Page 2 of The Tribrid Princess and the Taste of Chaos (The Rossi Legacies #7)

Sienna

PRESENT DAY

“ I wrapped each family’s in a different colour,” Mama says to Jaddati, as she carries a pile of presents across the large living room to the huge tree that is glittering with lights and baubles.

There’s already an abundance of presents beneath it.

All wrapped in matt wrapping paper with shimmering ribbons.

“That’s a good idea; it will make it a little easier to narrow it down when everyone is here,” Jaddati says to Mama as she massages oil into Kaden’s hair. He sits there, a goofy smile on his face, enjoying it fully. My gorgeous two-year-old brother. “Has Scarlett called?”

I look up. Are the Westwoods coming? I didn’t realise there were going to be so many people. My heart skips a beat, my nerves getting the better of me.

“Are all of them coming?” I ask.

“Yes,” Jaddati replies.

“Oh, well, that’s definitely a full house,” Heaven says as she enters and wrinkles her nose. “Make sure to keep the windows open. All that alpha testosterone stinks.”

I smile slightly in amusement as Jaddati smiles. “I’m sure it’ll be fine.”

“Scarlett said they’ll be here in time for dinner,” Mama answers Jaddati’s original question before I interrupted.

“Good. Alejandro wanted everyone together, and everyone did manage to make it this time.”

I nod, looking down at my book again. Of course, Grandad Al would. He’s been trying to fill the void that was left behind when Dad-

The familiar pain that clenches at my chest tightens, and I swallow hard, staring blankly at the words on the page. After Dad… Grandad Al tried.

I look at the pile of presents Mama is placing under the tree, and she looks up, offering me a smile.

She doesn’t have that light in her eyes as she once did.

She might not be as deathly gaunt as Jaddati, but you can see she’s still hurting.

She doesn’t wear jewellery or makeup much anymore.

She’s crazy strong, and maybe it’s because she isn’t a wolf, but she’s taken it better than when Aunty Ri lost Uncle Chris.

I glance over at Heaven, who is shimmying her hips to the music she’s listening to through her headphones. This is a side to Heaven only her family and friends get to see.

“Well, do we know when they are getting here with Allie?” I ask, and Heaven glances up, wanting to know as well.

“No, but I know Kiara said she’ll try to come early,” Mama answers.

I nod before I get up, leaving the room as I walk down the grand halls of the Rossi Mansion.

The entire place is decorated for Christmas.

Selene may be the goddess that werewolves look to, but there are many who also take on a religion that calls to them, so in this house, Christmas and Eid are both something we celebrate.

This house is large enough to hold several families, but there’s an emptiness in it.

When just one family was living in it, it felt full. But now, it feels empty. Even when there’s a party and the rooms and halls are full, nothing can take away the hollowness that was left after Dad- after Dad’s… I swallow, unable to say the words.

I refuse to accept it. It’s been two years, and I will not visit an empty tomb. Why should I? There is nothing there but an engraved slab of marble, which is not Dad. I feel my power rising inside and push the thoughts away.

Staring down at my hands, I heave a sigh. Something happened that day, something… broke inside of me. The control of my powers has never been the same. Ever since that day, my powers have been nothing more than a chaotic source of energy that wants to unleash havoc.

Any control I had is gone. It’s been two years, and even then, the Professor of Magic at the Academy couldn’t teach me control, although I’m still taking extra lessons. Neither could Mama nor Aunty Ri. And all I can do is try to store the extra power when it becomes too much.

I’m useless now.

If Dad could see me, what would he even think?

I’m not the only one who lost him, but they’re all doing what they need to. But no matter how much I try, I can’t. I’m the only one disappointing him.

Entering my bedroom, I close the door behind me. The small entrance from the door leads into the bedroom through an archway. I place my book down, drop onto the bed and place my head in my hands.

It’s been two years…

Ahren dropped out of the Academy to take up the position of Alpha of the Black Storm Pack.

Tatum was ready to drop out and take on his duty as Alpha of the sub-pack, the Dark Storm Pack, too, but Ahren asked him to continue his training, and Tatum reluctantly agreed.

Ahren gave him part of his alpha power, so Tatum would “officially” be the Alpha of the Dark Storm Pack, but Ahren is the one who is running both packs for now, until Tatum graduates from the Academy.

The boys are tight, and I’m glad they have one another.

Together, they’re doing pretty well. They’ve picked up everything Dad left and, with help when needed, they’ve managed to learn the ins and outs that they had not yet gotten to under Dad’s tutelage.

Tatum still contributes to the businesses and packs from the Academy.

He’s always been determined and focused, and although he agreed to go, he refuses to let Ahren shoulder all the responsibilities.

