Awakened

AngelRomance

By:

AmeliaWilson

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Preface

Hi.IamSharonEsther,andmynewlifestartsinthisnewtown.DamsterHigh,mynewuniversity,

isthedreamofeverystudiousperson.Ihaveheardaboutthiscollegesomuch,butthehelldidIknow,I

wouldhavetoendurebeingwiththis…person,MichaelStarton.He’sadouchebag;anutterstuckup

seniorbutIcouldn’thelpmyselfbeingattractedtohim.But,Ihaveaboyfriendnow.Idon’tknowwhat

hisintentionsare,butIfeelsoconnectedtohim,likethisiswhatisdestinedtobe.HowwillIsurvive

this,whenhemightjustwanttogetinmypants?

Chapter-1Michael

“No,Ihavenotdoneanythingtoregret,MyLord.Shewasjustatoddler!HowcanIbeso

merciless?”Theangelaskedinacalmvoice.

“Methius,yourdutywastobringhersoultoheaven,toddlerornot.Youarenotababywhowe

havetoteachthekarmaofthesoul,whichdecideshowlongthemanwillbestayingonearth.Thatisnot

withinyourranktomakesuchajudgement.”TheLordansweredinanauthoritativetone.

“IdonotwanttobeinsuchacrueldutyasinyourLord’s!Therearemanysoulsuponearthwhose

bodiesareoldandsickly,andinpain.TheGreatLordignoresthem.Theyareprayingforustorelease

themfromthepain,yetwearetakingawaythesoulsofthosewhosebodiesareyoungandhavenotyet

seenanythingoflife.Irefusetoserveyou.”Theangelshoutedrebelliously.

Methiuscouldnotcontainhisanger.Thatday,he’dhadtobringthesoulfromachild’sbody.The

girlhadbeensosmall,walkingwithhermotheronthegraveledpath,smilingbeautifully.Healways

hatedthedutyofbringingsoulstoheaven,whenitwasthosewhosebodieswereyoung.Heknewthe

consequencesofrefusingtoabidebytheGreatLord’sguidelinesbutnow,hecouldn’tcareless.

“Verywellthen,Methius!Ibanishyoutothelandofthehumans.Youwillhavetoservefourlabors

—“

Thesoundsofthechirpingofthebirdscameintomyear,andIawokefrommydreamintothebright

sunlight.IneverunderstoodwhyIhadthesamedreamwhichabruptlycutoffjustinthatparticularscene,

andIwasalsoconfusedaboutthefactthatthatangelresembledmeintoomanywaystobeahallucination

–everysingletime.Islowlysatupandchuckledtomyself.Thinkingaboutme,THEMichaelStartonto

beanangelandyouwillnodoubtlaughtoo.Iamtheworstpersonaliveinmycollege(probably);Iuse

offensivelanguage,Idon’trememberhowmanygirlscriedbecauseofme,Idodrugsandpickupfights.

There’snowayIcanbeanangel,andyetGod–ifheevenexists-makesmeseethissamedreamover

andoverandoveragain.

EvenifbychanceIendupinheaven,thepeopletherewillthrowmebackintothehell’sfirethe

secondtheytakeacloserlookatwhatI’vedone.

IstretchedandletitgosinceIhadtogetreadyforcollege.Thefuckerswouldn’tsparemeifIam

lateonthefirstdayofmysecondsemester.Itookaquickbathandsomebasicbreakfastofabananaanda

packetofmilk.Idressedmyselfupinmyfavoritejeansandablackt-shirt.What?Guyscanalsohave

favoritesregardingwhattheywear!Idon’tliketolooklikesomemessyoldhag.Iamveryorganized.

IquicklylockedmyfrontdoorasIrandownthestairs,jinglingmycarkeys.Withthetypical

wealthyparentsthatIhad,theyhadspoiltmewithalloftheluxuriesinlife.Idroveanexpensive

Lamborghiniaboutwhichmostoftheguysmyage,couldonlydreamabout,andIhadmyhouse.

AsIparkedinfrontofmycollege,DamsterHigh,Icouldseeseveralnewfaces.Comingoutofmy

car,Iwasmetwithafewawestruckfacesoftheotherboys,whichwasprobablybecauseofmy

expensivecar.Themurmursamongthegirlsdidn’tgounnoticedtooasIwalkedbythem.IknowIamhot

girls.’Youdon’thavetodiscussthatsomuch’,Isecretlysmirkedatmyself.

“Man,wherewereyou?Rather,whowereyouwith?Wearesecondsemesterpeoplehere,andwe

havetofulfilltheritual.Howcanyoubelate?”Timasked,ashewalkedovertomewithHansandLee

behindhim.Theyweremypartnersincrime.

“Iwasn’twithanyone.Itookadayofffrommybignightchores.Comeon;Iamnotthatlatetoget

THATlookfromyou.Let’sgoandfindthefreshers.”Isaid,ignoringthedaggersthatTimwasshooting

withhiseyesatthebackofmyhead.Wewalkedintothecafeteriatogether.

Leetookonthedutyofinformingthenewpeopleofourarrangementasheclimbedontothetablein

themiddle.Heshoutedtoeveryonetopayattentiontohimandjustlikethat,everyfaceturnedtolookat

himincludingthestudentsinoursemester.

“Iwanteachandeveryfreshertocomeforward,”Thefresherscamearoundthetableobediently.

“Wehavearitualofassigningsomeeasytaskstothenewboysandgirls.Youpeoplearetocomplete

thesetasksbeforemovingtowardsyourclasses.Andanynewstudentseentoleavethisplacewithout

performingsomethingforusisgoingtobepunished.Ourclassmateswilldecidethepunishmentforthem.

SoIwanttheseniorguysandgirlstokeepaneyeonthesepeopleandbringtheothernewoneshereas

well.”Leesaid,withamusementinhisvoice.

Someoftheguyssmirkedatthiswhileworriedmurmurseruptedfromthegirls.

Thenewpeoplehadhorrifiedfacesatthementionofdoingtasks.Wedidn’tdofullyfledged

ragging,butsmalljobsweregivenforthemtoperformallthesame.

“So,let’sstartwithyouthen,nerd,”TimsaidaswetookuptheseatsaroundthetablethatLeewas

previouslystandingupon.Thiswasgoingtobeamusing.

Chapter-2Michael

Timhadpointedouttoanerdy-lookingguywithbig,roundglasseswhichwouldputeventhe

glassesHarryPotterwore,toshame.Hispantswereworntoohigh,andhisglasseswereperchedtoo

low,anditlookedsofunny.Hehadcomeforwardslowlywithhiseyesbigandfearful.Hansfinally

decidedtospeakup.

“Iwantyoutobeourwaiterforaslongaswestayhere.Youcanonlyleavewhenwesayso.Isthat

clear?”Whentheboynoddedhishead,Hanscontinued,“Now,gobringplainmilkcoffeesforuswith

biscuits.Don’ttrytorun,”headded,whilethepoorboywenttotendtothebusiness.Wasn’taveryhard

task,wasit?

“Now,prettygirlwithbrowncurls,comehere,”Ipointedouttoagirlstandinginthemiddleofthe

crowdwithherfriends.Sheprobablythoughtshewasgoingtobespared,butsweetheart,thatisnotgoing

tohappen.Asshecameforward,Leegesturedtoanotherguytocomeforwardatthesametime.

“Howaboutthisdudedoesstripdancingwhilethisgirlsingsforus?”Timasked.

