Chapter One

“The Solarius Clan was once the most powerful rulers of this land. Matriarchal in nature, these beings were extraordinary elementals. It was once said that they could call upon nature itself to vanquish their enemies, with the snap…” Professor Kate quickly snapped her fingers. “Of a finger. Is there anyone here who can tell me what happened to this once proud race?” She stared around at the rows and rows of students holding their hands up. Sighing deeply, she placed her hands on her hips. One of her most promising students was asleep…again.

Taking the yardstick off her desk, she began climbing the small stairs to the student’s table. She was not about to allow the girl to sleep through another lecture. It was time to make an example of her, whether she wanted to or not. Stopping at the girl’s table, she slammed the yardstick down hard on the edge of the table, while stating: “Anne Smith! You will sit up straight and pay attention or I will throw you out!” Twin sky blue eyes suddenly shot open, as the girl sat up straight in her seat. “I’m sor…” Professor Kate cut her off before she could finish the thought. “We were discussing the Solarius Clan, before your snoring interrupted my class. Perhaps you would care to continue where I left off?” The students around them began snickering, but quickly stopped at a look from the professor.

Anne stared at her in confusion. ‘Where the hell did she leave off?’ Steeling her resolve for the answer to come, she asked: “Where did you leave off, Professor Soren?” She crossed her arms, making the yardstick point toward the roof at an odd angle. “I left off, Miss Smith, at what happened to the Solarius Clan?” Anne took a deep breath before standing before the class, as was custom here at this college. “There are several theories as to what caused the decline of the Solarius Clan. Starting from the theory of the Clan challenging Fate one too many times and were finally overrun by their enemies. Who turned them into slaves, before killing them outright. Down to their Matriarch betraying and deserting them.” Professor Kate nodded approvingly. As she turned and began heading back to the whiteboard, Anne continued.

“I feel though, that none of those theories are correct.” She turned back to Anne, right eyebrow raised in question. “Care to elaborate on your ‘feelings’ then, Miss Smith?” Anne was quiet for a moment, trying to gather her thoughts and put into words what she felt. “It is known and recorded that the last Matriarch of the Solarius Clan was named Astra. This Clan has always intrigued me…” “Yet you always seem to fall asleep during this class.” Anne ignored her tablemate, Col and continued. “And so, I did some research, out of class, into it. Come to find out, Astra Solarius was but an infant in the last known documentation, thus she couldn’t have either betrayed or deserted her people. As for the slavery and annihilation, I highly doubt an elemental would allow another species to dominate and destroy them.”

Col stood beside Anne, challenging her as he always did. “There are no elementals around now, Anne. And during the supposed reign of the Solarius, they accumulated vast amounts of enemies. The slavery and annihilation theory is the most acceptable.” “Just because it is accepted, doesn’t mean it is correct. The Solarius Clan were proud beings, they would never allow themselves to be degraded by slavery.” “Then, by all means, tell us what happened to make the Solarius Clan extinct.” Anne’s eyes darkened by Col’s mocking tone, and she fought the urge to smack that smirk off his stupid face. She knew exactly what happened to the Solarius Clan, she was lucky enough to be allowed to study them two years ago. But she couldn’t very well say that the elementals weren’t extinct. That they only went into hiding in order to protect themselves until their Matriarch came of age.

“I don’t see why the two of you are going on so about the Solarius Clan, everyone knows they are only a myth.” Mary stated as she stood across the room in the front row. Anne growled slightly under her breath. “Yet you believe in the Lupus Clan. How can you believe that wolf men existed and thrived, but not believe that elementals had as well?” It was a low blow; Anne knew very well that the Lupus Clan still lived and thrived as well. In fact, she had met one during her trek to the Solarius Clan. Mary didn’t believe in anything other than the Subspecies here at the college. To her, the Clans never existed…ever. Mary stood straighter. “Much to my dismay, we have come across proof of the wolves and that several other Clans have existed. But there is no known proof of the Solarius Clan ever existing, just rumors and legends.” Col added his agreement. “If they had actually existed, then what happened to them and where is the proof of said existence, outside of myths and legends?”

Professor Kate spoke up before any other student could. “What happened to the Solarius Clan? We will discuss all theories and possibly uncover the truth behind the legends during Friday’s class. Your homework for today is to read Chapter Six through Eight in your textbook and to complete Review Eight in your workbook. If you do not have any questions, then class is dismissed. Miss Smith, I would like to have a word with you before you leave.” “Looks like somebody is in trouble and is going to hear it.” Col snickered as he pushed past Anne. Anne sighed deeply, while she threw her books and laptop in her backpack.

“Anne, you’re a good student when you arrive on time and stay awake in class. As of late you have been doing neither. What has got into you?” Professor Kate asked when Anne stopped before her. “I’m sorry, Mrs. Soren. I’m working three jobs now just to be able to continue my schooling. My parents are threatening to throw me out and our apartment is across town. I’m doing my best, but it’s just not good enough.” She sighed deeply, as she thought about the situation. A few moments later, she said: “I will speak with Dean Charless, see if we can’t put you into the dormitory. They’re co-ed, with five students to a suite, but it should help you out some.” Anne smiled softly.

“Thank you, Mrs. Soren. Without having to worry about rent, I may even be able to quit one of my jobs.” “If I do this for you Anne, you better not be late or fall asleep during lecture again. Is that clear?” “Yes, ma’am. I’ll be sure to be in class on time and if need be, I’ll drink some energy drinks beforehand.” Professor Kate chuckled, before shooing Anne away. “Go home and try to get some rest.” Anne smiled outright as she left the class and hurried down the halls, hoping to catch the bus before it left. She only had two hours until she had to be at the burger joint.