Deception: Academy of Ancients, #12

By Avery Cross

Wren Winters, a fierce air summoner, finds herself bound by duty and scars at the Academy of Ancients after surviving an attack that leaves her team dead. Determined to unearth the truth behind the ambush, Wren's relentless pursuit is complicated by her transfer—a move orchestrated by General Adam Pierce to protect and sideline her. Struggling with haunting visions and an emerging dark side, she seeks solace and strength in her new surroundings, uncertain whom to trust.

 

Seth Paulson, troubled by visions that seem to predict the future, grapples with his destiny at the same academy. As an unexpected mentor to Wren, his initial annoyance turns into deep concern as his supernatural insights reveal Wren's imminent peril. With his uncle's legacy—a revered summoner—weighing heavily on him, Seth wrestles with the revelation that he might be the only one capable of understanding and aiding Wren.

 

Their paths cross in a tapestry of mystery, magic, and manipulation. As Wren fights against the shadows of her past, Seth's premonitions creep closer to reality, binding them in a shared quest for answers. Together, they navigate a labyrinth of ancient secrets and familial ties, where their enemies lurk much closer than either had feared.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Barbed Borders Press
• Release date: May 10, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224167494

Book preview

CHAPTER ONE

Wren

I curled my fingers around the steering wheel. The Morris estate was lit up from the inside—cheerful, welcoming me in. Its two-story structure was covered in trailing ivy, with red and orange blooms peeking out here and there. The widow’s walk that stretched between the two turrets even had orbs of silver and red light hovering along its length. The front beds full of roses would’ve been enticing to anyone else, as would the wicker furniture that resided on the expansive front porch.

But not me. I couldn’t get myself to turn off the car or open the door.

It’d been a long drive across the country to get here. I’d hoped the miles would’ve helped clear my head. That it’d give me a chance to process what happened and be more than ready to face what came next. I was fine. I had to be fine. They’d sideline me for who knew how long if I weren't.

You already have been, I mumbled to the empty car.

I shouldn’t have been here. I should’ve been back in Colorado. Yet here I was because it was the only way I was allowed to remain active. What a joke. If General Adam Pierce thought this would be enough to stop me from finding out who’d been behind the attack that nearly killed me, he was wrong.

My last name might be Winters, but I was still a part of the Pierce family, if not by blood. I was related to Zach, Nick, Luke, and Adam through our mothers, who were sisters. I definitely considered myself a Pierce.

We Pierces didn’t back down. We sure as hell didn’t quit.

I turned the key. The engine shut off. In the silence that followed, I heard the dying shouts all over again. Pressure closed in around my shoulders. The wounds that had barely healed throbbed. I was careful to keep my eyes wide open. If I closed them, I’d see their dead bodies again. I didn’t want to. Not anymore. The horrible sound of flesh being torn reached my ears⁠—

Wren?

Jumping with a curse at the knock on my window, I whipped my head to the left. Nick and Luke stood outside my car, giving me worried glances. Forcing myself to appear anything but ready to fall apart, I climbed out and was immediately wrapped in bear hugs from my older cousins. They were careful to avoid my shoulders. I hadn’t seen them since they showed up at the hospital two weeks ago.

We weren’t sure whether you’d be here tonight, Luke said after he set me back on my feet.

How was the drive? Nick added. You know we would’ve flown out there and ridden with you.

Though their stances were relaxed, their glances remained concerned. I know. I made it alright, didn’t I? Is Adam showing up tonight, too?

The ground rumbled at the twitch of Nick’s hand. He should be along shortly. He had some loose ends to tie up regarding your transfer.

I bristled at his words. He hadn’t meant anything. I knew that. It didn’t stop them from cutting deeper than they should’ve. Everyone told me it wasn’t my fault. Everyone assured me over and over that the situation had escalated far out of anyone’s control. Yet I was the only one from my team still standing. Somehow, I’d survived.

The other five were dead and gone.

You know this isn’t a punishment, right? Luke told me.

He had no right to pull me to his team. I should’ve stayed with the Raptors, the equivalent of the Talons, but at the Rockies Academy of Ancients. I could’ve helped find out who did this.

It’s being handled.

I was the one who was there that night. I saw everything, I reminded Luke.

And you gave your statement about twenty times. Now, you need a break. What you went through that night… It seemed he lost whatever else he wanted to say. His brow furrowed more while he watched me. You need to take some time to heal.

I knew what he was thinking about. After all, he’d read the report. I have healed. I scowled at Luke. This transfer is a joke.

You said you didn’t want to be benched. This is the compromise you agreed to. Nick gave my arm a gentle squeeze. Be grateful he agreed. You’ll still get updates on the investigation.

What I wanted was to stay behind. But I was too close to the situation. That was what Adam had argued for days with me. That I was too close. That my need for revenge blinded me. It’d been hard to lie to his face and say that wasn’t the case when it absolutely was. Some of the assholes who’d attacked my team had escaped. They were out there. Loose. In the wind.

They had to pay for the blood that was spilled. They deserved to die brutally.

I flinched at the harshness of my own thoughts. Training as a soldier and guarding those under your protection was one thing. It was another to watch a side of yourself emerge that you didn’t think existed. A violent side.

A monstrous side.

The wind gusted around us before I controlled my emotions and calmed my magic. I didn’t want to have this conversation right before we were supposed to get together to enjoy our monthly visit.

