Alchemy Academy: Champions Secret: Alchemy Academy, #3

By Jess Peters

Book 3 of a magic academy romance series!

The lock shattered—Check.
The Ruby secured—Check.
Now, a plunge into Erebus' dark realm, negotiating for liberation.
All pieces align, and I stand prepared.
Could anything falter now? Impossible.
Oh, how misguided that certainty proved to be. In the face of the unforeseen, life's biggest challenge unfolds. Yet, I'll prevail. I must.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Jess Peters
• Release date: Jan 16, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224503438

Book preview

Alchemy Academy: Champions Secret

One.

Roxy

Are you sure that you want to do this?

Can you quit the worrying, Rox? I said I’m fine.

"Well, excuse me for being concerned, but you actually died, Lorrie. I saw your lifeless body only a few days ago, and now you want to duel," I frowned.

Lorrie had been out cold for two entire days after Leo had resurrected her. It was hard to see her so motionless, and so deathly pale, especially since Levi had slept almost as long after producing three portals on the same day. I’d missed his company in that time.

What do you want me to say? I’ve slept enough. Please, Rox. Just trust me when I say that I’m fine.

We crossed the grounds of Levi’s estate until we saw Levi and Leo waiting in the clearing.

Levi’s eyes instantly lit up when he saw me, and I instinctively made my way straight towards his arms which reeled me in and embraced me.

Lorrie, you’re not joining in are you? Levi frowned when he saw her behind me.

I’m taking part, and I’m feeling better. Please, can everyone just stop asking, she sighed.

I frowned, glancing back at her.

Can you two please stop worrying for the hundredth time?

Oh, I can’t wait for this, Leo rubbed his hands together excitedly.

Leo had decided to stay with us for the week, by Conners invite, after Svalbard. Plus Levi was his ticket home and since he had been out of it, Leo was also kind of stuck here.

His one request was that I duel with him so that he could see some of my Erebus power. Conner had been the same way, although he had sugar-coated the reason why he wanted to duel.

I didn’t mind. I kind of found duelling fun, and I loved that I could use all four of my elements in the safe confines of this estate.

So me and Lorrie against the overly happy couple?

Levi grinned at me. Sounds good to me.

Leo and Lorrie both backed away, putting some distance between us. Ready to take them?

Definitely. They don’t stand a chance, I smirked.

Leo instantly waved his arms forward, sending a wave of flames racing towards me, hitting me before I could shield myself.

Well, he isn’t wasting any time, I laughed.

Levi and I both shared a knowing look, before sending a joint wave of water hurling forwards at the same time.

Leo threw up an air shield, however, Lorrie wasn’t quick enough as the waters drenched her.

Levi winked at me before sending flames hurling towards Leo.

Lorrie sent a flaming ball at me which I knocked aside, before sending my own flames raging forwards.

She shielded herself and continued sending flames, each one impacting my shield. I frowned as one caused the flames protecting me to buckle and I could have sworn that her attacks had become stronger recently.

I latched on to her shield just before one of my water balls could hit her, and yanked it down. As she stumbled backwards from the impact, I opened up a small pit, and I couldn’t help but grin as she fell backwards into the dark hole.

Levi and Leo were both in an equal duel to my left. I latched on to Leo’s flaming shield and pushed it in tighter around him.

His eyes widened as he found himself helpless against the control I had over his shield. I forced it in tighter still until he was completely encased.

Then I fell backwards, the hard ground hitting my back. Lorrie had dragged herself out of my pit and had tangled a vine around my ankle which had pulled me down.

My control over Leo’s shield faltered, and he sent a burst of air crushing down upon me, the air from my lungs being forced out and a pain pulsating through my chest.

Levi knocked him aside, and I sat up having a coughing fit before dragging myself to my feet.

Leo threw a spinning fireball at me, but I took control of it and flicked it towards Levi who threw it back at him.

They work well together, a voice commented to my left.

Jamie.

They sure do, Conner replied.

Great. We have an audience.

I sent a wave of water crashing towards Lorrie, knocking her to the ground before throwing a combination of fire and water at Leo. Steam burst around him, obscuring his view while I sent a burst of flames at him, hitting him in the stomach.

Air shot into me a few moments later, the force making me stumble, but it stopped as Levi shielded me and countered with his own air attack.

