Lorelei's School of Deviltry, Semester One: An Academy for Supernaturals Read online

  She took a seat behind an enormous wooden desk and then pointed to one of the chairs in front of it. “This school has a complicated history, but I’d expect that an intelligent girl like yourself would understand it.” Samantha waited for me to sit before continuing. “The races are separated on this campus for a reason. Supes weren’t meant to get along with one another. Imagine what would happen if we did. Any idea of the havoc that would cause humans?”

  I remained silent.

  “Humanity would be at a loss if all of us teamed up and began preying upon them. You’re from Falls Creek, right?”

  “Yes, ma’am.”

  “There are boundaries in place keeping Lilin and vampires from hunting the same territory, right?”

  “Yes.”

  “If there weren’t, the human population would be dead within hours.”

  “But we don’t have humans here.” I failed to see her point.

  “True, but the purpose of Lorelei’s is to prepare you for the human world. You have to learn to walk away from confrontations with other supernaturals. Here, vampires have always ruled supreme.”

  “Seriously? Why?”

  Samantha stared into the distance for a moment and then said, “It’s how things have always been. A vampire gave Lorelei this land. He erected the buildings. He allowed the school to exist.”

  “In exchange for supremacy?”

  “Yes.”

  It was that very reason why I joined the organization, Supes and Humans United. We all lived in the same world on the same planet. We shared the same air and ate the same food—with a few exceptions. We lived in the same towns. Some supernatural councils had learned how to allow supes to co-exist with humanity. I wouldn’t stop until all of us could. Bringing equality to Lorelei’s was paramount. If I had to attend the school, I had better do something worthwhile.

  “Bottom line, Lilith? You were wrong this afternoon. You cannot bully your way—”

  “I’m sorry, but I didn’t bully anyone. One of the librarians made a mistake and told me I could use the room Kamila reserved. When I realized the issue, I packed up my things. She made a bigger deal—”

  “She is a vampire.”

  Enough said.

  “So, what happens now?” I asked. “Do I have to make a public apology or something equally dumb?”

  Samantha sighed. “Possibly. First, you’ll attend the Tribunal. Apparently, Kamila is so distraught that the meeting will take place tonight. You’re expected in the administration building at eight o’clock. Don’t be late.”

  Pushing to my feet, I asked, “Anything else?”

  “You’re allowed to bring a student rep to speak on your behalf.”

  “Thanks.”

  It was time for me to find London.

  Chapter Five

  The Lilin Posse huddled together in the Commons room. We were strategizing for that evening’s session of the Tribunal. When I relayed to London what happened, she summoned the rest of the group. She decided that Torin should represent me.

  “Why is any of this happening?” I asked.

  He surmised, “Because you’re new on campus. Plus, there was the incident the other night. Kamila is a spoiled brat who doesn’t like it when someone stands up to her.”

  “True dat,” London said. “That vamp made my first week here hellified. We butted heads every day over something.”

  “The problem back then, sister, was that Maksim had an eye for you,” Nico stated.

  She blushed. “Hey, I can’t help that.”

  “Guys, this isn’t helping,” Torin said. “Here’s our plan. We go as a united front with Lilith. Each of us can testify to Kamila’s evil intentions.” To me, he added, “Lilith, you’ll have to throw yourself on the Tribunal’s mercy.”

  Twirling a strand of hair around my finger, I asked, “And how will that help?”

  “Worst-case scenario?”

  I nodded.

  “You’re barred from school activities for a period of time. Maybe you’ll have to make a public apology.” Torin sank his hands in his jeans pockets. “Be sure to wear the correct uniform.” His hand swept over me. “The headmistress will be there too, and she hates it when we alter it.”

  §

  A few hours later, the Lilin Posse along with Cyrena entered the administration building. A gremlin with chartreuse elephantine skin led us into a circular room, as big as an auditorium, packed with students.

  Did the whole campus show up?

