Netherfall Academy: The Red King

Netherfall Academy:

The Red King

By:

Matthew Burkey

Copyright 2018

Check Out Other Titles by Matthew Burkey:

Netherfall Academy: Awakening

Legends of Aldara: Omens

Legends of Aldara Birthright

Dedication:

A lot has changed in this last year. Usually I dedicate these books to my friends and family and although that is true, there is someone else that deserves my thanks. Someone that has done nothing but support and encourage me… even when I thought my writing was crap.

For Jerald, my husband and constant source of inspiration and encouragement. Without you, this wouldn’t have gotten down.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

CHAPTER 1

The sun shone brightly down on Luke’s body, warming his already tanned skin. Light sparkled off of the crystal-clear water of the Reyes family pool, prompting him to readjust his sunglasses to avoid the glare. A soft yet warm breeze blew through the air, causing Luke to sigh in content. Life seemed so simple when you were sitting around a pool, soaking up the early afternoon sun.

Of course, simple was a relative term for the world as Luke saw it now. He now saw a world full of magic and monsters. A world full of myths, legends, and all kinds of splendid things that he had been fully unaware of several months ago. Although Netherfall had done very good job at bringing Luke up to speed with this new world that he was now a part of, there was still a lot that he needed to learn. This was much to annoyance of Angel Reyes, his friend, who thought that they should spend the summer training for the Sentinels, a highly trained group of Magicians that fought the forces of darkness.

And Luke intended to become one of those Sentinels, despite the odds that were stacked against him. After the end of his first year at Netherfall Academy, Luke had decided that facing the forces of darkness was a duty that he had to undertake. There were still nights that he lay awake in his bed, wondering if he made the right decision. All of those worries evaporated when he thought of the damage that the Lady of Light could unleash on the world. She was a dangerous warrior and although she had yet to unveil what Angel was dubbing her master plan, they all knew that she was up to something.

In order to be as successful as possible, there was still a lot that Luke needed to learn. In addition to his physical and magical training, Luke spent a great deal of time in the Reyes family library. This was often met by irritation on Angel’s part, who insisted that they focus on the more practical aspect of training. Well, more practical as Angel saw it.

Luke didn’t protest too much. He was sure that part of his willingness to do whatever it was that Angel wanted was because he still felt guilty for not revealing his continuing romantic relationship with Tyler, Angel’s older brother. The fact that he was hiding a large part of his life from his best friend did not sit well with Luke. He kept falling back on the excuse that he hadn’t found the right time to tell Angel yet.

Which was, of course, total crap. There had been plenty of chances, Luke hadn’t drummed up the courage to say anything. Angel had been dropping not so subtle hints about Luke being in a relationship all summer and every time that he did, Luke could have spoken up and said something.

At that moment, though, they were sitting around the family pool. Like all things in the Reyes household, the large pool that had been installed during the spring months was beautiful and simple. Luke wasn’t sure of the exact size, but it was large and deep enough that it had a diving board. The bottom and sides of the pool were covered with a blue and white stone in a swirling pattern.

Several poolside loungers sat around the cement deck, along with three tables complete with red and white striped umbrellas. A circular structure with a glass wall that faced the pool had been built to house guests of the family. A tall oak privacy fence surrounded the deck, although the location of the Reyes’s household, which was a decent distance from the city of Mission Creek, California, made it unnecessary.

Luke thought that it might be awkward at first. Although he had spent time with Angel’s family over the holidays, that was only for a few days. This was going to be for several months, a fact that Luke had pointed out to Angel several times. However, as per the usual Reyes MO, everyone made him feel right at home.

Within the first few weeks of being back at the Reyes household, Luke felt as if he really was home. Everyone in the Reyes family had welcomed him back. Angel’s mother, Robin, had gone so far as to make him a welcome home cake. Most of his things from the dorms had been moved to the house already and he and Angel spent the majority of the first week of summer break decorating his room and getting things situated in the pool house.

I still think that you guys are giving me too much space, Luke said, gesturing to the pool house. Where are you going to put guests?

Well, what do you think you are? Angel asked.

