My heart flutters in my chest as I comb my hair. I guess people can change, I’m wearing my hair down. But it is just for the dance.

I lay the brush down on the white bathroom counter. I brush my bangs behind my ear as I smile at my reflection. I don’t look nearly as bad as I thought I would without my hair pulled back.

I actaully kind of look good. I smile again, running my fingers through my blonde hair.

I hold my dress as I run up the basement stairs. I left Davian outside my window, but he never asked for a invitation in so . . . I’m not going to feel bad that he was waiting for like twenty minutes.

I open the front door, Davian is still standing under my window, staring up at it.

Okay, maybe I do kind of feel bad. I walk over the threshold, gathering my dusty blue dress in my hand.

Davian looks over at me, his smile slowly fading as I walk down the three porch steps.

“Sorry for the wait,” I say, letting my dress fall out of my hand.

Davian half smiles, his brown eyes lingering on me. “No . . . No problem.” He stammers, lifting a hand to rub the back of his neck.

We stand in silence on my front lawn for what feels like years. I’m not sure if Davian regrets telling me to get dressed and go with him. Or if he’s just stunned to see me without my hoodie.

“Should we go?” I ask, as Davian shakes his head.

“Yeah,” he says, motioning at his brothers truck that’s parked in front of my house. “Sorry, Tommy needed the truck so he’s dropping us off.”

I haven’t met Tommy yet. I’ve heard about him, mostly because he’s the only member of his family that Davian talks about.

“That’s fine,” I reply as we walk towards the truck. “I’ve been wanting to meet him anyways.”

Davian chuckles, “Really?” He asks.

Okay, I didn’t mean it like I want to meet your family because I like you. More like we’re friends and friends, normally meet their friends families at some point.

“Yeah,” I say as we reach the curb. “I mean you talk about him all the time. I need a face to go with the stories.”

Davian nods slowly, his black eyes locked on mine. I smile quickly looking away from his gaze. I feel my cheeks burning up as Davian opens the side door.

“You first,” he motions for me to climb into the dark truck.

I do, scooting all the way to the end of the seats. Tommy turns around in his seat as Davian shuts the door.

“So,” Tommy’s eyes look over me. “This is the girl my clueless brother can’t seem to stop talking about.”

Davian shoots Tommy a warning look, that makes both me and Tommy smile.

“Nice to meet you,” I say, as Tommy’s eyes fly back to mine.

He looks nothing like his brother, besides eye color the two don’t look related. Tommy has dark night black hair that falls over his forehead. He turns back around and starts up the engine, accelerating forward.

As the speed increases I shut my eyes. I’ve gotten used to cars, but not the way they speed.

My hand starts shaking in my lap as we exit the neighborhood. Tommy’s only going twenty miles an hour but it feels like eighty.

A gental hand wraps around mine. I open my eyes, to see Davian looking at me.

His eyes are so soft and gental, I take a deep breath. Squeezing his hand to stop the shaking.

Davian’s eyes stay on mine for the rest of the drive, each minute that passes makes me wish the school would grow legs and run away. I don’t want to leave the truck. I want to stay here.

Finally Tommy stops the truck, “Okay crazy kids!” He brings us out of our trance. “We’re here.”

Davian’s hand flies away from mine as Tommy shifts in his seat to look at us. “I’ll be back in an hour or so.”

Davain nods as he unbluckes his seat belt.

I climb out shutting the door as Tommy speeds away. Davian comes up to my side, his fingers gently brushing mine.

We stare into the huge glass doors. Even from here I can tell that this dance isn’t a formal one. It’s causal. People jump around in T-shirts and shorts.

I force myself not to smile. “So . . .” I trail off as Davian looks down at me. “You don’t happen to have a T-shirt do you?”

He laughs, shaking his head. “This is a weird little situation.”

I laugh with him, “I guess we should have known that a school dance wasn’t going to be like a ball.”

Davian nods. “Movies are the biggest liers ever.”

I can’t argue with that. The dances they put on screen are always such beautiful things. I haven’t see something like this on TV, and I doubt I ever will.

“I could call my brother,” Davian sighs. “I bet he wouldn’t mind picking us up. Although he’ll want to know why . . . He’ll never stop laughing at me.”

As Davian pulls out his phone and unlocks it with his thumb it opens to his music.

“Hey!” I say as an idea hits me. “Why don’t we just dance out here?”

Davian looks at the school. I can tell he’s thinking of all the possible reasons why that wouldn’t work.

“The field is far enough away from any windows,” I reassure him. “No one will see us.”

Davian grabs my hand a smile pulling at the edges of his mouth. “Why not.”

We both run for the field behind the school. Ducking behind the windows we pass on the way.

We make it to the center of the field, both breathing like we’ve been running for hours.

Davian laughs, running a hand through his cinnamon hair.

He pulls his phone out again, unlocking it.

“Any preference?” He asks, scrolling through his playlists.

I smile. “Actually yeah. Thinking out loud.”

Davian searchs it, clicking on the familair green album cover.

“It was my mom’s favorite,” I say as the song starts up.

Davian smiles, lifting his hand out to me. “Then lets dance for her.”

I take his hand as Davian tosses his phone into the green grass.

He twirls me, making me trip and fall onto him.

The song starts growing louder into the chorus as I stare into Davian’s eyes.

I steady myself, resting my hand on his shoulder. We sway back and forth to the beat of the song.

Our eyes lock, and I’m pretty sure there’s no key that could unlock this feeling.

Davian twirls me again, this time I fall perfectly back into place. Shivers run down my spine as our eyes meet again.

I feel so sick, and nervous and my hearts beating like it’s about to explode. But I love it, because when I feel this way it means that Davain’s next to me.

“Darling do you have any plans for Halloween?” Draya asks me as we lay beside each other “Not really why?” I ask momentarily distracted from tracing patterns up and down Draya’s arm “Well the coven is sort of having a Halloween party…well it’s actually more like a masquerade ball and I was hoping you would accompany me.” “Would I be the only human there?” “No, there will be other consorts and some Thralls although Thralls aren’t very good company; all they care about is their vampire masters or mistresses and therefore it is all they will talk about, if they choose to talk at all but the other consorts are usually friendly.” “Sounds fun so yeah I would be honored to accompany you.” “Okay, you will need a gown and mask. I will take you shopping for it in a few days.” “Can’t I just wear my homecoming dress?” “I suppose you could but I would prefer getting you a different one considering I sort of have the mask picked out already.” she said taking out her phone and showing me a picture of a red lace mask that would go over my eyes with red and black feathers on the right side. “It reminds me of the mythological bird the Phoenix.” Draya said “What will you be wearing?” “Now Darling that would ruin the surprise.”

Three days later Draya took me to Nordstrom Rack and after trying on more than a dozen different dresses Draya and I found the perfect one. A floor length red sparkly V back dress along with a red sparkly cape. After purchasing the dress we stopped by spirit Halloween and bought a red and black feather boa. Draya had already ordered the mask and it had arrived yesterday.

On Halloween night I was dressed in the dress with the cape feather boa and mask at Draya’s house waiting in the living room. When she finally came down from her room I thought she was absolutely breathtaking. She was wearing a dark blue short sleeve dress with matching cape; the top of the dress was decorated with blue beads and sequins in many spiral patterns and the cape attached to the dress from the bottom of the sleeves.

A gold and black mask panted to look like scales obscured most of the top half of Draya’s face, two dangerous looking horns protruded from each side of the top of the mask, it was obvious that she most likely was supposed to be a dragon. “Wow” I breathed out. There were only a handful of times that Draya left me speechless where ‘wow’ was the only word I found myself able to utter, this was one of them. “Thank you.” she replied with a smile before taking my arm and leading me out to the car and we make the long drive out to the country where David owned a private property with 5 acres of land. We pulled up the long gravel driveway to the front of the house where humans in red jackets stood for valet parking. One of them (a young man with dark hair) came around the car opening Draya’s door for her and she steps out of the car. “Better take good care of her, she’s a classic.” Draya said to the man before handing the keys over then she came around the car and opened the door for me, taking my hand and helping me out of the car.

