Page 17 of Wings of Ash & Flame
“Celestials are more than just creatures. They help maintain the balance and are protectors of the realm. Those bonded to them serve as anchors, keeping the elements in harmony.”
“Right, because nothing says ‘protectors of the realm’ like sipping mead on your throne, preening in luxury. Truly the unsung heroes,” Alaire sneered. She couldn’t hold back the bitterness that coated her tongue.
Elithian was ruled by an oligarchy known as the Consortium. Its seven seats were occupied by a Premiere Lord or Lady—the head of each magical house and ruler of their territory.
Alaire knew she should show respect to the Premiere Lords and Ladies and their celestials, but respect, she’d always believed, was not freely given—it was earned.
“You know little of what you speak.” Professor Ross’s tone was sharp, the first crack in his mild demeanor. “During the previous wars with the vampires, those royals you so easily criticize sacrificed countless lives to protect the balance you mock. Had they not, the vampires would have succeeded in dragging Elithian—and all within it—into eternal night.”
Alaire bit the inside of her cheek, feeling like a chastised little girl.
Professor Ross ran a hand absentmindedly through his horse’s mane. “It’s understandable that you hold the prejudices you do. No one can fault you for that. But there’s still so much you don’t know. The society the Consortium has established is far from perfect, but not all deserve your tongue-lashing. Even without their leader, the vampires remain the greatest threat humans and fae collectively face.”
Alaire’s mind raced. Magic, Celestial Familiars, ancient bloodlines, vampires. They had always felt so distant. All her energy had been focused on where she’d find her next meal or what she could offer in exchange for a warm place to sleep.
Now, her focus would have to shift to a different kind of survival: navigating a world of power, secrets, and deadly stakes where she didn’t know the rules. A single misstep could cost her everything.
“It’s why Aeris Academy is so important—to teach those with magical abilities to harness and control their powers. It plays a crucial role in shaping Elithian’s future and protecting the balance nature demands,” Professor Ross continued.
And yet again, they arrived at the crux of the problem. Alaire’s fingers tightened around the reins.
“I don’t have magic. Nor a celestial. What’s the real reason you’ve dragged me across Cielore to an academy filled with fae who will despise me on sight?”
She could feel the professor’s eyes assessing her, but she kept her gaze fixed ahead. Alaire preferred to play a game where she could see all the cards—and stack the deck in her favor.
“Not all power lies in bloodlines or magic.”
“Try telling the Consortium that,” Alaire retorted.
“Aether is everywhere, in all things. Sometimes, you must trust the path laid before you.” His knuckles turned white on the reins. “The plight and resiliency of humans—their ability to endure and survive despite their circumstances—is a strength.”
“Strength in survival?” Alaire snorted. “We’re forced to demonstrate strength when the struggle is built into a system that aims to keep us shackled. Chains don’t loosen just because you learn to live with them.”
“True enough. But sometimes, learning to live with chains teaches you exactly how to break them.”
“No. The chains should never exist in the first place.” Her shoulders stiffened as she narrowed her eyes at the professor.
He was fae. He’d never understand.
“But you keep refusing to answer my question—how could a girl from the slums of Starling Gate have something to offer the crème de la crème of Elithian’s magical nobility? Keeping me in the dark only hinders my odds at this place.”
“Our deal was your freedom in exchange for your attendance. Patience, Alaire. Some answers carry a weight you’re not ready to bear.” His gaze narrowed on her fists, clenching and unclenching the smooth leather.
With a swift kick, Professor Ross directed his horse into a smooth canter, leaving Alaire alone beneath the canopy of golden leaves. Once again, bereft of what awaited her at the academy.
However, it was one step closer to a future that was her own. And she would find the answers in time, even if she had to uncover them herself.
Aeris Academy was carved into the coast of Cielore. Through breaks in the dark clouds, Alaire caught glimpses of tall spires and black foliage.
Jagged cliffs looked like someone had chewed their way down the coastline. Angry waves thrashed below, their spray misting her cheeks.
“It’s up ahead,” Professor Ross said, eyes fixed on the road. Mist snaked around their horses’ hooves, obscuring the ground beneath.
About to deliver a smart-ass reply, the words died on her tongue as the mist around the school parted. Alaire’s mouth hung open as she took in the sprawling grounds of Aeris Academy.
Towering spires clawed at the stormy skies above, their tips disappearing into rolling, shadowy clouds. The castle loomed on the horizon, a magnificent yet foreboding structure that looked torn from the pages of a dark fairytale.
Alaire reinforced her core to keep her balance steady as she absorbed what would be her new home. She couldn’t deny its gothic beauty. Yet discomfort twisted in her gut. Something about this place felt… off, in a way she couldn’t explain.
