our friendship.

Rebecca shakes her head sadly. I am truly sorry.

Rebecca holds up her hand and suddenly Mary freezes. Rebecca jerks her head and Danielle is ripped from her mother’s arms. She sails across the room toward Rebecca.

Miranda snaps her fingers and teleports Danielle to Sydney. Protect her! She gives Danielle a quick glance before facing Rebecca again.

Rebecca starts glowing brighter. She's gathering more power from the ancestors. Before she can use the power, she grabs her head and starts screaming.

Ashley has her white eyes and smoky hands trained on her. You are done. Do not come near us again. If you do, we will destroy you and the ancestors.

She snaps her fingers and Rebecca disappears from the room.

Mary turns to see Volkath looming over a very angry looking Sydney as she holds Danielle away from him.

He inches closer. Do you think you can keep my daughter away from me?

Mary walks over and grabs Danielle while looking at each of them in confusion. What's going on?

Volkath puts an arm around Mary. I am simply informing your sister that I must take Danielle back to the Nether World to learn the ways of her people.

Mary frowns as she extracts herself from her husband. My people are her people too, and she's not going anywhere.

Magic crackles in the air as his anger comes back full force. If what Rebecca says is true, then I must take her so that she learns where she comes from. Maybe we can use her to our advantage. Having a powerful force such as her would make us more powerful.

Mary starts shaking her head and backing away slowly. If there is one thing I know about Rebecca’s visions, it’s that there’s no beating them. They're either fulfilled or unfulfilled. She will stay here so that we can try to direct the way this turns out.

He changes his stance. I am not leaving without the child.

He walks toward Mary but before he can reach her, a shield appears. The sisters stand defensively in front of Mary.

Miranda looks at Danielle before speaking to Volkath. My sister has spoken. You are here only because we allow it. You forget who we are. Should you return before we tell you, I will not be so nice next time.

Miranda opens a portal and without waiting for a reply, Sydney pushes him through. Silence fills the room while the sisters are lost in thought.

Mary leans down and kisses Danielle’s cheeks before speaking. Why does this always happen to us. I just want to live as normal as possible.

Ashley scoffs. "Well, you’re the one who fell in love with a demon. A powerful one at that. I mean seriously, what the hell were you thinking?

Mary sighs. Shut up, Ashley.

Annie leans in to grab the baby. I have an idea. I don't know if this will stop Rebecca’s vision, but it will at least buy us time until we figure out what to do.

She hugs Danielle close to her chest before laying her on the bed. She puts a smoky blue hand on her forehead. I can bind her powers, she says. Both the Mutane Sihiri side and her demon side.

Mary nods her head. Then do that. I'd rather her have no abilities than to deal with her destroying entire races of people.

At Mary's approval, Annie bound Danielle's abilities. All Mary can hope for now is for Danielle to grow up as normal as possible and learn the ways of her people while she and her sisters learn more about the vision.

Chapter 1

Defending Myself Once Again

Lucy, we're going to be late if you don’t hurry up! I shout as we run across the field. Professor Jade will have us running laps around the school until dinner this time.

It’s the first day of our senior year. My shoes slap the ground hard as I race against time. My breathing is harsh, my heart beats erratically, and the wind is blowing strands of hair across my face. Lucy catches up to me in no time. Her magic allows her to not only be stronger than me but faster too.

She slows down to keep pace beside me. You could have woken me up. We literally share the same room.

She does have a point. We live in the dorms while attending the Institute of Magical Arts. Unfortunately for us, our dorms are far across the property.

I shrug my shoulder. If you wouldn't stay up so late maybe you'd get up on time.

Orchard Landing is basically a small city that house thousands of Mutane Sihiri on an island in Washington state. My mother and aunts, the Over Lords, are the leaders of our magical race. They initially established this place as a safe haven for our people when magic was accidentally exposed. Humans did not take the news of magic’s existence well and it was an arduous time to be a magic user. In the end, they fixed the problem and made the humans forget magic exists. To keep magic a secret, we operate under the guise of being a school for the young and gifted.

The Institute is separated into four groups: Tier 1, Tier 2, Tier 3, and Tier 4. Tier 1’s are the younger groups of students. They are equivalent to what the humans refer to as elementary school age. Their uniforms are midnight blue and black plaid. Their building is located on the west side of the property. Tier 2’s are the middle-aged students. They are equivalent to what the humans refer to as middle school age. Their uniforms are forest green and black plaid. They’re located on the south side of the property. My group, Tier 3, is what the humans refer to as high school age. Our uniforms are deep red and black plaid. We are located on the north side of the property.

The boys wear long cotton plaid trousers that reach all the way down and partially cover their black loafers. They’re paired with short black patterned socks. Depending on the weather, a white short or long sleeve shirt is worn tucked in their trousers with their school jacket. A broad plaid tie hangs down the middle of their unbuttoned jacket. The girls wear pleated plaid skirts with the appropriate color of their tier. They can wear either long socks or pantyhose with black flats. Same as the boys, the girls either wear short or long sleeve white shirts tucked into their skirts with the school jacket on top. They too wear ties that hang in the middle. The jackets have the school’s crest sewn on the front pocket.