  My dorm mates and sister found seats in the first row while Torin and I were directed to take our places on stage. Representatives from the demons, the shifters, the mages, and the hybrids sat behind a table. Of course, the so-called injured party and the headmistress were present too. Once we found our spots, she stood and picked up a microphone.

  “Thank you for being on time, Miss Martin.” She looked over the crowd. “These events are always my least favorite. What I do appreciate is the candor and the cooperation such unfortunate incidents foster. I only hope that a satisfying agreement can be reached this evening.” Mistress Lorelei sat down and waved a hand to Maksim.

  The angular vampire walked up the stairs and stopped in front of the table. “Ladies… Gentleman… Our esteemed headmistress…”

  Man, he could be a politician. He knew just how to work the crowd.

  Maksim continued, “You all know Kamila. Her parents paid for the renovation on the library. She has no need to push her weight around in that facility. You may not have met our newest student on campus, but you do know her.” He glanced at me. “Well, I should say you know of her. She’s the type of student who doesn’t believe in following the rules, which her activities before coming to Lorelei’s prove.”

  “I object,” Torin interjected. “Lilith’s behavior outside this campus is not to be questioned.”

  “Headmistress, if you will allow me, I will demonstrate how Miss Martin’s actions did influence today’s unfortunate incident.”

  Mistress Lorelei’s eyes narrowed. “I’ll allow it.”

  Oh, he was good. Future supernatural lawyer maybe?

  “As I was saying… Miss Martin is the head of an organization determined to erase the divisions between supernaturals and humans. Perhaps this afternoon’s occurrence was a testing of the battleground. A chance for the accused to experiment with her agenda.”

  Torin rose to his feet. “I object.”

  “Are you finished, Mr. Novak?” Mistress Lorelei asked.

  “With my opening statement. I’ll allow Mr. Murphy to state his case.” The vampire took a seat beside Kamila.

  “What you have just heard is all erroneous conjecture. The incident in question had nothing to do with a supposed agenda. It was merely a misunderstanding between students. Something I intend to prove this evening.”

  The headmistress nodded. “We’ll now hear from Kamila Tesarova. Mr. Novak, you may address any questions once she gives her testimony.”

  Kamila pushed to her feet. “At three fifteen today, I went to the study room located on the second floor of the library. I have a standing reservation for that spot.” She produced the purple card and handed it to Maksim.

  “Members of the Tribunal, please take a look and verify that it is indeed valid.”

  The card was passed from one person to the next until it was in the hands of the headmistress. She briefly glanced at it. “This is the standard issue card for anyone with a permanent reservation.”

  Crap. How did the librarian not know that when she told me to take the room?

  “You may continue, Miss Tesarova,” Maksim said.

  “When I arrived, Miss Martin was in the room. I asked her to leave. I even showed her my card. She refused to move. She said it was first come, first serve. The same thing happened earlier today. I’d left my book bag in a lecture hall seat while I went to the ladies’ room. When I returned, my things were on the floor. Miss Martin told me to take another seat.”

  I leaned in toward Torin. �
��She’s lying. Milos was there.”

  Kamila’s lies, however, had their effect. Everyone in the place—except the Lilin Posse—shook their heads.

  Maksim clasped his hands behind his back. “I know this is painful to recall, but did you do anything to deserve such poor treatment from Miss Martin?”

  “Nothing at all. My behavior has always been exemplary.”

  “Your witness, Mr. Murphy.” Maksim took a seat.

  “Is there anyone who can collaborate the incident in the lecture hall?” Torin asked as he stood.

  Kamila smiled sweetly. “Milos Petrovich was there. But he arrived after I found my bag on the floor. He wouldn’t know what happened before.”

  Crap, crap, crap.

  Torin sighed. “In lieu of that point… Headmistress Lorelei and members of the Tribunal, Miss Martin asks for mercy. She has admitted to her wrongdoing. She was in the wrong room and quickly sought to remedy the situation. Since there is no one to attest to what occurred this morning, I ask that you don’t consider it when making your decision. We also ask that you don’t hold previous associations against Miss Martin. While she is a student here, she will not communicate with subversive organizations.”

