Heir of Dragons: The Complete Series

By Sean Fletcher

She's got the powers of a dragon, and the Slayers are closing in…

 

Kaylee just blasted her first date with lightning. She has no idea how, but when the creep pulls a sword on her, what's a girl to do?

Soon, she's discovering a whole magical world she had no clue existed, all hidden in plain sight. And that lightning she summoned? Even among paranormals, that's not normal.

Turns out Kaylee is a dragon-kin, a half dragon/half human with the incredibly rare power to summon storms. As if that weren't trouble enough, her newly discovered magic has attracted the wrong kind of attention: Slayers, a murderous ancient order dedicated to eradicating all dragon-kin. They're planning something big. Something deadly.

And they're going to use Kaylee to do it.

Perfect for fans of Harry Potter and Percy Jackson. If you like snarky, fast-paced fantasies full of dragon shifters, awakened elemental magic, and a slow-burn romance, then this series is for you!

This complete box set includes all four books in the bestselling Heir of Dragons YA fantasy series:
1. Dragon's Awakening
2. Dragon's Curse
3. Dragon's Bane
4. Dragon's Fate

Over 1000+ pages of dragon shifters, twisting mysteries, elemental magic, and a slow burn romance you won't be able to put down!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Sean Fletcher
• Release date: Feb 19, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224758005

Book preview

Heir of Dragons

HEIR OF DRAGONS

THE COMPLETE SERIES

SEAN FLETCHER

CONTENTS

Join the Fantasy Fiends Reader Group

Dragon’s Awakening

Dragon’s Curse

Dragon’s Bane

Dragon’s Fate

Connect With Me

More Books by Sean

About the Author

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You know you want to. We’ve got magic and stuff. :)

DRAGON’S AWAKENING

HEIR OF DRAGONS BOOK ONE

To those who feel different

and

To those who are different

May you never change

AT THE START

In ancient times, dragons roamed the earth.

They were beasts of great power, immense in size, beautiful in structure, with magic flowing through their veins; beings as dangerous as they were wise.

The dragons saw themselves as set apart from man. They thought man foolhardy, weak. They treated humanity as little more than playthings for their amusement to pass the centuries, and, in response, the humans came to fear dragons.

But there came an age where dragons grew to stop reviling human-kind. They came to admire humanity’s persistence, their passion, their creativity. They began teaching them secrets acquired through the centuries. Alliances were formed. Respect was forged.

And it came to be that some dragons even used their magic to take on human guises and build families with them.

Naturally, this did not end well for everyone.

CHAPTER ONE

The last thing Kaylee Richards wanted to do on her final day of summer vacation was be charged with attempted manslaughter.

Arson, yeah, that was understandable. Because she had caught that historical barn on fire, and it was nothing but a charred mess now. But that had been an accident. Plus, the attempted manslaughter was completely justified.

Kind of.

But nobody would believe what really happened. She didn’t even believe what had really happened, and she’d done it.

Allegedly.

The day had started well enough. Not a few hours earlier Kaylee had been in her room, doing nothing important except getting her closet torn apart as her best friend, Jade, dug through it, looking for the absolute perfect outfit for Kaylee to wear. Kaylee knew she didn’t own anything like that among her Gap store End-of-Summer sale pieces and consignment store pickings, but Jade was determined to try. After all, it wasn’t every day Kaylee got to go on a first date.

Jade’s hand emerged from the closet, holding a dress. How ‘bout this one?

Too yellow, Kaylee said.

A snort. "Too yellow? If you don’t like it then at least come up with a better excuse than that."

An hour later, Jade had fished out another sundress (not yellow) that Kaylee had stuffed somewhere way back in her closet. Jade then plopped her on the edge of her bed and took no less than another half hour to do what she claimed was the required amount of makeup for a first date. A first, first date. Like a for real, no joke, not middle school date that her mom had been forced to drive her to and then sit at the table with them like that wasn’t the most awkward thing in the world.

No, definitely not that kind of date.

This is so amazing! Jade gushed, in her excitement nearly jabbing Kaylee with an eyeliner pencil. Kaylee calmly gripped her hand to keep her steady, but really, it was to keep her own hands from not shaking so much.

I mean, a date, Jade went on, oblivious. "And we haven’t even started high school yet, and this is going to be so great, and you have to tell me everything when you get back because if you don’t I know where you live and I will make you regret it."

Kaylee gave a slightly choked, forced laugh, causing the bed to bounce a little and Jade’s hand to almost skitter off track. Again.

Jade brushed aside her naturally straight black hair. The movement caused the light to shine on her skin, which was the color of a deep-sea pearl. You okay?

Fine! Kaylee said brightly, her voice still coming off way too strained. She swallowed, hoping she’d remember how to talk before she left.

Jade gave Kaylee a pointed look, her sharp, narrowed eyes shifting into an expression Kaylee knew meant she clearly saw right through her.

Right…Because if you’re nervous, that’s totally cool too. A first date; first day of high school tomorrow. It’s normal.

Because you’ve had so much experience, Kaylee said, joking. Jade pretended to toss her hair over her shoulder.

I am the queen of relationships. Just ask the string of non-existent broken hearts I’ve left in my wake.

Kaylee laughed, but Jade’s joke had done the trick. She pushed off the bed and took a look in her closet mirror. An older girl stared back. Not the middle schooler who had been there when the summer began, but a high schooler ready to take on the world. Her chestnut hair framed eyes as gray as a storm-tossed sea. Her arms were tinted tan from days spent out in the sun, with a smattering of freckles across the tops, which matched those on the bridge of her nose. She could see, just a little bit, why she’d been asked out.

The date had been totally out of the blue. Kaylee had heard of Brendan Jowkowsky in passing, mostly from the people she’d been friends with in middle school who were now going to the other high school. He was a junior. He played football. He went to Scarsdale Heritage High across town, the sister school to Kaylee’s Scarsdale Public High. She’d heard he was charming and nice, and yeah, Kaylee had to admit when she saw him, very handsome.

Kaylee had been finishing her drink in front of Smoothie Surprise at the mall when Jade had started hitting her arm like she was playing an impromptu game of Whack-a-mole.

"What is your problem?" Kaylee had exclaimed, yanking her arm back.