“Nowthat’samarvelousidea,”Hanscommentedfrombesideus.Thenerdyguyhadbroughtinour

orderandtookhisplaceinfrontofthecrowd,readytobecalledonagain.

Thelookontheguy’sface,whichwehadaskedtodostripdancingwassoprecious,Icouldn’t

keepfromlaughing.Helookedlikehewasgoingtocrywhenweaskedhimtostartdancing.Thegirlhad

ahorriblevoiceandtheguyreallycouldn’tdanceanddon'tevenknowhowtostripproperly.Hadhe

neverhadhotpassionatemoments?Ifhehadn’t,thenIcanunderstandhislackofstrippingspeed.Justas

everyonewaslaughingattheirmisery,twonewfiguresenteredthecafeteria.Twogirlstobeexactand

oneofthemcaughtmyeye.Shewalkedinwithherfriendlikeshedidn’tgiveafuck.Herfriend,onthe

otherhand,lookedlikeshewasabouttofaint.Thegirlwhocaughtmyeyewasdarkandwavy-haired

withasmall,lovelyframejustthewayIliked.Shewaswearingasmallyetclassytypeofdresswhich

didn’trevealmuchyetlookedsexy,andmightIadd,cute.Shedidn’tevengiveaglancetowardsusasshe

walkedstraightuptothecafeteria.Inthemeantime,herfriendwaswhisperingsomethingtoher.

“Hey,youthere.”Herfriendglancedatusandnudgedthegirl.Finally,shelookedtowardsus.

“You,comehere.”Igesturedwithmyhand.Leehadalsonoticedmyinteresttowardsthegirlandsmirked

astheycameforward.

“Whatwillyournamebe?”Iasked,showingthemmysmile,whichhadsomanygirlsfawningover

me.Mysmilewasthemostcomplimentedonattributeofmybody,butmymostprizedpossession,of

course,wascurrentlytuckedsecurelyinmypants.

“SharonEsther.”Thedark-hairedgirlsaidwithdefianceasshecrossedherarmsoverherchest.

Thatmadeherboobspuckeroutabitmore,andthisisprobablythefirsttimeIamsayingthis,butthegirl

lookedsocuteinthewayshewasstanding.

“Sharon,howaboutyoukissmyfriendhere?”Leechirpedupfrombesidemeashepointedhis

fingerinmydirection.WaytogoLee!Heunderstoodmesowell.

“Howaboutyourfriendkissesmyass?”camehercalmreply.Wow,shehassomeattitude.What

girlonearthwouldnotliketokissme?WouldnotliketokissTHEMichaelStarton?

“Surebabe,justtellmewhenandwhereyouwouldlikemetokissyourass?”IsmirkedasIstood

upfromthechairIwassittingonbefore.Gaspsandmurmurseruptedfromthecrowdofstudentsstill

standing.

“Howaboutnowandhere,”shereplied,withoneofhersmirks.Herfriendwasdumbfoundedas

hermouthfellopenandshestaredwithbigroundeyesatSharon.

“Gladly.”Iimaginedshedidn’tthinkIwouldcomeclosertoher,buttomysurpriseasIdid,she

slappedme.Myheadturnedtotheothersidefromtheimpactofherpalmwithmycheek.Nowthegasps

werelouder,andSharonflippedherhairbackasshewalkedawayfromthescenelikeaheroinewhohad

justsavedtheworld.Herfriendfollowedclosely.Theshameandangerwhichbubbledupinsideme

weremorethanenoughformetogoandtacklehertotheground.Ijustwantedtotakeawayherpride.The

boys,understandingwhatIwasgoingthrough,immediatelyshooedoffthecrowdfromthecafeteria,and

soonwewerealone.Myhandswereclenchingbesideme.

Chapter-3Sharon

“Shar,youjustslappedasenior.Wehavetobewithhimfortwoyearsbeforeheleaves.Whatwere

youthinking?”Mirabellewasonthevergeofpullingoutmyhairfromitsroots.Shehadbigbrowneyes,

andherhandswerecomicallyliftedupanddowninfrustrationasshewhisper-shoutedatme.

“Itaughtthebullyalesson.Idon’tcareifIhavetobewithhimforanothertwoyears.Icaneasily

handlepeoplelikehim.Heneedsnothingbutaproperopponenttoshowhimhisplace,”Isaidarrogantly.

Iamnormallynotlikethis,butthatguyjustpissedmeoff.Ihatedobnoxious,arrogant,richboys.How

couldheasktokissmeforaritualofbullying?Okay,hisfriendtoldmetokisshim,butthatinformationis

aminorone,andwecanignoreit.Right?

“You’reanidiot!WhyonearthdidIhavetomeetyou?Whyareyoumybestfriend?Ohgod,just

why?”NowMirabellewaspullingonherownhair.Sheisacharacterwhocameoutofacomicbook.I

giggledatthisthought.

“Whyareyoulaughing?”Mirabelleasked,slightlyirritated.

“Nothingbabe,Ijustloveyou,”Iputmyarmaroundherandbroughtherheadclosetomyshoulder,

huggingher.ShecanneverbeangrywithmewhenIdidthat.Itwaslikeaswitchtoturnoffheranger.

“Now,don’ttrythattrickonme.It’stooold.”

Webothgiggledatthis.Currently,wewerewalkingtoourfirstclass;Maths.Ihadn’thadany

breakfast,andbecauseofthatguywiththetoopointynose,Ididn’thavethechancetogetsomecafeteria

food.Justaswetookaseatinthemiddlerowintheclass,mystomachdecidedtogrowlloudly.Ugh,I

hateyou,too-pointy-noseguy.Seriously,hisnosewasverypointy;itseemedlikesomeonepulledatit

withapincerwhenhewasababy.

“Someoneneedstogetmicecontrolfortheirstomach,”Mirabellecommentedfrombesideme.

“Oh,shutup,youarenottheonewhowasforcedoutofthedoorthismorning,”Isaidglaringather.

“Hey,itwasyourfault,forwhichyougotakickonyourassthismorning.Weweregoingtobe

late,”Shesaidpointingherindexfingeratme.Yes,people,mybestfrienddidkickmeintheassthis

morningtogetmeoutofmyhouse.Embarrassing?Well,yeah,alot.

“Andwhatdidwegetforarrivingontime?”Iasked,liftinguponeofmyeyebrowsforsomeextra

effect.

Justasshewasgoingtoanswer,theteacherarrived.Cheerstobeginningthedaywiththeworst

subjectofthemall.

Isomehowmanagedtostayaliveandawakethroughtheclass.WhydidItakeupMathsagain?Yeah

right,toimpressmyparents.ThebellrangthemomentwhenIthoughtInearlygoingtofalloffofthedesk.

Istartledbacktoreality.

“Youknow,you’regoingtofailifyoudon’tstudyforthissubject.Youdidn’thearasinglething.”

Mirabellesaid,aswewerewalkinguptoourlockerstogetthebooksforthenextclass.

“Iheardeverything,youalwaysthinkIdon’thearanything,butIdo!”IsaidasIslammedthelocker

doorshut.Nowwehadpaintingclass.

“Tellmewhatahyperbolais?”Shesaid.

“Apolarwhat?”Iasked,scrunchingupmyfacewithconfusion.Whatonearthisapolarbeardoing

inthesubjectMaths?

“JustlikeIthought,”Shestoppedwalkingsuddenly.

“What’swrongnow?”Iwentbackandaskedher.Shejustkeptstaring,“Theboys!”