  What?! I never agreed to that!

  Mistress Lorelei rose from her seat. “Thank you, Mr. Murphy and Mr. Novak. I also thank the injured party and the accused—”

  “Wait!” I shot to my feet. “What about my testimony?”

  The headmistress stared at me. “Ordinarily, others speak on the behalf of the accused. Hearing from you is unnecessary. How are we to know if you’re lying?”

  That was the same reasoning witch hunters used ages ago. Torin gave me a curt head shake. Sorry. I didn’t believe in sitting back and letting anyone railroad me.

  “No disrespect, Headmistress Lorelei, but how do you know Kamila isn’t lying?”

  Somebody snickered.

  “Very well. Mr. Murphy, we shall hear from the accused.”

  Man, I did not like that female. Still…

  “Go ahead, Lilith. Tell us exactly what happened in the lecture hall,” Torin asked.

  Standing my ground, I said, “I was the first to arrive. There weren’t any book bags or anything else in the room. I took a seat in the front. When I began unpacking my bag, Kamila arrived. She told me that I was in her seat and should find another.”

  Torin asked, “What happened next?”

  “I told her that there were other seats. Why should I have to move just because that was her favorite spot?”

  “Did Mr. Petrovich show up?”

  “Yes. He asked what was going on and then introduced himself. Milos told Kamila that Maksim was looking for her. Then, Milos sat beside me.”

  A few of the Tribunal members scribbled some notes.

  Torin tapped his chin. “Okay. Tell us how you ended up in the study room guaranteed to Miss Tesarova.”

  I sighed. “I’d searched all over the library for a space to study in. When I went to the librarian, she told me that the room was available and gave me a key.”

  “What did this librarian look like?”

  “She was elderly. Could have been a demon.”

  Torin faced the table. “Everyone who has been in this school for a few semesters knows Miss Adderlee. She’s the oldest librarian on campus and is prone to forgetting things.”

  The Tribunal members nodded in unison.

  “As I said, this was a simple misunderstanding. Miss Tesarova has been a student on this campus for a number of years. Miss Martin is new here. How was she to know that Miss Tesarova is entitled to a study room? Furthermore, how would that same new student know Miss Tesarova has preferred seating? If these situations had happened a week from now, then you could assume that Miss Martin was merely being problematic. You cannot label someone a troublemaker simply because they do not know the rules.”

  Mistress Lorelei slowly stood. “Thank you for that, Mr. Murphy. I ask that both parties along with their representatives step outside the room and allow a discussion of the matter.”

  The gremlin who escorted us earlier showed up and directed Torin and me to wait on the balcony. Thankfully, Kamila and Maksim went somewhere else.

  “What do you think will happen?” I asked.

  Torin shrugged. “I’m not sure. You’re the first person to ask for the right to state your version of what happened.”

  “So?”

  “We can only hope that the Tribunal looks upon that favorably.”

  “What’s the worst thing that can happen now?”

  “Expulsion.”

  Crap.

  Mom would kill me.

  A door behind us opened, and the school’s director stepped out. “Miss Martin, come with me.”

  Torin squeezed my hand, and then I left with her.

  She didn’t speak until we were in her office with the door closed. “Miss Martin, the Tribunal decided that it was best for you to leave the school.”

  “Why?” I exclaimed.

  “You have opinions that conflict with our teachings. Can you honestly say that this education will benefit you?”

  “Yes. I want to go into politics. What better place to get a foundation for it? Here, I have to learn about cooperation with the different races. I have to learn how to settle conflicts amicably.”

  Mistress Lorelei sat down and folded her hands on top of the desk. “That is what we’re doing in your case. I’ll contact your mother and discuss the situation with her. You’re excused from classes. You can wait in your room until she’s ready to collect you.”

