Control — Special Edition

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Chapter 1

Evangeline

The blonde witch blocking the Academy gates has her wand pointed at my chest before I can set down my suitcase.

“Unbound trash enters through the service entrance.” She looks me up and down, lip curling at my plain grey robes and scuffed boots. The grey robes are mandatory per the letter I received a week ago. “Didn't anyone tell you?”

My defensive magic flares silver-white between us. The ley line power pulsing from the Academy's foundations surges against my barriers, testing, probing, but I hold firm. Cool autumn air bites at my skin. The iron gates loom behind her, and behind them a school with Gothic spires and gargoyle guardians. I’ve been working towards this moment for the last five years and since I had no idea magic existed before then, I’m sure I’m incredibly behind. The Morrigans did this to us. They kept my family away from magic society for hundreds of years and I am here to set things right.

“There is no service entrance,” I say. “But nice try.”

Her eyes narrow. She's older than me, maybe a senior, with the kind of polished beauty that screams old money and the proper marked bloodline. Crimson and gold robes show her as Chosen, with the silver trim showing she’s closer to third year. Her wand stays level with my sternum. “You think you're clever? Unbound initiates tend to drop out within the first two weeks. Your kind is rather pathetic.”

“I think you're in my way.”

The magic around us thickens. The tip of her wand glows while my wards brighten in response, silver light reflecting off the iron gates. Several other students have stopped to watch from the path beyond her. First five minutes at Morrigan Academy and I'm already making enemies, which is exactly why I'm here.

“Celestia.” A male voice cuts through the tension, smooth and amused and far too close for comfort. “Are you really hazing Initiates before they've even crossed the threshold? That's low, even for you.”

A dark-haired guy appears beside Blondie, Celestia, apparently, with an easy grin. He's wearing the same plain grey Initiate robes as me, marking him as unchosen and unmarked. He’s not one of the thirty families that really matter in magical New England. But there's something warmer about him. Less predatory.

“Stay out of this, Tobias.” Celestia doesn't lower her wand. “This doesn't concern you.”

“Doesn't it?” He raises an eyebrow. “Because tormenting new students when Headmaster Winchester gave an explicit order not to engage in hazing seems like everyone's concern. Especially when he's standing right there.”

End of excerpt.

Morally_Gray_Nola — "Loved This"

"This book takes several unexpected turns, has an obscenely delicious amount of spice, and a cliffhanger that had me tilting my iPad over to make sure there wasn't a hidden page that I missed—I NEEDED there to be a hidden page. Because I didn't want it to be over."

Matthew M. — "Fantastic steamy, very spicy, magic, banter, enemies to lovers, and more!"

"Absolutely loved the entire book, from start to finish. Read the entire book in one sitting, could NOT put it down"

Allison K. — "Delicious Dark Academia Romance"

"This is a clear rivals-to-lovers, enemies-to-lovers story with excellent banter throughout. The relationship is the highlight for me, especially how thoughtfully consent is portrayed. I really appreciated the author's emphasis on this; it's handled beautifully."

"With curses, betrayal, BDSM elements, and plenty of drama, this story kept me engaged from start to finish. I loved every second and would happily read more."

Jolene Bolin — "Sexy fun draws you in and doesn't disappoint"

"I love the heat between the MCs from the get go. The BDSM aspect was amazing and tastefully done. The story line is engaging, draws you in and grabs you by the throat."

SilviaL — "Can't wait for the next book!!!"

"From the very beginning this book had me hooked! Not only did I love Linney and Cassius, but the story kept me interested. This is one of those reads that had me visualizing scenes in my head. I'd love to see this turned into a tv show!!!"

Laura Ann Moylan — "Awesome read"

"I love all of the twists and turns in the book and how Cassius and Evangeline finally get together and boy is it steamy as all get out."

Karen S — "excellent start"

"This is an excellent start to a new series; the author is new to me, and definitely not a one and done."