That’s him! Jowkowsky at five o’clock! He’s spotted us! He’s—he’s coming over!

Kaylee had turned, and indeed, Brendan Jowkowsky, in all his handsome glory, had sauntered right over to their table and, without any hesitation, asked Kaylee out. Next Sunday before the first school week started? Sure, Kaylee had squeaked out. A picnic near the old Clydesdale farm? Sounded great, Kaylee had managed. Pick you up at one?

Perfect.

When it was all said and done, Kaylee was left blinking in surprise and wondering how she’d been reduced to a blubbering idiot within the span of five seconds. She never got this flustered—not even when her lab partner had caught her backpack on fire—and definitely never about boys. That was just stupid.

So, in the end, Kaylee had assured herself the whole date thing wasn’t that big of a deal. But Jade thought it was a Big Deal. In fact, she thought it was the Biggest Deal ever, and darn it if she wasn’t going to make Kaylee think that too.

There! Jade said when Kaylee fastened the final latch on her wrist bracelet. Perfect.

A honk came from the driveway and Jade made some sort of indecipherable squeak of surprise. He’s here!

I noticed, Kaylee said, picking up her small backpack (no way she’d be caught with a purse) from her bed. Jade stopped her in the hallway and straightened the jean jacket that hung over the straps of her sun dress. It acted both as fashion and a parent repellent in case Kaylee’s parents didn’t approve of the amount of shoulder the dress showed. Not that they were here right now to comment. Both were out buying school supplies for her younger brother, Jeremy. And if she was lucky, they’d stay out for a while.

For the last time, are you sure you don’t want me to come along incognito? Jade said. I promise I’m super compact, perfect for fitting into any trunk or crawlspace.

Kaylee laughed again, but this time she couldn’t help feeling a little sad, too. This was one thing Jade wouldn’t—couldn’t—do with her.

She and Jade had been best friends since they were six, when Kaylee had moved to Scarsdale. Their families had been friends, which meant many afternoons hanging out, which turned into sleepovers, school project partners, and summer camps, though the last few summers Jade had been away at some private camp she never talked about. They always walked to school together, and they always walked home. These past few weeks especially they’d been nearly inseparable, as if trying to latch on to the last fleeting moments of closeness before weathering the storms of whatever the next four years would bring.

Brendan honked again. Kaylee took another deep breath and went downstairs. She gave Jade one last wave up the stairs before heading out the front door.

Looking good, Brendan said, grinning at her as she slipped into his Charger at the curb. Kaylee flushed. He’d complimented her. What did that mean? What was he saying? Did he want her to say something back? Should she⁠—?

Kaylee?

Y-yeah, you too? I mean, you too! You look good, too.

Brendan grinned again, one arm draped over the steering wheel. He’d slicked back his normally long hair and tied it in a short pony-tail that somehow ended up longer than Kaylee’s own. He wore a casual button up with the sleeves rolled up to the elbows.

He’s very handsome, Kaylee had to remind herself.

Let’s roll, Brendan said. He shifted to drive and pulled onto the street. Kaylee glanced back at her house, and for a moment, she swore she saw Jade in the upstairs window, a worried expression on her face.

You nervous? Brendan said.

They’d cruised straight through the main thoroughfare of Scarsdale and turned down a market road. It was only a ten-minute drive out to the pastureland and Clydesdale historical farm, and Brendan had filled it with idle chatter Kaylee had struggled to keep up with. It wasn’t that she didn’t want to talk to Brendan—she could keep up with useless conversation easily—it was she didn’t know what to say. Suddenly, unlike anything she’d experienced so far in her life, everything she did and said had to be analyzed. Was she answering his questions correctly? Was she smiling big enough? Laughing loud enough? Was she supposed to say something? What was she supposed to say? Would her foot ever stop tapping?

Kaylee clenched her hands in her lap and resorted to rubbing her right thumb and index finger together. A static tingle built up between her fingers and then let off a small snap! Kaylee sucked in a calming breath as a trill of electricity arched up her hand. Snap!

The habit had started last summer. Kaylee had no idea how she managed to create the electricity, but the effect was calming to her; like coming home to something familiar after a long day. Lately though, the sensation had been more…wild, as though something within her was coming unraveled, just waiting to escape. It didn’t seem dangerous, exactly, and Kaylee had chalked it up to pre-high school jitters.

Kaylee?

Snap! Snap!

Brendan cocked his ear, his brow furrowing. You hear that?

Kaylee buried her hands beneath her butt. Did you ask me something?

Brendan eased off the gas and let his car coast. Up ahead was the white siding of the Clydesdale barn. Beyond it, the farmhouse and gravel walking trails led to some nearby woods. A couple cars were parked in the parking lot. Probably walkers, though there was nobody out.

I was just saying, Brendan said in that easy way of his, Freshman year, right? You excited?

A little. I’m pretty nervous, to be honest.

Brendan nodded sagely. Starting high school can be rough. Making new friends, new classes, figuring out what you want to do with the rest of your life…

Kaylee sank farther down in her seat. Static built up in her fingers but she ignored it.

It can be a lot. But I have a feeling you’ll do just fine. He flashed her a grin. I mean, you’re with me right now. That’s got to count as a good start, right?

Right! Kaylee said brightly, making sure she smiled wide enough.

Snap! Snap!

Brendan wrinkled his nose. Do you smell something burning?

Kaylee cracked her window.

Brendan parked his car on the far side of the lot and grabbed a picnic basket from the trunk.

I know a good spot we can have some privacy, he said, taking her hand. A sudden jolt of electricity traveled down Kaylee’s arm and zapped him.

Ouch! What the… Brendan examined his fingers.

What was that? Kaylee said, pretending like she had gotten shocked too.

I’m not sure, Brendan said. He glared at his hand, then gingerly reached for Kaylee’s. Shall we try again?

Kaylee took a deep breath, swearing to keep whatever the heck that had been under control, and took it.

The sky was a clear azure, wisps of lazy clouds drifting back and forth overhead, creating pockets of shadows on the ground below. Bees buzzed through swaying bunches of grass as the wind rushed through them, spreading the lingering scent of late summer wildflowers.

Brendan took her behind the barn, out of sight of the parking lot, to a small patch of soft grass which looked padded down with use.

