West Ora Academy: It Starts Here

Welcome to West Ora Academy, where the supernatural reigns supreme and the magic never ends!

Our academy is a haven for all creatures of the night, from dragons to shadow weavers to sirens and more. Each species has its designated building, where you'll learn everything there is to know about your kind and your unique powers. And for those of you who are hybrids, you'll have the unique opportunity to call more than one building home. So come join us at West Ora Academy, where the supernatural world is waiting for you to discover it!

Get ready to unleash your inner power and become the supernatural you were always meant to be!

High school is never easy. Multiply that by ten, and you have what it's like to attend West Ora Academy with its diverse body of various species.

Told from multiple points of view, follow half siblings Jesse, Augustus, and Ares as they navigate high school and the drama of relationships. While Jesse struggles to handle being blackmailed by the guy

she thought she loved. How will she handle it when she realizes he's her mate?

Her brothers have their own issues. August and Ares find themselves in a love triangle as they both fall for their childhood friend Nova.

Will Ares push aside his feeling for his brother's sake, or will he fight for Nova?

Can Nova trust her feelings for Augustus, the playboy?

Ch. 1 Nova

Nova's P.O.V.

Welcome to West Ora Academy, where the supernatural reigns supreme and the magic never ends! Our academy is a haven for all creatures of the night, from vampires to sirens to elves and more. Each species has its designated building, where you'll learn everything there is to know about your kind and your unique powers. And for those of you who are hybrids, you'll have the unique opportunity to call more than one building home.

Our dorms are inter-species and coed, but don't worry, your rooms won't be. You'll have plenty of opportunities to make friends and learn from your fellow supernaturals, all while honing your skills and discovering your true potential.

At West Ora Academy, we believe that magic is not just a subject to be studied, but a way of life. You'll be immersed in a world of wonder and enchantment, where anything is possible and the impossible is just another challenge to overcome.

So come join us at West Ora Academy, where the supernatural world is waiting for you to discover it! Get ready to unleash your inner power and become the supernatural you were always meant to be!

I rolled my eyes at the email. They sure make it sound nice, but honestly, west Ora can get a little crazy. The faculty doesn't step in to help with a lot of things. It's the wild‌ west there and I'm currently on my way back. Last year was the academy's first year as a school. The council members, along with the shadow mayors and ocean tribunal, got together and created this academy for us high school supernaturals.

The uniforms are ridiculous, and I hate them with a passion. They must have put a man in charge of them as they are definitely someone's sick fantasy. The pleated royal blue and gold skirts, black tall socks, black loafers, button up white shirts with royal blue blazers and gold ties have me feeling like I'm staring in some kind of porno.

I mean the academy itself is amazing, and probably a good idea with how often we exposed ourselves to humans in the past at normal schools. It's just these uniforms that drive me insane. I don't particularly like being away from home for so long either, but the classes here are amazing. I can learn everything I need to know about being a siren and a dragon all at once. We have all kinds of kids here, shadow hunters, fairies, werewolves, vampires, elves, you name it, and they attend this academy. Of course, the rarer the creature, the fewer classes offered to them.

Like there's only about 5 seers out of the thousands of kids here. They mingle with the Oracle wolves and seer wolves. My brother Gabriel teaches some intro to seeing classes here. He loves being close to me and sharing what he learned through the years with others. Gabriel's always been a sweet and caring person. He just wants to help the world.

"Alright little moon, are you ready to go?" Dad asked me from my doorway. His shaggy blonde hair was unruly today, sticking up in random places.

Between his and mom’s blonde hair there was no way I’d end up with any other color. The only question was whether I’d get dad’s silver eyes or mom’s emerald green ones. I ended up with mom’s which helped in keeping my siren side more of a surprise. Most have those deep gray eyes. No, everyone will just think I’m a dragon until my siren pops out.

“Ready.” I nodded.

“Okay then, portal travel it is. Here, you get the pearl this year.” He threw me the pearl he uses to open the portals. “You do remember how to use it, right?”

“Are you serious?” I asked excitedly, almost jumping for joy. “Of course I remember! Thank you, thank you, thank you!”

“Just remember to use it to come see us on the weekends. We miss you when you’re at school,” Dad said, giving me a big hug. “Go say goodbye to your mother and then open the portal outside. I’ll help you take your things to campus.”