Ilookedtowhereshewasstaring,andtheretheywere.Ournotoriousseniors!Theywereall

standinginahuddleandlaughingaboutsomething.Icouldn’thelpbutdoaccept,thatguywhoIslappedin

themorningwashandsome.Hehadthiscertainspecialauraaroundhim.Hissmilebroughtunknown

feelingsbubblingupthroughmychest.Hisgoldenbrownhairhadalookwhichseemedeffortlessyet

lookeddamngoodlikeitwasstyledinaparlor.AndhewaswearingablackT-shirtwithjeans.Man,I

justcouldn’thelpmyselfbutstareathisbroadchestandshoulders,histonedbicepsandhisnearlyvisible

abdominalsand…,Iamranting,aren’tI?Wait,asecond,whyonearthamIcrushingovertheidiotI

slappedinthemorning?Ishookoffthemomentaryweakness,“Weshouldbegoingtoourclass,sostart

walking.”IsaidtoMirabelleinaserioustone.

IstartedwalkingwithMirabelleintow.Ihadputupastraightface,butmindit,now,whenthe

adrenalineisdown,Iamanythingbutseriousrightnow.Maybe,alittlescaredtoo.

Aswepassedwithoutanyobstacles,Inoticedfromthecornerofmyeyethatthatguyhadgotall

seriousandsomber.Hewasstaringatmewiththatlookwhichsaidthathewouldhavehisrevenge,while

theotherboyschattedaroundhimandasoureyesmet,hisfacegotevenmoresevere,ifthatwaspossible.

Chapter-4Sharon

MyfirstdayatcollegefinishedsoonerthanIhadexpected.Ididn’thaveanymoreencounterswith

thetoo-pointy-nose-guyexceptthestaringcompetitionduringlunch.Ievenmadeafewfriends.There’s

thestylishandposhAshley.She’snotatallbitchy,unlikethegirlswhoarerichlikeher.Shetalksgreat

andthenthere’s,Sierra,she’smuchlikeme.Ano-nonsensetypeofgirlyetcaresalotforherfriends;we

hititoffimmediatelywhenwemetinpaintingclass.Mirabellewassomewhatjealousofherfor

becomingsoclosetomealready.Sheisaterritorialperson.Butwhocanblameher?Iamspecial.Gerard

andJerome,thetwocutetwins,werehilarious,andfinally,therewasthisguy,aspecialone.Ialways

savethebestforthelast!HisnameisJulian.Dude,thatguyissomehotpiece.Imean,he’snotonlyhot,

buthealsohasmannersandanexcellentsenseofhumor,Hewasnothinglikethattoo-pointy-noseguy.

JulianandImadefriendswhenwewereinthegymclass,andIwasstrugglingtoclimbtherope.

Don’tgetmewrong;Iamaverysportyperson.Ialwaysgotpraisesfrommygymteacherinschool

beingthemostfantasticinsportsamongthegirls.Butropeclimbingthingwasnewtome,andIdidn’t

haveaclueofwhattodo.Hecameuptomeandhelpedmeoutabit.Hewassopolite.

Currently,Iwaswaitingformynewfriendstoshowup.Weweregoingtoapartythataseniorwas

throwingontheoccasionofthenewsemester.WeweresupposedtogoinJulian’scar;hehadarange

roverwhichwouldpackeveryoneofuscomfortably.

AsIwasdialingupMirabelle’snumber,aknocksoundedonthedoor.Ipaddedmywaytothedoor,

andthereshewas.

“Sorry,wegotabitlate.OurdearAshleycouldn’tfindherfavoritelipgloss.”Mirabellelaughed.

“Sure,Belle,Iwasnotgettingirritatedatall,”IsaidasIclosedthedoorandwalkedsidebyside

withher.

Onmyapproach,IsawthatallofthebackseatswerepackedasMirabellequicklyjumpedintothe

lastemptyone.Thefrontseat,besidesJulian's,wastheonlyonenotoccupied.Ismelltreachery!

Ohwell,Idon’tthinktheboyshavecootiesanymore,Iactedlikeanadultandgotinthefront.

IcouldseeJeromeandGerardtryingtocontroltheirlaughterwhileMirabellewaslookingdown,

smirking.Yeah,thisdefinitelywastheirdoing.

Thepartyhadalreadystartedwhenwereachedthesenior’shouse.Theroomwaslitbyneonlights,

whichkeptitdarkandyetlitenoughtoseeourway.Theguywasrich;thehousewassobigthatitlooked

likeamotel.ManyoftheboysandgirlsweredancingaroundtothesoundoftheloudMetallicaplayingin

themusicsystem.Boozefragrancedtheair.

“HowaboutSharonandmehere,bringyouallsomethingtodrinkbeforehittingthedancefloor?”

Julianshoutedovertheloudmusic.Everybodynoddedtheirheadsinagreement.Wewalkedthroughthe

swarmofpeoplefinallyreachingthetablehavingglassesfilledwithdifferentdrinks.Iamnotmuchofa

drinker,andalloftheglassesconfusedme.

“Byyourface,Iassumeyouhaven’thadalcoholbefore?”Julianaskedwithasoftsmile.Always

theobserver!

“Ihadafew,butIamnotmuchofadrinker.Idon’tknow,”Isaidhonestly.

“Well,letmehelpyouthen.Thesearebeers;probablyyouknowabouttheseandthesearepure

sodas.SopickwhatyouwantandtaketwobeersforGerardandJeromeandchoosewhatyouthink

Mirabellewilllike.Isthatokay?”Heexplainedtomeallveryclearly.Thisguywassounderstanding,

andsweet.

“Yeah,sure,”IpickedupwhathesaidanddecidedtotakebeersforMirabelleandmetoo.We

shouldgettohavealittlefunnowthatweareinuni.

Aswebroughtthedrinks,Ashley,Sierra,Gerard,JeromeandMirabellechuckeditdownquickand

tookoffforthedancefloor.IwasleftalonewithJulian,standinginacornerwatchingeveryone.

“SoIheardthatyouarefromSoutherlyHills?”Hesaidashetookasipfromhisdrink.

“Yeah,Iam.MyfamilymovedinwithMirabelle’s.Wecameheretogether,”Iexplainedtohim.

“WhydidyoumoveheretoRedwoods?Imean,SoutherlyHillsalsohassomegreatcolleges,

doesn’tit?”Heasked,noticingeachandeveryoneofmymoves.

“Yeah,itdoes.Fatherhadatransfer,andhesaiditwouldbeagreatweatherchange,somovedout

here.Mirabellewantedtojointhesamecollege,andherfatheraskedforatransfertoo.Mirabelleandmy

familyareveryclose."Isaidsmilingathim.Ilikedhiswayoftryingtogettoknowme.Itwassweet.

“Well,it’sgreatthatyourfatherhadatransfer,orelseIwouldn’thavegottentomeetyou.”Hesaid

flirtatiously.

“What?”IwassurprisedandyetIwassmiling.

“It’snotasecret,Ilikeyou,Sharon.WejusthaveaspecialconnectionIguess.Ishouldgogeta

drink,”withthat,Julianfledfromthespot.IwaslefttodwellonhiswordswhenIsawafigurecoming

towardsme.Eveninthisdimlight,Icouldn’tmakeamistakeinrecognizinghim.Theregoestheperfect

evening!

