The Haze [The Rosati Series]

nine

I jerked awake sitting upright as my chest heaved up and down rapidly. Another nightmare. They always seemed to be almost the same. I could see myself, shaking, scared, with tears cascading down my face. I was holding a gun unsteadily, but my target couldn't be seen. And that's how every dream ended. Just as I was about to pull the trigger I'd wake up drenched in sweat, heart pounding, and adrenaline-filled. My eyes fluttered around the room nervously as I realized where I was. I let out a sigh of relief. I had no idea what the dream meant, if it even meant anything at all, but it constantly haunted me.

There was a quick knock at my door before Amerie entered. She froze when she took in my appearance before rushing over to my side. "Are you okay?"

"Yeah, I'm fine." I lied.

"You look terrible." She said eyeing me worriedly.

"I'm fine. I just had a bad dream, that's all."

Her expression changed from concerned to curious within a matter of seconds. "About what?"

I frowned as I recalled the baffling dream. "I've had it multiple times before, and it's always the same. I'm holding a gun, and I'm scared; nearly in tears, and just as I'm about to pull the trigger I always wake up."

She mirrored my frown. "Who were you aiming the gun at?"

"That's the thing, I don't know. I can never tell."

She paused. "Hmm...puzzling indeed."

I nodded my head.

"Well you've got training early this morning at the academy."

"Right." I sighed. "I'll get dressed."

She patted my leg gently before leaving the room, and shutting the door firmly behind.

An hour easily flew by and I was ready to go. I'd washed up, brushed through my hair, and picked out a pair of denim jeans, and a simple tee. I walked into the living room to see Amerie and Derrick talking lowly, but their voices came to a halt at my entrance.

A wave of nausea washed over me at the sight of Derrick as the memories of our last conversation flooded my mind.

"You ready to go?" Amerie asked.

"Yeah." I walked over towards her and grabbed the hand she held out for me. Derrick held his hand out also, and I hesitated slightly before joining hands with him.

The experience got easier every time, and within seconds we were standing in front of the familiar Academy building.

"I thought that spell took you to the gates of Mondo Delle Strege." I said recalling the last time they'd used the spell.

"It takes you wherever you want to go." Amerie stated. She headed inside the Academy, followed by Derrick, and then me. Instead of going to the torium like last time, she led us to one of the many rooms that had the words training room etched into the metal automatic opening doors.

"This is the room you'll spend a lot of your time in when you're working with your trainers." Amerie said as I stepped inside. My four trainers were seated at a circular table that sat in the middle of the room. Their conversations came to a standstill, and their heads darted up at our arrival.

Layla smiled slightly. "Nice of you to show up. Let's get started."

I nodded my head while Derrick and Amerie silently left. I had to admit I was a little nervous, and embarrassed about the events of yesterday. I totally lost control, and that wasn't something I wanted to do again.

"The events that took place on yesterday gave all of us insight on where you stand and just how much work needs to be done. We each have broken down the different spells and who will teach what." Layla started.