I practically flew down the stairs towards mom, who was sitting at the kitchen Island listening to her friend Zae on the phone. Zae is the mother of the two closest friends I have, Augustus and Ares. We’ve pretty much grown up together with how often our mothers saw each other.

“Auggie doesn’t think I know, but of course I know. Funny what they think they can get away with.” Mom and Zae both laughed at that.

“Hilarious. Hey, I’m going to let you go, Nova just came down to say goodbye. We’ll catch up more after the kids are at school.”

“Sounds good, later skater.” With that, the line went dead.

“Are you heading out already?” Mom asked me.

“Yeah, Dad gave me the pearl so I can portal back on the weekends. I will be back to bother you before you know it.”

“Good. I love you, Nova. Stay safe, keep away from the vampires, and make sure to stay away from the dragon boys, who are ready to sleep their way through the school to find their mates.”

“I know, mom, don't worry.”

“You can say that all you like, but I’m going to worry.”

“Goodbye, Mom, I love you.” I gave her a quick kiss on the cheek and ran outside to open the portal.

I pulled at the moisture in the air until I had a large circle of water. Holding the pearl in my hand, I used the water to create a ring in the air, opening the portal before me. I could see the large archway with intricate laced metal holding up the academy’s lettering. I saw the eyes of other students and parents looking through the portal at me.

“Let’s go, little moon.” Dad appeared by my side with my suitcases.

I followed him through the portal, feeling like I stepped through a waterfall, only I wasn’t wet when I emerged.

“I love you. Remember to go to your brother if any emergency occurs on campus, but let us know, too. You can always come home whenever you need.”

“Got it. Love you, Dad, now go before anything happens.” With our family chaos seems to follow when we’re around too many supernaturals.

Dad gave me a hug and kiss on the forehead before stepping back through the portal. I closed it behind him, feeling so happy to have the pearl this year. Now to just check in, get my dorm, my schedule, and settle in.

_____________________________________

"Nova, wait up!"

I turned to find Andy running up the curving pathway towards me. She fell into step as she approached me.

"Are you ready for fire healing class? I'm looking forward to learning more about how to heal with fire. Not many can do that, you know?" She smiled, her black hair had grown a lot over the summer, flowing neatly below her shoulder blades. She has uncle's Ash's same sky blue eyes, but her mother's elven beauty, with rosy red lips.

"Shi.t today's Wednesday? I don't know why my brain thought it was Thursday. I grabbed the wrong books." I groaned in complaint. "Ugh, I'll be right back. Save me a seat?" I asked her, running back towards my dorm.

"Sure thing!" She smiled, only showing me her beauty further.

I ran up to the second floor, where my dorm was. Seniors get first floor, juniors second, sophomores third, and freshmen fourth. I could hear low moans coming from the direction of my room. I swear I just left, how the hell did Jessica get a guy in there already?

"Harder, Gus, harder!" I could hear her yell through the door.

Dammit, Augustus, I told you not to fu.ck my roommate.

Augustus is the biggest playboy around. If she's beautiful, he's fu.cked her. With those long curls, golden eyes, and strong features, there's no girl that doesn't fall prey to his charms and good looks.

I heard Jessica moan again. I swallowed hard, fighting off the curiosity of how it would feel to be under Augustus. I banged on the door, unable to open it.

"Hey, as.sholes, I need my books!" I yelled at them through the door.

The moaning didn't stop, letting me know they weren't planning on ending it for my sake.

"Hey!" I continued banging on the door, until books emerged at my feet from the shadows. He, Ares, and their younger sister, Jesse, have the best control of their shadows than any other shadow weaver here.

"Not the right ones, Augustus." I told him, seeing them disappear, another set taking its place. "Thanks a lot jacka.ss."

I had a sudden anger rise in me. I'll have to handle it later though. I'll let him know exactly how badly he messed up. I grabbed the books running across campus to the fire building.

The orangey red building could be seen anywhere on campus. The tall ever burning fire on the roof, showed just what kind of creatures took classes there, phoenixs, fire elves, dragons, and Kobolds (fire faes). Some classes are specific to each species, while others teach us all how to wield fire in general. I rushed past the main door, bumping into a couple of people as I ran.

"Sorry!" I yelled back, not turning around.