  “No. Contact her now,” I insisted. “If I have to go home, I’d rather not spend another moment here.”

  “As you wish.” The female turned to her computer and began typing. When she stopped, another gremlin entered her office. “Frigz, please summon Miss Martin’s mother.”

  The grotesque creature was barely able to see over the desk. He smiled broadly, revealing a double row of jagged rotten teeth and noxious breath. “Yes, ma’am.”

  Frigz pointed a scrawny, deformed finger and a chartreuse portal opened. He entered the light. Seconds later, he returned with my mother. When she saw me, she frowned.

  “Lilith, what have you done?”

  Mistress Lorelei cleared her throat. “Ms. Martin, thank you for coming. It seems we have a little problem. Please, be seated.”

  Mom reluctantly sat beside me. The director had no idea that my mother didn’t tolerate anyone speaking ill of her daughters. If she didn’t think a person’s complaint was valid, she’d let them know.

  “What kind of problem would that be?” Mom crossed her legs.

  The headmistress explained the events of that day along with the Tribunal’s decision. Then the female had the audacity to smile like it was perfectly natural to send a student home after the first day of classes.

  “Can I call you Lorelei?” Mom asked.

  “But of course.”

  “Here’s the thing. You told me a story purported by a vampire. I’m not sure what species you’re supposed to be…” Mom started. “But everyone who is anyone knows that vamps and Lilin don’t get along. Why would you trust a vampire’s word over my daughter’s?”

  “Kamila Tesarova is bloodborne and—”

  “Oh, I get it. She’s aristocracy. Well, guess what? My lineage goes back to the first Lilin. I don’t want to hear about some so-called descendant of Vlad’s. My daughter returns to classes in the morning. Find some other punishment, but she stays here.”

  Color darkened the administrator’s pale face. “That’s not how these things work.”

  “Oh, I know just how they work. I’ll make a donation, and this never happened.”

  Mistress Lorelei smiled. “Well, then. Your daughter is welcome to remain a student. She is on probation, however. No school activities the rest of the semester.”

  “Perfect.” Mom stood, kissed my forehead, and walked back to the portal.

  After it closed, Mistress Lo
relei said, “If you so much as blink at the wrong time, I’ll send you home myself.”

  Chapter Six

  Mom gave me a reprieve, and I had every intention of being on my best behavior. Anyone who knew the adage about good intentions—the road to Hell and all—knew that I couldn’t stay on that road for long. If it hadn’t been for the Politics class assignment, I might have had a chance at good conduct.

  Professor Malachi had given us a particularly nasty project—create a persuasive argument meant to be derisive. In other words, give a speech trying to convince the class of an unpopular opinion. For someone like me, it was the perfect platform for my beliefs about inclusivity.

  For as long as I could remember, I had believed separation between the races and even between humans and supes was wrong. The goal of Supes and Humans United was to foster integrated education. Falls Creek would be the proving ground. In my hometown there were plenty of humans who were aware of the existence of supernaturals. More importantly, those people didn’t run around in fear. The human population had a healthy respect for us. Why couldn’t all of humanity share that idea?

  Someone who didn’t have a healthy respect, however, was Milos Petrovich. Either that or he wanted a second death. The vampire didn’t know what the word distance meant.

  He’d appointed himself my study buddy. At that moment, we were in a private room at the library. A major breach in rules, but he’d made the arrangement. Since it was granted, it had to be permissible. Right? So I gave in and went with the program.

  “Are you sure you want to go with that idea for your paper?” he asked.

  “Didn’t Professor Malachi assign a persuasive yet controversial argument?”

  “He did, but…”

  “But what?” I cocked my head to the side and lifted an eyebrow. It was a move I’d done so many times that it was second nature. Kind of my thing, you know?

  Milos raked a hand through his thick hair. “You’re purporting that the races should be united. Your evidence?”

  I had the best proof possible. “Ever hear of two ancestors named Keleva and Draven?”