Chapter-5Michael

Ihadnoticedhertalkingtothatnewguy,Julian.Heseemedsomeonespecial,likeIknewhimfrom

somewhere.Thatguyhasalreadygotfamousamongthegirls,bringingourmarketdown.Yeah,Iam

callingthegirlsanexchangeobject.Idon’tregretthat.Thegirlsdon’thavebrains;theyonlyseegood

looks.IwasstandinginthedarkwhenInoticedherenterwithherfriends.Julianwasalloverherinstead

oftheopposite,andshedidn’tevennotice.Andwhyshouldn’thebe?Sharonwassuchanastonishing

girl;sobeautiful,andwithbrains.Herhairwasloose,andfromadistance,Inoticedthatshehadonlya

littlemakeupon,unliketheothergirlsaroundhere.Herkneelengthdresswasperfect,nottooshowy.The

typeofgirlyoutooktoyourmothertomeet.Anyguywouldbeluckytohaveher.WhatthehellamI

saying?Iseriouslyneedtotakemytimeofffromthinkingabouther.

Whoinvitedhereven?

IsawasshewalkedoffwithJulianintothecrowdandbroughtafewglassesforherandher

friends.Whiletheotherstookofftodancing,shestoodwithJuliansippingonherglassofalcohol

elegantly.Myfriendsweredebatingonsomegirlwhowasconstantlylookingatourgroup.Theytriedto

figureoutwhothegirlwaslookingat,andhereIwasstandingstaringatsomegirlwhodidn’tevenlook

mywaybymistake.InoticedthatSharonandJulianhadsomespecialdiscussiongoingonasJulian

slowlymovedclosertoherearlikehewastellingherasecret.Hereyesbulgedouthearingthat,butsoon

afterIcouldseeherbeingshyandlookingdown.That’ssocute.Julianleftsoonafterthat,morelikehe

ranawayforsomecause.Icouldn’thandleherbeingallaloneinthisenvironmentwithlusty,drunkguys

allaroundher.

“Iamcomingrightback,Ihavesomethingtodo,”IannouncedtotheboysasIstoodfrommyseat.

Theyallhummedinunison.Istartedwalkingtowardsher,anditseemslikeshefinallynoticedme.And

thereshegoes,frowningatme.Shouldn’tIbetheonefrowningather?Sheslappedme,afterall!

“Whoinvitedyou?”Sheputdownherglassofalcohollikegettingreadytouseherhandsonme

againifnecessary.

“That’snoneofyourbusiness,”shesaid,andglaredatme.

“It’sdefinitelymybusiness.Thisis,afterall,myhouse,”Ichuckledhumorlessly.Realization

dawnedonherandhermouthformedan‘o’.Shequicklyrecoveredherself.

“Ishouldhaveknownthatalready,noonebutadouchelikeyoucouldhavesuchahouse,”Sharon

said.

“Areyougivingmeacomplimentaboutmyhouse?”Iasked,smirkingandtookasteptowardsher.

“No,definitelynot,itwasinthesense,uh—well,”shelookedabitlost.

“Well?”Itookanothersteptowardsherandmychestnearlytouchedherface.Wewereclose.

“Couldyoupleasenotinvademypersonalspace?”Shelookedupatmeandohmygod;shehadthe

mostbeautifulblueeyesIhadeverseeninmywholelife.Shelookedsotinyandfragilecomparedtome.

Ibroughtmymouthclosertoherearandwhisperedinalowvoice,“Doyounotlikeit?”

Shelookeddown,unabletotaketheintensityofthesituation.She’ssonaïve.

“Heydude,whatthehellareyoudoing?”IlookedaroundtofindtheownerofthevoicewasJulian.

“GivingcompanytoSharon,whoyouhadjustabandonedinthiscrowdedparty,”Iamnotgoingto

talklikeIwastryingtoprotecther.IjustsaidthatlikeIwantedtogetherinmybedtonight.

“Well,youcannowbuzzoff,”Juliansaid,dignified.Dude,Icanbeatyoutoapulp,butIwasinno

moodtodothat.

“Suityourself,butnexttimeyouleaveyourgirlalone,Iamgoingtosweepheroffherfeet,”I

lookedtowardsSharonandwinked,andthistimeshewassurprised.Imightjustbegettingintoher

crusheslist.IdidfeelapanginmychestwhenIsaidthewords,‘yourgirl,'Ugh,Michael,getagripon

yourself.

“Justfuckoff,”Julianpushedatmetomakemestumblebackwards.Iwasn’texpectingthat.So,I

guessthisisgoingtobethehardway.Ipushedback,andIcouldseethefireburninginhiseyes.Frommy

side,IcouldhearSharonsqueaksomethinglikestop.Butboysneverstayintheirrightmindswhenthey

areinafight.Ihandedhimasquarepunchonhisnose.Justafterafewseconds,hecamebackatmewith

oneaimedatmystomach.Man,seriously?Ihavebeenastarstreetfighterforfourgloriousyears.Ieasily

dodgeditandlandedasweetpunchonhisside.Leefinallyarrivedonthespotandheldmyhandsback.

“Lethimgo,man,whatareyouevenfightingfor?Justletitgo.”HansandTim,ontheotherhand,

werepushingatJuliantokeephimback.

“Nowleave,please.Wedon’twanttohaveanymoretroubleheretonight,”Timsaidseriously.

Withalastglare,Julianreplied,“Gladly.”HetookholdofSharon’shandandstormedoff.Ididn’t

likehimtouchingher.

Chapter-6Sharon

IwasshockedtoseeJulianpickafightwithMichael.Itwasnotabigissuetothem.I,however,am

afraidofviolence.Wheneverthereisanyshoutingortoomuchoffighting,Itendtocowerawayorstand

likeadollinplacewithhorrorinmyeyes.

“Whydidyouhavetopickafightwithhim?”Iasked,pullingmyhandfromhisaswereachedhis

caroutsideMichael’shouse.

“Whatdoyouexpectmetodo,huh?HewasbreathingdownyourneckjustasIleftyoualonefora

minute.Idon’tlikethat,andthenhedaredtowinkatyou.Ilostit,”henarrowedhiseyes,andtherewas

angerradiatingfromthem.Isoftenedathisstatement;heonlywasprotectingme.Quitethepossessive

one!IpulledoutthehandkerchiefinmypurseasInearedtohisangry,heatedframe.Irubbedattheblood

runningdownhisnoseclearingitoffabit,“Itstillwasn’tnecessaryforyoutodothat.He’smuchstronger

thanyou.Youdoknowthatright?Itonlygotyouhurt.Iamcapableofprotectingmyself.”Iwhisperedina

lowtone.Icouldfeelhiseyesonme,andItriedhardnottolook.Iadmitit,folks,Iamaveryshyperson,

pastthebravado.

“Iwasabletoseethat,”hesaidinanequallylowtone.Ifinishedcleaningoffthebloodfromhis

face.HecutmeofffromwhatIwasabouttosay.

“Istilldidn’tgetmyreply,”hesaid,smilingatme.

“Replytowhat--,”thenIrealisedwhathewastalkingabout,“Oh,”

“Yeah…and?”

“Yeah,Iguessmaybealittle,Idon’tknow—“Iwascutoffwithhislipscrashingontomine.Iwas

surprised,andmyeyeswidened.Slowly,Istartedkissinghimback.Icouldtastethealcoholandblood

fromhistornlips.ButIdidn’tcare;itfeltlikebliss,pure,utter,completejoy.

Weslowlyseparatedfromthekissashelookedintomyeyes.

“Itakethatasayes,”hewassmilingsowide,itshouldhavehurthischeeks.