Make yourself comfortable, he said, placing the picnic basket on the ground and starting to unpack everything.

Kaylee examined the crest of the barn, trying to imagine what it must have been like out here when it was first built. Scarsdale was definitely a city, big enough to have two different high schools within the district. But there were still sections of countryside like this that anyone could easily escape to. Often during the summers, she and Jade rode their bikes out of town down the winding country lanes, whittling away the time looking for nothing in particular.

You’re lost in thought again, Brendan said.

Kaylee’s head snapped back to him. He was holding out a sandwich. Pastrami on rye. Hope you like it.

Thanks, Kaylee said, internally cursing herself. She was being stupid. She never zoned out this much.

A sudden sensation of power welled inside her. She pushed it back down and refocused her thoughts in the moment by tearing into her sandwich with such ferocity that Brendan momentarily stopped to watch.

Ah, okay then. I guess pastrami is your favorite. He winked. I’ll have to remember that for next time.

Kaylee’s stomach trilled at those words. Next time.

Brendan scooted a little closer. So I was thinking⁠—

Something in the woods behind them snapped. A branch falling. Possibly a hiker on one of the trails. In a second, Brendan had rolled to his side and slid his hand behind his back. Kaylee stared at the woods, then at him.

What the heck was that? she asked.

Nothing. Probably a deer or something.

Not that, you. Why’d you freak out like that?

Brendan cleared his throat and settled back on his side. He took a bite of his sandwich. I didn’t freak out, I’m just cautious. There are some dangerous things out there in the world, Kaylee.

"Sure, but not in Scarsdale."

Brendan met her eyes, and instead of the sizzling heat she’d heard was so common when one was staring into the eyes of their one-true-crush, there was a growing sense that Brendan thought she was a complete and total idiot.

There are things far deadlier out there than you think, Kaylee, he said in a low voice. Even in Scarsdale. That’s why it’s up to some people to make sure to keep the rest of us safe. That’s what I want to do once I leave high school.

What, you mean like join the police force?

Brendan hesitated. Yeah, like join the police force. He leaned back and sighed. Think about it: being the only person standing between someone and certain death. Has a sort of heroic quality, doesn’t it?

Kaylee stared at him, trying to figure out if he was being serious or not. She was simultaneously glad they’d cut the small talk, yet worried by the direction this conversation was heading.

The woods had grown quiet again and a large cloud covered the sun, cloaking them in a swath of shadow. I…guess. I haven’t really given much thought to what I want to do after high school.

Of course you haven’t, Brendan said. He scooted a little closer. One of his fingers traced down her leg. Kaylee found that the last bite of sandwich had stuck to the roof of her mouth. She quickly hurried to swallow it.

New school, new everything, Brendan said. You must be nervous.

I’m not all that worried about school. Really, Kaylee said, and she found that she actually wasn’t that worried. She had a bad habit of creating imaginary scenarios in her mind that were a thousand times worse than the reality. High school wouldn’t be any different. It was just like, now that she was actually on a date rather than psyching herself out about it, the whole thing wasn’t so bad.

Except for Brendan continuing to push himself closer. That she hadn’t counted on. She’d imagined them kissing, yeah, because she wasn’t an idiot, but not…

Brendan scooted even closer and Kaylee’s stomach dropped. In the distance, thunder rumbled, and the part of Kaylee’s mind that was paying attention to everything outside their little sphere wondered what a storm cell was doing appearing on such a beautiful day.

You know, the first time I saw you was at our homecoming game, Brendan said, continuing to move his finger up her leg, then to her arm. Kaylee’s sandwich lay forgotten at her side. She’d frozen up, unsure of what to do. Remember that? Last year?

Y-yeah, Kaylee breathed. I went with my older brother’s friends. They let me come along.

Brendan nodded like he knew exactly who she was talking about. Then I saw you at the mall and I thought, ‘I gotta ask this girl out or I’m going to regret it.

Regret it?

Regret not getting to know you more. You seemed so smart and funny. He breathed in, like he was drawing in her scent. And beautiful…

Did I? Kaylee said, her voice higher. The wind had picked up, chilling her skin and raising goosebumps. Or maybe that was Brendan’s hand now on her arm, sliding beneath her jacket to her shoulder, then around the back of her neck. His other hand moved down her leg.

Brendan, I don’t think—would you stop! Kaylee finally forced herself to move, pushing him away. Look, you’re nice and all, and I still want to have this date, but…can we take it slower? Please?

Brendan’s face switched from shock, brushed over annoyance, and settled on haughty indignation. In an instant, he wasn’t so handsome anymore. One arm lashed out and wrapped around her, pulling her close. Kaylee, babe, you’re gonna be in high school. Might as well get some practice with this sort of thing, right? And it might as well be with me. I promise I won’t hurt you…

He pulled Kaylee closer and his free hand wrapped around her wrist, holding her in place. The wind blew harder, swirling around the barn and kicking up their picnic blanket. Overhead, the sun was completely blocked out by a thick thunderhead that had appeared out of nowhere. Fat raindrops began plopping nearby.

Where the heck did this come from? Brendan said, glaring up at the sky.

But his words were distant to Kaylee. A charge was building up inside her. And not the pleasant, excited charge she’d wanted; the happy sensation of having her first kiss or being with a guy she liked. This was like the static in her fingers, only more. Much more. Shooting down her arms and legs, tingling through her senses, changing from cool numbness to anger. Anger at Brendan for doing this to her. Anger at herself for ever liking his slimy, lying face.

Would you get over here? Brendan snapped as Kaylee tried to struggle out of his grasp again. Seriously, Kaylee, you act like you don’t even want this⁠—

Let go of me! Kaylee shouted.

Then she shoved.

The power building inside her answered, bunching at her outstretched hands as she pressed them against Brendan’s chest. There was a snap! Louder than any she’d heard before. Blue light flashed. A strange power coiled like a snake and shot from her fingers. Brendan’s eyes went wide a second before he was hurled off her.

Kaylee gaped at his body lying in the grass, twitching a little, then at her hands which had begun to spark. Holy. Crap. What had she done? Had she killed him? Was he dead? Was that a bad thing?

Kaylee shook her head. Of course that was a bad thing! He was a creep, but she didn’t want him dead. Not really.

