Monster Academy Series by Jaliza A. Burwell

Lesson One: Find allies who are willing to go down with you. As a Neutral family member, I, Adeelah Rylie Neutral, promise to uphold the peace of all Naturals. When I made that vow, I never knew I’d be put to the test. One event cascaded into another, and before anyone could grasp what was going on, all the Naturals were being dragged out of the darkness. Then, the real challenge began... moreLesson One: Find allies who are willing to go down with you. As a Neutral family member, I, Adeelah Rylie Neutral, promise to uphold the peace of all Naturals. When I made that vow, I never knew I’d be put to the test. One event cascaded into another, and before anyone could grasp what was going on, all the Naturals were being dragged out of the darkness. Then, the real challenge began. I’m expected to pave the way, to find a solution to keep the Naturals safe against the humans who fear too much for little reason. There’s just one problem. I’m the black sheep in the family, born broken. I’m not immortal like I should be, and my clock is ticking. But being more human than everyone else doesn’t stop me from doing my job. My peaceful solution? An academy. My biggest challenge? Surviving until the first day of classes. At least I have three handsome Naturals who are on my side. I’ll just keep the tidbit about me being a broken Neutral to myself. I wouldn’t want to make them think I was prey. Even if they keep looking at me like I’ll make the perfect dinner. Or would that be dessert? A/N: This story was previously published in Magic and Mayhem anthology. Only light changes have been made to the story before publishing. less

Lesson Two: Stay true to yourself I want to think the hard part is over as the first day of school begins. Unfortunately, that isn’t true. Others want to twist my arm, force me to do what they want. Too bad they forget I’m Adeelah Neutral, and I’ve always been a fan of burning bridges. Rophan, Alto, and Archon agree with me as they snarl at anyone approaching with even a flicker of a thought of harming me... moreLesson Two: Stay true to yourself I want to think the hard part is over as the first day of school begins. Unfortunately, that isn’t true. Others want to twist my arm, force me to do what they want. Too bad they forget I’m Adeelah Neutral, and I’ve always been a fan of burning bridges. Rophan, Alto, and Archon agree with me as they snarl at anyone approaching with even a flicker of a thought of harming me. For students, the first day of school is the worst, no one knowing what to expect. For Monster Academy, it’s even more dangerous as Naturals with old and budding feuds clash. It’s my job to keep them under control. Now if only the idiots trying to rile them up will stop. Oh, and I can’t forget the person who managed to sneak onto campus. Their intent is unknown, but it won’t be for long. I’ll find them and make them spill all their dirty little secrets. less

Lesson Face conflict, don’t hide, don’t run. I’m all for facing trouble head on. If it’s going to come for me, then I might as well meet it halfway, never faltering. Hesitating means people die, and I refuse to let that happen to those around me. So what am I going to do when the shifters come to my academy? Face it of course.If only it were that easy though. Lies lead to danger surrounding my academy and now I have to clean up the shifters’ mess... moreLesson Face conflict, don’t hide, don’t run. I’m all for facing trouble head on. If it’s going to come for me, then I might as well meet it halfway, never faltering. Hesitating means people die, and I refuse to let that happen to those around me. So what am I going to do when the shifters come to my academy? Face it of course.If only it were that easy though. Lies lead to danger surrounding my academy and now I have to clean up the shifters’ mess. But is it only their mess? Something isn’t quite adding up, but before the sun rises, I’ll make sure it does.Join Adeelah Neutral in this next installment of Monster Academy. less

Lesson Stay strong when the storm never seems to end.Surviving a deadly curse should’ve earned me some peace. Instead, I’m sick, weak, and everyone treats me like I’ll shatter if I sneeze. They want me on bedrest, but that’s not happening—not when an elf-killer gets too close to my academy. My students are in danger, and I refuse to sit quietly while others fight for me.As if monsters and curses weren’t enough, the men in my life are becoming impossible to ignore... moreLesson Stay strong when the storm never seems to end.Surviving a deadly curse should’ve earned me some peace. Instead, I’m sick, weak, and everyone treats me like I’ll shatter if I sneeze. They want me on bedrest, but that’s not happening—not when an elf-killer gets too close to my academy. My students are in danger, and I refuse to sit quietly while others fight for me.As if monsters and curses weren’t enough, the men in my life are becoming impossible to ignore. Infuriating, protective, and far too tempting, they’ve decided I’m theirs—and resisting them feels harder than fighting death itself.Secrets are unraveling. Enemies are closing in. And while I survived the curse, the battle has only just begun.Join Adeelah Neutral in this next installment of Monster Academy. less