Iansweredwithabreathyyes.

Helookedsohappywithmyreplyashetookmebythehand,andledmetowardstheothersideof

thecar,andopenedthedoorformelikeagentlemanhewas.

“Shouldn’tweasktheotherstojoinus?Weallcameinthesamecarafterall!”Iwondered,looking

backtowardsMichael’shouse.

“Yeah,IamgoingtocallAshley,”hesaid,takingouthisphone.

Mirabellewasgoingtokillmefornottellingheraboutleaving.Suddenlycallingthemwasn’tsucha

goodidea.

***

Iwatchedfrommyroom’sbalconyasSharonandJuliankissed.Howcantheseteenagersstart

likingsomeoneinoneday?Yeah,she’sayearyoungerthanme;Icancallherateenager,can’tI?Bythe

way,whoamItosaythatstartingtolikesomeoneonthefirstdaycan’thappen?IalreadylikeSharontoo.

Ilikedherabilitytotalkherselfoutofanything;Ilikedherstyleofdressing;Ilikedhervoice,andIlove

thewayshedoesn’tgiveafucktoanyone!Andthenagain,sheactssoshyandcuteatthesametime.How

hassheevenmanagedthat?

Seeingthemkissmademefeelabithollow.Iseemtonotbecapableoffindinglove.Ifoughtfora

stupidreasonwithJulianandLeegavemesuchalecture,Ifeellikemyearshavefallenoff.Alwaysthe

tooorganizedandresponsiblebastard!Okay,Ineedtostopdwellingonallthis,she’stakennow!Ineeda

girl,Iamthesexiestguyaroundcollege.Idon’tdwellonsomejuniorIknowonlyforaday.

“AreyoucomingdownMike?Whatareyouwatching?Comeon,youknowLeedidn’tsayallof

thatshittohurtyour‘toosensitive’feelings,”Timsaidfromthedoorwaytomyroom.

“JustmakingLeefeelalittleguilty.Ibethedoesregretitalready,consideringhesentyoutotake

medown,”IchuckledasIwalkedtowardsthedoor.

“Youbastard,”Timlaughed.

“Didyouguysfindagirlorsomething?IguessIamgoingtogoforone,”Isaidconfidently.

“Yeah,Hanshasbeenalreadyofftohishouse,LeeandIarebeingthesoberonestoday,”hesaid.

“Yeah,sure,Iwillseetothatwhenthenexthotpieceentersmydoor,”Isaid,chuckling.

Chapter-7Sharon

“Areyoujokingwithme?JulianfoughtwithTHEMichaelStarton,overyou?”Mirabelleshouted

onmySkypewindow.

“Belle,pleasedon'tyell,myparentsmighthearyoufromallthewaydownthestairs,andIdon’t

wantthat.Andyeah,Juliandidthatforme.Quitepossessive,Iguess,”Ismiledatthememory.Even

thoughitwastooviolentformydefinitionofpossessive,butohwell,itwascute.

“DoIsee‘Idon’tdrooloverguys’SharonEsthersmilingoveraguy?”Mirabellesaid

mischievously.

“Ifyoudon’tshutyourmouthovermyblushing,Iamgoingtoclosemylaptop.Ibetyoudon’twant

that,beingthatyou’renotdonetakingoutallthegossipfromme?”Iaskedwithadeathglare.

“Okay,okaynotalkaboutthathintofredonyourcheeks,”Shesaid.

“Mirabelle….”Iwarnedher.

“Okay,okay,sheesh.NowcanwetalkaboutwhatMr.HotshotStartondid?”Sheaskedexcitedly.

“Yeah,so,Michaelwasbreathingdownmydamnedneck,andheevenwinkedatme!Imean,okay,

you’reasenior,andyouwantahotgirllikeme,butjustinthemorning,Ihaveswornmyenmitytoyou.

Canyouatleastrespectthat?”Isaidclearlyfrustrated.

“Well,whoareyoukidding?Iknowyoulikedit,don’teventrytolietome.Juliandoesn’teven

standachanceagainstMichael.”Mirabellesaidveryclearly.

“Belle,IhavenolikingtowardstheMichaeltypeofguys,IlikeJulian,endofthestory,”Isaid

crossingmyarms.

“Oh,now,Michaelhasatype?Andhowdoyouknowhistype?”Mirabelleasked,raisingher

perfectlyarchedeyebrowsforspecialeffect.

“Belle,Ithinkyou’redrunk,andthat’swhyyou’retalkingallshittomerightnow.Howaboutyou

tellmewhathappenedbetweenJeromeandyouonthedancefloor.”Isaidbacktoher.

JeromekindofhadthosesparklyeyeswhenhehadfirstseenMirabelle.WhenIsaidthattoher,she

didn’tacknowledgehimtobemorethanafriend.Butthatdidn’tmeanIcouldn’tteaseheralittleaboutit.

“Whatdoyouexpect?IdancedmywayintothecrowdlikeIhadnobodytolookoutfor,asusual.

He’snothingmorethanafriendShar,”shesaidbacktomewithacarelessattitude.

“’Ron,comedowntodinner.”IheardMumsayfromdownstairs.

“Yeah,coming,”Irepliedbacktoher,andansweredtoMirabelle,“Wellthat’smycue.Meetyou

tomorrowBelle;Ihopeyourdreamsarehauntedbymice,”Ichuckled.

“Yeah,sure,suchabitchyouare.”Withthat,sheendedthecall.

Iputawaymylaptopandwentdownfordinner.Wehadanawesome,lovingfamily,andIfeltproudto

havemymumanddad.Theywerethebestparentsintheworld,noarguingthat.

Afterwehadtheperfectfamilydinnerwithalotoflaughter,Ifinallylaydownonmybed,tired

fromtheproceedingsoftheday.EventhoughItriedtosleep,behindmyclosedeyesseveralthoughts

poppedup,includingthoughtsaboutaparticularguywhohadbeenbreathingdownmyneckattheparty.

Hiseyeswereabeautifulforestgreen;itlookedliketheyheldsomanyanswersthatevenhedidn’t

knowabout.Ifeltlikewehadalotofhistory.Weird.IwasnotthinkingaboutmyheatedkisswithJulian

outsideMichael’shouse,butIwasthinkingabouthowMichaelfeltwhenhewastalkingtomelikethat.I

figuredhedidn’thaveaneffectonme,buthereheis,invadingmythoughts.Hisheightisprobablymore

thanJulian’sandJulianhaddullgreyeyes.Hiscrookedsmilewascaptivatingandwhenhewinkedatme,

ohmygosh,Ihadstoppedbreathingforasecond.Orsoitfelt.Hisbrownleatherjackethadclungtohis

shouldersperfectlyandtheblackshirthehadwornunderneathlookedlikeasecondskintohisbody.His

darkjeansclungtotheperfectspots.Nowmymindwasgoingonthedirtytrack,ifyouknowwhatI

mean?Ihadtostop.IhavealreadymadeoutaprovisionforafuturelovewithJulian.Ican’tjustthink

aboutsomeoneelsewhenIsupposedlykissedanotherguyandsaidthatIlikedhim!Iamaveryloyal

person.Inevertwo-timeaboy,thatisnotmycupoftea.

Likethat,IforcedmymindtoshutdownMichael’shotbodythoughtsandswitchedtomyfuture

whereIhadagoodcareerandlotsofmoneytospendonmyhobbies.

