Academy of Monsters (Descendants of Nightmares Book One) Page 2

  Being taught to speak, act and think like the creatures that roam this earth that my family has vowed to destroy for centuries. I know my mission and I will execute it as the killer of monsters my father raised me to be.

  The moment my ass touches the seat, the horses jolt with a sudden movement that throws me into the back of the bench. Racing into the night at neck-breaking speed, we vanish into the fog until the Dark of Night village comes into sight. We must have passed a barrier between the human and monster worlds… Magic at it’s finest.

  I peer out the window, trying to get a glimpse of the castle but it is still too far and the fog just started rolling in. I catch glimpses of the cemeteries around the property of the academy. Full of ghosts as they perch on the headstones and chit chat with each other as if it's a tea party. You don't see that every day, even the ghosts that are hanging from the dead branches of a decayed tree are socializing, not bothered at all that the rope that caused their deaths is still tied around their necks. Its pitch-black outside, my only light is a candle that burns in its holder across from where I sit.

  The higher we ascend the curving brick road, the less rain hits the carriage, brightening my mood and calming my nerves because the lighting and thunder that echoed every few seconds matched my pounding pulse. My ride comes to a sudden halt that flings me into the back of my seat away from the window. My anticipation for this moment has been built up over so many years, my first step onto monster school’s soil. My footfalls carefully onto the bricked road as I exit and when I don’t vaporize or explode, I swing my black duffel bag over my shoulder and head towards the marble steps in the fog that covers the ground, leading up to a massive stone door. The castle appears to be ancient, the structure seems to whisper secrets that were long ago carved into the stone walls from hundreds of years. The world is left to its modern devices but here time seems to stand still. Magic floats in the air, skimming along my body and raising goosebumps. I’ve never seen anything quite like this; a castle hidden within the gloom of darkness and brightened by lightning, casting a sinister feeling. Approaching the door, I notice movement straight ahead on the oak structure… The knockers are shaped as an eyeball, that seems to be watching my every move as I shift on my feet.

  Craning my neck, I gaze up at the silhouettes and shadows that can be made out. The windows are dimly lit and all that can be seen is the flickering of the flames, eerily floating as if of their own accord.

  I am knocked out of my stupor when a subtle cough comes from behind me. Spinning around guarded, my eyes land on the first live monster I have ever encountered. It takes a lot of willpower to not draw my knives from the hidden compartments in my pants. My fingers twitch as I take in the monster staring at me with his head tilted to the side. He is dressed up in a black suit and a goddamn tie, his brown hair is lit from a line of candles floating behind where he is standing. The lighting is ominous in the background, giving him a creepy vibe. I step closer and hidden in the shadows, I notice a scar that runs from his hairline down past his chin, as his icy blue eyes track my every move. Adding to the spooky introduction to this monster.

  “Well, well what do we have here?” He muses with narrowed eyes, not once blinking. “Immortal, and yet there is something about you I can’t pinpoint. Very interesting indeed”

  “Good evening, sir. You’re correct. Immortal from my father's side. I have strength, some speed and I am as humans like to say a nerd. It's how I received a scholarship.” I answer honestly with a shrug, I’ll own that shit.

  I self-consciously run my fingers through my white-blond hair that no doubt sticks up on the ends. Trying to smooth it from the effects of the drizzle, and appear somewhat normal, well as normal someone can get being in the world of myths, legends and nightmares. I might as well introduce myself, he’s someone important around here, I can tell how he holds himself with an air of confidence.

  Get on their good side Vex, trick everyone into believing you’re one of them.

  “Vex Henderson.” I reply in a deep voice and suppress my grimace as I hold out a hand for him to shake. I really don’t want to touch this creature.

  “Headmaster Carlyle,” he smirks, his lips thin as he shakes my hand. Peering at me with a curious expression as he tilts his head to the side even more with predator eyes. “Violet eyes, that is an unusual trait even among us monsters.”