We should get inside before Briar comes out to look for us, I murmured.

Not waiting for my cousins, I headed for the front door. It opened without my even touching it. I stepped inside, noting what had changed since the last time I was here. As with the outside, the inside was rustic with wooden beams and stone features. It felt lived in and homey, something I lacked in my childhood home. It was part of the reason I enjoyed visiting. After I graduated early from another Academy of Ancients at the other end of the country, I spent my two years of grad school already part of a team called the Raptors. Like my cousins, I’d shown promise from an early age. Off and on over the last three years, I’d had some time to spare, and I’d come to see the family I’d missed. It was nice to get away from my parents. Their mom and mine were too alike. I never got along with her.

Our relationship became more strained after I chose to follow in my cousins’ footsteps and join the military. Dad was an academic and always buried in his books. He hardly noticed when I was around. For him, not much had changed where I was concerned. Being home never felt like being home. I’d preferred staying on the base and being with my team. If I weren’t there, I’d crash here at Briar and Zach’s place or with Nick and Luke at theirs. Through them, I’d met Nyala and Jack. And Meg and Cody. Those three women became the sisters I’d never had. And my cousins, well, they’d always been more like brothers to me.

Tonight, I needed less of that overbearing brotherly concern and more of them here to act like nothing was wrong. As far as I knew, Briar and Zach were in the dark about what happened to me. I didn’t want to worry them. Of course, that had been another argument, but that one I’d won.

Later, we could talk about the real reason why I’d come and would be heading to Academy of Ancients in a few days.

Wren! You made it, Briar announced as she charged out of the kitchen toward me.

As best I could, I put up a mental wall to keep my more dangerous thoughts away from her. She squeezed me in a hug and laughed. Her joy was infectious, and I soon joined in the laughter. When she set me back and rested her hands on my shoulders, I forced myself not to cringe.

I felt my fake happiness start to falter. Briar and Zach taught at Academy of Ancients. They’d notice sooner or later that I was there. I doubted I’d make it through the evening without having to tell them why I’d been reassigned. Why I was being sidelined to guard duty at Academy as part of the undercover Talon team. My magic attempted to break free again and quickly reigned it in.

I haven’t heard from you in ages. Briar wrapped her arm around mine, and we headed to the kitchen where Nick and Luke had already headed to find Zach.

Sorry. A lot was going on these last few weeks.

Yeah? Stuff you can talk about or stuff you can’t?

I laughed and hoped it didn’t sound as fake as it felt. You know the answer to that already. But I’m good. Really. Everything’s good. I was hoping I could stay here with you guys until the semester starts in a week.

You’re always welcome to stay. If you need to be here longer, too, we don’t mind.

A week is all I need.

She gave me a sideways glance I knew all too well. You know you get the same look on your face your cousins do when they think they’re being sneaky about keeping shit from me.

What? No, I don’t.

Oh, yeah, you do. We entered the massive kitchen with its dark wood cabinets and the walls painted in varying shades of red. Nick, Luke, and Zach were standing around the island, talking and nibbling on the food laid out. Briar marched us over to them and looked from one to the other. You two have also been avoiding telling us something. Don’t even bother lying. You suck at it.

I know several bad guys who’d disagree with you, Nick replied with a lopsided grin.

Yeah, well, they’re not me. Spill. What’s going on?

Nick and Luke shrugged. I have no idea what you’re talking about, Luke said with a wink. A second later, he was cursing and stomping his feet while Zach chuckled. It’s a bit early to start with the fire, isn’t it?

I don’t know. You tell me. Why is Wren staying with us for a week? Briar shot back.

Zach’s brow furrowed. You are?

I had some vacation time. That’s all. I reached for one of the brownies, needing to do something with my hands before I gave myself away. I’d never been as great at keeping my emotions concealed as my cousins, though. Damn. It was too early to have this conversation.

Zach said my name a few times until I finally glanced up at him. His expression was blank, but his eyes were too observant for their own good. I saw him putting the pieces together without me having to say a word.

Where were you before coming here? Zach asked.

Raptor HQ in the Rockies. You know that.

Are you sure you weren’t at the Academy of Ancients close to there instead?

If I looked away, he’d know I was lying. I’m pretty sure I know where I was and where I wasn’t.

Why are you asking her that? Fire flickered in Briar’s eyes. Did something happen there?

I looked at Nick and Luke. Both had resigned looks on their faces. They’d find out eventually in a week, Nick told me softly. Adam permitted us to talk to them tonight if you wanted to. It’s up to you.

Talk to us about what? There was a sharpness to Briar’s voice I’d never heard before. Her hands closed around the edge of the counter, and those flames in her eyes flared. Zach shifted closer to her side until their shoulders touched. Wren?

Can’t we go back to this being a night of food and games and not have to talk about how I— I cut myself off. A burst of wind whipped around the kitchen, knocking over a vase on the kitchen table. It shattered, and water spilled everywhere. Sorry, I’m sorry.

It’s fine. Zach quickly cleaned up the mess. I tried to help, but he waved me off.

What happened? Briar asked, her tone softer this time.

I sat down heavily at the kitchen table. My left shoulder began to throb. I rolled it without thinking and grimaced. Without lifting my head, I sensed four sets of eyes on me. I screwed up, I whispered. That’s what happened.