Brendan! Kaylee rolled him over. She pounded his chest. Brendan wake up! The storm clouds grew bigger. The wind blew harder. Brendan? Can you hear me? Are you alive? Brendan, I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to do…whatever that was!

Brendan’s chest didn’t move. His eyes remained shut.

Oh, this was so bad. She had to be the first girl in history to accidently (because it’d been an accident, right?) kill her boyfriend on the first date. Not that he was her boyfriend, and not that she’d ever get one now in Greenland or Australia or wherever she’d have to run to get away from the law.

She pushed his chest again. Brendan, please! Get up! Get⁠—

Brendan’s eyes snapped open, filled with rage. Rage he focused on her.

You lied to me, he hissed, drawing a knife from his back. "You lied. You⁠—"

Kaylee punched him in the nose. There was no thought to it, just pure instinct. She scrambled back, her hands grasping for a weapon to defend herself. She came up with a spoon.

Brendan growled and struggled up, clutching his bleeding nose and holding…a sword? Kaylee blinked, her mind trying to catch up. Yes, it was definitely a sword. It had been a knife, but now the handle was coming apart and reassembling, the blade extending and growing longer until Brendan held a blade nearly half his body length. He aimed the very real, very sharp point at her chest.

All this time I’ve been searching for them and, lo and behold, one shows up right under my nose. I don’t know how you’ve stayed hidden for so long, but your life ends today.

Brendan, Kaylee managed, I have no idea what you’re talking about, but put the sword down and let’s⁠—

He lunged at her and the earlier power inside her unleashed again. An electric charge rocketed from her body straight into the air. There was a boom of thunder, a bright flash, and a bolt of lightning shot from the sky, struck the barn behind them, and promptly set the entire place on fire.

Then everything exploded.

CHAPTER TWO

This couldn’t be happening. That’s what Kaylee kept telling herself, but the growing heat from the blazing barn and Brendan’s ever-growing chorus of manic shouts told her otherwise.

The fire was spreading rapidly, the heat growing unbearable. Flakes of ash drifted off and away in the swirling wind.

"What did you do?" Brendan screeched at her.

I have no idea! I didn’t mean to—it just— She half-turned back to him and saw the sword clutched in his hand.

Oh yeah. That.

Suddenly, Kaylee wasn’t confused or scared. She was pissed.

The thunder roared overhead.

"What did I do? What did I do? Kaylee demanded, her voice shrill. Brendan took a nervous step back, some locks of hair falling out of his ponytail. First you drag me out here and try to take advantage of me. Then you try to stab me, which is such bad manners I can’t even⁠—"

Kaylee, Brendan said in a worried voice, calm down.

I don’t even know why I came out here with you, and now I completely regret it⁠—

Kaylee, please calm down⁠—

"No! I thought you were nice, but clearly I was an idiot. And would you stop looking at the sky and look at me?"

Brendan looked at her then. His earlier shock was now replaced by a fierce expression Kaylee didn’t like one bit. How… he said, his voice eerily collected, have you stayed hidden for so long? Was it the Convocation?

I have no idea what you’re talking about.

Brendan pointed to the dark sky, then to the nearly toasted barn behind her. In the distance, Kaylee heard a growing collection of shouting voices headed their way. Walkers, probably. Any second there’d be sirens screaming from Scarsdale.

You did this, Brendan said. All of this.

I…No I didn’t, Kaylee protested weakly. But in the back of her mind she knew it was true. She didn’t know how, she didn’t know why, only that the power inside her was responsible. What am I? she said quietly.

A monster. Something this world is better off without. Brendan raised his sword. I really did like you, Kaylee. I’ll make this quick.

He lunged.

Kaylee had taken some self-defense classes in her life. But, like 99.9% of people who took them, she never thought she’d actually have to use them…or that the reality of a fight would be so much different. To be fair, though, none of those classes had taught her how to face a sword-wielding psycho.

Kaylee leapt out of the way just in time for Brendan’s sword to cleave the air where she’d stood. He growled and swung it back around, but Kaylee was already scrambling away, her feet kicking up the remnants of their picnic and sending them sprawling. Brendan sliced through the blanket as it draped over him and continued toward her. Kaylee ducked another strike and threw a rock at his head.

It missed.

Brendan let the sword tip dip into the mud. You’ve had training.

I haven’t had anything! Kaylee protested. And you keep acting like I should know what you’re talking about but you won’t tell me what it is!

For a moment, a flicker of confusion crossed his face. You really don’t know, do you?

Kaylee held up her arms as he slowly stalked toward her, backing her up against the fire of the barn. Strangely now, the heat didn’t feel so bad against her skin. It felt…almost nice.

"That’s what I told you before you started trying to hack me to pieces. I don’t know what you’re doing or who you are…who I am."

Brendan cocked his head. I believe you. He sighed. Normally I’d feel bad, but I guess in this case it just makes my job easier. He raised the sword. Just think of this as a message to the Convocation.

He swung. Kaylee didn’t even think. She was numb and drained, confused and angry, and so very tired. She wouldn’t be able to run, never mind try to fight anymore. She squeezed her eyes shut and held up her arms as a last, pathetic attempt.

She felt the contact as Brendan’s sword hit her. Felt the sensation of the blade cutting into her arm. Then it was stopped short by something leathery and tough. Something that wasn’t quite human skin.

Then there was a bright flash of light and the smell of something charred. Brendan was launched away from her, smoke trailing from his body. He landed in a splattered heap in the mud.

Kaylee stared at her arms. Or at what had once been her arms. She wasn’t sure what they were now.

Instead of her usual, late-summer tanned skin coated with freckles, shimmering, jet-black scales, interlocked with one another, ran from the crux of her elbow across her entire forearm and ended at ten jagged points where her fingers had once been.

Claws, Kaylee realized, having to blink a few times before it sank in. I have claws.

But more than that, an electric current, a bright vibrant blue, snapped and sizzled over her arms. It crawled between her scales and arced between her claws, dissipating after a moment.

Kaylee shook her arms as if it would dislodge whatever had happened to them. The scales remained firmly in place.

See? Brendan groaned, pushing himself to his feet. See what you really are?

Kaylee held her arms out as though barring him against coming closer. What…did you do to me?

