Zodiac Academy: The Awakening

Tory is a protagonist of the novel. Where Darcy is more delicate, Tory is rough edged. She shies away from physical affection and even struggles to show warmth to Darcy. To make financial ends meet, Tory steals expensive bikes and resells them. She is more straightforward and impulsive than Darcy, which is why Darcy views her as “one mistake away from ending up behind bars” (8). Tory is unafraid to burn bridges and isn’t sociable with others. Oftentimes, her bluntness and indifference can earn her enemies.

Both Darcy and Tory are devoted to each other, but while Darcy’s errs more on the side of affection and loyalty, Tory’s devotion showcases itself in her habit of “[taking] bullets for [Darcy]” and shielding her from harm (115). When stalked through the streets of Tucana by a dangerous shadow being, Tory places herself between it and Darcy. Her determination to bear the brunt of its fatal attack to spare Darcy evidences the loyalty and sense of protection that Tory feels toward her sister.

Tory’s character arc is limited, as she is a static character who does not develop significantly. However, when she’s thrown into a deep pool and forced to confront her fear of drowning, she emerges from the experience like “a kicked puppy” and cannot meet the Heirs’ eyes as she normally would have (424). The breaking of Tory’s indomitable spirit is more powerful than the same consequence in Darcy’s character. Tory has an initial connection with Caleb and a deeper connection with Darius.

The Celestial Heirs are the four sons of the families who have ruled Solaria for the nearly 20 years since the King and Queen were murdered. The power of the throne is divided between the families of the Celestial Council, and the Heirs will take the throne upon graduating from Zodiac Academy. The Celestial Heirs are alluring and powerful. While none possess all four Elements, they each possess two, which is rare.

Max Rigel is a Siren who belongs to House Aqua. He belongs to the Pisces sign and possesses water and air abilities. He is described as “a guy with skin as dark as coffee, his black hair shaved into a mohawk” (50). He feeds on emotions to replenish his magic stores and has a particular taste for fear.

Caleb Altair is a Vampire belonging to House Terra. He is a Taurus who possesses earth and fire abilities. He’s described as the “blond haired beaux next door” with messy curls, sea-blue eyes, “and a body cut straight from an Abercrombie and Fitch commercial” (56, 81). Caleb makes Tory his personal blood Source at the Academy, and they become sexually intimate before his betrayal, bringing her greatest fears to life.

Seth Capella is a Werewolf belonging to House Aer. He is an Aquarius and possesses air and earth abilities. He is described as a “long haired lothario” with earthy brown eyes and chestnut hair (56). He’s incredibly tactile and lavishes physical affection widely and without restraint. At first glance, he is the most approachable member of the Celestial Heirs, but his carefree, flirtatious nature hides the predator underneath. Seth romantically seduces Darcy before betraying her.

Darius Acrux is a rare Dragon belonging to House Ignis. He is a Leo and possesses fire and water abilities. He has a muscular frame, dark eyes, jet black hair, and biceps covered in tattoos. Every dark and rugged aspect of his appearance speaks to Tory’s “sin-filled fantas[ies]” (56). Despite her intense attraction to him, Tory never develops an intimate relationship with him, as she does with Caleb, but their romance is foreshadowed in their intense interactions. Professor Astrum’s suspicions of Darius due to his sketchy father and secret meetings with Orion prompt the Vegas to distrust him.

Professor Orion is a secondary character in the novel whom Darcy and Tory at first believe is an ally but soon becomes their main suspected antagonist. Orion is a Fae and classified as a Vampire in the Taenia Order. He possesses magical abilities of the Elements air and water. Orion is tall with brown hair “pushed back in the kind of careless I’ve-spent-ages-making-this-look-accidental way that guys with too much time and money on their hands often [go] for” (22). He is broad shouldered and muscled, which hints at an athletic history, and he has a carefully styled beard. Though Orion is a professor at Zodiac Academy, he’s still young. His age isn’t disclosed, but the twins believe him to be in his mid-twenties, about five or six years older than them.

Darcy takes a special interest in Orion, developing an attraction to him immediately, and vice versa. He is assigned as Darcy’s Liaison, tasked with helping her determine her Order, learn to resist Coercion, and master her magic. Orion’s permanent scowl, perceived disdain for the Vega twins, and lack of manners all add to his ambiguity. The lack of kindness in his natural behavior makes it difficult to tell whether he is a true enemy of the Vegas or a potential ally. The ambiguities of his character are barely dipped into in the first installment. Professor Astrum mentions that Orion comes from a family with a dark past. This information is why he believes Orion might be in league with the Acrux family whom Astrum is certain is involved in the Nymph attacks.