We walked in to the house hand in hand and I swear I had never seen so many vampires in one place; but then again up until a few months ago I didn’t know vampires actually existed. Some vampires were in formal gowns and suits with face masks like Draya and my self while others were in regular Halloween costumes. We were not in the house long before two vampires approached us. They were both dark skinned with dark brown eyes, one of them wore his hair very short while the other one had his head shaved, the one with the short hair was about a foot taller than the other, they were both wearing tuxedos with navy blue face masks covering their eyes. “Draya it has been too long!” said the taller one. “Sam, Solomon, you both look well.” “As do you, and I am assuming that this lovely little morsel next to you is your consort?” “Indeed she is, Sarah this is Sam…” she says gesturing to the taller vampire “…and his mate Solomon.” she says and gestures to the other vampire. “Pleasure to meet you Foster sister.” Sam said extending his hand to me palm up. I tentatively place my hand in his. “The pleasure is mine.” I said as he gently kissed the top of my hand. “Foster sister.” Solomon said with a bow I smiled and curtsied to him. “There’s no need to be so formal you can both just call me Sarah.” “As you wish.” said Solomon. “Well we won’t keep you from the festivities any longer, however it is good to see you Draya and to meet your consort.” Sam said as he and Solomon walked away. “Seems that word of my relationship status has traveled through the coven, better brace yourself darling, I imagine there will be many more tonight who will want to meet you.” And she was right, we were approached next by a pair of female vampires one of Asian descent with long black hair her name was Hong the other was originally from Canada and had long blonde hair Camille was her name. They were dressed as the Disney version of Snow White and Cinderella. Next was a male vampire with long dark hair and equally dark eyes a human Thrall on each arm both young blondes with blue eyes. I didn’t catch his name but I knew from Draya’s body language and tone of voice that she did not like this vampire but we exchanged pleasantries as necessary. Draya led me through the house heading towards the back door of the house to the back yard where I could hear music emanating from. As we exited the house the first thing I saw was a big bonfire in the center of the large yard burning high sending yellow, orange and red flames and sparks into the sky, jack-o-lanterns were everywhere perched atop bales of hay and some were even hanging from the few trees in the yard, there were also long tables off to the side laden with human food. There were many vampires dancing and exchanging pleasant conversation. I was feeling daunted by the thought of having to meet more people but my spirits lifted when I saw two people I recognized coming towards us. David and Celeste. David was dressed as the phantom of the opera and Celeste as Christine. “Draya, Sarah, so glad you could make it!”David greets us enthusiastically. “Wouldn’t miss it.” I said. “Are you enjoying the party?” Asked David. “Mostly, although I think Sarah is a bit uncomfortable with all the attention she’s been receiving.” Draya answered. “I apologize I didn’t contain my enthusiasm very well and I may have told a few people.” David replied. “And so naturally the entire coven knows.” Celeste teased. “I am just glad to see some familiar faces. I am not exactly used to so much attention; in fact I usually try to avoid attention.” “Again I apologize, but please try to enjoy the rest of the party.” David said. “I will try.” I replied with a smile. With that we parted ways. “Come Darling why don’t we go over to the food table and get you something to eat. You simply must try the pumpkin pie punch; trust me it tastes better than it sounds.” Draya suggests as we make our way over to the table. Draya ladles me a cup of the orangish colored beverage with a dollop of whipped cream and hands it to me. I take a gulp and am surprised at how good it actually tastes. While we stood by the food table two identical looking girls aproched us; they were Dressed like Elsa and Anna from Disney’s Frozen. “Draya love how nice to see you!” “Serenity, Harmony, it’s been ages since I’ve seen the both of you how have you been?” “Oh sister and I were happy we were able to make it this year we recently just came out of hiding, some Hunters we’re on our trail but we managed to give them the slip.” said the one dressed as Elsa. “With any luck they will think we perished when our last residents caught fire under some mysterious circumstances.” said the one dressed as Anna. “Is this your consort?” asked the one dressed like Elsa. “Yes. Sarah meet the twins Serenity…” Draya gestured to the one dressed as Elsa “…and her sister Harmony” Draya said gesturing to the one dressed as Anna. “Well aren’t you just the bell of the ball, isn’t she just picture perfect sister?” Said Harmony “I must agree with you Harmony she is just as pretty as a picture.” said Serenity. “It’s a pleasure to meet you both.” I say. “Oh and so polite with a pretty voice too!” gushed Harmony. “You better hang onto this one Draya she is absolutely splendid.” said Serenity. I took notice how they never once addressed me directly; more admired me like they might a pure breed dog. I didn’t like it but kept my opinions to myself for the moment. Draya flashed a polite smile before saying “Thank you, I plan to.” “Well we won’t take up any more of your time enjoy the party, come along sister.” As they walked away I resisted the urge to scowl. “Thay didn’t adress me directly once they gushed over me like a prize winning show dog.” “Don’t take it personally they do that with most consorts and they don’t acknowledge Thralls at all it’s just how they are and they mean no offense.” Draya explained “I still didn’t like it.” I said. Draya was about to respond when a female voice spoke. “Well, well, well, long time no see my lovely Draya.” Standing before us was a girl who stood about 5”6’ in full costume she had on a maroon suit with a fuchsia button up and a bow tie that was untied and behind her attached to the pants was a black cats tail she had black stick on claws and protruding from either side of her head were fake fuzzy cat ears. She was wearing a black M shaped headpiece and had flaming red hair, her eyes were a mismatched, one blue the other yellow with slits for pupils like a cat’s eyes. I knew that she had to be wearing contacts because the blue and yellow covered the entire eye even the white part.