I made it with a couple minutes to spare. I can't be late on the first day of this class. Andy flagged me down, of course, sitting at the front row. I shouldn't have asked her to save me a seat. I slapped my forehead, wiping my hand down my face in complaint. I dragged my feet over to her, taking the spot between her and some dark haired hottie. Okay, so maybe this won't be so bad. Andy immediately grabbed a loose strand of my blonde hair, pinning it back into my loose, low bun.

"Thanks." I smiled at her.

"I was worried you wouldn't make it. I'm surprised you didn't portal." She smiled back.

"I forgot the stupid pearl in the room." Damn this morning.

"Sounds like you." She laughed.

"Shut up, I'm not that bad." I laughed knowing that was a bold face lie.

"Who do you think grandpa Nate got to teach this class?" She asked me curiously, staring at the back door where the teacher would enter. Grandpa Nate took over as the dragon councilman last year, helping in the creation of this academy.

"No clue." I shrugged.

"It's Vanora Lincraft." Dark haired hottie butted into our conversation.

"As in the Vanora Lincraft, of the original dragon family?" Andy sounded so excited.

"The one and only." His pink lips curved into a smile.

He had shaggy short black hair, pale skin, and narrowed eyes. He had a strong jaw and a serious, mischievous look about him. He gave Andy a little smirk, that only made me find him sexy. Right when I was going to say something Ms. Lincraft walked in, announcing the start of class. I could feel the power radiating from her. Her dragon was strong, causing Ryoko, my dragon, to stir inside me. Ryoko loved to challenge anyone strong, getting me in trouble a lot. Thankfully we were strong and well trained, beating most everyone we challenged.

"Good morning, and welcome to healing fire class. Considering there is a whole class for this singular fire, you can be sure that healing fire is the hardest to master. I'm here to teach you and guide you into mastering this in just one semester. We're hitting the ground running!" She looked out over the rows of seats at each of us. She crossed her arms, leaning back on the edge of her desk. "Who here has had some experience with healing magic before?"

Andy and I were the only ones to raise our hands. She eyed us, appraising us by just our looks. She arched a brow, probably suspicious of our claims.

"Why don't you two come join me up here for a demonstration?" She motioned for us to come up.

Andy stood up right away, her positive demeanor kept her from seeing what this really is. She's testing us, our ability, our power, our resolve, our guts, all of it. I sighed, but followed Andy to the front.

"Which one of you has more experience in healing?" She asked us.

"Nova has the most experience with healing fire." Andy quickly responded, thinking she was helping.

"Perfect, let's see it." She smiled. I was about to ask her what I'd be healing when she slashed Andy's arm open.

My siren surfaced, hissing at her, with dragon scales and talons out. Her eyes widened in surprise for just a moment before she shook her head at me.

"You better hurry and save your friend before she bleeds out." She pointed to Andy, who looked a little gray now.

I quickly refocused my anger, remembering everything that grandpa Nate taught me. I casted the same green fire, focusing all my healing magic inside of it. I placed it over Andy, making her wound heal. It was taking too long, and she was losing blood faster than the wound was closing. Ms. Lincraft stood beside me, placing her hand over mine and guiding my magic further. Andy's wound healed in less than a minute after that.

"What the hell is the matter with you?!" I snapped at her, not frieghtened by the fact that she was a teacher.

"Your magic needs improvement, although you're further ahead than I thought you'd be. Your friend was never in any real trouble. I would have healed her, if you couldn't," she explained, like that made it okay.

"Thank you, Ms. Viseron. I'm already aware of your magic, thanks to your father. And just so you know, you're further ahead than Ms. Boyd here, so don't sell yourself short." Ms. Lincraft got one last dig in on me before sending us to our seats.

'Let's challenge her. I'm sure I could take her!' Ryoko suggested.

'That's a terrible idea, and you know it.' I scolded her. 'We can't challenge a teacher. Besides I know you're strong, but you're not original-dragon-descendant strong, so cool your jets there.'

"I think I'm going to hate this class." I murmured when we sat back down.

"Don't hate it on my account." Andy smiled. "I think I'm going to enjoy it."

"Of course you will." I sighed.

This is going to be a long semester.

Ch. 2 Augustus

Augustus' P.O.V.

"Harder, Gus, Harder!" The dark haired beauty beneath me screamed.

Fu.ck, what was her name again? Janet? Jennifer? It starts with a J, I know that for sure.