Brendan laughed humorously. "I didn’t do anything. A thousand years of disgusting breeding, of clear violation of the natural order, created what you are. You’re an abomination, Kaylee. That’s what."

More voices from the parking lot. Close now. Very close. But Brendan’s face never left hers. Kaylee shoved her hands beneath her armpits and willed whatever had happened to them to go away. She focused all her thoughts on that and slowly, ever so slowly, she felt the hard scales receding back into her body and her normal, smooth skin returning. Her claws shortened to nails and stopped digging into her palms.

A man ran around the side of the barn, hand up to protect his face from the growing heat. He spotted them. Are you two okay?

We’re fine, Brendan said. He casually flicked his sword behind his back. The blade folded into itself again until it was nothing more than a small dagger he was able to tuck away into his waistband. What happened to the barn? He asked innocently.

No idea, the man said. But you two need to get clear. The fire department’s on their way.

A timber snapped inside the barn and part of the roof fell inward. Kaylee backed away until Brendan’s constricting presence was right behind her. His hot breath brushed the back of her neck, making her hair stand on end.

I’m a merciful guy. I’ll give you this one chance, Brendan whispered, keeping an eye on the growing crowd of people. Leave Scarsdale and never come back. Don’t go near the Convocation, and don’t you dare try to contact the Elders. You’re a freak, Kaylee. A monster. You were never supposed to exist. Remember that.

Without another word, he brushed past her and headed to his car. Oh, and if any of the Convocation contact you before you leave, tell them that the Slayers have found their little nest. Tell them there will be hell to pay.

Kaylee remained fixed in place, vaguely aware of him getting into his car. Aware that, attempted murderer or not, he was leaving her out here.

Brendan spun the Charger out of the parking lot. Rocks and dirt kicked up, peppering her face. She held her arms up, then quickly dropped them, afraid they would spontaneously shift again. By the time she’d run out to the highway she could only watch helplessly, blood trailing down her forehead, as Brendan sped off.

Kaylee wanted to sob.

No, she wanted to punch something.

She wanted to sob while simultaneously punching something. Specifically, punch Brendan Jowkowsky until he regretted everything he’d done and everything he’d called her. Because she wasn’t a freak. She wasn’t an abomination. She wasn’t. She was just…

Kaylee looked down at her hands. They were completely normal, illuminated in the blaze of the fire. But she knew what she’d seen, and she had no idea what it was.

Behind her, more wood snapped as the fire skeletonized the remains of the barn. Someone shouted in alarm as one of the sidings collapsed. Despair filled her insides, and something in her gut answered. Like it had done with the lightning, a strange power trilled through her body and seemed to shoot skywards. The heavens opened up and rain started to pour. Kaylee tasted the remnants of her makeup mingled with blood on her tongue as they both washed away. In minutes, the fire was out.

In the distance came the sirens. Kaylee sighed, and started the long walk home.

CHAPTER THREE

Kaylee ran through an endless maze of dark corridors. Through a darkness so complete she knew she’d never escape.

Behind her, the cackles and screams of those pursuing her grew closer every second. Closer…Her heart pattered a booming beat in her chest, her hands were slick with sweat as she careened around corner after corner, unsure of where to go but knowing no matter what, she had to escape or something terrible would happen.

She looked back for only a second⁠—

Bam!

Kaylee slammed into a wall that had suddenly sprouted in front of her. She stumbled back and barely remained on her feet. She faced the things that were chasing her. They had no form she could make out, just shadowy blobs with glowing red eyes and teeth glinting like shards of glass and metal in the dark. Weapons emerged from the black beside them, aimed at her: swords, spears, maces, chains.

Little monster… a shadow cooed. Little monster, we’ve come to get you…

I’m not a monster! Kaylee screamed. I’m not, I’m not, I’m not⁠—

"You are!" They cackled.

Her arms were changing and she couldn’t stop it. Her skin melted away, replaced by dry, cold scales. Her ears were changing too…followed by something ripping from her back, unfolding, flapping with a leathery sound⁠—

You are! they screeched.

Incoooooming!

A fleshy, warm projectile landed on Kaylee’s stomach so hard she shot awake in an instant, nearly smacking her head on the headboard. She groaned in pain as the smaller body rolled off her onto the floor, laughing.

"What is your problem, Jeremy? Kaylee wheezed. Can’t you—wake me up— like a normal—little brother?"

Jeremy stood and brushed off his shirt. He didn’t look the least bit sorry. Mom says if you don’t get up and moving soon you’re gonna be late. And she’s not driving you.

Then, whistling, he left her room.

Kaylee glared at the space where he’d been and slowly uncurled her arms from where she’d instinctively hidden them beneath her pillow. They were normal. Completely, utterly normal. Kaylee sighed with relief and checked the rest of her to see if there were any other nasty new additions from her dream. It had been so vivid. So real. She was sore beyond belief, her hair was still a little stringy from the rain and flecks of mud, she was pretty sure her face was a wreck, but everything else was fine. She was safe.

She’d arrived back home hours after leaving the farm, making her mom and dad understandably crazy with worry. By then, she’d managed to wipe the worst of the blood and mud off her face, but her sundress was ripped in more places than she could hide, along with her jean jacket. She didn’t think her parents believed her when she’d said she’d gone on a long walk (it was technically true). After berating her half a billion times about responsibility and maturity or whatever, they’d left her to pull herself upstairs and crawl into bed and wish the whole day had never happened.

And now…

Kaylee slid off the bed and padded to the bathroom. She expected to see a disheveled mess staring back at her, like a victim of a vicious cat attack. Instead, she was shocked to find she looked…okay. Well, maybe not okay, but not a disaster.

The cuts from the rocks weren’t as deep now. Her pupils—and Kaylee had to lean in to make sure the mirror wasn’t playing tricks on her—almost looked a little more slitted, like the reptiles she’d seen on Animal Planet. It wasn’t something anyone would notice unless they looked closely, but since Kaylee had been rather fond of her old eyes, the change was startling.

Kaylee’s gaze drifted to her hair brush lying on the side of the sink. She picked it up and, holding it like a guillotine above her arm, brought it down. Again and again, harder each time until her arm felt like a pulpy mass of bruises. Kaylee peered closer at the skin. It hadn’t changed at all. Not a single scale or claw had appeared.