The air affinity Magician was floating on a giant inflatable Darth Vader, lazily drifting around the pool. The time spent in the sun had bronzed the skin of both Magicians, although more so for Luke. This was the first summer where he spent most of his time outdoors.

Hopefully not too big of a pain in the ass, Luke answered, pulling his shades down his nose. You guys are seriously spoiling me here.

No way, you are never a pain, Angel said. Well, I guess least not in an annoying way.

Luke shook his head and pushed his sunglasses back to their original position. His eyes were just about to drift closed behind his polarized lens when an arc of water came out of the pool, drenching him in his poolside chair.

Angel!

Angel looked at his friend and gave him a mischievous grin. He held his hand out, palm up, and started to create a small, swirling vortex of air. Luke knew where this was going, prompting him to sit up a little straighter in his chair.

Don’t you dare, Luke warned. I’m trying to relax, plus your parents got super mad the last time we had one of these fights in the pool.

We’ll clean it up this time, Angel said as he lowered his palm to the water. Plus, they weren’t that mad. They didn’t even ground us.

Angel, I swear to all that is holy and pure-

And those were the last words that Luke got out before his friend turned his hand, sending the vortex of air spinning over the water’s surface. A torrent of liquid was caught up by the swirling blast, sending it flying upwards and outwards in all directions. Water splashed down all over Luke and the pool deck, drenching them both. Luke surged forward, using his affinity for force magic to tear a hole through the spinning mass of water and causing it to spray back in Angel’s face.

Luke landed in the water, cannonball style, sending a wave of water over Angel, who was swimming towards the other side of the large pool. He never made it. Luke surfaced and reached out, using his powers to snare Angel and yank him backwards. Angel twisted around and sent a blast of air across the water, sending out a wave of liquid that momentarily blinded Luke.

Oh, it’s on! Luke shouted, lunging for his friend.

Gotta catch me first, Angel taunted, barely avoiding Luke as he landed with a splash. I still think that I’m faster than you.

You only think that, Luke snapped as Angel twirled away from him. I’m lulling you into a false sense of security.

You say that all the time, teased Angel.

Angel turned around, sending another vortex across the surface of the water. Luke created a barrier and several silver, glowing hexagons appeared in front of him. The water splashed harmlessly off of his barrier. Luke collapsed the barrier and shot a blast of telekinetic energy forward, showering Angel with water. It was enough of a momentary distraction that Luke was able lunge forward and grab Angel around the waist, plunging them both into the water.

They surfaced again a few seconds later, arms locked as they grappled with each other in an attempt to dunk the other one back under. Of course, the fight was only half-hearted. Neither one of them were trying all that hard to pin each other. Water sloshed out of the pool as the two of them continued lunging, throwing, and tossing each other about. Eventually, Luke hooked his leg around Angel’s ankle, got a hand on his shoulder and shoved him under. Angel’s head broke the surface again, this time with his hands raised.

I give, I give!

I thought you said you were faster than me, Luke said, a grin breaking out across his face. Faster isn’t always better, you know that.

Depends on who you talk to, Angel replied as they walked to the side.

Angel, no one says faster is better. At least, not with certain things, Luke corrected. He followed Angel up the ladder on the side of the pool. Well, unless you count marathons or something.

I am totally counting marathons or something, Angel said. He grabbed his towel off of the nearby lounge chair and wiped his face. Have you seen my phone?

Over there, Luke said, gesturing at the nearby table.

Luke dried his face and plopped himself down on the closest chair. Angel joined him, sliding into the chair next to him a few seconds later. He set his phone on the table, slipped on his sunglasses, and lay back to relax. Seconds later, his phone started to vibrate, dancing across the glass surface of the table.

Luke slid his sunglasses down his nose and looked over the top at his friend. Um, aren’t you going to get that?

It’s probably no one important, Angel replied.

Luke craned his neck so that he could see the caller ID.

Heather? Luke read. Wait, which one was Heather? Was she the blonde or the brunette?

Angel glanced over at Luke and gave a noncommittal shrug.

That’s not an answer, Angel.

