life. You’re the only one with that measure of authority.”
That advice couldn’t have come from a better example than her. She released me and I nodded. The gesture was met with a watery stare that held a mix of emotion. Fear and pride were among them.
I turned from her before my own eyes could fill with tears and bounded toward the other contenders.
These steps I took away from my family and toward the future were bittersweet, but I wouldn’t forget what I’d been told.
No matter where I went, no matter what I endured, Seaton Falls would always be home.
Chapter Two
Noelle
The constant whir of helicopter blades made it difficult to think. With one set thundering in the front, and a second in the back, the headphones we’d been given were nearly ineffective, but I was grateful for the distraction. The sound made it harder to focus on leaving my clan behind.
More than twenty-four hours had passed since acceptance letters were issued, and I still thought I might be dreaming. After disembarking from the planes that brought us from all over the world, several Super Stallion helicopters awaited us. They took to the air, transporting us to the final stop of our journey, an island in the heart of the South Pacific known as Sanluuk.
All I knew of the place was that it was located halfway between the Hawaiian and Samoan islands, and that it was home to a large population of formidable dragons. Hence the reason Dragon Fire Academy—an academy that welcomed every breed of shifters—bore its name. It also bared mentioning that, based on photos I’d seen in the brochure, this island surpassed the standard of beauty where remote, tropical destinations were concerned.
My vision lowered to my feet, shifting to the array of gym shoes, flipflops, and sandals lined down the row beside me. My stomach had done somersaults all morning, knowing today was the day. As I scanned the massive fuselage, my gaze snagged on a set of dark green eyes.
The presence of Blythe Fitzgibbons was the one blemish on this experience I wished I could wipe out, but I’d have to settle for ignoring her. Before she could read too much into the look, I turned away as a flood of bad memories came in flashes. Memories of a friendship gone bad for reasons I still didn’t understand.
It had been over a year since I’d seen her face-to-face, and I nearly dropped out of the trials when she and her crew walked in to register. Seemed silly now to think that I nearly let her cost me my dream, but it was true. Apparently, being bullied by my ex-best friend was more traumatic than I realized.
Even now, knowing we’d likely have to deal with each other at some point was nearly enough to kill my spirits, but she didn’t deserve to win again. I’d simply have to learn how to pretend she wasn’t here, ignore her so intentionally that she became a non-factor.
In fact, as I pushed our past from my thoughts, I decided today was a good day to start.
The rest of the passengers were only vaguely familiar from regionals. Because we were kept so busy during the trials and were given breaks sporadically instead of as a group, there had been little time to bond. Unless you count learning a few names here and there. Many of those who reported to the Seaton Falls testing hub had transferred in from surrounding areas, so we were strangers when we started, and ended the same way.
From the looks of it, the others were just as nervous as I was. Even more so once the announcement was made that we’d be landing shortly. To my right, Toni—a girl I’d spoken to a few times in passing while we tested—flashed an excited smile. She had been among those who flooded my town for the trials. She was friendlier than most, so I was pleased to see she’d received an acceptance letter, too.
Watching as she craned her neck to peer out the window, I was brought back to the present, and also back to the thunderous hum of our helicopter.
“Look how low we are! Should be landing any minute,” she beamed, the length of a hundred braids or more sweeping her shoulder when she turned.
I did the same, taking it all in. The landscape was so clear now as we circled. The island was riddled with clusters of elaborate, picturesque bungalows, some situated around lagoons, others nestled in the palm trees.