I thrusted deep inside of her, filling her as much as I could, till I grazed her cervix. She moaned in pleasure, swaying her hips against me.

"Hey, as.sholes, I need my books!" I heard Nova's familiar voice.

Shi.t

I thought she was gone. Dammit, she's going to talk my ear off later. Fu.ck. I didn't stop though, the feel of Janice's p*ssy was too good to leave right now. She continued to moan, not caring that Nova was at the door.

"Hey!" She continued banging on the door. I know she's not going to go away until she gets what she needs. I looked around, finding some books beside her bed. I sent them to her shadow on the other side of the door.

"Not the right ones, Augustus." Dammit. She said Augustus, she's pissed. I took back the ones I sent, sending out another stack. "Thanks, Jacka.ss."

Shi.t I'm in trouble.

I pushed that thought aside, focusing on Jaclyn beneath me. I kissed her neck, licking and sucking on her most tender areas. I may sleep around, but I make sure to please the woman I'm with before myself. I felt her muscles clench around my d*ck as she reached her orgasm. I thrusted into her faster, releasing myself into the condom I was wearing.

'Where the hell are you? Class is about to start.' I heard Ares' shadow message ripple through my shadow.

"Gotta go, sweetheart. Thanks for this." I kissed her one last time, throwing the condom away and cleaning myself off before changing the scenery around me.

I traveled through the shadows, using Ares' shadow door as my destination. I sat beside him as if I'd been there the entire time. He gave me a knowing, and disapproving look. The dark purple walls in the class reminded me of Jesse's room back home. I looked around, finding her further down the front. Her light brown hair was easy to spot amongst all the black and dark brown. She had it cut in a short pixie style that showed her small round face and strong jaw off.

She was showing off her new tattoo on her collarbone, by the way she loosened her tie and had her first few shirt buttons undone. She was showing too much skin in my opinion. I used my shadow to button up one of her buttons. She looked around, giving me a pointed look when she found me. I narrowed my face in a big brother means business way. She just rolled her eyes, but she left it buttoned up.

"She's getting older, Augustus, you're gonna have to leave her alone." Ares told me.

"Like hell, she could be 20 and I'm still going to tell her what to do." I argued. She's my little sister, I gotta protect her from guys like me.

"Get your life together first, before you go and try to tell someone else how to live." Ares snarked.

"What's that supposed to mean?" I snapped, looking at him closely for the first time.

His long black hair was tied in a tall bun, and those all knowing lilac eyes were narrowed at me. He had a serious look about him as he eyed me. He crossed his arms, leaning back against the black cushioned chair.

"You know exactly what that means. Why do you even feel the need to sleep around with so many girls? Mom would kill you if she knew." He shook his head disapprovingly.

"We can't all be perfect little Ares. According to mom, you do no wrong. There could be a dead body on the floor with you holding the bloody knife, and she still wouldn't believe it was you." Mom took care of Ares differently than she did Jesse and I.

I know it's because his dad is dead, but I think she began to favor him as we grew up. Maybe because she misses his dad and he apparently looks a lot like him. Jesse and I both see it, so I know it's not just in my head. Ares the perfect child. There's no competing with him, so why bother?

"I'm not perfect." He said, not giving me a chance to counter before our teacher appeared.

"Well, aren't you lot a sight for sore eyes?" Her dark burgundy hair and Irish accent hit me with a smile. May was our teacher this year, what luck!

"You better wipe that smile off your face. She's going to be harsher on us because she knows us. It's the opposite of what you're thinking. We're in for a rough semester." Ares informed me, crushing my hopes.

May was one of moms few close girl friends. May and her son would come over and play with us often. He's around Jesse's age and even has some classes with her. Jesse is technically not supposed to be in this class, but she's ahead of the rest of her classmates at using the shadows. How could she not be, with Mom as our mother and Topher as her father.

Topher is a badass shadow fighter and our mayor of the West colony. He's loved by everyone in town, and could beat anyone's ass in a second. Mom and him are relentless with training. There's no one here anywhere near our league because of them. Mom has expectations of us and she lets it be known.

'I expect the same of each of you. Don't take anyone's shi.t, return it tenfold. Be the victor of every battle, but pick them wisely.'

Her words rang in my head. One of the many things she'd tell us over and over. I shook the memory out of my head trying to focus on May at the front of the room. Her light eyes landed on my gold ones.