“Hello Ruby, what exactly are you supposed to be?” Draya asked “My lovely Draya you really should keep up with the times and trends; Netflix did a reboot of the 80s cartoon series She-ra, I am the character Catra, well a sexier redhead version of her anyway, wearing the outfit from the episode ‘princess prom’ it’s the best one in my opinion.” “And where’s your Thrall?” Ruby sighed and calls out “Oh Tessa my sweet.” A girl about three inches shorter than Ruby saunters over to Ruby’s side she has skin the color of white chocolate but with rose colored undertones and blue eyes, blond hair that was tied back in a ponytail with a red lily flower hair comb and a flowing red halter sleeveless chiffon dress with a gold waist belt and on her feet were gold wrap sandals “And who may I ask is this little treat standing beside you?” “This is my consort; Sarah.” “Consort? Is that so? Well; I never thought I would see the day when my Draya would finally choose a human consort.” “First Ruby, I am not yours and secondly, yes she is my consort and by coven law that makes her your foster sister, you should treat her with respect.” “Please, I owe her nothing and you my not be mine now but I know you remember when I used to scream your name beneath you and when you would scream mine while beneath me in pure ecstasy and oh how I loved watching you writhe in pleasure. Does your little human know about that? Can she do for you what I did and if you allowed me could still do for you…do to you?” “If I ever gave you any inkling that our relationship was more than what it was to me then I apologize for that but you were an attractive distraction Ruby nothing more.” “Are you honestly telling me that you prefer that scrawny little mortal than me?” “You’re coming dangerously close to crossing a line Ruby; don’t push it.” “I don’t care! You were mine once and you will be again it’s only a matter of time!” Draya shook her head “Sorry to disappoint you Ruby but you and I are in the past and I think it best we leave it there.” she said turning away from her and then saying “Darling it’s a bit chilly out I think we should head back inside for a bit.” I nod in agreement wanting to get away from Ruby. I didn’t like the way she made me feel and how she talked about me like I wasn’t there or like I was so beneath her that it didn’t matter if I heard her or not she would have said it either way. Draya and I sat down on one of the many couches in the house. Draya leans back with a heavy sigh but says nothing. I was about to ask what was on her mind when I was interrupted by a male voice. “Mind if we join you?” asked a tall male vampire with hair so blonde it was almost white and bright blue eyes. By his side was a human with fair skin but with a russet undertone and a spotting of freckles across her nose and cheeks, brown eyes and hair so dark brown it was nearly black fell in soft gentle curls down her back. They were dressed as Westley and Buttercup from 'The Princess Bride'. “Caleb, Melissa. of course you can.” Draya said moving over to make some room and I did the same. “It’s been quite awhile since we’ve seen you Draya, you didn’t even come last year.” said Caleb as he and Melissa sat down. “I wasn’t really in a party mood last year but this year I am doing much better.” “But you still seem a bit troubled?” Asked Melissa her tone gentle and kind. “I recently had a run in with Ruby.” “That little trollop, she’s always trying to stir up trouble.” Caleb commented. “Ain’t that the truth.” Draya said with a sigh. “What did she say?” Asked Melissa. “She brought up our past relationship and implied that my consort Sarah was inferior.” “Oh that’s right we heard that you have a new consort I am assuming this is the young lady in question?” Caleb inquired, gesturing to me. “Yes, this is Sarah, Sarah this is Caleb and his consort Melissa.” Draya says introducing me. “It’s so nice to finally meet you!” Melissa said. “Yes the way David talks about you, you would think that you were his consort and not Draya’s.” Caleb said. “He is just happy and excited for Draya.” Melissa said. “What has David said about me?” I asked. “That you’re really pretty, although I don’t think pretty even begins to be an accurate description, and he says that you might come off as shy at first but once you open up you are kind and friendly.” Melissa says. “And then he just kept going on about how much happier Draya seems since you came into her life.” “I am glad he thinks so highly of me.” “He’s not the only one princess.” Draya says looking at me with adoration. I can’t help but to smile at her. “Well I am famished. Draya you wouldn’t happen to know where I could get my hands on a blood bag would you?” “I would, actually I could use a bag myself.” Draya said standing up. “I’m sure you two can find something to talk about while we’re gone.” “Of course.” said Melissa. And with that being said Draya and Caleb walked away. “So, tell me Sarah how did you and Draya meet?” “It was at a teen club that my friends took me to for my sweet 16 birthday. I guess you could say we bumped into each other…actually, she accidentally knocked me over on the dance floor and later came to see if I was okay and even bought me a drink and we talked and ended up kissing.” “Guess you two must have really hit it off.” “Not exactly…after I left with my friends that night we tried to track her down with no luck. I didn’t see her again for a whole month, although little did I know she had been sneaking into my room every night and would watch me sleep.” “Okay I’m sorry but can you say creepy?” “I know right…but then she said it wasn’t so much watching me as watching over me.” “Still a bit creepy if you ask me.” “Maybe, but I thought of it like having my own personal garden angel and that made it seem sweet.” “I guess that is kind of sweet but I personally wouldn’t like it, I mean it’s just the idea of a stranger sneaking into my room and watching me while I slept…that’s just a bit too creepy for me to forgive and forget but it all worked out for you I guess.” “I see you’re point of view but you’re right it all worked out in the end.” ‘But it almost didn’t .’ my little voice of inner doubt chimed in. ‘Shut Up!’ I thought. “So how did you meet Caleb?” “Oh I worked nights at a 24 hour diner earning money for college. I was studying to be a RN. He was a regular, always sat at the same table and ordered the same thing. Coffee black and two biscuits with gravy. One night he asked me to join him and as it was a slow night I did, we got to talking and the rest is history.” “That sounds so romantic, like something out of a movie. So are you still in college?” “No I’m actually an ER nurse.” “That must be a hectic job.” “It can be but I find it rewarding. I know that you’re still only in high school but what do you think you would like to do?” “Oh I don’t know my mom is a surgeon, my dad is a small business owner and sometimes I feel like I should live up to that and be a scientist or researcher or something but I don’t really feel like that is what I want. I’m not even entirely sure what I want to be but something that allows me to travel and see the world. I don’t want to be stuck behind a desk all day.” “I hear you, if I had to pick one part of my job I don’t like it would be the paperwork.” I see Caleb returning and making his way towards us. “Well now that I am sated what do you say to getting you some sustenance my dear?” He said to Melissa extending his hand to her she takes it and stands then he turns to me “Draya should be out in a minute.” he informs me. “It was nice meeting you and getting to know you a little.” Melissa says. “Yes it was nice getting to know you too.” I reply before they leave making their way out side then I see someone I was hoping I wouldn’t encounter again for the rest of the night. Ruby was making her way over to me with Tessa by her side. “Tessa my sweet be a good girl and fetch us some refreshments would you?” “Anything in particular you would like?” “Surprise me.” As Tessa left Ruby turns to me “I would like to apologize for earlier I got a little carried away and forgot my manners.” her tone and smile were so obviously forced but I decided to for now play nice but not let my guard down. “It’s fine.” I said. “I suppose I just never really got over our break up and honestly who can blame me?You’ll see what I mean sooner or later.” “What are you talking about?” “If I know my Draya it’s only a matter of time, she never stays with a human for long, 6 maybe 7 months tops, if you’re lucky then she’ll drop you like she has all the others, so sweetheart you better enjoy this while it lasts.” “Maybe you don’t know Draya as well as you think you do.” I say smugly thinking ‘been there done that’ “Confidence, I like that. Maybe once you are no longer hers I will take you for myself make you my Thrall. I think Tessa would like a companion.” Even though I knew that Draya would never in a million years let that happen it didn’t stop the nervous and frightened flip flops that my stomach was doing and I was sincerely hoping that Draya would return soon. My thoughts were interrupted by the sound of shouting. “YOU CLUMSY, GRACELESS, BLUNDERING LITTLE BRAT! I’LL TEACH YOU A LESSON!” Ruby and I both turned our attention to the sorce of the shouting just in time to see a male Vampire backhand Tessa hard enough to send the poor girl tumbling to the floor. Just the loud snapping sound of the skin on skin contact made me physically flinch. I was instantly on my feet and making my over to the girl. Ruby had gotten there first but she was not checking on the wellbeing of Tessa no she had instead tackled the male vampire and was pummeling him into oblivion. “YOU WORTHLESS PIECE OF SHIT! YOU WILL NEVER TOUCH MY THRALL AGAIN!” Ruby punctuated each of her words with a blow to what ever part of the vampire she could reach. I was now on the ground next to Tessa. She was laying very still in the fetal position and was clutching her cheek where she had been struck a small trickle of blood was escaping from beneath her fingers. I suspect that the vampire that hit her was probably wearing a ring that most likely cut Tessa when he struck her. Although it was hard to tell with Ruby beating him to a pulp I think I recognized him as the unpleasant vampire with the young blonde Thralls that I had met with Draya earlier that night. The Thralls in question were looking on screaming and crying obviously upset that their vampire is being harmed but also obviously to frightened of incurring Ruby’s wrath to intervene. It didn’t take much longer before David and Celeste were there along with three other Vampire’s I didn’t know. It took all five of them to pull Ruby off the male vampire but she was struggling hard to free herself and resume her attack. I see Draya making her way through the crowd towards us. She comes to kneel next to me “What happened?” “A male vampire hit Tessa so Ruby attacked him.” Draya got up and went to stand in front of Ruby “Ruby you must calm down.” “Kasimir attacked my Thrall!” “I understand but you have made your point. It’s Tessa who needs you now you need to go to her.” Those words seem to have an effect on Ruby and she was soon kneeling beside Tessa coaxing the whimpering and trembling girl into her arms and began to attempt calming her. Then David spoke “Kasimir is what Ruby said true? Did you attack her thrall?” “I wouldn’t call it attack more like disciplined.” It was seconds after that was said that Ruby had convinced Tessa to take her hand away from her cheek and when she saw the small gash there I knew instantly that Ruby was seeing red. She practically launched her self at Kasimir and had to be held back a second time. “Let me go! I’m going to kill him! I’ll rip his head from his shoulders my self!” she seethed while struggling to get her hands on Kasimir. Draya was once again trying to calm Ruby down but it didn’t seem to be working this time. “Sarah, take Tessa upstairs second door on the right is a bathroom and there should be a first aid kit under the sink.” I nodded. I was pretty sure Draya was trying to get us out of the room incase things got really ugly and seeing how enraged Ruby was it seemed like there was a very real possibility that things could in fact get ugly. I look at Tessa who was still kneeling on the ground next to me her eyes were practically glued to Ruby. They were wide with worry and fear. “Tessa come with me up stairs so we can take care of that cut you got.” Tessa looked at me when I said her name but then looked right back at Ruby. “Ruby will be okay, Draya will take care of her but right now I think you should come with me so you can be taken care of too.” Tessa nodded and stood up with me but her eyes stayed focused on Ruby for as long as it was possible for her to do so. I close the door behind us once we enter the bathroom and turn to face Tessa, she looks so lost and alone. I don’t know if it’s because she’s not with Ruby right now or if she really is just that upset and frightened, either way I knew that I would have to take a gentle approach in this situation. “Okay, so first things first. I think we should clean the dried blood off first before we do anything else.” I say walking Tessa over to the bathroom counter and open the cupboard under the sink. I instantly find the first aid kit and get out a few clean washcloths too. I wet one down with warm water and soap and gently wipe the dried blood off Tessa’s face “There that’s better, now we’ll take care of that cut.” Tessa looked at me but didn’t speak. The cut wasn’t very deep and less than a quarter of an inch long. I wasn’t sure if I found Ruby getting so upset over such a small cut reassuring because it was nice that she was so protective over Tessa…it showed she cared or terrifying because if she reacted like she was over a tiny cut how would she react if it were something bigger and more severe? I get a few alcohol wipes and a Band-Aid out. I rip open the small paper packaging the wipe was in a take it out. “Tessa I am going to clean your cut now, it is going to sting but I will be as gentle as possible, and if you hold still it will be over quickly.” Tessa nodded showing she understood but still didn’t speak. When the alcohol wipe made contact with her cut she flinched away and hissed in pain but otherwise held completely still. After cleaning the wound I placed the Band-Aid on pressing the sides down to be sure it was secure. “There all done, in a few days you’ll be good as new. How about we go sit in the hall for a little bit and try to calm down from all the excitement that went on?” Tessa nods. We sit in the hall with our backs against the wall. “Ruby is good to me.” Tessa said abruptly out of the blue. “What?” I asked turning to her. “Ruby is good to me. She takes care of me. She can be scary sometimes but she has never hurt me.” “Why are you telling me this?” “You should know that Ruby is good…Ruby is the greatest.” I just nod at her because I honestly didn’t think that Ruby was the greatest but I wasn’t going to tell Tessa that, however I believed that she has never hurt her but that doesn’t mean she was good. She was mean and rude and honestly I couldn’t believe that my Draya ever associated with someone like that. I glance towards the stairs and see Draya coming up along side Ruby. I tap Tessa on the shoulder “Hey look who it is.” I say pointing at Draya and Ruby who are now standing at the top of the stairs. “RUBY!” Tessa exclaims running over to her practically throwing herself into the vampiress’s arms. “Tessa, sweetheart, are you alright?” Ruby asked the concern in her voice genuine. “Are you?” Tessa said answering Ruby with a question of her own. “I am perfect sweetie.” “Then I am perfect too.” “Let’s go home I think you have had enough excitement for one night…” She turns to Draya “Good night Draya and happy Halloween.” “Happy Halloween.” Draya replied. Then Ruby turned to me “I expect I will be seeing you again…eventually?” The tone she used made it sound like a challenge. “Count on it.” I said stern and confident. She smiled at me “Happy Halloween Sarah.” “Happy Halloween Ruby hope you have a spooky night.” She laughed before descending the stairs out of sight. Draya comes to stand beside me “How about we go home too? We can cuddle and watch anything you want on Netflix.”