Tier 4 is our soldier training. Those in tier 4 must train and serve in the Mutane Sihiri army. When on Orchard Landing, Tier 4 wears the military uniform while training. However, since Orchard Landing doesn’t have a college, those who wish to attend are allowed to in the surrounding area when they’re not in training. We are not prisoners here, but the rules are in place for our safety. Everyone here does a job to keep this place running smoothly but if they wish to leave and live amongst the humans, then they can with stipulations. I don’t know what the agreements are, but my mom and aunts are very good at keeping tabs on their people.

I skid to a halt once we reach the main building. I straighten my uniform, take a deep breath, and open the doors. Students fill the halls and move about in herds. The high round ceilings amplify their excited whispers and footsteps. Everyone is talking about their class schedules. Lucy and I stand in line, waiting to see what this year’s schedule will be. The line moves slowly, so we pass time talking about the things we did over the summer. For all intents and purposes, the Institute functions like a regular school. Students get summer break, spring break, and winter break. Those who can and have family outside of Orchard Landing are free to visit them.

Lucy grabs her schedule and I step up next. Linda hands me the schedule and gives me a wink. She, along with a handful of other faculties know who I really am, and she tends to give me special treatment. I smile back, grab Lucy, and walk out of the office.

Lucy crumbles her schedule. Ugh, please tell me you have a better schedule than I do?

I never bothered to look at mine. This year will be the same as every other year; sucky.

I look down at my schedule. I have Offensive Magic, Defensive Magic, Combat 101, History of Magic, oh and my personal favorite, Magical Combat 203.

Lucy skims over her schedule and compare hers to mine. At least we’ll have Defensive Magic and Magical Combat 203 together. She glances at the clock on the wall. Come on, let’s head to our building. The bell will ring soon.

I hook my arm through hers, and we walk to our Defensive Magic class. Everyone has already chosen their seats, so we take the two desks in the front of the class. A couple of minutes later Austin walks in with his usual group of friends. Another group of students automatically move seats to allow Austin and his friends to sit in them. They’re the popular kids in our school.

As they walk over to the desks, Austin intentionally kicks my foot. Hey nopow, watch where you put your feet.

I stare straight ahead, determined not to let the demeaning nickname affect me. Nopow is short for no power or slang for powerless. He stares down at me, trying to intimidate me like he used to. By no means am I scared of any of the students, I can hold my own. I just try the non-confrontational route first and if I end up fighting, then I know I had no other choice.

Lucy sits forward. Hey, dickwad. Leave her alone before I make you. She throws a mean look his way. You haven’t matured at all this summer. Your mother must be so proud of the piece of crap you are.

He smirks at her comment. At least my mom cares about me. What about you, Dani? No one has ever seen your mother or father. I guess your parents are too ashamed to claim a nopow as their daughter. You’d think after all this time, the school would realize that maybe you’re not a magic user. Why do you attend here anyway?

That is enough! Professor Jade is standing in the doorway with a mean look. Everyone stands as she enters the room. Stop that nonsense this instant. Austin, see Linda after class. I’m sure she can teach you a few manners.

He groans at the thought of having to see Linda. She might be old, but she's stern when she has to be. Professor Jade takes a seat at her desk, and we sit down at ours. I quickly wipe a tear before anyone can see it, but I should have known Professor Jade wouldn’t miss it. She gives me a small smile before she starts teaching our first lesson. Class drags on and I can’t focus on what Professor Jade is teaching. Austin’s comments really got to me. I know my mom cares, my aunts too. Mom said she didn’t want anyone here to treat me differently so my relationship to her has been kept a secret. However, that’s not what bothers me. Why don’t I have magic? My mother is one of the most powerful magic users in existence. I don’t know my father, but she told me he had magic as well. There must be something wrong with me.

Professor Jade sits her pen down. You will read and study the first five advanced defensive maneuvers. By the end of the semester, you will demonstrate your knowledge and ability to perform all twelve. She closes her book and stands from her desk. You are dismissed. Danielle, may I speak with you for a moment?

Lucy gives me a sympathetic look as she stands from her desk. I have to get to my next class. Will I see you at lunch?

I'm sure she's only asking because she knows I hate eating in the school cafeteria. Ever since I started attending the Institute, it’s been nothing but trouble. Being the only student without magic and attending a school for magic users has made me a target. I'm no pushover and can hold my own but there's nothing I can do against magic.

I shrug my shoulder. Maybe. I guess I'll see what nonsense Austin has planned for today.

A look of irritation crosses her face, and she shakes her head in disgust. I don’t understand how Austin and his crew have been a problem since you started here, and no one does anything about it. I know I’ve never met your mom, but surely she’d come up here and put a stop to this?

I love that Lucy is concerned. She’s been my only friend since the beginning. I feel bad about keeping my parentage a secret from her.

I send her a sad smile. My mother is very busy. To be honest, I haven’t told her about this.

Lucy pauses as she gathers her books. You haven’t told her? Really, Dani?

She starts gathering her things again. Promise me you won’t let them get to you this year. It’s our final year before we switch to higher learning and train in the army.