"I see the Watts family is here." We all have different last times, so everyone refers to us as the Watts, which is mom's name. The name of the sole surviving original family. "My hope is to train you enough to one day beat one of them."

She grinned at us with a challenge…keep getting stronger or risk being caught up to. I tensed, feeling my phoenix stir at the challenge. Dad helped me awaken it fully, without having to die. I don't plan on ever using that part of my phoenix ability, because I don't plan on ever being killed by someone.

Ares pulled a strong shadow shield up behind our back just as a fast shadow tried to attack us. His eyes flashed with the many possible futures before us. He pushed off my chair, simultaneously moving both of us as another shadow was sent hurtling between us where we'd just been.

'Sombra, tame.' I told my shadow.

'Gladly.' Its dual toned voice responded. Shadows don't have genders. There's not really much about them to distinguish them either way, having a woman's and man's voice at the same time.

Sombra was an ancient shadow with abilities like no others. Stronger than that of the first shadow weaver shadow. Sombra stopped all the shadows around us. They were frozen in time, unusable to anyone, but me at the moment.

"Together you two are invincible, but we'll see how you fair apart." May said, letting me know she was the one that had been attacking. She smiled excitedly at us, and I could see my easy semester dreams quickly fading away.

Damn, this is going to be a long semester.

Ch. 3 Jesse

Jesse's P.O.V.

"Are you just as strong as your brothers?" Lana asked me, whispering to me as she looked at my brother's on the last row above us in class.

"We are each stronger than one another in one way or another, but we're pretty equal overall." I told her, remembering the countless hours of training we’d do everyday.

Dad even gave me tips and tricks that the others didn't have. They have a year more of training than me, given their age, but dad made sure I was on the same level as them.

"That's awesome. My shadows are so slow, and probably not the strongest, so I'm really excited to learn. I wonder if I could be as strong as you guys by the end of the semester." She smiled Excitedly. I laughed in her face at that last statement.

"It'll take years of 3 hour daily sessions of training to get to where we are now, but by the time you reach this strength we'll be stronger. Sorry Lana, but there's no catching up. The difference is already too vast."

It sounds harsh, I know, but it's the damn truth. I won't inflate her ego or her senseless hope. She can hate me if she wants. What I won't do is make light of the amount of work that went into becoming this strong.

"Well damn, Jess, you could have lied." She pouted, slouching in her chair.

"That wasn't very nice, babe." Damon leaned in to whisper in my ear.

"It's the truth." I whispered back.

He gave me that half smirk, letting me know he secretly liked it when I was a bit of a bi.tch. His clear blue eyes and silver streaked hair were what enticed me to him to begin with. With eyes like that, I knew he'd have to have a strong shadow. The lighter the eyes, the stronger the shadow. I got my dad's light green ones, while Augustus has his dad, Kiran’s, gold and Ares has mom's lilac ones.

Augustus is the only one of us to get an ancient shadow though. Ares got an executive shadow, with the ability to freeze time. It pairs well with his seer abilities. I got an executive shadow as well. My shadow, Luz, can bend light, which makes it able to clone me, make me invisible, cast mirages or illusions, and so forth. Then you add the fact that I am fused with a small part of mom's shadow and dad's shadow, giving me a small amount of my dad's healing ability, and mom's ability to control other's shadows, making me a damn powerhouse.

Damon had a square jaw that ticked when he was angered. I loved seeing it twitch though. His eyes were cold and dangerous, which thrilled me more than anything. I've got a thing for the bad boys. He's a year older, but we keep our relationship a secret. Between Augustus and my dad, I'd never be alone with Damon if they knew.

"Today I'll be assessing you sorry lot, the same way I was assessed. Meet me in the field." May smiled at us with a wicked gleam in her eyes, as she sank into her shadow.

I changed the scenery around us, traveling the shadow door through me instead of myself through it. The travel is faster and smoother this way. Augustus, Ares and I were the first ones to arrive followed by May and then the other students.

"Leaving me behind, babe? That's cold." Damon whispered into my ear again. His chin tickled my neck, causing my hair to stand and goosebumps to erupt. Augustus narrowed his eyes at Damon, great now he's on his radar.

