jumped into action. It was truly incredible to watch as everyone came together for the greater good of not only the Academy, but the Supernatural race as a whole. Since my parents death, I hadn’t felt like I had belonged anywhere. Moving in with my aunt and losing my friends, I had become alone. Now, I was part of a family-- a strange family, but still we were one. I was ready to do my part whenever Ace gave me the orders. Time seemed to crawl by as we all waited anxiously for Ace and the others to retreat from their meeting rooms and give us their plan. I spent the time with others learning more spells to fight and throw fire at my attackers.
Suddenly, I heard the rooms and halls quiet and I looked out into the empty hallway. I knew this must be a sign that Ace and the others were on their way. As I looked, I spotted Ace leading the group, his dark hair tousled from running his hands through it, a nervous habit he has. The sharp edges of his stoic face gave him an air of authority that proved him to be the leader I knew him to be. He walked with great poise and kept his eyes focused straight ahead on the dining hall just ahead.
“Everyone, it is time,” Ace began. A few gasps escaped throughout the room, but otherwise, it was so silent you could have heard a pin drop. “We know that the Trackers will strike tonight. They have threatened us and attacked our people and the humans around us for the last time. This is personal for many of us,” he said, nodding toward me. “I need everyone to call upon your magic and powers,” he said, his voice ringing through the large room.
I looked around as the five covens began to intermingle, finding their professors and protectors and gathering into groups with other Shifters, Witches, and Fairies. Ace took a few strong and deliberate steps until he was in the center of the large circle of bodies. “Ace, we are all here for you,” Professor O’Connor proclaimed.
A small smile crept over Ace’s lips and I could see the glow of pride illuminating his dark eyes. “Thank you, it is vital that we all come together today. Each of us comes from the same line of powers and ancestors. Over the many years Supernaturals have lived on this Earth, we have grown into our own unique species. Now, we are one. We are the Woodsong Academy,” Ace shouted, and everyone around me cheered and clapped.
Ace held up his hands, silencing the room. Nodding he offered me a slight smile before he began again. “Each of you has your own skill set that you need to use. Fairies, we expect you to fly and attack from the air. Shifters, we want you in your animal form so you are more lethal with your claws and speed. Witches, we need your spells and magic to help ward off the Trackers and bring safety to our Academy. With those skills, we will draw our magic together and protect our Academy. Then, when the Trackers find themselves unable to break the barrier we created, we will pull our magic together and vanquish them out of our town for good,” Ace finished. “They are only human; we can do this.”
And with that, we all began moving forward. The clock was almost at midnight and it was time for us to follow through with our plan. Moving as one, we congregated outside of the Academy. The silver moon glowed above us and a soft, gentle breeze flitted through the air. Standing on the stone steps, I ran my hand along the cool, concrete columns. Behind us, the large, floor to ceiling windows glowed with a soft yellow provided by the internal lights of the Academy. They looked almost like eyes watching us to ensure that we saved the precious building. The gravel road that leads to the forest and the road that serves as the only entrance to the Academy seemed desolate and cold. I shuddered, thinking about what lay ahead of us. But, I couldn’t focus on that for too long.
Just as the last student descended on the stairs, a soft crunching could be heard on the roadway. Sucking in a deep breath, I closed my eyes for just a moment, savoring the last few seconds before the storm raged upon us.