I don’t really remember who Heather is, Angel said. He reached over and silenced the vibrating device. Clearly, she didn’t impress me that much.

Luke rolled his eyes. She was nice. At least, I think that she was nice. Actually, every girl that you have seen since we left Netherfall was nice.

Maybe.

Maybe? Luke repeated with an arched eyebrow. What’s with you, man? I thought you were ready for a serious relationship?

Says the guy that won’t tell me about his serious relationship, Angel said. Really? Is he, like, hideous or something? Wait, is he some sort of really rich old guy?

I already told you, Luke said, glancing over at his friend. I am not seeing anyone. You are putting a lot of thought into my love life.

You’re putting a lot into mine, Angel retorted. He sighed. Sorry, I sounded like a dick, but I’m not wrong about the fact that you are dating someone.

Luke decided to change the topic of conversation away from their love lives, mostly because he wasn’t sure he would be able to keep his mouth shut under more intense scrutiny.

Have you heard from Alec or Sarah lately?

Not lately, Angel responded, shrugging his shoulders. Although I did get an email from Beaux. I don’t know why, though.

Luke rolled his eyes. Maybe because Beaux considers you a friend?

He didn’t email you, did he?

No. He’s been texting me, though. Says that Ireland is pretty and that he can’t wait to get back and start training. He also sent me some pictures of Strife, Luke said, holding his phone up so that Angel could see it.

Damn, Angel said, looking over the top of his glasses. He’s way bigger than I remember from last year.

Luke nodded in agreement. The last time that they saw Strife, Beaux’s griffin familiar, he had been the size of German shepherd. The latest picture that Beaux had sent showed that Strife was now easily three and a half feet tall. His feathers had become streaked with more gold coloring than Luke remembered from before as well.

Beaux tells me that pretty soon he’ll be strong enough to carry him around, Luke said, setting his phone down.

That should be a sight to see, Angel muttered.

Dude, come on. You don’t have to act like such a dick to him.

I don’t act like a dick to him, Angel protested. I mean, I usually don’t to his face.

How about you don’t act like a dick to him at all? Luke suggested. He’s a nice guy, Angel, and he wants to be your friend. Emma told you that nothing was happening between the two of them and you should trust her on that.

Do you think that there is something happening between Emma and someone at all?

Luke rolled his eyes. I don’t know, I think you could probably just ask her. She is your friend after all, right?

Fine, fine, replied Angel, waving away Luke’s comment. We should talk about something else, though.

Like what? Luke asked.

Like how we have been slacking off on training lately.

We have not been slacking off, Luke snapped. I have the sore muscles and bruises to prove that we have been doing anything but slacking off.

We should see if my dad could get us back in the simulator at Aegis Industries, Angel said. We could get more time practicing with magi-tech.

Luke shook his head. He was still getting used to the fact that several Fortune Five Hundred companies had ties to the Magicians and the world of the magical and supernatural. One of those companies was a defense contractor called Aegis Industries, who manufactured several integral components of the magi-tech pistols and rifles that the Seekers and the Sentinels used.

Aegis had a research and development facility not far from the Reyes household. Although they were forbidden from using any of the actual magi-tech equipment, the facility had simulators that closely approximated such technology. They had both spent several hours inside, trying to get comfortable with it. Luke still preferred his sword and abilities, no matter how much he practiced with the other tech.

No way, Luke said, shaking his head. I hate those things. Besides, I saw Jonas do way more damage with his sword than with his pistols.

Because Jonas enjoys getting up close and personal, Angel replied. And I am all for the classics. You rock with that sword of yours and I am amazing with my bow. I’m just saying that they are going to expect us to know how to use the other stuff.

And that’s why they’re training us, Luke reminded Angel. He looked down at his watch. I should get ready for work.

You know that you don’t have to work, Angel insisted. They both stood and started gathering their things. Really, my parents are totally cool with the help that you do around the house. They don’t expect you to pay for anything.

Luke believed him. In fact, he hadn’t met a Reyes yet that hadn’t been willing to bend over backwards to help someone in need. Despite that, Luke felt that he had to start doing something to pay back the kindness that he had been shown by Angel and his family. He knew that he would never fully be able to repay them from the expense of crafting his armor, but he could at least save up enough money that he could buy his school supplies this year.

