Reclaimed (The Phoenix Chronicles Book 1) by Erica Ortega

all over the world come here. Some countries more than others.”
    Summer furrowed her brow. “There are wielders that aren't trained?”
    Tracy leaned forward. “There are wielders who are killed for what they're born with. People call them witches.”
    Summer bit the corner of her lip. “So what happened to all of them?”
    “The magic dwindled and so did the students,” said Ash. “They just stopped coming but, there are training places in other countries. Australia, London, China, and Germany have big ones.”
    Summer's eyes grew big. “Crazy,” she whispered. “I didn't even think about that.” She leaned back against the headboard and looked over at the phoenix. “Why is this happening?”
    “What?” asked Tracy. “All of it? None of us have a clue. The council is vague. We just know the balance of magic is thrown off and it's going to take some miracle to fix it.”
    There was a knock at the large door that startled everyone. Tracy stood up and walked over to it. She opened it a crack and peered through.
    “Jasper?” she asked.
    “Yes. We need your help.”
    Tracy walked out and shut the door behind her. The silence that followed made Summer uncomfortable. She somewhat trusted Tracy but, still wasn't sure about the others; especially Ash. He didn't say much and always seemed to be looking over his shoulder. What was he hiding?
    “You can go,” said Summer.
    Ash shook his head and folded his arms. “Orders are to watch you.”
    “Just leave. I won't tell anyone.”
    He stared at her for a brief moment before directing his gaze to the phoenix.
    Summer tapped her fingers against the side of the bed. “Do you think that message was really for me?’
    Ash frowned. “Maybe. We won't have a clue unless we catch the person who did it.”
    “But if there's no evidence then that's impossible.”
    “Yeah,” replied Ash. He turned his gaze back to her; his purple eyes looking mysteriously bright under his dark, curly hair.
    Summer admired him for a brief second. If she didn't focus on his odd personality, then he really was a good looking guy. His muscular physique was subtle but there and his tan skin looked like a guy who spent all his time outdoors. He was tall too and despite being so angry she could see kindness in his eyes. That was the most important thing.
    “What?” he asked.
    Summer blushed and turned her head. “Nothing.” She peered back over in his direction. “Do you go home for the holidays.”
    “No. Normally everyone stays here until their two years is up.”
    “Oh. Do you miss your family?”
    Ash looked slightly irritated. Summer was about to apologize when he surprised he by actually answering.
    “I’m from Michigan. It's ridiculously cold there so I stay here. My mom and younger brother don't care.”
    “I'm sorry they don't-”
    “It's not like that,” he said, interrupting her. “They miss me but, want me to be where I'm happy.”
    Summer raised her brow. “This is you happy?”
    Ash offered her one of his rare smiles. “This is me being able to live my life without hiding who I am.”
    She returned the smile. “Make sense. What about your dad? What does he think.”
    Ash's eyes darkened. “He was lost on a mission trying to find the elf Prince. They found the Prince but, he got separated in the mountains from the elves. A bad storm came and he was gone.”
    Summer reached across the bed and rested her hand on his arm. “I'm sorry. I know what it's like to lose a parent.”
    Ash looked down and frowned. “I didn't know him that well so it doesn't matter."
    “Alright,” she nodded, pulling her hand back. “So how much longer are you going to stay at this school?”
    “What's with all the questions?”
    Summer folded her arms. “Since you insist on hanging out with me then we might as well pass the time by talking.”
    Ash looked up at the clock and grumbled. “I'm thinking about teaching here.”
    “That's cool.”
    “Most of us stay for two years,” said