  “Yes, a gift I can thank my mother for.” I imply like it's no big deal, hoping he changes the subject before he notices even more usually traits I have. Like ass kicking and vanquishing monsters.

  “If you continue through the large stone doors behind you, there will be an upperclassman to help you find your schedule and room assignment.” he gestures toward tall double doors over my shoulder. I have to tip my head back to look at the whole doorway.

  “Thank you, sir.” I reply with a fake smile as I spin around and make my way up the last few steps leading inside the academy.

  “And Mr. Henderson, do be on your best behavior.” he says eerily before disappearing in the fog. Not creepy at all.

  I shake off the chill that snakes down my spine as I reach the entrance. I go to pull the heavy door open before me but stop when they slowly creak open on their own accord. This place holds old magic that is fascinating yet spooky at the same time. My eyes can't stop trailing the doors for a sign of a rope or string as my feet carry me forward. I look behind the door just to double-check nobody is messing with me. Expect the unusual here, I guess. With those musing thoughts, I turn around and slam into a body that comes out of nowhere.

  “I’m so sorry,” I say as I reach through a curtain of black hair. A pale, delicate palm grips mines as I pull the body I crashed into back up from the ground.

  “No harm done,” a smooth and sweet voice floats from behind the curtain of hair with a very slight accent. “It is this weather, my hair seems to have a mind of its own.”

  She brushes dark strands of hair away from her face, and I am stunned into silence as I get my first good look at her. I have never met a woman as beautiful and alluring as the one that stands before me. I can swear for just a second her eyes were glowing red, but right now I am lost in the hazel color that seems to shine like dripping honey. Tall and slender, her hair trails down past her waist, and her ruby red lips stand out against her pale, smooth skin.

  “I’m Dru.” she says in that smooth as Tennessee whiskey voice, awakening me from my stupor. She's the most beautiful creature I've ever seen. I have an urge to know more about her and a sense of déjà vu washes over me.

  “Vex.” I give myself a mental shake so I don’t look like a simpleton.

  “It's my first day here! I’m so excited! I am finally away from the nest, everything is so different from Transylvania. I'm sorry once again, I will pay better attention to where I walk from now on.” she makes a cross over her heart, making a promise. Never thought I'd use this word but that was absolutely adorable.

  “Same for me. Not the whole Transylvania thing but being here. I was enthralled with the doors, my feet kept going but my eyes did not.” I started to chuckle but stop when she starts laughing. It’s God damn beautiful, I wonder if I can bottle that shit?

  I am about to speak again but a sound of clinking metal interrupts me as the ground shakes beneath our feet. Looking over to right, I encounter a storming knight running our way. I get into defence mode, angling my body in front of Dru as the suit of armor guard comes to a halt in front of us. As far as I can see they don't have a face, a shield of metal covering their whole body. Maybe there isn't even a human body in there? Who the hell knows with this place?

  “Miss Dracula, if you will please follow me,” it says in a voice that sounds like grinding metal and takes off walking towards the other side of the room. She throws a quick smile at me and takes off after the tin can of metal with a speed that makes me blink in shock. She’s fast but glides like a graceful ballerina. Color me impressed.

  My heart sinks as I came to the realization th
at she is my mission. The very reason I am in this school, to kill her before she comes into her full powers and takes over for Dracula. A future Queen in the making. I am starting to regret that I took this job.

  “Vex?” A thick tenor voice inquires in a bored tone.

  My eyes land on the speaker, he isn’t anything like what I had pictured for a monster. A simple black tee with cut off sleeves and jeans, tattoos running wild down both arms, tan with gelled back black hair. I suddenly feel a little overdressed in my button-down shirt and khaki pants.

  “Yes, I am Vex. You are?” I ask while standing taller and widening my stance so I don't appear like a weak link.

  “Thorn,” he extends his hand towards me. “I have been tasked with showing you the ropes for your first week. Any questions?” he kind of sounds like he really hopes I don't ask any questions.