Kaylee almost laughed at herself as she started the shower. She was clearly going crazy. Girls didn’t spontaneously transform into scaled creatures and catch barns on fire. That kind of insanity only happened to people like her Uncle Randy who she’d met only once when she was little, and not on the best of terms. Everyone in her family knew Uncle Randy was a few cards short of a full deck.

Something clacked! at the bottom of the tub as Kaylee stepped into the shower. Something like…

Kaylee peered down at it, forcing herself to breathe, forcing herself not to freak out.

A single black scale stared back.

Jade’s waiting for you outside, Jeremy said when Kaylee entered the kitchen. She tossed her backpack on the chair near the front door and scooped up a couple pastries that had popped up from the toaster.

Protein! Her mother shouted from her office across the hall where she was undoubtedly putting together the final pages of her latest engineering project. There are cheese sticks in the fridge!

Jeremy smirked at her, watching her fumble around the kitchen as she pulled her lunch together. You have the weirdest friends.

I do not, squirt.

Do too. Jade was waiting out there since five this morning. I saw her creeping around our bushes when I got up to pee.

Jeremy! Seriously, too much info! Kaylee said, shoving his head as she swept past him. She ignored his comment about Jade sneaking around—the little pest was probably lying—and went to the kitchen window. Jade was sitting on the front porch steps. Kaylee tapped the window and held up a hand. Five minutes. Jade rolled her eyes but nodded.

Kaylee finished the pastry off and downed a glass of milk. Jeremy was busy disemboweling his omelet at the kitchen bar. She tapped her non-existent watch. Don’t you have middle school starting soon? I thought one of the perks of you starting sixth grade was you were out of the house earlier.

Jeremy grinned. Don’t you wish?

I do. Now scram. I have to go.

You both do, Kaylee’s mother said, sweeping into the kitchen. She brushed her hair back and adjusted her suit before pulling her lunch out of the refrigerator from the exact same spot where it’d been every morning for the past ever.

Brianna Richards was the sort of woman for which everything had a place, whether it was food, the garage, or how the day’s schedule was run. In their house, her word was iron-clad, her plans for everything plotted with an efficiency and precision any general would die to have. Kaylee chalked it up to her engineering mind. Kaylee also figured she hadn’t inherited any of that meticulousness, if her room was anything to go by.

Her mom finished adjusting her shoulder bag. She snapped. Up, Jeremy, or you’ll be late. Can’t have two out of my three children’s first days off to a late start.

I’m leaving with Jade, Kaylee said, slipping on her shoes.

Wait just a minute, young lady!

Her mom gripped the sides of her arms and planted a kiss on Kaylee’s forehead. Your father says he’s sorry he couldn’t be here, but time and toddlers wait for no man, manager of the daycare or not. She kissed her again. Behind her, Jeremy blanched.

I’ll be coming for you next, young man, her mom said, her eyes never leaving Kaylee. Also, Kaylee, Reese says to ‘be chill and have fun’. Though I hope starting college doesn’t mean he’ll be having too much fun himself.

Mom… Kaylee whined. Can I go now?

Her mother held her a little longer, their eyes locked. For a moment, Kaylee was afraid that if she looked any closer she’d see how Kaylee’s eyes had changed. She’d confirm what Kaylee wasn’t ready to accept.

But then her mom hugged her fiercely and pushed her to the door. Call me if you join a club or something and need a ride after school.

I will. Love you.

Her mother turned to Jeremy. Your turn, young man.

Jade practically bounced up from the front porch. She emerges! Ready to go?

Kaylee unconsciously pulled on the wrist cuffs of her shirt, making sure the long sleeves covered her arms completely, even though there was no way whatever had happened yesterday would happen again. It couldn’t. It wasn’t real.

Ready as I’m going to be.

Scarsdale Public High School sat on the northern edge of Scarsdale, perched on a hillside like a conqueror’s castle. It was a thick building and, according to Kaylee’s older brother, Reese, was three stories of glass, brick, and the gasping final breath of adolescent dreams. Whatever that meant.

An inner courtyard split the school into two halves, creating a center quad where students could mingle between classes. Kaylee had visited a couple times before for freshman orientation and thought it was big, but not all that intimidating.

But it had never looked bigger or more intimidating, Kaylee realized, than it did when she was actually attending it. It leered over them as they approached and went inside. Jade chattered the entire way to the lunch room where they’d split up to go to their first classes. Kaylee tried to listen and collect her bearings at the same time, managing to grunt at all the right times. At some point, Jade managed to shift the conversation to Kaylee’s date, which she’d been badgering her about the whole walk and, coincidentally, Kaylee had been avoiding the entire walk.

"But what was it like? Details, please!" Jade pressed, sliding into a lunch seat across from her. The cafeteria was crowded. Clusters of students had taken over various tables stretched across a wide room. Some yelled to friends, greeting each other again after a long summer. Kaylee saw a few kids she recognized from middle school, but nobody she knew well enough to say hi to. For the millionth time, she felt an immense rush of gratitude to have Jade sitting here with her so she wouldn’t feel like a complete nobody.

Kayleeee, Jade said, nudging her arm. The date? You promised you’d tell.

It was fine, Kaylee said.

Fine… Jade repeated, clearly thinking much further into that answer than Kaylee had meant. Fine as in ‘I can’t wait to go again’, or fine as in ‘I’m moving out of state to escape this monumental creep.’

You are an abomination. I’m giving you this one chance to get away.

Kaylee glared at the table, letting Brendan’s words turn over in her head again and again and again until they left bruises on the inside of her skull. The more she thought about them, the madder she grew. No sword-wielding wacko was going to tell her what to do. It was just fine.

Jade sighed. I guess that’s good. Not all dates can be The One. At least you didn’t have to call me to bail you out.

No, but Kaylee had almost called the police on her walk back. Multiple times. And each time she’d stared at her phone, playing over how a conversation like that would go:

"Sure, officer, he had a sword. Not like a prop but a legit sword and he attacked me with it, and yes, I summoned a storm to defend myself—yeah, a storm—a full-blown storm, for real. But really, who wouldn’t do that in my situation?"

No…even in her imaginary scenario the police were hanging up.