"I didn't realize you needed a piggyback, thought you could handle yourself." I retorted, causing him to smile mischievously at me. He's coming up with my punishments for tonight already. I can see it in his eyes, causing a wave of excitement to roll through me.

"You'll see how well I can handle myself tonight." He promised, and I had to bite my cheek to keep from saying anything else. I don't need to be horny as shi.t before this assessment of May's. She's going to bracket us off in front of everyone.

"We'll start with the ones I know to be strong and work down. So Augustus you'll spar Ares, and Jesse you will spar with me. From there the winner will face the lower class. I want to see how long you Watts can last." She seemed to be enjoying herself at our expense. I'll remember this later, maybe I'll have fun at her son's expense if she keeps this shi.t up.

"Sounds good." I told her, uncrossing my arms and taking my stance. The stance mom engraved into me the moment I turned 5.

"See her stance? Memorize it children, it's the best stance to have while fighting. Your shadows won't always be able to protect you so your body needs to be ready for an attack as well." May explained to them all, using me as a model.

Battle commenced, but May didn't let me beat her. She stopped our fight before I could. She still claimed me the winner though. Her excuse was that she didn't want me to tire with her, but I feel like it's more because she doesn't want to lose in front of her students.

Augustus and Ares almost knocked each other out at the same time, but May stopped them before that. She called it a draw, saying they're too evenly matched. Neither of them liked that. They wanted to keep going till they had a victor.

Training went on like that. Augustus beat Damon with such ease, infuriating him to no end. Damon was a sore loser, having his ego bruised after losing so quickly. I was glad that Ares didn't go against Damon, or he might have seen a future where we were kissing or worse…fu.cking.

Of course no one beat us, but for the shadows, was I dead tired. My muscles will be screaming later, and I know it won't matter to Damon. He'll fu.ck me just as hard if not harder when he figures out I'm sore.

"Go ice those muscles. I'll get you all sorted by the end of the semester. Perhaps some of you will be lucky enough to create a strong enough shadow shield to stay alive should you ever need to fight for your life." May almost laughed as she was swallowed by her shadow. She traveled the slow way, not having the sense to travel the way we did.

Shadows, this semester is going to be long.

Ch. 4 Ares

Ares' P.O.V.

I knew she would drive us hard, but I didn't foresee just how sore I'd be after. May has always been a bit of a sadistic teacher. I think she enjoyed seeing people struggle and work hard to reach their potential. She's a good person though, you could ask anyone and they'd tell you how sweet and capable she was.

I pulled my phone out, feeling it buzz in my pocket. Nova had texted. It's not really like her to text so early in the day.

Nova: We need to talk about the slut you call a brother.

Me: What'd he do now?

Nova: My roommate! Bring him here.

Nova was pissed. There was always one rule that we had imposed on Augustus' sleeping habits. Never with our close friends, or with our roommates. Seems he was running out of new people to fu.ck if he was tempted enough to break the rule.

"Sorry, you've been summoned." I told him, grabbing him and sending us to Nova.

I looked around, noticing she was in the sanctioned fighting arena. Anytime you have a problem with someone on campus, and want to handle it in a fight, you would take it here. The magic in this arena will heal you after the fight and will keep the fight from going too far. It seems she was mad enough to fight him over this. This won't end well, I can see it now.

"Nova, isn't this a bit extreme?" I asked her.

"I don't think so." She pretended to think about it for a moment, but then got mad again.

"You can't be serious? Jocelyn enjoyed her time with me. She's not going to give you grief over it." Augustus tried to convince Nova.

"Who the hell is Jocelyn?" Nova furrowed her brow, before realization hit her. "Oh my God! You don't even know her name!" She practically shrieked, seething with anger.

Nope, too late for me to try to help with this. Augustus dug his own grave here and there's no way I can get him out of it. Nova is the most stubborn woman I know, and when she's ready to fight, there's no changing her mind.

"Come on, Ares, let's get out of the way." Andy hooked her arm around mine, pulling me closer to the stands where a small crowd seemed to be gathering.

Anytime the arena was used an email was sent out to watch out for the area, but it only made it to where the fight became a spectacle instead. This was the first fight of the year and I can already see that these stands will fill more, especially when they see who's fighting.

"What's it matter to you Nova? It didn't hurt you." Augustus tried to argue.

"You broke the rule, Auggie. Apparently you don't respect me enough to respect my rules."