And Ahren, although he dropped out, he’s currently being trained by the previous King, Grandad Al, in a lot of things.

And, of course, Jaddati also continues to train him in martial arts and weaponry.

All four of us have trained in her unique fighting style since childhood, but Ahren is the best at it.

Overall, he’s brave and responsible. He’s making Dad proud, unlike me.

I got into Midnight Academy, or as we simply call it, the Academy, based on my written exam alone.

I failed on the training mat, and if they had asked me to use my abilities, I would have made an even bigger fool out of myself.

If it wasn’t for the fact that they said I was in mourning, I wouldn’t have gotten in at all.

Pathetic, I’m pathetic.

The Academy. The bane of my existence.

The academies aren’t what they once were. At one point, they were the perfect secondary schools for all kids from the age of ten, but now they are for sixteen to twenty-two-year-olds. They are basically the supernatural version of military training camps. Brutal, ruthless, with no room for failure.

Sure, there are still sports, music, and arts that you can take part in, but to remain in the academies, you have to do your best at excelling in your training, or risk being shipped off to another school.

Midnight Academy is the UK’s school for the strongest, followed by the other three.

There are about six more regular schools that train the children, as well as those who didn’t get into the top four.

There are similar academies set up all across the world, a plan put in place to train the next generation for the battle to come. Sometimes there are competitions set between international schools. I’ve never been, but then again, I would just be an embarrassment.

It’s been about a year and a half now since I joined Midnight Academy, which underwent extensive changes under the reign of our new king.

I’ve not improved since I joined. I don’t even know how to explain what’s wrong with me.

That chaotic storm inside of me is always festering just beneath the surface, but I can’t use it.

Heaven will be starting at the Academy after Christmas, she and Allie both. And honestly, it’s the only thing I’m looking forward to. I hate that everyone knows who I am there. Either they treat me like I’m a baby, or they taunt me that I’m only there because I’m a Rossi. Neither is pleasant.

I see the looks that some of the strongest there exchange at my constant failure.

Jayce Westwood is one of them, although he doesn’t exchange looks with others.

The look of disapproval and contempt on his face when I fail is worse.

The knot in my stomach tightens, and I fall back, my head hitting the cushions as I stare at the ceiling.

I close my eyes and take a deep breath, knowing what I’m facing upon return to the Academy.

When you hit eighteen, they sort you into divisions where you will spend the next four years.

Divisions are a team that we are sent on missions with and do our training activities with.

Unfortunately, I’ll be sorted this upcoming term.

But I know no one wants me in their division, and I don’t blame them.

I don’t even know if I’ll get a wolf. I don’t even know what I am.

I have powers, some from my witch heritage and some from my demon side.

My hair has become redder over the years, and I can see my features becoming more and more like Mama’s demon form.

Maybe I’m a hybrid, but until I reach eighteen, I’m not so sure.

That also means if I am, and I don’t get a wolf, then I’m going to be even lamer, if that’s possible.

Sighing softly, I roll onto my side and open my eyes, staring at the curtains that drape the full length of the windows and reach the floor.

They sway slightly from the door that I always leave open a crack to let in cool air.

I don’t move, and soon sleep takes me into its fold, and I fall into dreams that never bear fruit as I wander in the alleyways of my mind, looking for something – anything to take away the pain that holds me in its grip.

I’m running again. All I can see is the outline of a man, but I can’t see him properly. The light that blinds me makes it hard for me to focus on his face or any of his features. He pauses, looking over his shoulder at me as if checking if I’m still following.

“Wait!” I shout.

He doesn’t speak but motions for me to follow before he begins walking again-

“Get up.”

The sudden sharp command makes my eyes fly open, and I see a girl dressed all in black standing over me, arms crossed as she stares at me unblinking, and I gasp.

“Gods, Allie!” I place a hand on my chest. “You scared me!”

But my panic vanishes as I sit up, ready to hug her, but she steps back. “You slept in your clothes from yesterday… no hugs.” She wrinkles her nose, and I laugh.

“Ok, I’ll hold off until I’ve showered.”

Allie, short for Alessandra, is the daughter of my great uncle Alejandro and technically my dad’s cousin, but she’s younger than me. The three of us, including Heaven, are best friends.

“Good,” she says before she looks around my room.

“I won’t be long, I promise!” I tell her. “Feel free to wait or go to Heaven’s room.”

Aunty Ri and her kids, Heaven and Tatum, moved in here shortly after Dad- Jaddati wanted it, and I think it was better for us all. We needed one another. The packs share borders anyway, so it wasn’t an issue to run both from here for now. Besides, Ahren can get around easily enough.

I’d better hurry. Today is going to be a long day.