As Draya drove I didn’t say much. I watched the scenery fly past my vision in a blur. “You’re being awfully quiet…what are you thinking?” “How could you have had a relationship with someone like Ruby?” I barely even thought the words before I spoke them but now that they were out I realized how much what Ruby said really bothered me, how much I needed an answer to that question. “My relationship with Ruby… it wasn’t a relationship it was just sex honestly. Every time we were together it always ended with sex sometimes it began with sex too. If I am really being honest after awhile I felt like our relationship, if you could even call it that was more of a fuck buddy relationship than a romantic one and the only reason it lasted as long as it did was I wanted the distraction but after awhile that was no longer enough.” “How did you even get involved with her? She doesn’t seem like the type of person you would normally associate with?” “25 years ago at a celebration to welcome a new member to our coven. I attended out of respect alone. I stood in a dark corner of the room and attempted to simply fade into the background but Ruby had other ideas and I was in her sights. She came over and started shamelessly flirting with me and when that didn’t work she started cracking dirty jokes and got me laughing and I ended up spending the whole night with her. I was lonely for someone, anyone who could even temporarily fill the void Shaylyn had left or at least to make me foeget for a little while so I wouldn’t have to hurt Ruby did that for me. At first it was enough but as time went on I wanted more and Ruby didn’t but we stayed together for the company and distraction we provided each other until that wasn’t enough anymore. When I finally ended it I wasn’t even sad I had stopped caring at that point.” “I don’t like Ruby but I don’t think she’s all bad either.” “She’s not all bad.” “Tessa says she is good and that she treats her good.” “Tessa said that to you?” “Yeah why?” “Now that’s interesting, because Tessa doesn’t tend to speak to anyone but Ruby. That’s not unusual for a thrall truth be told so the fact she spoke to you even briefly speaks volumes…there is just something about you.” “I noticed at the party you and Ruby still have some sort of connection or something.” “I just have a knack for calming her down. Ruby hast a fiery temper and a short fuse, she’s also fiercely protective of Tessa as you saw tonight, speaking of you are going to be expected to appear before the high coven the next time they meet.” “Why?” “To decide Kasimir’s punishment. Hurting another vampire’s Thrall goes against rules that David put in place it is still a law it just doesn’t apply to all covens just like how different states have their own laws The high coven needs to oversee it kind of like a trial and sometimes in trials they need witnesses that’s where you come in.” “So I just have to tell them what I heard and saw?” “Exactly.” “What will his punishment be?” “David wants to take away his Thralls and shunn him for two weeks and be barred from Thralling any more humans but in all honesty David has been looking for an excuse to remove Kasimir’s Thralls from him for some time. It’s no secret that Kasimir is unusually cruel and sadistic, mistreating and abusing his thralls. I sincerely hope that the high coven agrees in all honesty it’s better than what he deserves.” “I agree, I got bad vibes from him from the moment I met him tonight and I could tell you didn’t like him either.” “I know David would like to have him exiled from the coven or at least shunned permanently but they would never approve that…too extreme they would say.” “Even though he probably tortures those poor girls he has Thralled?” “I know I don’t like it either but the best we can do is get them away from him as soon as possible and make sure he never does that to them or others like them ever again, but unfortunately that is all we can do.” “We should have let Ruby kill him.” “That would mean exile for her and they would take Tessa away from her leaving her with nothing and that may seem harsh but those laws are in place so we do not destroy ourselves.” “I didn’t know that,I take back what I said, it’s good we stopped her.” “She will still be punished too, she attacked and threatened Kasimir and that is unacceptable even if she was justified in her actions and even if he did deserve it she needs to face consequences.” “What will happen to her?” “Shunned but only for a week; she may not have the coven during that time but she will have Tessa and as far as Ruby cares that is enough.” “Can we talk about something else now?” “Sure, what would you like to talk about” “Well, I was thinking that since I am staying over at your house tomorrow night we could watch a few episodes of She-ra. Ruby’s and Tessa’s costumes got me curious.” “You are staying the night at my house tonight too so we could watch it tonight.” “Nope we won’t have time.” “We won’t?” “Nope we won’t, because I think it’s time you told me more of your tragic love story you’ve left me hanging long enough.” “You mean Shaylyn’s story don’t you? “And yours but yeah I need to know what happened after that love confession and you are going to tell me.” I tried to use the tone of my voice to convey that this was not up for debate. “What ever you wish my Princess.”

THE END Read a continuation of Shaylyn’s and Draya’s story in To Love A Hunter Part 2 coming up next!

October fifth had finally arrived, my friends and I all gathered at my house to get ready for the Homecoming dance. We e were all happy to have date’s this year. All of my friends with the exception of Brian and Raquel had already attended the Edgewood homecoming the week priorbut were still excited to go to our own high schools homecoming and were talking about how it was their turn to “show their men off” as the boys had done to them. I remember that night for different reasons. Raquel, Brian, Draya and myself had all gathered at Brian’s house for pizza, wings and some romantic comedy movies on his parents big screen. We all had a good time together. Brian might have tried to pretend that he was not that into the movies but he still cried during ‘sleepless in Seattle’ and ‘as good as it gets’ and came close a few times during “the princess bride” and ‘overboard’ (the new version)so we all know that he’s a big softie. Now we were all gathered at my house even the boys who were in the living room and were talking about the school football games. All of them are in tuxedos. My friends and I are in my room doing each others hair and make up. The only one who wasn’t there yet was Draya who would be showing up later with a limo for all of us. My friends were of course excited about this. Draya has also paid for my Dress which was an off the shoulder navy blue dress but the top part was covered in silver beads which spread out as it got closer to the skirt of the dress which was long and full. My shoes are silver sparkly ballet flats with a pretty white bow on top of them. My hair was falling down my back in soft curls half of it was pulled back into a ponytail and secured with a silver clip in the shape of a rose. I knew that by the end of the night the curls would most likely be reduced to waves but I didn’t care. I didn’t know why but my hair never could hold a curl. The only time it had was once in the fifth grade when my grandmother had wrapped it tightly around strips of cotton over night and even blow dried it a little in the morning on a low setting just to be sure it was all dried and when she took the strips of cotton out my hair hung in all little ringlets. My mom said I looked like a brown haired version of Nelly Olsen from little house on the prairie but I liked it. Some of the boys made fun of me but my friends stood up for me and said it looked nice. But by the next morning the curls were gone. Anyway for now it was staying curly and I didn’t have a problem if it didn’t stay that way all night it was the least of my worries. Raquel was sitting on my bed in a crimson dress the top was lace like fabric in a rose pattern and tiny rhinestones in the center of each rose her hair hanging in cornrow braids colorful beads hanging from the ends. Hallie was sitting next to her in a bottle green dress which brings out the color of her eyes her red curls framing her face. Kelsey in her lilac purple dress had taken over my vanity to do her makeup leaving my bathroom mirror the only one available for Tracy who was rocking a baby blue strapless dress. I knew that if Richey regretted dumping her last year he was really going to regret it this year when she walks in on the arm of Jeff who may not have as much money as Richie but was rich in many other ways. He was better looking and smarter, funnier and all around better person than Richie could ever hope to be and Tracy had only seemed to grow more beautiful each year; but I am biased. I believe there were few that would argue we were going to be the bells of the ball tonight and we were all going to be on the arm of our own Prince Charming’s. Well my friends will I will be on the arm of an angel my angel. “Damn it!” I heard Tracy curse from my bathroom. I go over to my open bathroom door “What’s wrong?” I asked Tracy. “One of my bobby pins fell out.” she said holding up the bobby pin in question and there was a long lock of blonde hair towards the back of her head hanging down from her updo. I walk into the room and take the bobby pin from her “I’ll fix it.” I said moving the lock of hair back into place and securing it with the bobby pin. “There see crisis averted.” I said with a smile. “What would I do without you Sarah?” Tracy asked. “You weren’t originally going to go to the beach on the fourth; you wanted to go to Monona terrace. I was the deciding vote for the beach had I not you never would have met Jeff and would probably be spending tonight under the hood of a car.” “You’re probably right.” she said with a smile and a laugh. I laugh too. Then my phone pinged alerting me to a text.