I know they are, but I’m not cool with being a freeloader, Luke said.

You aren’t freeloading, Angel corrected. You’re helping me train. You just pointed out a little bit ago how hard of work that was.

That does not help pay the bills, Luke said as they started walking to the house.

Does it look like we need help paying the bills? Angel asked, gesturing to their surroundings.

That’s hardly the point, Angel.

I’m pretty sure that’s exactly the point, Angel said. They pushed open the door to the basement and stepped inside.

Besides, don’t you have another date tonight?

Angel shrugged.

That’s not really an answer, Luke pointed out.

They headed upstairs to the kitchen where Angel’s father was working on making some sort of dessert pastry. Luke wasn’t sure of the name of the thing, but he did know that it tasted amazing and filled the house with the scent of cinnamon and fresh baked bread. It made Luke’s mouth water and he was tempted to go over and grab one, but last time he did that, Enrique smacked his hand with a spatula hard enough to leave a bruise.

Done swimming already? Enrique asked.

Angel jerked a thumb at Luke. He thinks that he needs to go to work.

Having a job is perfectly respectable and normal thing to do, Enrique commented. Perhaps you could give it a try.

I’m too busy tuning this fine instrument, Angel responded, gesturing to his upper body.

Luke rolled his eyes and took a seat at the island while Angel went to the fridge and grabbed out some water for the both of them before he joined Luke. Luke glanced down at the surface and saw a pile of the Reyes’ mail, including a brochure that piqued his interest. It must have caught Angel’s attention as well because he quickly snatched it up.

The Luminaries are actually sending out mailers now? Angel asked, looking at the front of the pamphlet.

Enrique shook his head. I thought I told their damn office to take us off the mailing list for that crap.

How are they getting away with it? Especially after that incident with the Lady of Light?

Technically speaking, they haven’t done anything wrong, no matter how much we’ve tried to link them to several attacks on non-legacies or the attack on Netherfall Academy last May, Enrique said. We’ve looked, trust me, but there is nothing that we can use.

Angel shook his head. That doesn’t make any sense.

You can’t go around accusing organizations of nefarious dealings without proof, Enrique pointed out. Even you know that, Angel. Luke, maybe you could talk some sense into him.

Luke held up his hands. I’ve tried and if I am honest, he might be right about this.

What? Angel asked, whipping his head around so fast that Luke feared he would dislodge it from his neck. "You’re agreeing with me?

Yes… and no, Luke said. I mean, I agree that they shouldn’t let an organization go around spewing hate speech, but I also think that your dad is right. Unless they have concrete evidence to connect them to the Lady of Light, they can’t go around disbanding peaceful organizations.

Are they really that peaceful?

They haven’t done anything so far, Luke said. Have they?

I think you both know that I can’t tell you anything other than what has already been reported in the media, Enrique said, looking up from where he was working near the oven. Really, Angel, you’re going to have to be more insightful than that if you want to make it through the Sentinels.

I’m plenty insightful, Angel replied.

I’ll see you guys later, Luke said, heading back out to the pool house.

As he walked away, he could hear Enrique and Angel continue their conversation about the merits of allowing the Luminaries to exist. He pushed open the door to the pool house and stepped inside, taking in the fresh scent of vanilla and sage that came from the burning candle sitting on the kitchen counter. The pool house was easily twice as large as his studio apartment back in Cedar Creek.

The door opened into a open concept living room/dining room/kitchen that was done up in a modern style, complete with gray slate floors with white cabinets in the kitchen and black marble countertops. Directly across from the kitchen sat a sunken living room that was focused around a fireplace nestled in the corner.

A black leather sectional faced the fireplace, where a flat screen television was hung over the mantle. There was a glass coffee table in front of the sectional that was currently stacked high with books and scrolls on all manner of magical and supernatural subjects.

He turned and headed down the hallway that led to his bedroom and attached bathroom. His queen-sized bed was underneath a long horizontal window, flanked by two glass nightstands on either side. A large, black modern looking dresser was against the wall opposite his bed. He made his way over to the closet, pulled out a pair of jeans, and headed to the bathroom.