  “Not at this moment, this castle is a lot to take in. At my house, we have it lit a little more. It isn’t every day that doors open themselves for you. Well, at least not for me.” I try to joke but it comes out a little raspy, tension tight in my voice.

  “I understand that bro, I had the same reaction on my first day last year. It fades after a few weeks, then you will go home and run face-first into doors when they don’t open,” he laughs in a deep chuckle.

  “Sounds about right.” I nod my head and step a little away from him with my hand resting on my belt loop near my hidden knife. I have to be on the alert, can't forget this place is crawling with creatures of the night.

  “Here’s your schedule, you have a full night. Classes start at ten pm and end at dawn. Follow me, I’ll give you the grand tour and show you where you’ll lay your head.” he grins a sinister smile and I swear he flickers transparent for a split second as he turns away but it could have been a trick of lighting, or lack thereof.

  I dart my eyes around without giving myself away of being on alert. I follow him into a dimly lit corridor of cobblestone that expands from floor to ceiling and torches of fire that guides the way. They have telephone booths in every hallway… It’s actually a coffin with a scream phone displayed. Oval archways that lead into classrooms seem to shimmer before disappearing, leaving a grey stone wall in its place. The rooms shift and move around the castle, depending on where you need to go. Stained glass windows tell stories of ancient monsters and how they came to be legends among humans. Frankenstein’s creator working in a lab filled with instruments and tools of science to bring his creature to life shows in the window as I pass. The picture flashes with lightening every few seconds as the doctor pulls the level in slow motion making the dead live again. It's a very old fashion yet modern with living in the magic world. Dark, gloomy, creepy and a place to guide your way into reaching your full potential as a monster. What a welcome to the academy. It’s too bad everyone has to die.

  Fuck! I hate my job even more now. A moonlight porcelain skinned beauty with overflowing silky black hair and eyes that you could fall into, walks these halls and she doesn’t even know what type of predator is really within.

  As I follow the uniformed metal knight down the corridor, I glance back over my shoulder to see the guy with the wavy white-blonde hair disappear around the corner. Those violet eyes pierced my soul, I felt like he saw the real me hidden behind the fabric of illusion of: I am my father’s daughter, the dark creature of the night who seeks the sweet poison of blood. But no, I’m the complete opposite and he looked at me like he could see… the real me.

  That pale brow wrinkled as if I was a mystery that he would like to take apart, and I couldn’t help imagining him exploring my body for hours to seek out his answers.

  I actually would be okay with that, I muse to myself with desire gathering through my body like molten lava.

  High cheekbones that could cut glass with black-framed glasses perched on a slightly crooked nose and a touch of pouty lips that no doubt could cause a heart to start beating again. He had his long-sleeved cuffs rolled up which displayed thick veins that caused drool to settle on the edge of my mouth. He looked so edible in that button-down, displaying a lean body with muscles hidden. I could hear his blood pumping in a mad rush and it made my teeth lengthen with hunger which has never happened before. Don’t even get me started on his scent. Warm caramel syrup, drizzled over vanilla ice cream. Shit, there goes the drool again as I swipe at the corner of my mouth with my arm. I can’t have food but when I passed the sweets shop in town, it reminded me of something warm and sweet to the mouth. I don’t think I’ll ever forget my first experience of seeing the city of Night or saying goodbye to Father.

  Trailing behind Father’s bat form, his leathery wings flap one time then glide with the breeze. His red eyes are radiant; standing out against the starless night sky and no doubt can see everything in the darkness. Turning his head to me, he lets out a loud screech before swooping down with his wings tucked in. I guess we are descending after hours of flying. I take a nose drive to race him, hauling ass to beat him to the ground. Hissing and chuckling shakes his bat-like body as I land gracefully right next to him on the moss-covered forest. My bare feet dig into the earth as I shift back into my vampire form, I’m on American land for the first time ever. Testing the word, California on the tip of my tongue- sounds funny. Inhaling, my senses take in the multiple scents drifting in the wind and my sharp gaze takes in the little cottage in the distance with a smoking chimney. Swirling around, I try to find the city of Night. Confused, I look at Dracula who has an amazed toothy smile gracing his pale face.