{I will be there in five minutes be waiting downstairs}

“Ok everyone finish up your makeup and everything now; Draya says she will be here with the limo soon and wants us waiting downstairs.” I announced. Tracy and Kelsey both quickly put the finishing touches to their makeup on and we all descended downstairs where the boys were waiting with corsages for their date. It wasn’t long before the door bell rang and my mother answered. There stood my Draya, she was wearing a gold sequined top with black pinstripes and long black pants with a black belt that had a round gold ring clasp that connected it and a gold sequined jacket. Pined to the lapel was a boutonniere comprised of a royal blue rosé made of silk. She held an identical one in her hands. “Wow.” I said as she stepped into the house. “You look breathtaking as well my darling; exactly like the princess you are.” she said coming to stand beside me and placing the corsage on my wrist. “Okay before you go let’s get some pictures.” My mother said camera in hand, my dad stood beside her and had the video camera already rolling. I just knew they would find some way to embarrass me. “First let’s get a picture of just the girls; Draya and Sarah in the middle.” my mom said snapping a couple of pictures. “Okay now let’s get everybody.” my mom said jestering for the boys to join us and they took their positions next to their date. “Ok now how about just the boys.” my friends Draya and I retreated out of frame as my mom snapped the pictures. “Now let’s get some couples portraits; first we’ll do Sarah and Draya, then Hallie and Forest, then Tracy and Jeff, then Raquel and Brian, and last but not least Kelsey and Phil.” Finally all the picture taking was done and we made our way out to the limo and even started partying and little early because the song man I feel like a woman came on and my friends and I couldn’t help but sing along to it. We went out to dinner first at Olive Garden. Brian tried to convince Raquel to do a reenactment of the lady and the tramp spaghetti noodle kiss scene. “No way we’re not 13 anymore and we are in public.” “Oh come on baby it’s a classic.” Brian begged “No, I refuse to be so immature tonight of all nights; although at the after party I might be willing to reenact any scene from the princess and the frog you like.” “Am I your Prince Naveen?” Brian asked flirtatiously “As long as I am your Tiana.” Raquel replied with a fake southern accent and sultry tone. “Just keep things PG for all our sakes.” said Kelsey. “It’s a Disney movie how bad could it get?…Actually don’t answer that I don’t think I want to know.” I said.

After dinner the limo took us to the school and we made our way to the gym which was emitting loud music and flashing lights. My friends were on the dance floor almost instantly. I as usual gravitated to the side lines. “I do hope you don’t plan on spending the majority of the dance standing by the wall Darling.” Draya said to me. “Just give me five songs worth to work up the nerve to join the masses.” I replied. After three songs my friends fallowed by their boyfriends were running over to me “Sarah do you see what Nicole is wearing?” Hallie said her voice taking on the tone it did when she had a juicy piece of gossip. “No I didn’t.” I said. “Well take a look she’s right over there.” Tracy said pointing. I look in that direction and see her; she is on the arm of Richie who was in a baby blue tux that did nothing for his looks but Nicole was in a teal criss cross high slit velvet gown with matching elbow length gloves. I swear if the slit were any higher you would be able to see her crotch and I don’t know if it were possible to show more cleavage. God, could the girl be any sluttier? I was wondering how she was getting away with wearing that dress and not being asked to leave but then I saw why. Her mother was one of the chaperones and her dress was possibly worse; it was red and glittery the skirt was very short I mean she could have worn a tutu and it wouldn’t make much difference and the top looked ok from the front but it was held up by just a few criss crossing thin straps in the back. No mother should wear a dress like that; especially to a high school dance. “Guess the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.” said Kelsey. “Some women just shouldn’t have babies.” said Raquel . “Her ears must be burning because she’s coming this way.” I said. Nicole indeed was making her way towards us, we were all already glaring at her. “Honesty Richie, hooking up with Nasty Nicki? I thought you had more brains and class than that.” Tracy said. “And what would Trailer Trash Tracy know about class?” Richie said. Tracy went red with anger but before she could respond Jeff stepped in “I happen to think she is one of the classiest people I know not to mention beautiful and intelligent, I can not fathom how anyone could let go of a gem like her.” “Whatever… as you can see I have a treasure of my own.” Richie said putting a possessive arm around Nicole’s waist. “For now; she’ll be with a new guy by next week.” said Kelsey then high-fives Tracy. “Don’t you know that it’s a sin to sleep around?” Said Phil. ”Oh spare me, bible thumpers.” sneered Nicole. “Watch out boy she’ll chew you up, she’s a man eater!” Brian warned mockingly. “I am willing to bet she is worse than that.” Draya commented. “And what the hell is that supposed to mean?” “I know your type even dated one once however she was prettier than you, but the point is you’re no good. You’re like the first slice of bread in the bag, everyone touches you but no one wants you.” “You bitch you can’t talk to me like that!” “Really because I believe I just did.” “How dare you?! I am not someone to be under estimated I should teach you a lesson you would never forget!” “Are you seriously challenging me? And I would think very carefully about your answer if I were you.” “Well normally I would but…this is a very expensive gown and I wouldn’t want to get blood on it.” “Wise decision, but for the record it would have been your blood spilt tonight not mine.” “Is that a threat?” “No just a fact.” At that point Nicole rounded on me “Your girlfriend is a real piece of work you know that?” “Yes and she is magnificent.” I said smiling at Draya adoringly. “Please, as if!” Nicole scoffed before storming away. My friends and I laughed as she went.

Then the DJ played the Cha cha slide and I could not resist but to get on the dance floor for that. It is one of the most fun songs and you need no skill to dance to it. After the cha cha slide was done I stayed on the dance floor for at least 10 more songs; all fast songs. I mostly did it because I know Draya wanted to dance with me; fast or slow I don’t think it really matted to her. I was about ready to take a break when the DJ got on the mic and said “Okay I’m gonna slow things down and let you kids catch your breath. Now guys and gals you are going to want to grab that someone special for this next one.” and then the song that played was Eternal flame by the bangles. As I swayed to the music with Draya and listened to the lyrics they might as well have been singing about us; the lyrics matched our relationship so perfectly then I looked into my angels eyes and somehow it was then that I knew it had to be tonight. I had to tell her I loved her; if I didn’t then I would always find excuses and reasons not to tell her and then one day she would be gone and it would be to late and I would regret it for the rest of my life. So tonight I was going to tell Draya Royal that I love her.