Luke turned the water on and let it reach a practically scalding temperature before stepping underneath the hot spray. After washing the chlorine from his body, Luke got out and dressed, pulling on the jeans and a navy-blue tee-shirt before heading out of his room and to the main house. By the time he arrived back in the kitchen, Enrique’s pastries were on a cooling rack in the center of the island.

Looking sharp, Angel said, giving Luke’s outfit a once over. So, when are you going to tell us his name?

I am not having that conversation again, Luke said. And if I don’t get a move on, I’ll be late for work. I’ll see you guys when I get home.

You can’t keep a secret from me! Angel yelled after him. We both know that I’ll find out eventually!

Luke smirked and shook his head. He exited the house and jogged down the path to an older model BMW that Angel’s parents had purchased from them to use for the summer. Seconds later, he was heading down the driveway and to Mission Creek. Fifteen minutes later, he arrived at The Vanilla Bean, a coffee house that was located downtown, just minutes from the busy central park area of the city.

Luke pushed the door open and was met with the familiar smell of fresh roasted coffee wafting through the air. He inhaled deeply, letting the scent linger for a moment before moving to the counter.

The Vanilla Bean was small, a lot smaller than the larger coffee house that sat across the street. What it lacked in size, it made up for in charm and amazing coffee. Luke had been hooked on the stuff the first week that they had arrived back from Netherfall. The inside of the coffee house was set up with several tall tables, as well as an assortment of worn leather chairs and loveseats clustered around small tables.

You’re a little late.

Luke turned around and broke out in a wide grin. Blame your brother. He won’t let me get out of the house.

Tyler Reyes smiled broadly before striding forward. Luke took in the sight of his tanned skin, athletic frame, and dark eyes. He had let some stubble grow on his face, much like Luke was doing. Tyler swept him up in his arms the moment that he was close enough, making Luke turn bright red.

He could have melted into a puddle right there. Luckily, he had some amount of self-control. Tyler leaned in and kissed him, prompting Luke to let out a sigh that was largely swallowed by Tyler’s mouth. He tasted of cinnamon and coffee, which was a near perfect combination as far as Luke was concerned. Finally, they broke the kiss and the both of them had idiotic grins plastered all over their faces. They held hands and just stood there for a moment, looking like what Luke was sure were lovestruck teenagers.

How was your day? Luke asked as he towed Tyler to one of the loveseats.

Not bad, Tyler said. Did you tell Angel and my parents that you were going to work again?

Technically, I am at work, Luke said as they flopped down on the loveseat. Tyler snuggled up next to him. Just not working.

Tyler laughed. It was a sound that Luke was pretty sure he was never going to tire of hearing. One of the waiters came over and took their order.

Besides, your parents would be pretty pissed if they found out that you were in town and didn’t go to see them. This is also the part where I point out that we probably really don’t need to be sneaking around.

Tyler sighed in response.

What? Luke asked. I mean, I know it was me at first that wanted to keep this whole thing quiet until we figured out what it was.

And now? Tyler asked, just as the waiter returned with their order. He took the coffees and set them down on the table. Do we still even know what this is?

Luke arched an eyebrow at Tyler. Wow, that sounds… awful.

Sorry. I meant for that to sound less, I dunno, dickish in my head.

Try again, Luke offered before taking a sip of coffee. Also, I think that’s another Reyes family trait.

Look, I am your first real relationship so I was totally okay with keeping things quiet while we explored our feelings for each other.

Luke nodded in understanding. Yeah, you are the first guy that I have dated, serious or otherwise, and when we first started dating, that’s what I wanted. I don’t want that anymore. I care about you, Tyler, and I’m ready to take that next step.

Aren’t you concerned about Angel? Tyler asked, pulling Luke closer. He may not like the fact that both his best friend and brother have been lying to him for the better part of three months.

I know that, Luke answered. I’m just not sure how much longer I’ll be able to hold him off. As much as I’d like to think that I can keep my mouth shut around him, eventually I’ll crack.