Without warning, Kaylee felt a pair of eyes on her. She looked up in time to catch a boy with broad shoulders and dark hair leaning against a pillar across the cafeteria. The boy didn’t drop his eyes when hers met his. He continued looking at her for a moment, then smirked and sauntered off.

Who was that? Kaylee asked, pointing.

Who? Jade turned around just in time to catch a glimpse of the boy before he rounded a corner out of sight. Her eyes narrowed.

Oh. Him. Just ignore him, she said quickly. She turned back to Kaylee. Annnyway… She pulled out a piece of paper. I hope you remembered to print off your schedule. I’ve got biology my first class so that’s upstairs. What’s you⁠—

Hi!

Kaylee looked up to find a bubbly blond girl staring down at her, her teeth model perfect, her skin practically glowing under the light. She wore tight jeans and a fashionable T-shirt that hugged her body in all the right places. She was, Kaylee hated to admit it, exactly what she imagined a high school cheerleader would look like.

Oh, hi, Kaylee said. She shifted uncomfortably as the girl continued beaming at her, showing no indication of moving. Uh…did you want to sit down?

Thanks, but I’ll pass this time, the girl said brightly. She stuck out a hand. I’m Dani, one of the Student Council members in the Meet n’ Greet program for the new students. I’m a freshman like you.

Kaylee gingerly shook, feeling a mixture of nervousness and calm at the same time. There was something about Dani that screamed nice.

And you’re Jade, Dani said, turning to her.

Do you know each other? Kaylee said.

We’ve met, Jade said as Dani’s smile faltered for a fraction of a second. Briefly.

That’s right! Dani said. Jade and I know each other through some…extracurricular activities.

Kaylee looked at Jade. She was making a subtle slicing motion across her throat.

You never told me anything about⁠—

That reminds me! Dani leaned in close to Kaylee conspiratorially. Say, Kaylee, this might be out of the blue, but have you ever considered going out for one of the teams here? I’m on the soccer team myself.

Oh, Kaylee said, instantly regretting lumping Dani into the cheerleading category. I…haven’t really thought about it, to be honest.

Well, I heard a rumor that Coach Maxwell is looking to fill some vacancies on the girls’ cross country squad. They’re having open tryouts this afternoon right after school. You should check it out.

I don’t really think⁠—

Do you have a change of clothes? Dani said.

My gym clothes, but⁠—

Shoes?

She can borrow mine, Jade jumped in. Kaylee glared daggers at her but Jade merely grinned.

Perfect! Dani said, straightening up. The team meets on the track twenty minutes after the final bell. I’ll be having practice nearby so I hope I’ll see you there.

Dani put her hands on her hips and surveyed the rest of the lunch room, scouting out her next victim to swoop in on and smother with kindness and suggestions of physical activity. Well, I’d better go make sure everyone is properly met and greeted. There’s some!

She waved at some girls who had just entered the cafeteria. Girls on the team with me, she explained. We’re all excited to get back to practicing.

Unless there’s another freak thunderstorm like yesterday, Jade said. Kaylee choked, but tried to cover it with a coughing fit.

I heard the thunder from my house, Dani said, nodding. My dad said lightning struck the Clydesdale farm barn and caught it on fire.

Jade’s eyes grew to the size of headlights, swiveling on Kaylee. "Oh did it? Somebody forgot to mention that very important detail to me."

I…have to get to class, Kaylee said, scooping up her backpack and starting to walk away. I’ll see you at lunch, she said over her shoulder.

But class doesn’t start for twenty minutes! Dani hollered after her. Kaylee turned the corner and shifted her backpack further up her shoulder, just as another tingling sensation raced up the back of her neck. She turned in time to see the boy from earlier disappearing up the stairs.

I’m not having another creep ruining my day, Kaylee swore, plunging upstairs after him.

But when she emerged on the second floor, the boy was nowhere to be seen.

CHAPTER FOUR

As far as first school days went, this one was only moderately torturous.

Kaylee hadn’t exactly known what to expect from high school. There were more kids, yeah, and the classes were larger and longer. But people she’d seen in middle school still acted about the same as she remembered, only now they were taller and louder. Teachers still handed out unnecessary busy work and there was still the guarantee of group projects, which Kaylee was sure would end up being like all the others she’d done: with one person doing the work and the rest goofing around and claiming credit.

The first few classes passed quickly, and by lunchtime she was happy to meet up with Jade again, who seemed to have forgotten (or was just waiting to bring up) the incident from that morning. Surprisingly, Dani and a couple of other girls from the soccer team sat with them for a bit before taking off for Student Council stuff. Despite Jade’s insistence that they had only met once before, she and Dani acted like old friends, sharing the same jokes and talking about things Kaylee had never heard of. Things Kaylee knew Jade would have told her about. Kaylee made a mental note to bring it up casually to her later. It seemed she wasn’t the only one holding secrets from her friends.

By the time the last bell rang, Kaylee had resigned herself to at least attempting to try out for the cross-country team. If only because she knew Jade would pester her to death if she didn’t.

She found the athletic hall and put on her gym clothes and Jade’s running shoes (These will make you fly like the wind! Jade had promised. Will they help me not suck wind? Kaylee had asked. Jade shrugged, One miracle at a time.) then she made her way to the track.

At least thirty other girls were there, stretching and swinging their legs like pendulums while anchored against the wire outside fence. The older ones, who were probably already on the team, glanced at Kaylee then returned to talking, undoubtedly bored that they had to try out again. Kaylee didn’t blame them. Everyone looked in far better shape than she was. Not that she slacked on her exercise. She ran occasionally, and hiked with Jade whenever she got the chance, but most of the girls looked like they inhaled intensity and exhaled speed.

The girls’ soccer team was warming up on the field in the middle of the track. Kaylee spotted Dani surrounded by a group of friends, all laughing and chatting while the coach set out cones for drills. She caught Kaylee’s eye and waved before giving a big thumbs up. Kaylee forced a grin and returned it, before turning away in case she vomited from nervousness.