I saw Augustus' shoulders slump for a second before he took his fighting stance. He didn't mean to hurt Nova, I can clearly see that, but hurt her he did. I was mad at him for that part. Nova doesn't deserve that.

"I'm not going to take it easy on you." Augustus warned her like an idiot.

"Neither am I." She snarked.

The overhead projector turned on with the two minute timer. When the timer hits zero, if there is no victor, the fight is over. The loud horn sounded starting the countdown. Nova immediately coated her hands and forearm in fire. August sent a shadow at her, but she flew up using the wind magic of her dragon without wings. She blew fire Augustus' way, and he had to dodge as our shadows are weak against dragon fire.

August pulled his phoenix wings out, flying up to meet Nova in the sky. He threw a fireball at her, but she literally ate it. She switched her arms from fire to water now, calling her siren magic. She threw water on Augustus' wings, weakening his flames. August used the shadows to wrap around Nova's ankle and pull her down to the ground. She blew fire from her mouth at it, weakening it just in time to not fall to the ground.

She used a water whip to wrap around Augustus' ankle, pulling him down to her this time. He hit the ground with a thud, unable to escape. Nova ran towards him, jumping on his torso on the ground, punching him right in the jaw with her dragonscale coated fist. It was a hard punch and I could hear the crack of bone.

Augustus used the shadows, wrapping them around Nova and switching positions to where he was on top. He held her in a lock, not wanting to punch her even though he said he wouldn't take it easy on her.

She wiggled around, loosening herself from his grip. She was on him when the timer went off above them. Nova didn't move, she didn't hit him, but she also didn't get off. She looked him deep in the eye, her breathing coming in and out quickly. She finally got off him with a gruff, clearly still upset.

"Nova, hold on. Talk to me." I caught her arm as she walked by me.

She turned to look at me and I saw it all. Her eyes were pink and hurt, she was holding back tears now. I quickly let go, realizing now wouldn't be the time to talk. This was more than just about her rule. This was about the fact that he had slept with someone and she’d heard it.

Shi.t, she loves him. Why does that hurt me so much?

I watched her storm out of the arena before she took off into the air, fully turning into her slithering green dragon, green like those emerald eyes of hers. That image of her hurt face stuck in my head as I approached Augustus. He was pissed now. I held out my hand for him to take, but he slapped it away.

"I'm fine!" He snapped at me, getting up and brushing his ass off from the dirt.

"You're a damn id.iot." I scolded him, before turning my back on him. If he wants to be a proud asshole, he can be one by himself. I'm tired of his attitude here lately.

Shi.t!

I didn't think Nova would fall for Augustus' charms too. I thought she was stronger than that. Fu.ck me. I think I started to fall for her without realizing it.

Am I in a love triangle with my brother? This is going to be a long semester.

Ch. 5 Nova

Nova's P.O.V.

Fu.ck him!

I was still so upset, and oddly very hurt. I let Ryoko take over and fly us around campus, taking us to the siren side of the academy. She rushed us towards the water, shifting with me as we dove down from the sky into the water. The shift was seamless, from my dragon to my siren. It was as easy as taking a deep breath. I swam down to the bottom of the lake where I knew I'd find Emanuel.

Emanuel was a sea witch I'd met last school year. It was the first year the school had opened and everyone was so cliquey, still kind of are. I found Emanuel alone at the bottom of the lake when I was exploring. Sea witches aren't exactly the most liked creatures, but he was different. He was kind and caring despite the hate he received. He was a year younger than me, a sophomore this year.

"Hey, what brings you down here?" He smiled at me when he saw me. His large purple fin had grown since last year. His teeth were sharper and his muscles larger.

"Just needed to see a friendly face." I smiled at him, feeling myself calm already. I am not sure what it is about him, but when I'm near him all my troubles just seem to fade away.

"My face is friendly?" He smiled wider, looking almost menacing with those teeth, but it was those eyes that really gave away his kind demeanor. Those blue almost silver eyes.

"Extremely." I smiled at him.

"I think you're the only one that thinks that." He laughed, his short brown hair floated around his face.

"Well screw everyone else. My opinion is the most important anyway." I joked.

"I'll agree with that." He winked and we both laughed. "So tell me what really happened?"

"Fu.cking Augustus." I sighed, sinking down to lay on the large flat rock. He did the same laying beside me as we stared at the sun's reflection on the surface of the water.