Chapter-8Michael

AfteraheatednightwithMargaretorMalissaor….Idon’trememberhernamealready.Who

cares?Certainly,Idonot;she’sjustaonenightstand.Icouldstillfeelhernakedbodypressingintomy

chestunderthecovers,asthebrightsunlightinvadedmyroom.Ugh,intheheatofthemoment,Ihadforgot

todrawthecurtainsyetagain.Thisgirl,man,thisgirlwassomefucker.She’satigressinbed,andIhad

takenhermorethanonceinthenight.Shecertainlydidnotcomplain.LikeTimhadsaid,Leeandhimboth

wentbackhomewithoutagirlclingingtotheirbiceps.Iwasabitsurprised;thentherealizationhad

dawneduponme.Theybothhadamajorfightwithverystrongcontenders.Theycouldn’tjustfuckwith

somewhoreandstillnotbesleepdeprived;theyhadtosavetheirenergyforthefighttonight.Ihad

quicklyfoundthisgirlonthedancefloor,shakingherbootyforattentionfromanyguywhowaswillingto

giveit,andIbeingthetypeIam,tooktheopportunity.

Iturnedmyheadtowardstheothersidetotakealookatthetime,andIwaslateforcollege.This

alwayshappens.Idon’tmind,Iwouldonlymissmyfirstclass,that’sit.Youmaythink,beingthisawful

fuckboyandstreetfighter,Iamidleatmystudies,butit’sthecompleteopposite.Iamverywellknown

formyacademicachievementsinthecollege.Now,don’taskmehowIdoit,becauseIdon’tevenhavea

cluetoitmyself.

Iraisedmynakedbodyfromunderthecovers,andmymanwassittingtherepeacefullybetweenmy

thighs,verysatisfiedwithyesterday.

“Babe,whereareyougoing?”thegirlwhinedfrommybed.

“IamgoingtotakeashowerandbythattimeIwantyououtofmyhouse,”IsaidclearlyasIlooked

forsomecleanboxers.

“Howaboutaroundtwo?”shesaid,sittinguponthebed,lettingthecoversfalltoherupperthighs.

Herbreastsstoodopen,invitingmein,butIhadseriouslylostinterestinheralready.

“Nothanks.GetoutofmyhousebeforeIthrowyououtpersonally.”Isaidwithmybackturnedto

herstillrummagingintheclosetforacleanpairofunderwear.

Shehuffedandstartedcollectingherpiecesofclothingfromthefloor.Sheworethemseductively

tryingtogetmetosurrendertoher,butsweetheart,Ihavealreadyseenthiswaytoomanytimes,andI

havegotnointerestinitanymore.

Shefinallywentout,slammingthefrontdoorinanger.IchuckledasIsawherwalkoutonthe

pavementoutsidetowardstheroad.Ienteredmybathroomandtookaquickshowertogettheentire

stenchoffmybody.Iputonsomerandomclothesandtookofftomygarage.Iwillhavebreakfastfromthe

canteen.Let’sdrivemybiketocollegetoday.Iaminthemoodforsomethingmoredaring.Ididtellyou,

myparentshadalotofwealth,andtheyspentamaximumofitonmywishes.

AsIparkedmybikeintoanemptyslot,IheardHans’voice,“Somebodyhadalatenight,I

assume?”heaskedwithasmirk.

“Webothhadmyfriend,webothhad.”Webothstartedlaughingatthat.

“WhereareLeeandTim?”Iasked,asIstartedwalkingtowardsthecafeteria.

“Practicingfortheirbiggametonight,theycan’tlettheirtitlebetakenawayfromthem.Theyare

waymoreegotisticthanthat,”Hanssaid,aswetookaseatatanemptytable.Thecafeteriastillhadsome

peopleinit,mostwhowerechatting.

Theyoungboyofthecafeteriacametous,andhewasanoldfriend.“Sowhatdoyoutwowant?I

assumeyouhadalatenightbeingyoumissedyourfirstclasses?”

“Yeah,wehad,Iwilltaketheusual.AFrenchmarmalade,friesandmilk,”IsaidbackasHans

startedtoorderhisgreasymeal.Hewasn’tafighter,hewasamoneycollectorinthesefights,and

thereforehedidn’thavetocareforhisbody.Butsurprisingly,hewasveryfit,maybenotmorethanus,but

hewasfit.Ithinkyou’requestioningwhatkindofguydrinksmilk;well,Ido,it’shealthy.Don’teven

questionit!Asweateourmealspeacefullyandchattedaboutthenight’sproceedings,Icouldn’thelpbut

thinkaboutJulianandSharonkissonmyproperty.Technicallyontheroad,buthey,thatwasstilltoo

closetomyhouse.Aswefinished,thebellrang,andherewegotoourclasses.

Chapter-9Sharon

JulianandIwerestandinginfrontofmylockerwaitingforthebelltogoandasusual,talkingsome

randomshit.Ihadn’tseenMirabelleyet;maybeshewasrunninglate.Imustsay,JulianandIwerehitting

itoffquitewell,itdidn’tevenfeellikewehadknowneachotherforonlyafewdays.Hewasfunny,

sweet,protective,smartandintelligent…thelistgoesonandon.WhatdoesthatMichaelevenhave

exceptforabigmouthandthatmassivebodyofhis?Andnottoforgethisbigpointynose!Oh,and

probablysomemoneyinheritedfromhisparents.WhyamIevencomparingJuliantoMichael?Theyare

notevenonthesamepage.

“Wow,yousurearesomephilosophicalbeauty,youknowthat,”Julianlookedatmewithadoration.

Wewerediscussinglifeanddeaththeories.Itoldhimthatdeathneverkillsuswholly;wearestillalive

butjustinoursubconsciousmind.

“Don’tflirtwithmemister.”Ipunchedhisarmplayfully.

“Ow,don’tdothat.Iamverysensitive,don’teventouchme,”hesaidfakinghurt.Hewassucha

clown.

“Really?Iamevennotthatsofttogethurtfromthatlightpunch.Liar,”Isaid,staringhimdown.

Suddenlyhecameclosertomeandwhisperedinmyear,“Ibetyou’resoftinalltherightplaces.”

Hisbreathfannedtheoutershellofmyearanddownmyneck.Achillwentdownmyspinemakingmy

toescurl.

“What?”Icroakedoutfinally.

Hesmiled,knowingtheeffecthehadonme.Iexactlyknewwhathewastalkingabout.Thatpervert.

“NothingS…,andheregoesthebell;weshouldgo.Meetyouatlunch,”hesaidbackassoonasthe

bellrang.Wewalkedourseparateways,hetothegymandItoHistory.

ImainlyoptedforalltheArtssubjects,andthiswasmyfavorite.Damn,howIlovedHistory.

Historyislifeifyoutellme.Butrightnow,IhadtokeepaneyeoutforMirabelle.Howboringtospend

yourdaywithoutyourbestfriend.IknowIaman18-year-oldgirl,anadult,andIamreadingincollege,

butIstillwantmybestfriendtobearoundme.Iwasn’texactlylookingatwhereIwasgoing,asIwas

tryingtofindMirabelleinthecrowdofstudentshurryingtotheirclasses,whichiswhyIcrashedinto

someone.Damnwhatthehell?WasitawallIcollidedwithorahumanmadeofstone?IthoughthereIgo,

downonmypreciousass,kissingthefloor,butno,twostronghandscaughtholdofmywaistandIhad

clutchedthebookswithallmymight,sothedaywassaved.AsIlookeduptothankwhoeversavedme

fromfalling,IwasmetwiththatarrogantidiotMichael’sface.Heseemedtohavegonedumb.

