Academy of Ancients

WinnieI thought I knew what I wantedwhat was right, what was safe, what wouldn't break me.Then Bryce's shadows started whispering secrets. Then Xander's fire burned too hot to ignore.And suddenly, I was caught between two forces, both pulling me in.They're my best friends, my protectors. But we all know something between us is shifting, changing.The problem is, if I let go, I might fall.XanderI was always the steady one. The one who knew where I stood. Winnie was mine. Bryce was my brother.But now, I see the way Winnie looks at him.And I can't lie to myself anymoreI see the way he looks at her, too.I should fight this, but deep down, I know the truth. Bryce and I are fire and shadow. And Winnie? She's the storm that binds us.BryceI tried to stay away. To bury what I felt. To pretend she wasn't the only warmth in my darkness.But Winnie sees too much. And Xander? He already knows.This thing between us is inevitable.The only question is: when the truth finally comes out, will it destroy us?

She's running from a past that created a monster inside her. He's the only one who isn't afraid of her fire.ArisI came to this Academy to hide, to forget the boy who tried to break me and the terrifying power he unleashed. Now his friends are here, their whispers following me, reminding me of what I did. I should stay away from Xander. He's too kind, and his touch doesn't make me flinch. But I'm afraid my monstrous magic will burn the first person who's ever made me feel safe.XanderThey look at her and see a fragile girl, but I see a survivor whose fire calls to my own. I see the way they stalk her, and a protective rage I've never felt ignites inside me. I'll stand between her and her past. I'll earn her trust and whisper that she's mine to protect until she believes it. Let them try to hurt her. I'll burn them all to ash.