"What did he do now? I feel like we're always mad at him."

"We?"

"Well, yeah, if you're mad at him, then as your best friend, I'm mad at him too." He said it so matter of factly, making me chuckle.

"Thanks, self proclaimed best friend."

"You know it's true, so is it really self proclaimed?" He smirked.

"I guess not. To answer your question, he slept with my roommate."

"Already? Damn that fu.cker moves fast." Emanuel sounded almost impressed.

"Don't be impressed, I thought we were mad together?" I arched my brow accusingly.

"Sorry, the guy in me took over for a second. Back to being mad.” He furrowed his thick brows. “Bad Augustus, what a jerk face." He nodded his head to affirm his own words to himself.

"Thanks."

Why am I so hurt by this? I knew he slept around. I knew the number of women he's been with was immense. I guess I just never witnessed it, never actually heard it or seen it happen. Hearing it today, it did more than just piss me off. It fu.cking hurt me inside. I think at some point I fell in love with Augustus without even realizing it.

Damn him.

Emanuel and I quietly enjoyed one another's presence for a moment longer before I decided to stop being a coward and reemerge. I need to talk to Ares, because he didn't deserve to be blown off like that. Andy knows me so well that I am sure she figured out my feelings before I even had. There's no need to tell her. Andy is like the twin I never had. Uncle Ash made sure she and I were attached at the hip growing up, so much so that it felt like she really was my twin. She feels more like a sister than a cousin.

"I better go face the world. Are you coming with me?" I tried to get him out with me, but I know he won't come out unless he has to.

"Not yet. I'll see you at lunch though. Save me a spot." He told me.

"You got it." I got off the rock, pushing my red fin to swim as fast as possible.

I reemerged, finding Ares there with a towel and clothes. He knew just where to find me like always. He always knows when I'm ready to talk too. I guess that's the seer part of him. I found it really comforting, and convenient.

"I'm sorry." I told him shyly.

"No need." He placed the towel and clothes down on the ground before turning around.

Being naked wasn't something any of us were shy about, but no one really gawked at anyone either. Of course as a shadow weaver, Ares doesn't deal with this much, so he always turns to give me privacy. He's a gentleman like that.

"I didn't mean to blow you off. I was still upset." I explained, still feeling bad.

"I know, Nova. You don't have to explain." He stayed staring at the tree surrounding the lake.

"I'm dressed now." I told him as I finished getting my shirt on. I saw him blush a little bit when he got a peek at my bra before I pulled my shirt all the way down.

"Sorry, you had said you were done." He didn't meet my eyes and I just laughed at his shyness. So different from Augustus.

"It's fine. I was done. It's just a bra Arie, don't freak out on me." I teased him, shoving his shoulder lightly with my hand.

He huffed, but gave me that small smirk of his. Ares didn't smile much, always serious or focused. I saw him smile wide maybe once, and it was enough to shake my world. His smiling face is the most handsome thing I'd ever seen. If he sported that smile more often, well shit.t, maybe I would have fallen in love with him instead. That would definitely make for an easier life. I fell for the wrong brother, that's for sure.

Damn Augustus.

"I'm not freaking out. I just don't want to disrespect you, Nova." He finally met my eyes, those beautiful and bright lilac eyes stared back at me. I love his eyes the most.

"You never disrespect me, Arie." I assured him, giving him a small smile.

"Nova…" He paused for a moment, and I knew the question that was coming. This was Arie, he knew it all the moment he touched me. I saw it plainly in his eyes. "You love him, don't you?"

He didn't have to say his name. I knew who he was referring to. I sighed heavily, looking up at the darkening clouds.

"I think so, but I don't think I really knew it until today." I admitted.

"I'm sorry, Nova." I could tell he meant those words, he wasn't just saying them. He really felt them. "I'll get him into shape for you."

I laughed because I don't think there's anyone that can change Augustus' ways. He's a stubborn as.shole. There's no changing him unless he wants to change.

"We both know he won't listen to either of us." I shook my head.

"Eventually, he will. I just have to keep pestering him." Arie sounded more determined than usual.

"Thanks. Don't tell him what I said, okay? I don't want him to know how I feel." That would be too humiliating.

"I won't. I promise."

How do I stop loving Augustus Barlowe?