Dragon Unleashed (Book 1 of the Dragon Mage Saga)

The Utmost Peculiar Breakfast

Darla let out a yelp as the green fire devoured them. All of the sudden, everything went blindingly white. Darla lost grip of Cecily’s hand and felt as if she was being smothered. Just when she was about to faint, the white disappeared and the choke hold on her body was released. Darla glanced around-she was in the dining hall.

            “Isn’t that fun? That’s a Level 7 Magix. I’m only Level 5, but I’m in a gifted program here so I learn more advanced magixes,” Cecily rambled.

            I took in a deep breath, still shaken from the teleportation. My eyes focused on my surroundings. We were in a dome-shaped building. Structures protruded down from the chestnut ceiling, forming dragons and other monsters. They appeared to be fighting a battle above us. Chandeliers glinted in between, bathing the room in hazy candlelight. Several rows of tables covered in white silk tablecloths sprawled before us. It was nothing like Cherry Creek’s dingy cafeteria with the broken benches and mustard-stained tables.

            “So…how many magixes are there?” I asked Cecily as we headed to one of the first tables.

            “10-you’ll take your placement exams today. What level of magix you are at depends on talent, not age. Don’t worry though-you’ll do just fine. Everyone wants to know how you’ll place! My vote is on Level 8, but majority says you’ll be Level 6 or 7,” Cecily chirped.

            Just then, the wide brass doors at the entrance of the dining hall sprung open and a pack of students, all wearing similar outfits to Cecily and Darla, milled in, finding seats at the many different tables.

            “Hugo! Fern!” Cecily yelled, making Darla wince. She was still tired, dark circles forming under her eyes.

            A young boy and girl approached the table. Darla guessed by their dark skin tone, black hair, and brown almond eyes that they were Cecily’s siblings. The boy was clad in a black-and-silver button down with a heavy, oversized black leather jacket and matching black pants. The girl, who looked much younger, maybe around 11 or 12, was wearing a white ruffled dress with a woolen brown jacket cinched with a matching belt.

            “This is my older brother Hugo. He’s a Level 8. And this is my little sister Fern-she’s a Level 3. Just started this year and already taking accelerated courses,” Cecily boasted. Darla could tell from her affectionate smile that she cared very much for her family.

            Darla felt a deep longing inside of her. She wondered what happened back home in Indiana. Did her parents think she died in the fire? And what about poor little Nicholas? She knew she should despise her family for abandoning her, but she still loved them and missed them. If only they could see her now, at some fancy boarding school for magical dragon people…

            “So you’re the infamous Dragon Mage,” Hugo said in his rough voice. “The Chosen One-Laurel’s precedent. Let’s hope the Shadow Master doesn’t get you too soon.”

            Darla stiffened. She could sense something in his voice-something bitter and hateful. He just met her and he appeared to have some automatic dislike of her. Why?