“Can’tyouseewhereyou’regoing?Andyoucanleavemenow,”Isaid,stillbeingheldinhisarms

intheballroomstance.Suddenlyheletgoofme,andthereIgo,kissingthefloor.Somuchforsavingthe

day!

“Oops,itwasamistake;Ididn’tknowitwasyou.Yourboyfriendhadstrictlyorderedmenottogo

nearyoulastnight,”hesaidback.Iwasfuming,howbitchyofhim!First,hesavedyouandnowhelets

yougo,“He’snotmyboyfriend.”Iamstilljustdatinghimorhangingoutwithhim.Wearenotona

girlfriend-boyfriendbasis.

“Yet,”hesaidbeforeturningaroundtothatfriendofhis

Ohmygod,class!Ihadtoreachmyclassorelsetheteacherwouldn’tletmeenter.

Allofthisishappeningbecauseofthatguy.Istartedrunningdownthehall,andtheteacherluckily

wasjustenteringtheroom.Itookaseatattheusualdesk,andthereIfoundMirabellewassittingalone.

Weird,sheneverdoesthis,eachandeverytimewemeetbeforetheclass.Shelookedabittiredand

sullentoo.Asshelookedupatme,Iaskedwithmyeyesaboutwhathadhappened.Shejustnoddedher

headandmouthedlater.

Asthebellrangindicatingtheendoftheclass,Mirabellewasstillsittingatherdeskwhilethe

otherswereleavingtheroom.

“WhathappenedBelle?Issomethingwrong?”Iaskedsoftlytouchingherwrist,testingthewaters.

“Huh?”Shelookeduplikeshedidn’tknowtheclassfinishedandwehadtoleave.

“Okay,let’sjustgo,comeongetup,”Imadeagrabbyhandgestureather.

Sheslowlypulledherselfofftheseat.Wewalkedinsilencetoherlocker.Aswegotoutthebooks

forthenextclass,Igrabbedherhand,“Shoot!”

“Whatareyoutalkingabout?”sheasked.Shewasalwayslikethis,tryingtohideherpain.

“Icanseeyou’retiredandsad,andyou’renotpayingattentiontoanythingthatishappeningin

class.Whatisthematter?”Iasked,lookingherintheeye.

Shesighed,ohboy,thiswasbig.Somethingbighashappened,“Mymum,she’s,uh,inthehospital.”

Andthere,hervoicebroke;Icouldseetearsonthebrinkofhereyes.

Icaughtholdofherwaist,runningmyhandupanddown,asagesturetocalmher,“Whathappened

toherBelle?”Thiswasnotgood,andI,myselfamsurprisedandtensed,nowthatIheardthis.

“Shehadaheartattackyesterdaynight.Mumanddadwerefightingforsomethingandsuddenlyshe

couldn’tbreatheandthenwentunconsciouswithoutwarning.Wehadtotakehertothehospital.Shehas

barelymadeit.Shewouldn’thavelived;shehadamajorheartattack.Thedoctorssaidit’sbecauseof

stress.MydadandIfoughtoverhowhealwaysshoutedatmumforpettyreasons.”Shecriedallofitout.

Iwasheartbrokentoo;Ididn’tknowhowtoconsoleher.Iwasnevergoodatthesethings.SoIdidwhat

anyotherbestfriendwoulddoatthatmoment,Ihuggedhertight.

“Youknowshe’sgoingtobealrightBelle.Thedoctorssavedher.Stopstressingyourselfrightnow.

Youhavetotakecareofyourmum,youcan’tgetilltoo,stopcryingnow.”Icooedather.Thebellwent

indicatingthestartofthenextclass.Ididn’tcare;itwon’tbeaproblemifwearelateforafewminutes.

ConsolingMirabellewasmoreimportantrightnow.

“Let’sgotoclass;Iamalrightnow.”Shesaidassherubbedathertearstainedface.

Thedaywentrelativelyregularafterthat.

Chapter-10Sharon

“Wherearewegoing,Ju?”Iasked,sittinginhiscarashespeddownsomedarkroad.

“Wearegoingtowatchmyfriend’sfight;thisisoneofhisimportantones,”Juliansaidashekept

hiseyesontheroad.Iwasanythingbutinterestedinwatchingafightofhisfriend.Ihadplannedon

cuddlingwithhimtonightaswewatchedaromanticmovie.Ifyou’rethinkingabouttheaftermathof

cuddling,thenletmetellyou,wehaven’tgonethatfarwithourrelationship.Ihadjuststartedcallinghim

myboyfriend.Iamnotgoingtomakethisdriveeasy;beingashewastedthisevening.Isensuallystarted

rubbingmypalmsonhisjean-cladthighs.

“Whatareyoudoingbabe?Iamdriving,”hesaidashemomentarilylookedatmyhand.Ididn’t

answerandinsteadsmirkedathiscomment.Ikissedhisneckleaningovertheconsole,andmyhand

rubbedhischest.

“Youhavetostopthis,comeon,Iknowyou’renotinthemoodofwatchinghimfight,butatleastdo

itforme.Idon’twanttohaveanaccident,”hesaidsmiling.

“Fine,”Ihuffedlikeachildandcrossedmyarmsovermychest.

Hechuckled,“Areyouseriouslygoingtoactlikethatbabe?”

“Ihateyou;you’rewastingthechancetocuddlewithmetogoandwatchafriendofyours,fight,”Isaid.

“Comeon;it’sgoingtobeworthit,”hesaid.Andohboywasitworthit!

ItwasMichael’sfight;Michaelwasinthering!Shirtless,drippingwithsweat,allmanlyandsexy!

Ididn’tlikeallthosedrunkenmenstaringatmelikeIhadtwoheads,butyeah,watchingMichaelfight

wasworthit!Aswehadarrivedinthedingyanddarkstreet,Ifeltcreepedout.Ihadpressedmyself

closetoJulianwhilehe,sensingmydiscomfort,hadwrappedhishandaroundmywaist,movingitupand

down.Iamnotaparanoidperson,butthisplacewascreepy.IfeltlikeIwasinahorrormovie.

Aswefurthermoved,wefinallycameinsightwithalargegroupofpeoplestandinginahuddleand

cheeringonthetwofightingmen.Asweneared,IfinallysawthatitwasMichaelfightingwithanother

heftyguy.IthinkMichaelsawmeasforasecondhisconcentrationwasonme.Hisopponenttookthat

opportunityanddirectlypunchedhiminthegut.Igasped,andhecamebacktohissenseswithanextra

rage.Julianwassullenallofasudden.

“WhendidyoubefriendMichael?”Iasked.

“Justafewdaysback,”herepliedasifhewasangryaboutsomething.

“Hey,areyoualright?”Isaid,touchinghishand.

“Yes,Iam,”withthatIwentquiet.Maybehewasjustfeelingabitdepressed.Ifocusedmy

attentionbacktoMichaelwherehewasstandingwithastraightjaw,directlylookingatmeinthe

intervalswhenhisopponentwouldstumble.Ifelthotallofasudden;itseemedlikehedidn’tlikeitIwas

there.Hewaslookingmeupanddown.Hemightloseifhisconcentrationwasconstantlyonme.Atthat

moment,theguyregainedhiscomposureandstruckMichaelsquareonthejaw.Thistime,Michael

stumbledback.Whythehellisheconcentratingonme?Hewouldn’thavegotthatblowifhewasjust

lookingattheguy.ThemuscularmanstartedshoweringblowsonMichael’ssides,andstomachand

Michaeljuststoodtheregettinghit.Thecrowdwasgoingcrazywithallofthis.WhythehellwasJulian

smilingrightnow?Ididn’tcare;rightnowMichaelneededtogetagrip.