I smiled at him appreciably before waving both arms forward and releasing a large tidal wave from my body. The wave crashed into both, Leo and Lorrie, bringing them to the ground. I finished up with bringing a solid slab of air crashing down upon them, causing them both to engage in a coughing fit.

That’s my girl, Levi grinned, and he swept me into his arms and spun me around.

That was good, Roxy. You’re improving, Conner said with an approving nod.

That’s some power you have, Leo walked over dripping wet with a grin.

I guess so. I drew the water out of his and Lorrie’s clothing and deposited it on the grass.

Anyway, lunch is all ready inside, Conner said.

Thanks, Leo said.

We watched Leo and Lorrie walk back towards the house with Jamie, leaving us alone with Conner.

You duel well together, he smiled.

We do, Levi rested his hand on my shoulder.

How’s Lorrie feeling?

She says that she’s fine, but I don’t really believe her. She died for heaven's sake, I muttered.

She didn’t look too bad duelling.

It’s not physically that I’m worried about, I muttered. Dying and coming back to life has to have an impact on you.

We can only trust her own judgment. At least she’s alive, Conner said softly.

Thankfully so, I whispered.

I’ll meet you inside.

Levi didn’t waste a second before gripping my hips and pulling me in for a kiss the moment his dad began walking away.

Roxy Delvin, have I told you how much I love you?

I don’t believe that you have, Mr Nichtos, I whispered.

His lips merged with mine in a hungry and passionate kiss, his tongue prising my lips apart and allowing himself to claim my mouth fully.

Your parents are waiting, I whispered.

And let them wait, he mumbled before kissing me again.

Levi, I breathlessly mumbled as he pulled away.

Fine, let’s go to lunch, he sighed.

We got to the large dining table just as Athena was carrying the last of the dishes in with a strand of telekinesis.

This was the first time that we’d all sat down for lunch this week. We’d only been coming together for dinner so far.

There was a spread of sandwiches, potato salad, cakes and other lunch snacks.

It’s New Year’s eve tomorrow, Athena said as we started helping ourselves to the spread of food in the middle of the table.

Levi released a sigh. Where’s the party?

Charles Baphomet’s estate, Conner replied.

I was kind of hoping to stay in with Rox, Levi muttered.

Not an option, son. Charles rang this morning and we’ve all got an invitation. It was always to be expected that he would host a party. We held it last year.

Just great, he sighed. He doesn’t even know Leo. How have you gotten him an invitation?

I told him that he’s an acquaintance of yours from the academy who’s visiting, unless you’re not interested, Leo.

Oh no, I’d be happy to come, thanks, Leo said between a mouthful of cake.

That’s good. Now we have the issue of cars. Roxy, do you mind if we go and pick up your car from your estate tomorrow morning?

Erm, sure. But am I missing something here, why can’t we just portal? I drew my eyes together.

Charles has requested that we drive. It’s expected that all of the Councillors and other guests living on this island drive there so that their portal doesn’t get too clogged up. He’ll have guests coming from all over the world, Conner explained. Plus, it’s a relatively small island, so why not drive? It’s the same reason that the Baphomet family drove to ours at Christmas.

Fair enough.

Assuming that you’re going to stay attached at the hip you two, I’ll take you both to Roxy’s estate in the morning.

You’re right in assuming that I’m not leaving my girl, Levi whispered.

What are you going to do when you’re back at work? You have to leave her side eventually, Conner said.

But I can savour every moment I have until then. And I’m lucky enough that I have the pleasure of teaching her.

There was no denying that the bond between us had strengthened more since we had confirmed that we were Destined.

And I wasn’t complaining about it. I was loving spending the Christmas holidays with him, bar the unfortunate trip to Svalbard.

We spent the rest of the day as we had done the past week. We snuggled up on the sofa and watched films.

The next morning, we sat at the kitchen table drinking coffee with Lorrie when Conner came marching in. How long until you’re both ready?

I looked inside my mug. A few minutes.

Then meet me by the portal in ten.

Can I come? Lorrie asked.

I don’t see why not. It’s Roxy’s place after all, Conner smiled, looking my way.

Of course you can come, Lor.

Ten minutes later and we were standing in front of the portal. Lorrie was buzzing with excitement, eager to see my estate.

My estate.

That would not settle in my mind anytime soon.

Right, let’s go. Levi, you’re going to have to take Roxy and Lorrie because of the additional wards I’ve put up, Conner strode in.

Wards? Lorrie muttered.