After she’d stretched as much as she could, a heavyset man in an alarmingly tight shirt and short shorts walked over, clipboard and whistle clutched in one meaty fist. He readjusted his hat, which read Scarsdale Cross Country—We Run Fast! He looked the group over, his eyes lingering on Kaylee, then grunted as if to say, Well, if this is the best I got…

All right, since everyone who cared enough to show up is here, we’re gonna get started, he rumbled. I’m Coach Maxwell, and you, he pointed a finger at each one of them, if you survive, are going to be the clay I mold into fine runners. Runners worthy of representing the Scarsdale name. Runners of excellence. Runners that legend will speak of⁠—

Coach? One of the older girls said. Are we going to, you know, run?

Coach Maxwell paused, lone finger still in the air, then nodded and held up his clipboard. I hope you’ve all stayed in shape over the summer. His eyes flickered to Kaylee again, who shifted uncomfortably. Today’s first level of tryouts is going to be an easy two mile run. Tomorrow we’ll do more of the timed stuff and start making cuts from there.

He pointed over his shoulder to the cluster of woods that bordered the edge of the athletic field. Kaylee had been in there once before and knew it was at least a few dozen acres full of trails, all crisscrossing and merging until, at some point, they reached a county park. I left clearly marked signs on the trail for you to follow. If you cut corners, you’re cutting no one but yourself, so think about that.

He stepped aside and held up a stopwatch. Okay, I’m done talking. Ready? Go!

The group ahead of Kaylee bolted like a herd of frightened deer, long legs churning, ponytails flickering. Kaylee sprinted after them, cursing that she hadn’t tied Jade’s shoes tighter.

To be fair, she lasted longer than she thought she would.

She kept pace for the first two hundred yards, matching the lead girls’ stride-for-stride as they hit the edge of the trees and plunged under the shady branches. There, they were forced to funnel onto a single dirt trail and Kaylee was knocked four behind the lead. She kept her eyes down, scanning the ground for stray roots or rocks.

This wasn’t so bad. Her body hadn’t shut down yet. Her legs burned, but it wasn’t excruciating. Her lungs felt like a cheese grater was rubbing on the inside of them, but it was a happy, pleasant sort of cheese grater. Everything felt great.

Until they reached the half mile mark. Out of nowhere, a stray branch snapped Kaylee’s flopping shoe laces. In an instant, she was airborne. She slammed into the ground. Dirt and grime coated her mouth. Thorns snagged her clothes and nicked her skin. Blood welled.

A couple of the girls near the back screeched to a stop. Are you all right? one asked.

Kaylee shook her head, aware that the front of the pack was growing farther away, the leaders oblivious to what had happened. She couldn’t feel anything broken, but when she tried to stand, her head spun.

Woah, she might have a concussion, said one.

I thought you vomited when you had a concussion, said another.

No, that’s hypothermia.

Why would you vomit if you’re cold?

To warm up with it, duh?

The girl’s friends nodded, jogging in place and shooting nervous glances at the vanishing pack. Kaylee sucked in a big breath and pushed the pain away. It’s not a concussion. I’m…I’m fine. Keep going, I’ll catch up.

The other girls looked like they couldn’t trust her to walk three feet, not to mention finish running the rest of the trail, but Kaylee insisted, and, eventually, they trickled off after the rest of the runners, leaving her alone.

She groaned and checked herself over again. The spots in her vision were gone. A nice scrape ran the length of her right leg. Strangely, her forearms were completely untouched, though she swore she had used them to brace her fall. Maybe they had shifted…

No, she wouldn’t think about that. Especially now that she was out here. Alone.

Kaylee brushed the rest of the dirt off. She made sure her shoelaces were tied properly this time and started walking. There was no point in running anymore. She was sure, unless she spontaneously gained super speed, she’d never catch up to the front of the group, and there was still no guarantee she hadn’t broken anything. But now that she was walking…the pain was better. In fact, everything was better. Her heart thudded loudly in her chest. She sensed the blood flowing powerfully through her veins. The sensation of aliveness rushed over her.

Snap! Snap!

Without thinking about it, she’d rubbed her fingers together. The static charge this time was more powerful than it had ever been before. Kaylee held up her fingers. An arc of electricity shot between them. Kaylee quickly clenched her fists.

Nope. Not this again. If she just ignored it, then the whole thing would go away. Just like what her dad did when the car’s check engine light came on. Turn up the music and keep driving. Problem solved.

It was only after another ten minutes of walking that Kaylee realized she was lost.

The trail had split no less than three times and each time she hadn’t seen any of Coach Maxwell’s ‘obvious’ signs. Every direction looked like the right one. Or the wrong one. After circling around the same fork in the trail twice more, Kaylee stopped. She cocked her ear. Maybe she could hear shouts from the field.

At first, nothing. And then…

Her ear seemed to change, just as her arms had. Now she could hear something. Voices, faint and echoey like in a long tunnel, back the way she’d come.

Kaylee lifted one hand to touch her ear. Her fingers met a scaly point. Then another, higher up than where her normal ear should have been. It was cold, like the skin of a boa constrictor at a petting zoo.

Gah! Kaylee yanked her hand down. Stay calm. Calm and collected. You hit your head and…pierced your ear with a stick. Yeah!

The silence of the forest was filled only with her terrified breathing. A tingling sensation ran through her again, but this time it wasn’t some unknown electric current.

She was being watched.

Kaylee spun around, looking for any signs that there was someone else out here. Maybe one of the cross-country girls had returned to look for her. Maybe they’d sent a search party.

A branch snapped behind her. Kaylee whirled around just as a blurred shape slammed into her side. Her body hit the ground hard. Cold steel pressed up against her throat before she could move.

Should have left when you had the chance, Brendan said, pressing the sword harder against her skin. Now you’re going to pay.

CHAPTER FIVE

As Brendan raised his arm to drive the sword through her, Kaylee wasn’t scared.

She was pissed.

First off, she was having probably the worst luck with boys in the history of any girl ever; if they weren’t creepily watching her in the cafeteria or taking her on crappy dates, they were actively trying to murder her in the woods.

Second, she’d made a fool of herself trying out for a team she didn’t really want to be on, and now her head hurt again, thanks to Brendan.

And he was going to regret that.

Kaylee bucked with all her might, creating a pocket of space between her and Brendan, just enough for her to drive her knee into his crotch. Brendan’s face went a painful shade of purple, and he wheezed something that might have been, You’ve got to be kidding me…

Before he could recover, Kaylee tucked her knees into her chest and kicked out. Brendan was thrown off. Kaylee’s legs