Page 15 of The Angel's Kiss
“Again,” Instructor Snyder said.
“It’s my birthday, can’t we call it a day?” I pleaded. I really wanted to take it easy.
“Will demons give you a break on your birthday?” Instructor Snyder asked.
I didn’t bother to answer that question. I just squared off with Tony again, I made sure to be mindful of my shoulders when throwing punches or kicks. I was sixteen now and since I’d arrived at Stellar Academy, better known as the Celestial Guild, I’d been training my mind and body. Learning an array of subjects like languages, history, the elements of magic, geography, and of course, combat. The latter was the most important thing to master, so most of my days were spent sparring.
Two hours later, I was finally able to finish training and I walked to the dorm to shower. I had my own bedroom, but not my own bathroom. At least each shower had individual stalls with frosted doors. Before I could get into one, I was shoved from behind and I stumbled but managed to catch myself before I fell. I turned to see who had pushed me and it was Andrew Willard along with Dana Smith and Tony Lombardi. The Trio, as they were called. For most people here, it was just because they were best friends. But for me, it was because they were bullies.
“You must want me to beat your ass for real this time,” I said since I had sparred with Tony earlier and had bested him.
“You got lucky, freak,” Tony said with a snarl. He was standing behind Andrew, who was their ringleader.
I looked at the three of them and then flexed my shoulders. “This time, I won’t be holding back. I’m going to make you feel pain.”
“Yeah, you would say that, considering what kind of Guardian you are,” Andrew said.
I frowned. “What the fuck is that supposed to mean?”
“He’s so foul,” Dana remarked.
“You must have me confused with your momma’s pussy,” I told him.
He yelled, then charged at me, but before we could come to blows, the boom of a commanding voice ordered us to stop. We all turned to see Headmaster Darius Morris approaching. He looked regal as always and his very presence demanded obedience.
“What is going on here?” he asked once he was standing in front of the four of us.
“Nothing, sir,” Andrew said.
“Bullshit,” I murmured
Darius looked at me. “Language. I’ve told you about that.”
I wanted to roll my eyes, but I refrained out of respect for him. Also, because he would probably punish me for it. “I’m sorry, sir.”
“Explain what happened,” he said. “And let me add: Do. Not. Lie.”
“We just had a few words for Rai, but he turned savage,” Andrew said.
“I was minding my business when he pushed me,” I said, telling the actual truth.
Our Headmaster studied us and his gaze felt heavy enough for me to lower my eyes. “Because it’s your birthday, I will not punish you—any of you.”
I looked up at him. “But I didn’t start it. Why should I get punished, sir?”
“Because of your foul language. You’re a Guardian, Rai. You should have better judgment than to further provoke those who are in your charge,” Darius said.
“Provoke, my ass. I don’t start fights, but I will finish them,” I said.
Darius looked at me, his expression was unreadable, which was normal for him. I couldn’t tell if he was pissed at me or not. He turned to the other boys. “Go, and do not do this again.”
“Yes, Headmaster Morris,” they said at the same time.
Darius returned his attention to me. “You’re strong and fierce. These are traits a Guardian must have to survive. But wisdom is the main one. To know when to fight is important. And until you can control your temper, you aren’t worthy of the destiny you’ve been given, Rai.”
Well, that hurt.
“Go, wash up, and continue with your night.” Darius walked away then.