I stand and hug her. I promise. This year will different.

I walk toward Professor Jade and shrink under her intense glare.

She stares at me a moment longer before sitting down. Are you alright?

My shoulders sag from guilt. I’m fine. I can handle them. Don’t worry.

I leave the room without another word. The rest of the morning moves fast and soon I’m headed toward the cafeteria. As usual, it smells of different foods and is loud from the students’ conversations. The food is simple, and the décor is plain. I grab my food quietly and head to the table Lucy is sitting at.

I sit my plate down and flop into the chair. "How’s your first day going?

It’s going great. Classes aren’t as horrible as I thought they’d be. Professor Torri’s personality could use an upgrade though, she replies around a mouth full of food.

I laugh a little at that. Most students hated taking Professor Torri’s class. Mainly because she can be mean, condescending, and haughty. Professor’s Torri, Jade, and a handful of others have known my mom and aunts for years. They were here when the school was founded. We ate our lunch and talked for a little while then suddenly, something hits me on the side of the face. I rub a hand across my cheek and come away with fingers coated in some sort of sauce.

Everyone in the cafeteria laughs as I stand quickly and walk out the door. I will not retaliate. That would make me no better than them. I can hear Lucy calling my name on the way out, but I ignore her. I wonder around in a daze until I reach the main house. Looking around, I make sure no one followed me and quickly go inside. I run upstairs to my room, grab a change of clothes, and head to shower. Once clean, I walk to the library to grab a book. I decided to spend the rest of the day hiding in my room reading. I make my way back to my room and stop in the doorway. Mom is sitting on my bed.

She looks lovingly at me. I heard you were having a rough day. Want to talk about it?

I walk over and give her a hug. Hi, mom. What are you doing home? I thought you were out solving the magical problems of the world?

She smiles at my dramatic definition of her job as Over Lord. I was but when I hear that my daughter needs me, nothing else matters. Now, tell me who Austin is and where I can find him.

Mom! No way. I can handle this on my own. I lay down next to her. Besides, what happened to keeping our relation a secret?

She lays down too, and we’re both staring at the ceiling for a moment before she answers. Keeping it a secret was for your benefit. I didn’t want anyone to give you preferential treatment because of who I am. But now I see that can actually work in your favor.

I let out a heavy breath. Having no magic is what’s making things hard for me. Why don’t I have any abilities?

Mom is quiet for a moment as if she’s lost in thought. She hesitates before answering. There are things you do not know. Not having magic is a part of that. I have tried my best to make life good for you. Your aunts and I have been going nonstop to make sure you live and be free of magical constraints. I only hope we have succeeded in helping you.

Now I’m confused because she sounds sad. Could she be disappointed that she is so powerful and has a daughter that is powerless? My mother is not a vain person so appearances wouldn’t bother her, but her sad tone bothers me.

Aunt Ashley walks into the room. "Mary, we need you in the living room. Hey, Dani! I hear you’re having problems at school. Should I head over and have a training session with Austin? I promise to only break a few bones."

I sit up quickly. Oh my God, no! Please, leave it alone. I lay back again with a deep sigh. Tell Jade thanks for telling everyone.

My mom and aunt left me to read for a little while. I’m sure mom had me excused for the rest of the day. I need to get back to the dorms before Lucy returns and starts asking questions about where I’ve been. I head downstairs to tell everyone goodbye when I hear them talking in hushed tones, so I peek around the corner quietly.

Aunt Miranda is pacing in front of the couch. I still haven’t found anything that can help us change Rebecca’s vision. She looks at my mother. Have you noticed any changes?

Mom shakes her head. No, no magic has manifested yet.

Mom looks at Aunt Sydney. Have you sense any magic from her?

She hangs her head. Nope. She’s powerless. What if they never manifest?

Mom stands, preparing to exit the room. We’ll keep looking. We can’t afford to put either the demons or the Mutane Sihiri’s existence in jeopardy.

It seems like they’re busy with Over Lord duties. From what I gather, they know of some kind of vision and whatever was seen is threatening our existence. I feel bad that my inability to wield magic is on their minds when they should be concentrating on their duties. I yell goodbye, sneak out the door, and make my way to the dorms.

Chapter 2

Everybody Hates The Nopow

Lucy swings the door open before I can enter the code into the keypad.

She grabs me, pulls me into the room, and hugs me tight. I'm so glad you're okay. What they did to you was unacceptable. I told Linda, and Austin and his friends are on cafeteria duty for the next week.

I extract myself from her grip and sit on my bed. Thanks, Lucy. I'm really okay.

I look around our dorm and notice its cleanliness. Lucy must have busied herself by cleaning as she waited for me to come back. Our dorm is a decent size with two twin beds on each side of the room. Both of us have matching oak dressers, desks, tables, and nightstands.

Lucy sits on her bed facing me. You missed the rest of school, but I got all of your assignments for you.

She hands me the stack of books and papers. The only assignment I can really do is the one from Combat 101.

Hey, Lucy? Do you mind practicing Combat 101 with me? I ask.

She hops off the bed with a big smile. Of course!

We spend the next hour practicing before calling it quits. Since