I’ve made it so that only Roxy and my bloodline can get in. You must be an approved visitor which means entering with Roxy, unless you want to suffer some pretty extreme pain and discomfort.

What do you think of when you portal to a Council estate? I mean, other portals, you think of the place, I ran my hand through my hair.

You simply think of the Delvin estate in this case, Levi replied as his gripped my other hand. To come back here you’d think of the Nichtos estate.

But you’re not trying it today. I’ll see you there. Conner stepped through the transparent shimmer and vanished.

Levi held his hand out for Lorrie to take before leading us through.

Holy shit, Lorrie whispered as she looked around the large elegant room.

Holy shit indeed, I whispered.

And this is yours. You’re so lucky, she marvelled.

I can’t quite believe it myself yet, Lor. It is pretty cool.

Take five minutes to show her around before her eyes pop out of her head, Conner smiled before leaving the room.

We walked through multiple sitting rooms, because one isn’t enough in a house this big, then through multiple dining rooms. Why eat in the same room each evening when you could switch it up? Lorrie glanced at the collection of books in the library before moving on to the kitchen.

Eventually, we made it upstairs where we looked in at multiple guest rooms until we made it to the master bedroom. This estate actually had three floors compared to Levi’s which has two. It was an excessively enormous property.

They look so happy, Lorrie whispered as she looked at the photo of my parents.

I think they were, I whispered back.

And you were such a cute baby.

Well, that’s a lie. Babies aren’t cute. They all look the same, I chuckled.

We had left the photo of me on the shelf since nobody could now get onto the grounds to find it. There was no need to hide it.

I pulled the car out of the garage with the widest grin imaginable across my face.

You do know that this is illegal, right? Conner muttered.

Such a shame that it's locked down to my bloodline, I smirked.

She’s quite a good driver considering she’s never had a proper lesson, Levi said beside me.

It’s amazing what you can learn in a stolen car with enough adrenaline.

Chaos help me, Conner placed his head in his hand. You could have given my son permission to drive it.

And where’s the fun in that, Conner? I laughed.

My car drove like a treat.

My car.

I actually own a car.

The views along the coast were magnificent, the sea calm considering that it was winter, and the sun was even making an appearance today, brightening up everything.

How many Councillors are there? I asked as I drove us past some estates approaching Levi’s house.

There’s meant to be twelve, but with your mothers passing, there’s now only eleven, Conner explained.

So it’s only represented by nine families, with you and Athena both on it alongside both of Miles’ parents.

Yes, at the moment. The spot’s there for you, should you want it? You could become Head Councillor over Charles.

How can I come along and take control of something that I know nothing about? I frowned at Conner through the mirror.

You’d learn Roxy. It’s rightfully yours. Athena and I would both be there to guide you.

Dad, Levi warned.

Well, it is her birthright.

Why don’t you want it? Lorrie asked.

I shook my head. Because I’m just a student who’s only recently been thrown into this world. The Council members have grown up around it their entire lives. What right do I have to take that from them?

Because you’re of Erebus, Roxy. You’re the most powerful magical of us all, and the spot is rightfully yours, Conner exasperated.

Dad, please, Levi said again with a clear warning to his tone.

We pulled into Levi’s estate with no further comment on the matter.

I could see things from Conners point of view, but I had a valid point as well.

Athena took Leo, Lorrie and me into town for the afternoon to buy new dresses to wear. Naturally, Levi refused to be parted from me, so he came along.

I stood in front of the mirror looking myself over. I had on an expensive black silk dress which just about covered the Destined mark on my chest.

You look stunning, Rox, Levi whispered, his eyes lingering on the slit in the material up my thigh.

So do you. He had on a three-piece designer tuxedo which he brought out today. The silk waistcoat sat perfectly on the white shirt with its cufflinks, and his black jacket finished the look perfectly. He looked as handsome as anything.

I wish we could just stay here so I could rip that dress right off of you. His eyes were hungry and wanting.

But alas, our supreme leader is expecting us, I sighed.

Levi put a concealment spell on the Eye of Erebus on the back of my shoulder before we went downstairs.

You two look good, Leo said as we appeared. He had a new suit on, but it wasn’t as expensive as Levi’s.

Thanks, you scrub up well yourself. He had even shaved for the occasion which made him look completely different from the Leo that was sitting in the pub nursing a pint.

Lorrie had a light blue dress on that sat loosely around her knees.