  “Oh, my little bat. I forget that you’ve are new to this different community of supernaturals. Although I’ve rather have you safe and locked in the castle back home, I knows this will be good for you. Through that cottage door will be a new world you’ve will experience. You can always come home, but know this daughter, I am prouds of you, no matter what.” He croaks out through his thick accent and his eyes water with bloody tears that he is suppressing in his glowing red gaze.

  It took everything in me not to start balling like a human baby, we don’t cry. We are supposed to scream, screech, roar, or growl. With a thick swallow, I turn in the direction of the small cottage. It looks like it’s abandoned, crumbled ruins and completely dark. I’m a little doubtful. I look over my shoulder to question Father but the spot he was in is now empty. I hear a heart-breaking screech in the West, I turn towards home and listen until finally I know he’s gone for good. Holding back tears, I start walking with determination to the front door that is hanging off the hinges. Just as I’m reaching for the knob, a tiny voice comes from my right,

  “Hello dear, welcome to the city Dark of Night. Name please,” the cute little voice seems to be right next to my ear.

  Turning, I encounter a black widow spider. She’s bigger than normal and hanging by a single thread. All eight of her spidery eyes stare at me without blinking, watching my every move in a predatory stillness. Patiently waiting for my answer with rows of sharp little teeth spreading into a smile.

  “Oh, um, Drusilla Count but everyone calls me Dru.” I rattle off with a hint of nerves fluttering in my stomach.

  “Enjoy your stay Princess, so nice meeting you. Access granted. Tata!” She waves a hairy little leg and crawls back up her web, disappearing from sight.

  Spiders are tricky things, they are very sneaky and have excellent communication skills. Makes sense they would make one the gateway security guard. Here goes nothing, goodbye normal life and hello adventure!

  Gripping the skeleton doorknob, I twist it with closed eyes. After a second, peeking an eye open sounded like a good idea. I gasp so hard that my teeth sink into my bottom lip.

  A brisling city stretches before me of all kinds of monsters that walk the clobbered streets, the city is covered in a blue tint from the full gloomy moon and adds an eerie feel to the atmosphere. Just the way we like it with a light drizzle of rain causing a nice fog to creep in as the skies light up with lightening and shake the ground with thunder. Lanterns float every few feet
, the flame casting flickering shadows which the ghosts love as they practice their boos. The clattering of a horse’s hooves draws my attention to the headless horseman. Patrolling on his horse, making sure all monsters are behaving themselves in his police uniform. I don’t even know where to look first as I step through the doorway. It slams shut behind me and I realize the door is in the middle of the street before it fades away. Turning in a circle, I take in all the shops.

  Every building looks the same, deep red brick and worn roofs give the appearance that the stores are falling apart but once you step inside… it’s pure magic. Ghouls come out of the Spooklicious pub with burping giggles, bubbles coming out of their mouths. They must be drunk on Bubble Double Trouble beer by how each time one of them hiccups, a bubble pops out of their mouth. I hold back a giggle and dodge out of the way as a group of gremlins comes barreling out the Candy Goop shop with arms full of candies, their evil little laughs echoing as they disappear into the swamps on the edge of town. Nasty little buggers, always causing trouble.

  I start walking, trying to find a ride to the academy before I’m late for orientation. I pass a zombie and when I ask for directions, he makes a gurgling sound and points up ahead. With a quick gurgle back at him, I take off in a jog in the direction he pointed at. I can see the academy from here, the lightning striking every few seconds so I can catch a glimpse of the school on the mountain outside of town. I pass Brew’s potion shop, the windows displaying a variety of bottles from love potions to poison apples as I peek into the shop. A green witch stirring a cauldron crackles with the other witches as she throws a toe into the pot with a puff, smoke billowing. This place has so much activity, I am a toad overwhelmed and yet I feel alive.