THE END to be continued in story titled The After Party

My friends had somehow convinced me to go to the teen club again. I hated places like that in fact the only good thing that ever came from me going there was Draya, I sighed at least she would be there with me and I might actually have a good time. We were already planning on spending the day together and then I was going to spend the night at her house for the first time. Most people would think that I would be nervous spending the night in a house with three Vampires but I wasn’t, I had come to know Celeste and David well and I trust them and of course I trust my Draya. I like it when we are able to spend the entire night together and I wake up in her arms and feel safe and content like everything is right in the world. I also like that I don’t have to keep the nights we spend together secret from my parents anymore well at least not all of them they don’t know that she actually spends every night with me leaving before they wake up or when they are out of town and she would spend all night and most of the day with me. I think one of my favorite things is waking up in her arms feeling safe, protected, happy so immensely happy but even more than all that loved; I was on cloud nine some little piece of heaven carved itself out and made its new home in my heart. At Draya’s house we spent 50% of our time cuddling in her room I love cuddles and so does Draya so it worked the rest of the time we spent in the living room Draya would read poems to me from a book or we would take turns reading out loud to each other and not just pomes; Draya admitted that she never actually read the twilight books and only conceded to see the movies so she would know what everyone was talking about we devoured the first book and were halfway through the second one “I really do hate these books.” “Then why are you reading them out loud with me?” “Because I like listening to your pretty voice darling and anyway, I suffered through the first one might as well commit to finishing the series.” “You don’t have to if you really hate them that much.” “I have suffered through worse.” “Are you sure I don’t mind reading something else.” “This is fine for right now darling.” “Ok if, you are sure?” “I am.” I smiled at her and continued reading. After we were done reading Draya challenged me to a chess match. I wasn’t very good Celeste and Draya had only recently taught me how to play but even if I lost I found that I still liked the game and with more practice like with many things I would get better. As the day went on and sunset came I realized it was time to face the music both figuratively and literally. Tracy was picking us up as she was doing for her boyfriend Jeff and Kelsey and Phil as well. Draya and I were the last ones to be picked up. When we climbed into the VW bus Kelsey and Phil were seated in the back and there were wet suctioning noises coming from the darkness of the back seat. “They have been going at it ever since I picked them up, I mean it’s make out city back there.” Tracy complained. The noises stopped “Oh come on like you don’t mind fuck and eye fuck Jeff at every single stop light? We have already been honked at twice for it.” Kelsey shouted at Tracy from the back seat. “I don’t even want to think about what the two of you are going to get up to in some dark corner of the club tonight.” Tracy shot back “We are not that bad probably won’t even get past PG13 stuff.” “As long as you don’t get arrested or pregnant or both it is none of my business and I don’t need to know about your sexcapades.” Tracy said. “Do you know what my parents would do if either of those things happened? We’re talking all girls boarding school and bible summer camp for the rest of my high school career and after that they would probably send me to a convent, I would be celibate for life.” “Ok, ok I get it sorry I said anything.” the rest of the ride was made in silence save for the radio and thankfully the gross wet noises had stopped. Hallie and Raquel along with Brian and Forest were already at the club and waiting outside for us when we got there and once we were in the club our eyes and ears were assaulted by the flashing lights and loud music. My friends and their boyfriends were immediately on the dance floor I however went to find a seat at the bar Draya at my side.

I was halfway through my second Shirley Temple when Draya spoke “Don’t you at least want to enjoy one dance Darling?” “Nope I am just fine being a wallflower.” “Princess, I don’t know whether anyone has ever told you this, but life is not a spectator sport so, carpe diem.” “I would really rather not” “For the love of…if I hadn’t promised to never use my powers on you, I would so compel you right now.” Draya said clearly frustrated with me. I sighed “Is it really that important to you?” “A bit, yes.” “Fine, but I get to finish my drink first.” I took my time finishing my drink I was not looking forward to venturing out onto the overcrowded dance floor but unfortunately for me the glass I was drinking from was not infinite and it didn't take long before Draya and I were heading towards the dance floor hand in hand. As we reached the dance floor a song had just started 'glad you came' by 'The Wanted' "Fallow my lead" Draya whispered into my ear as we are reaching the center of the dance floor taking my hands in hers, we step apart and together, apart and together, and, apart and together, again then she turned me one, two, three, times the skirt I was wearing flaring out as I spun and as I danced with Draya everyone else on the dance floor no longer mattered we ended the dance in a sort of short slow dance because the last few lines of the song are much slower than the rest of the song. The next song was 'Firework' by 'Katy Perry' and after that was 'Die Young' by 'Kesha' and then 'Last Friday Night (T.G.I.F)' by 'Katy Perry' then 'Call Me Maybe' by 'Carly Rae Jepsen' the last song we danced to was 'I Gotta Feeling' by 'The Black Eyed Peas' by that time i was out of breath and needed a break so Draya and I retreated back to the bar. Draya and I spent the rest of the night mostly just listening to the music and it wasn’t long before my friends were all ready to go home also Kelsey had a curfew to keep. I dozed off on the way back to Draya’s house I wasn’t tired exactly just super relaxed and comfortable sitting next to my Draya her arms around me. I barely even remember waking up and walking into the house and going up stairs to Draya’s room. I am sure that had it not been for some coxing from Draya that I would have crawled into the bed with my shoes on and everything but I managed to get changed and I was now laying next to Draya tracing intricate patters on her clod forearm. “What are you thinking about?” Draya asked me “You, wondering what I did to be lucky enough to be with you sometimes I…” I trail of not wanting to admit to the rest of what I was thinking. “Sometimes you?” Draya prompted “I don’t want to tell you the rest… it’s silly…you’ll laugh at me.” “I promise I won’t laugh at you darling please tell me.” I sigh “Fine, you know how people say if something seems to good to be true it usually is? Well sometimes I wonder if this is like that…sometimes I don’t want to fall asleep because I am worried that I will wake up only to discover that this has all been a dream and I’ll wake up and you’ll be gone and this will all be over.” Draya was silent for a while then I feel a sharp pinch on my arm “Ow what was that for?” “Well you’re not dreaming or you wouldn’t have felt that.” I shove her lightly “Smart ass.” “I don’t think what you said was silly I often feel the same way sometimes when you lay next to me at night and I gaze over you sometimes I find myself frightened to look away like if I do you will disappear and I will have lost you forever.” “I don’t plan on going anywhere any time soon.” I say reassuringly “Me either princess now how about we go to sleep and I do believe it is my turn to be the little spoon” “Ok come here” I say taking her into my arms and pulling her close to me and I hear her let out a contented sigh as she relaxed against my body and I smuggled closer to her and listened to her breathing as it lulled me to sleep.

THE END Story continues in story titled Something New

Nigella took a deep breath, or tried to, anyway. The corset was laced far too tight for her to do anything other than inhale sharply, as if in a constant state of offence.

Thankfully, the seamstress her brother had procured had been more than happy to attach the materials Nigella had requested, although the overall effect was too flowery for her liking, Nigella was pleased to see she somewhat resembled the jasmine plant she’d spent the last month carefully cultivating.

The dress itself was made from green silk, the ruffles cascading down its front bent to look like the leaves, and the bodice was heavily embroidered with white petals. In her hair, Nigella’s maids had woven real strands of the jasmine plant, their petals precariously pinned in her mass of red curls.

‘Nigella!’ Her brother, Richard, bellowed from the hallway. ‘The carriage is here!’

With an extremely unladylike curse, Nigella picked up her skirts and raced towards the door, patting the halter tightly cinched round her thigh to ensure her equipment was safe. She wouldn’t have a tremendously comfortable sitting experience, but it was better than the house leaving emptyhanded. She didn’t intend to return anytime soon.

She was halfway along the landing before she had to turn back to collect her shoes – damn things. And she promised herself to swap them for a more comfortable pair, like her gardening boots, the second she was free.

‘Nigella!’ Richard’s voice grew more insistent. ‘Please, hurry. The ballet starts in twenty minutes!’

‘I’m coming!’ Nigella replied, teetering in her polished pointy boots towards the staircase, taking the utmost care with her descent. A twisted ankle would do her no good tonight.

‘Finally,’ Richard sighed, raking a panicked hand through his thinning brown hair, ‘I was worried I’d have to send out a search party.’

‘Your concern is noted,’ Nigella scoffed, gripping the banister with maybe more emphasis than was necessary as she navigated the steps.

‘You look lovely, by the way,’ her brother added, ‘don’t you think, lieutenant?’

Nigella risked an upwards glance and was left breathless, but not from her malfunctioning wardrobe.

The smartly-dressed lieutenant stood beside her brother, her deep-brown skin glowing in the lamplight. She carried a pith helmet under her arm, a decorated sword swinging from her belt on the other side. Her hair was pressed a little flat from the helmet, Nigella supposed, but still leapt from her head in two black buns.

‘Please, Mr Enfield,’ the lieutenant said, ‘call me Nahara.’ Then her eyes flickered up to Nigella. ‘You do look beautiful, miss.’

‘It’s Nigella, not miss,’ Nigella stammered, ‘like the plant.’ She felt her cheeks redden.

‘Please excuse my sister,’ Richard chuckled, ‘she’s plant-mad, if you can’t already tell.’

But Nahara didn’t laugh, didn’t even bother looking at Richard as he spoke. Instead she said to Nigella, ‘Are those Nigella plants you’re wearing?’

Nigella brushed one of the petals from her hair. ‘This is jasmine, I’m afraid.’

‘Of course,’ Nahara’s eyes widened in understanding, ‘I see it now. They’re supposed to symbolise victory, are they not?’ She smiled shyly. ‘We have them around the barracks sometimes.’

Nigella beamed brightly. ‘Yes,’ she replied, ‘I’m trying to be optimistic.’ Then she held out the jasmine flower to Nahara. ‘For you.’

Nahara returned her smile, tucking the flower into her lapel. ‘Thank you, mi– Nigella.’

Nigella exhaled slowly. Yes, tonight she would emerge victorious.

Aaliyah was terrified. Hibiscus was always so out going ever since going to actual school, making friends and going to large parties. Aaliyah hated big parties because of her fear of big crowds. Did that make the orangette care at all? Of course not. No matter how much she loved the other, Hibiscus always wanted to do things, not that Aaliyah minded giving up time to go on fun random dates, but sometimes it would feel too much to ask not to.