If you are going to be a Sentinel, you’re going to have to be made of stronger stuff than that, Tyler said. Unless you’ve changed your mind about that?

Not at all, Luke replied, shaking his head. Although I will admit that I’m getting more and more anxious about it the closer that we get to the new school year. My point is that I don’t want to lie to Angel anymore. He’s my best friend, plus he already thinks that I’m dating someone.

You are dating someone, Tyler pointed out.

All the more reason to just go ahead and tell him.

Tyler considered this a moment before leaning in and kissing Luke on the cheek. Okay, we’ll tell him, but we need to find the right time.

And then we’ll tell your parents? Luke pressed.

Sure, Tyler said with a nod. Then we can tell my parents.

They’re gonna be mad, Luke said. He sighed and settled back against Tyler. He loved the feel of Tyler’s athletic body against his. Really, I mean, how are they going to like the fact that the person that they have given everything to was dating one of their sons behind their backs?

My parents are pretty cool, Tyler said, lightly stroking the back of Luke’s neck. You should know that by now.

I do know that, Luke agreed. I’m just afraid that they are going to get upset that we kept this from them.

They won’t, Tyler assured his boyfriend. You need to trust me on that. They already really like you. And my grandmother will be thrilled. She wouldn’t shut up about you after Christmas.

Luke laughed. Oh, really?

She was pretty taken with you, Tyler continued. Hell, you speak better Spanish than some of my cousins.

Oh, Luke said, blushing. I just learned a few things because I thought it might make Angel happy.

Oh, so he’s the guy that you’re trying to impress? Tyler asked with an arched eyebrow. I thought that he was repulsive.

You know what I mean, Luke said, swatting Tyler playfully in the chest.

Can we please talk about something besides my brother? Tyler asked. It’s sort of killing the mood.

Luke laughed. Fine, fine, no more discussing Angel.

Good, Tyler said. He leaned in and gave Luke a quick peck on the cheek. So, did you want to just stay here or actually go somewhere else? They just opened up a new art gallery just down the block.

Art gallery? Luke repeated. No offense, but I’m not really the art type.

Now it was Tyler’s turn to laugh. All right, fine. How about a walk along the beach? There is a pretty good pizza stand right by the water’s edge.

Yes, Luke said. He slid away from Tyler’s grasp and stood up, pulling Tyler along by the arms. Pizza sounds great.

Pizza it is, then, Tyler said, wrapping an arm around Luke’s waist. Come on, let’s get out of here.

CHAPTER 2

We have too much shit.

Luke looked over at Angel and quirked an eyebrow at his friend’s rather blunt assessment of the situation. They were standing outside in the driveway, looking at the piles and piles of boxes that had somehow managed to emerge from their respective rooms. When Luke had come to Netherfall last year, he'd had only the clothes on his back. After he decided to stay, they had sent over a few more of his personal belongings and when he arrived at the Reyes household, he had sent for the rest of his things.

That turned out to be a massive mistake. Luke hadn’t thought that far ahead and when all those belongings arrived at the Reyes house, he simply placed them in the pool house and hadn’t really given any thought to where they would go when he had to move back into the dorms at Netherfall that coming year. Now, looking at everything that had been placed in the driveway and needed to be loaded onto the trailer, he understood just how large of an error that was.

Um, yeah, we seem to have a large assortment of crap, Luke said, nodding in agreement.

There is no way that we can take all this back to Netherfall with us, Angel said while surveying the driveway. I mean, we will be in a different dorm this year, but there still isn’t room enough for all this… stuff.

Again, all Luke could do was nod in agreement. They would be in an apartment-style dorm this year, sharing with other Magicians that would be training for the ranks of the Sentinels. It was set up with a large common area with two adjoining rooms that could house two students each. Luke and Angel would be in one of those rooms, and they had no idea who else would be joining them. Neither Beaux nor Alec knew of their room assignment yet.

I could rent a storage unit, Luke said. That way we can just store the rest of it.

Or you could just keep it in the pool house.

They turned around just as Angel’s parents, Robin and Enrique, walked out. "Really, Luke,