A few minutes later, Jamie joined us in an equally expensive tuxedo, shortly followed by his parents.

Athena had a red dress on which sat tightly around her body, while Conner was wearing another three-piece designer tuxedo.

Athena is driving our car with Lorrie and Jamie while I’m going with you two. Leo, you can pick which car you’d like to travel in. Athena will follow us. I’m expecting some Shadows to be lurking, so if they attack us, they can cover us from behind. Everyone keep an eye out for them, Conner said.

Maybe I should drive? Levi asked.

That’s probably a good idea. Do you reckon the car would recognise you now that we’re Destined?

Let’s find out, he smiled.

I slipped into the passenger seat just as Levi pressed the ignition button with his finger on the key fob.

The cars engine roared to life. Well, that answers that question, he grinned.

It’s a blood bond, so I guess it makes sense, I shrugged.

Charles Baphomet’s estate was closer than my one, but further away than the town was.

The roads were eerily quiet with no sign of Shadows and very few cars passing us by.

The closer we got, the more I relaxed.

Then a burst of flames appeared on my left just before a dark figure bounced off the side of the car.

Levi, I gasped.

I saw his grip of the steering wheel tighten as the Shadow which had hit the car burst into flames.

Conner rolled the window down and shot a fireball out of it, Ignis.

Another Shadow pounced at the car, but Conner turned it to ashes. Then on the left, an explosion of flames flared as another got turned to ashes.

The moment we approached the gates to the estate, Levi visually relaxed, the gates automatically opening for us.

We should have just taken the portal, Levi muttered as he drove the car up the long driveway.

You know very well that we couldn’t, Conner said.

I’m taking her back by portal tonight, dad. This was too risky.

Fine. I’ll have to drive the car back, if you don’t mind, Roxy?

That’s fine. You’ll just have to show me how to give you permission with the key fob.

Didn’t you do that for Levi?

There was no need. The car started for him.

It knows that you’re bound by blood, Conner whispered.

We met Athena and the others at the doors. Best smiles everyone, and try to look like you want to be here, Conner gave Levi a pointed look.

I saw Levi roll his eyes, and I had to agree with him. This was the last place I wanted to be to welcome in the new year.

Two.

Levi

I put on my best forced smile as we walked down the hallway of the house.

The Baphomet estate was a lot like Roxy’s, and equally the largest of all the Council houses. The large chandelier hung overhead, lighting up the room, and the place had been decorated elegantly for the celebrations.

We entered the large ballroom which had the adjoining doors to the sitting room wide open to allow for guests to move between them.

Music filled the air as a live quartet played in the rooms corner, the beautiful sounds reaching my ears.

Conner, welcome. It’s good to see you, Charles’ booming voice cut through the air.

Good evening, Charles. Both men slapped their hands together in a quick, but solid handshake.

You look stunning, Athena, Charles said as he leaned in and kissed her on the cheek.

The place is decorated beautifully, mum said with a polite smile.

Levi and Roxy. Don’t you two look happy, his gaze turned to us, taking an extra moment to look at our joint hands.

We are happy, Charles, I replied.

He shook his head with a chuckle. A student. It still surprises me, Levi.

Charles, they’re Fated, my dad cut in.

Conner, I know. His attention was back on my dad. But really, a teacher and his student. What are the chances?

I bit my tongue at arguing back. Arguing with Charles Baphomet was never a good idea.

What are the chances of becoming Fated at all? They’re incredibly lucky, dad replied.

Let’s go and find Miles, I whispered to Roxy and nodded at Lorrie to follow.

There was a large crowd present this evening, and judging by the noise down the hall, the other sitting rooms and dining rooms were also in use.

It didn’t take long to find Miles who was standing with James.

Evening. Don’t you all look smart, he dipped his head in greeting as we approached. Lorrie, how are you feeling?

Better, thanks, she replied.

Better? Why, what happened? James creased his eyebrows.

Erm, she had a stomach bug a few days ago. It was the best that I could think of on the spot.

Oh, right. You look beautiful, Lorrie, James said, taking a step towards her.

So do you, she whispered.

They were a cute couple, and I couldn’t help but smile as James drew her in for a hug.

Is Leo here? Miles asked.

Yeah, he came with us, I replied. We’ve kind of just left him with dad and Charles.

Miles barked a laugh. This seems so out of his comfort zone.

It probably is, Roxy chuckled.