As the couple arrived, Aaliyah started to panic. All these kids she never knew existed were dancing, laughing, underage drinking! She hugged closer to the taller girl who looked around then looked back at her girlfriend. Hibiscus started to feel guilty for dragging her introverted, anxious girlfriend to the biggest party of the year, besides prom.

“Hey baby, you ok? We can leave if you want.” Hibiscus says as some of her friends yell at her to get in the house. Aaliyah shook her head, not wanting the bigger girl’s reputation to get destroyed.

Walking in the house they could feel the floor bouncing up and down with the music’s beat. The smell of alcohol and drugs soaked up the air around people.

‘Why does Hibiscus like going to these things??’ Aaliyah thinks to herself as she gets squeezed between 2 teenage boys who look way younger then her by a few years.

2 hours later after the couple came to the party, Hibiscus walks up to the brunette girl drunk. Aaliyah was busy talking to her friends as she feels big slump arms on her shoulders and lips touching her neck. She freaks out, thinking it’s a random person, and pushed the taller away. She turns around to see the orangette looking confused.

“Oh, it was you. Sorry sweety. How about we get you out of here before you do something real stupid in public…” Aaliyah can smell the alcohol coming from the others clothes. They start to head home, Hibiscus stumbling in the shorters arms.

Dana slipped the last weapon into the inside of the dress and pulled it over herself. “Hey, Hunter? Could you zip me up?” Dana called over to her boyfriend and partner-in-crime. “Sure, love,” he said, sauntering over and placing a kiss on her neck. Dana grinned, turned around and kissed him full on the mouth. “Hey!” Dana and Hunter broke apart sheepishly and turned to look at their boss. Jax was short, burly, with a long scar from his eyebrow to his chin. No one knows how he got it. “Stop dawdling and get ready for the mission at hand. This is time sensitive! At exactly 12:50 am, there will be a distraction. You two need to go and steal the jewelry. Got it?” Dana and Hunter nodded dutifully. They had this speech ingrained in their minds. “Good. Now go. There’s a car outside that will take you to the party.” Dana and Hunter walked towards the door. Dana slipped her hand into his and squeezed. Hunter turned to look at her and placed a kiss on her forehead. “It’ll be okay.” —————————————————————————— The party was packed. It was being hosted by the Caswells, the richest people in the town. They owned half of it. Dana and Hunter grabbed a glass of champagne from a nearby waiter. Hunter downed his glass, then took Dana’s and downed it too. “Whoa. Slow down.” “You can’t have any anyway.” “Ugh, I know. I could really use some liquid courage right now.” Hunter sighed. “I know, love. But, if we succeed, we could live happily. Without worrying about where we’re going to get food everyday.” Dana wrapped her arms around him. “I know.” They swayed in place to the music, lost in their own thoughts, comforted by each other’s presence.

When the clock hit 12:50, fifty officers dressed in black hazmat suits burst in through every entrance. The ballroom turned into panic. People were yelling, crying, kicking the officers in the shins. In all the commotion, Dana and Hunter were able to slip out of the ballroom unnoticed. “Okay,” Dana pulled out the blueprints of the mansion she got weeks before and found the path they had sketched. “Pretty simple.” They followed the path and reached a huge wooden door with large brass door knobs. They pushed the door open and stumbled into what looked like a closet. “There,” Dana said, pointing to a safe on the other side, half hidden under some clothes. They walked over, Hunter pulled out the lock override device and placed it on the safe. Click. The safe opened. Dana and Hunter gasped. There were diamonds, emeralds, gold, and so much more they didn’t know the name for. Hunter gingerly picked up a necklace. “This itself is probably worth a few million bucks.” “Oh my god,” Dana breathed, looking to Hunter with tears in her eyes, “we won’t be poor anymore.” Hunter grinned and kissed her passionately. “Yeah,” he placed his hand on her stomach, “and neither will she.” “Yeah,” Dana whispered, looking down wistfully. BANG. BANG. BANG. “Open up!” Dana and Hunter looked at each in terror. They hurriedly stuffed some jewelry into a sack and looked around. Dana pointed to a window in the upper right corner of the room. They could reach it if they climbed on the table. Meanwhile, the banging was getting louder and the security guards seemed to get close to breaking down the door. Dana climbed on the table and shoved the window open. “Come on!” she whisper-yelled to Hunter. But, Hunter was looking at the door. He took a deep breath and turned to look at Dana. “You go. I’ll distract them.” “What?! No! You’ll get caught! You’ll go to jail!” “It’s the only way. We both won’t be able to make it on time.” Dana knew he was right, but refused to believe it. “No. If you go down, I go down,” she said, choking on tears. “You need to take care of the baby,” Hunter whispered, tears shimmering in his eyes. They embraced passionately and when they broke apart, nothing needed to be said except, “I love you.” “I love you, too.” The door broke down and guards burst through it. “Go!” Hunter yelled at Dana and held up his hands in surrender. Dana scrambled through the window and shut it. When she looked back, she saw Hunter being handcuffed. A new wave of tears overtook and she sank to the ground and sobbed.

“I hate this couple’s costume,” yelled Tod as he kept his eyes on the road. “Why did I have to be the beast again?”

“Because,” Amy complained, “I thought it would be a cute couple’s costume, and we’re only wearing it tonight. So, by tomorrow morning, you can go back to your polos and washed-out jeans.”

“You know they’re going to be making fun of me right? They’re going to say ‘wow Tod, that costume really shows how much your parents love you,’ or something like ‘that costume really catches how you feel on the inside.’ I don’t need all of that humiliation tonight.”

Amy threw her head back in a cackling fit. She dabbled at her eyes before muttering, “nonsense! You look just fine…it’s really cute.”

“Like you can say,” Tod growled, “you’re the sweet, stunning, and all-time-favorite Bell. I’m just the ugly beast that follows you around.”

“Stop being a baby and turn right. The house is at the end of the block.”

“Fine, but if my life turns to shit, then I’m leaving you behind.”

With a smirk, Amy batted her lashes at him and said, “only way to find out is to face the music, hun.”

Getting out of the car, they inched their way to the front door, hand-in-hand like their high school days. But when they stepped up to the door, the door swung open and caught sight of the royalist couple in town.

“Ok so you will take this for 15 miles and take exit 46 on to Henderson road” says Mallorie from the passenger seat.

“Right! That would lead me straight to Tuscany avenue and up the hill of 11563 Alfi drive towards the villa.” I mimic with the same cheerful tone.

Mallorie swats at my arm and adds “ok I’ll stop with the backseat driver directions. You obviously looked over the maps.”

We are headed to a friend’s going away party tonight in villa outside of the city. The host is Mallorie’s ex boyfriend who rented an Air BnB villa for the occasion. Not my usual thing, but Mallorie really wants to say goodbye to Amy the ex boyfriend’s sister. Amy is leaving for a job in London and this will more than likely be the last time we see her. I’ve met Amy a handful of times. Over double dates and coffee meetups and birthdays of mutual friends. I like Amy. I don’t like Amy being related to Adam who is the ex to Mallorie. Mallorie and Adam were high school sweethearts. They both went to different colleges and basically grew apart. To me, there is a lot of unresolved tension and loose ends. Neither of them really broke it off. They just simply took time apart and that time grew more and more. They kept in touch and always exchanged pleasantries during the holiday seasons. I’ve expired my chances of question about the ex and I guess I’m just left feeling insecure about it. I believe Mallorie notices moments throughout our relationship, but she never really digs deep into it.

Mallorie and I have been dating for two years. We are right at the bubble of should we get engaged or should we wait one more year. The tension lately has been bumpy every time someone mentions rings or engagements. I’ve brought my questions and I’m returned with a nonchalant answer or swat on the arm saying how romantic I am.

“Remind me again Mal, why we left two hours early for a party that’s only 40 mins away?” I ask sarcastically. I fully know the answer. Mallorie has a tendency to attracting bad luck. She thinks that on the way we will get a flat or get lost. That the cosmos will send lightening and thunder on this sun shiny day to make her late, which it might actually happen. From time to time the sporadic bad luck hits us. I tease her a lot about this complex. Honestly I don’t mind it. She’s very kind and punctual to all of her friends and this is a way she copes with the anxiety of possibly letting them down. To my knowledge she never has.

Mallorie is looking at me sardonically and crosses her arms.

“Ok, ok I will drop it……for now!” I give her a wink and focus back on the road.

“I know you think it’s silly, but ever since eighth grade my routine has served me well!” She justifies with a confident nod.

I heave a heavy sigh and begin, “Do I have to talk to him?” I ask begrudgingly.

“I mean the guy just seems to pick me apart. From my job to my style of clothes. Like last time Adam asked what my favorite band was and I said at the moment… and he cuts me off all superior and adds “at the moment, Beck come on, don’t be that guy!” I mean what guy was he implying I was being?” I look over at Mal pleading and giving my best pouting face.

Mal begins, “Beck please! Just be the bigger person. It never comes across that way to me when he talks to you. Adam is just wants to get to know things about you. We barely see him and he hears everything from Amy, so I am sure he just curious about who you are.”

I look ahead at the oncoming traffic. It looks like a small wreck is slowing the highway down.

“You see! You see! This is why I leave early!” Mallorie says triumphantly.

I look at her now sitting in the passenger seat. She is wearing a green two piece outfit. Her brown hair is pulled back into a styled clip. Letting some bangs accentuate her face and drawing you into her lovely green eyes. Wearing gold hooped earring and gold chained necklace. Shades of pink lipgloss is on her lips. She looks stunning. I’ve always been dumbfounded on how a guy like me got her attention.

I laugh out loud at her excitement and concede to her being right.

The car is idling in traffic while the cars are being moved slowly to the side. One accident tends to always start another one with looky loos.

My insecure self is sitting there thinking about all the what if’s in our relationships. I’ve been doing this a lot lately. I guess the pressure of marriage or the idea of marriage is making me question things. Not about my love for Mal, but her love for me really?

I look over and ask, “Did you ever notice me in our senior lit class?”

“What do you mean?”

I ask again, “Did you ever notice me. Like, before I made myself known to you by ways of awkwardness and my random seating choices?”

Mal looks at me quizzically and quickly changes her face to a calmer one.

“I didn’t really notice anyone. I wasn’t looking around the room for dates at 8am my senior year of college. At that point I was just trying to survive!” She laughs a little and tucks a bang behind her ear.

I don’t feel satisfied with that answer. “Would you have noticed me otherwise?” I begin again.

“Beck?” What’s this about?”

I quickly guard up “Nothing! I was just thinking the other day that if I hadn’t knocked your notes out of your hands by accident that we would have never met.”

“You never thought to talk to me?” Mal joked.

“Mal! Did any guy in class talk to you? I mean look at you! You are 10 on most guy’s scale. I would bet money that any guy in that class would take his arm in a bear trap just for you to start up a conversation with them. I know I would have!”

She giggles and shakes her head like she doesn’t believe me. All girls do this. They don’t believe when a guy tells them the level of beauty they are and compares a ridiculous analogy to it.

“You are ridiculous there were like 50 other girls in that class!” She adds confidently

“Yeah and I’m sure they were pretty, but the 15 guys were all looking at you. Myself included.”

“I’m just saying. You didn’t look at me and even took me a few attempts to get you to have coffee with me and talk about our thesis papers.” I point out.

I start to say something and stop myself. Mal notices and raises her eyebrow. She is rolling her fingers as to say come on spit it out…..

“I just feel like I did on our very first date.” I pause to think of my phrasing.

“Spit it out Becks! For like the past month it’s been like this” Mal says annoyed and impatient

“I just feel like I love you way more than you love me. That I was a second choice on the grand scheme of love. I always think of our future, but you only think as far as next week. I feel like if I didn’t make an effort back in college that you would have fazed me out.” I feel my palms start to sweat on the steering wheel and my heartbeat is in my throat. That’s the first time I’ve brought anything like this up. I feel nauseous because she is staring ahead and not blinking. Expressionless.

“What’s your Hangup with Adam?” She throws out so fast that I almost didn’t catch it.

“Who said anything about Adam?” I point out just as fast.

“You are always comparing our relationship to what Adam and me had?” She’s now a little nervous sounding.

“I don’t actually. Just because I don’t like the guy and I mentioned once that I found it odd that you two dated for six years and didn’t even have a break up.” My breathe is coming in short waves and I regret starting this conversation in the car.

“What Adam and I had was something sweet, young, innocent, new, and sappy, but what I have with you is …..is …is.” She is drawing a blank! An actual blank

I’m hurt and shocked that she can’t even come up with an answer “Hmmm. hard to come up with a word for it? Can you even tell me why you love me? I know this is dramatic, but I mean here we are!”

Traffic has been creeping this whole time, but now it’s started to move again and I notice we have about 3 miles to go until our exit.

“Beck. I love you. I do.” She’s searching and frantic in the eyes

“Mal I’m not really cornering you. I’m asking a question. Why do you love me?” And she just keeps looking forward now with her hands palm side up sitting in her lap. Like she’s waiting for the answer to fall into her lap and she can catch it and wave it in my face.

Mal has said she’d love countless times over the year, but I said it first and when i did she hesitated for a second. She eventually added she love me too, but I was always concerned with the pause.

“Look just think about it. We will go to the party and shower Amy with love. I’ll be nice to Adam and when we get home just…… slip me an answer.” I feel like I have an elephant on my shoulders. My worst fear happened so quickly that I didn’t even prepare myself.

Exit 46 approached and I turned the car off the main highway and headed towards the party. In silent and in fear that my girlfriend is slowly becoming less of my girlfriend as she keeps staring ahead for an answer that I doubt will ever come.

James smoothed back his onyx-black hair. He then rinsed the gel off his hands in the sink and dried them, lastly straightening the pin on his lapel.

He eyed himself in the mirror. He had a sweep of dark eyeshadow above his deep blue eyes, a pristine white handkerchief in his breast pocket. He traced his fingers over the pin again.

If he kept control, no one would ever know.

The bathroom door suddenly burst open. “James, are you—“ Aspen paused. “Whoa. You look…” he trailed off, making a slow circle around James, his gaze drifting from the tips of his hair down to his smooth shoes. “Whoa. I thought the idea was to draw attention AWAY from you.”

James cracked a smile. “Very funny.”

Aspen moved closer. “I mean… wow. Can you look like this every night?”

James suddenly wrapped his arm around Aspen’s waist, pulling him in. “If, every night, you have the patience to wait for it.” He brushed back a strand of Aspen’s floppy brown hair, tracing his finger over his cheek.

“Hm. Not possible.” Aspen leaned in, and James kissed him, long and hard. By the time they pulled away, both of them were gasping for breath.

“James!” Aspen cried suddenly. He pointed to the other boy’s hand, alarmed. Tiny icicles were forming at the edge of his fingertips, with a large snowflake blossoming in the center of his palm.

“Damn it!”

James shook his hand out, trying to get it to stop, but the icicles only grew faster. The snowflake was now growing up the sleeve of his suit jacket.

He sighed shakily, taking one deep breath, then two. In and out. In an out. When he looked down again, the ice was gone.

Aspen wrapped his hands around James’s neck. “How come I get so turned on when you do that?”

He leaned in to kiss James again, but James was distracted. He moved his previously icy hand to his lapel pin, fingering it.

Aspen placed his hand over James’s. “I know you can control it.”

“My powers follow my emotions. I can’t control my emotions.”

Aspen looked up at him, his eyes emerald-green eyes twinkling. “But you can control how you react to them. Like just now.”

“And what if I can’t react to them?” James stammered, pulling away. “What if I get so nervous I can’t control it? What if I make it start to snow, or grow icicles from the rafters? What if I freeze the entire royal court unintentionally?”

Aspen sighed. “You won’t. I know you won’t. You’re not a villain.”

“The king doesn’t know that,” James countered. He removed his hand, and Aspen’s fell too, revealing the lapel pin. A burning blaze, the same red-gold hue of the king’s crown.

Aspen shook his head and straightened his black-collared shirt. “He doesn’t have to. You just have to show it to him yourself. Nobody knows you’re from the Northern Kingdom, James. Just make a good impression, act like you’re the king’s greatest admirer and shazah!” He clapped his hands. “A friendship is born.”

James laughed hollowly. “I admire your positivity, but it’s not that easy. The king is a stoic and heartless man. To accomplish the Agency’s goal, not only will I have to hide this,” he waved his hand, resulting a flurry of snow, “But I’ll have to convince the king he actually wants to be my ally.”

“Do you want me to distract the court? Perhaps I can form an Illusion of some sort.”

James considered this. “Too risky. The Southern Kingdom doesn’t even trust the Woods Between, and if it was discovered that you were an Illusionist, they’d know that’s where you were from. God forbid they learn you were in leagues with me.”

Aspen sighed. “I’m so sorry you have to attend the court alone.”

“I know. But the Agency was only able to secure one falsified invitation. And you know the fairy guards are particularly nasty about security.”

Aspen suddenly kissed him again, and snow immediately flew from James’s palms. “Oh, sorry,” Aspen said as he stopped. “I didn’t mean to surprise you.”

“That’s okay.” James shook his hands, shaking away the last of the snow. A small grin appeared on his face. “I like surprises.”

His lips had barely brushed Aspen’s again when they pulled apart, hearing shouting from outside.

“ATTENTION LADIES AND GENTLEMEN! The meeting of the Southern Royal Court is about to begin!”