A slow soft piece began to fill my ears, and I glanced towards the dance floor, and then at Roxy.

Roxy, love, care to have this dance with me? I placed my other hand out towards her.

Why, Mr Nichtos, I’d be honoured.

I led her to the dance floor and then pulled her body in close to mine. I placed my hand to cup her cheek and drew her in for a kiss, then slid my hand down to meet her own while placing the other on her lower back.

How did you learn to dance so well? She asked, her hand resting on my shoulder as she followed me to the music.

Being a Councillors son meant going to many parties like this. You watch and you learn. Now I can dance pretty well, as was expected of me with my family name. Dad wouldn’t accept anything less of me, I smiled and stared into her gorgeous green eyes.

You make me look shit at dancing, she mumbled.

Rox, nonsense. You dance well enough.

You’re just saying that.

Would I do such a thing? I smirked and turned her hand until she twirled around, my other hand catching her body as she came back around.

The ravishing sounds pulsated through me, the rhythm becoming one with me as I danced with Roxy. When the piece ended, I stepped back with a smile. Let’s get a drink.

We found a selection of drinks all on a large table at the side of the room, with everything from champagne to wine, and beers to spirits. I grabbed us both a glass of red wine as we moved back towards Miles, James and Lorrie.

You two dance like you’re meant to be, James said.

That’s because we are, I replied.

Levi, it’s a long time no see.

Tara I smiled. Tara was on the Council, a tall thin woman whose long hair always seemed to cover her thick-rimmed glasses.

How have things been at work?

They’ve been fine. It’s been a good term, I glanced at Roxy with a grin.

That’s good. And I see that you’ve found yourself a nice young woman, she looked at Roxy.

Yes, may I introduce you to Roxy?

I looked at her. This is Tara, Rox. She’s on the Council alongside my parents.

A pleasure to meet you. So did you meet at the academy?

We did, I said.

Oh, so you’re another teacher?

Oh, no. I’m in my first year, Roxy replied.

Oh, right. A teacher-student relationship. I could see the disapproval in her expression.

I sighed. We’re Fated, Tara.

Oh my, how wonderful for you. Congratulations, and such a rarity. I bet your parents are proud. Her tune immediately changed at the news.

They are. Dad confirmed it for us over Christmas.

Well, you’re very lucky.

I am, I whispered.

Tara left us with a smile.

I didn’t know that you were Fated, James said, his eyes wide.

Yes, well, we had suspected it for a little while, and had it confirmed last week.

Congratulations, he grinned. I’ve never met anyone who’s actually had it happen.

I know. We’re incredibly lucky.

Roxy didn’t understand the importance or rarity of what had happened between us. Everyone thought that we were Fated, but it was actually more than that. Being Destined was almost unheard of.

Almost, except with her parents.

I should probably do the rounds. Roxy, come with me, then we can enjoy the evening together.

She nodded, and I led her through the crowds of bodies standing around talking.

Levi, how have things been? A strong accent caught my attention.

Good, Paulo. How about with you? Is your wife here this evening? Paulo was a typical middle-aged Brazilian, his tanned skin and black hair blending in with his dark suit. He was also another Council member.

Carthina is here tonight, but of course, Antonio wanted nothing to do with this and went out with his friends from the academy. Paulo’s son, Antonio, went to Neptune Academy, the elite in America, but we never really saw him.

I hear he’s doing well there.

Yes, he’s in his last year now. How have things been at your academy? He asked.

Oh, nice. Yeah, things are fine. I glanced at Roxy with a smile. May I introduce you to Roxy? I met her at the academy this year.

Oh, you’re a student. How strange, but I can see why you’re attracted to Levi. He’s from a powerful family.

Paulo, we’re Fated, and she’s not with me because of my family name, I muttered.

Wow, congratulations. What a thing to happen. You must be so pleased. How does it affect work though?

Thanks. I’m a lucky man indeed. And it affects nothing. I understand the need to keep work separate from my private life, and I keep myself professional in class.

I saw Roxy raise an eyebrow at me with a grin.

Almost professional.

Maybe not so much when I have her pinned against the desk.

She’s an incredible girl.

Levi, I’m not, she whispered.

You are, and I’m glad that I have you, love.

Paulo looked slightly awkward and looked around the room. Well, I best go and find Carthina. Congratulations again.

I grabbed us both another drink before we carried on circulating the room.

With every Councillor that we met, I was losing count of