“Comeon,Michael,fightback,”Ishoutedathimandjustlikepressingthetriggerofagun,Michael

hasbeenbacktohissenses.Hedodgedeachandeveryblow,andstartedbeatingtheshitofthatman.I

wassmilinggiddily,happytonolimitswhenMichaelhadfinallymanagedtogetthatmanunconscious.

Hewasdeclaredthewinnerbytheannouncer.Ashecamedown,hewasstoppedbyabusinessperson

likeman;hewasinformals,onlyhisblazerwashangingonhishand.Theyweretalkingaboutserious

mattersandthemanevenslappedMichaelontheshouldersintheirwayofcongratulatinghim.Michael

hadhishairstickingtohisforeheadwithallthesweat,hehadtheselightblue,blackmarksstartingto

formonhissides,andhisnosewasbleedinglikeithadnoend.Finally,hewasdonetalkingtothatman,

ashecametowardsus.

“Goodfightman,”Juliancommented.

“Yeah,Iamgoingtothestatechampions,itwasthemanagerIwastalkingtorightnow,”hesaid

smiling.Iwasstandingthereawkwardly,notknowingwhattodo.

“Weshouldgetgoing,beingasyoubroughtSharonouthere,”hecommented.

“Yeah,Ithoughtitwouldbefunforhertowatchyoufight,”Juliansaidaswewerewalkingbackto

hiscar.

“Itwouldn’thavebeenfunifallthesedrunkguysnoticedher.Theywouldhavepouncedonher;I

don’tknowhowyoucanbesoirresponsiblewithher,”Michaelsaid.Okay,ishebeing….protective?

Darn,whydoIfeellikesomethingisdartingaboutinmystomachatthis?

“Chillman,Icouldhaveprotectedher,”Juliansaid.

“Yeah,sure,”Michaelmutteredunderhisbreathashelookedatme.Ikeptmyheadlow.

“Willyoubesittingintheback,fornow,S?”Julianaskedmeopeningthebackdoorofthecar.

“Yeah,sure,”IsatdowninsideandallthewhileIdidn’tnoticethatMichaelhadn’tputashirton

tillnow.Man,hisabswasglisteningwithallthesweat,andhelookedhot.Hisbicepswerestillflexing

fromtheadrenalinerunninginhissystem.Icouldn’thelpbutimaginemyselfwrappedaroundhisbody,

naked.No,badSharon,shutup!Youhaveaguyyou’redatingsittinginthefrontseatwithhim,howcan

youeventhinkthat?

“Canyoukeepthisinthebackseat?”Michaelaskedme,holdingawhiteT-shirtinonehandwith

theduffelbagintheother.Istaredathisbaglikeitwassomethingalien.

“Hey?”heaskedagain.

“Yeah,”Itookitfromhimawkwardly,keepingitbesideme.

“Ineedtogetsomefood.Willyoustopatsomediner?”MichaelaskedJulian,ashiseyesstill

staredatmethroughthelookingglassinfrontofthecar.Ifeltallhot…againandavertedmyeyes.

“Yeah,sure,whynot?”Juliansaid.

“He’sinjured,heneedsfirstaid,andnodinerfallsonthewaytohishouse.”OkaywhydidIopen

mymouth?Shit,Isoundlikeaprotectivegirlfriendrightnow.Theinsideofthecarwenteerilysilent,and

therewastensionintheair.Whycouldn’tIstayshutforasecond?

“Yeah,Iguess,heneedsfirstaid.Iwillgetthefood,andyoucandothefirstaidtillthen.How

aboutthat?”Julianasked,lookinginthemirror.

“Okay,”Isaidwithatinyvoice.Michaelwasstaringatmeagain.Comeon,stopdoingthat.

“DoyouwantanythingS?”JulianaskedashestoppedhiscarinfrontofMichael’shouse.

“JustbringasmoothieIguess,”Isaid,steppingoutofthecar;IcouldfeelMichael’seyesonmeaswe

steppedintohishousewhileJulianleft.

Michaelthrewhisbagonthecouchashetookaseathimself.

“Whereisthefirstaidbox?”Iaskedwringingmysweatyhandstogether,feelingnervousallofasudden.

“Thefirstcabinettotheleftinthekitchen,thekitchenisthatway,”hesaidnonchalantlyashe

pointedtotheright.Islowlymademywaytowardswherehepointed,Ifoundthecabinet,andIthought

allthestuffthatitcontainedwouldfallassoonasIopenedit,buttomysurprise,itwasallneatand

clean.Theglasseswerekeptwithproperarrangementandthefirstaidboxinfrontofit.Thisguysure

wasorderly.

Iwalkedintothelivingroom,toseehim,restinghisheadontheheadrestofthecouchwithhis

forearmcoveringhiseyes.Helookedsovulnerablethen.Afondfeelinghadprobablyappearedonmy

facerightnow;Icouldfeelit.Ishruggeditoffandwalkedovertohim.

Isilentlytooksomeantisepticonwithacottonball,“Canyouremoveyourhand?”

Heseemedtoawakenfromastateofsleep,butnonethelessdidwhatIaskedfor.Islowlydragged

thecottonballoverhistornlip,completelyfocusingmyattentiononit.Theylookedsosoftandplump,

andIcouldfeelhisbreathonmyfaceattheproximitywewerein.Hiseyeswereboringholesintomy

head;Ididn’tcaretolookup.Satisfiedwithmywork,Istartedtocleanoffthebloodfromhisnose;it

wasn’tbleedinganymore,soIguessIwon’thavetodoanythingforthat.Irememberedaboutthemarkson

hisside,andIneededicepacksforit.

“Wherearetheicebags?”Iasked,throwingthewetcottonballontothetable.

“Intheseconddrawerofthecounterbesidetheoven,”Hesaid,andIstoodreadytogothere.

SuddenlyhecaughtholdofmyhandasIhadjustturnedaroundandpulledmeback,makingme

crashintohischestonthecouch.

“What—“Iturnedaroundtofacehimandokay,mybreathingseized.Hisfacewaslikeamillimeteraway,

andhislipsweresoclosetomine.Icouldn’thelpbuttakealookatthem.Icouldn’tlookawayfromthose

eyes.

“Whyareyoudoingthis?”Michaelaskedinaslow,murmuringvoice.

“Youarehurt—…“Istartedtosayinanequallysoftvoice.

“Icanhelpmyself,andyouknowthatverywell.Whyareyoudoingthis?”hesaid,increasingthe

intensityofhisstare.Icouldn’tcontrolthehaggardbreathingcomingoutofmerightnow.

“Idon’tknow.”Isaidfinallyandgulped.

“DoImakeyounervous?”heaskedsmirking.

“N-n-o,”Imanagedtogetoutofmymouth.

“Howaboutnow?”Hisfacegrewclosertomine,andIcouldfeelhislipstouchingmine.

Ijustshookmyheadslowly.

“Now?”andheclosedthedistancebetweenourlipsandoh,thatwasheavenly.Hesuckedonmy

bottomlipwhilehishandkeptmyheadinplace,histongueflickedinandoutofhismouthandlickedonto

mybottomlip.IcouldtastetheantisepticIhadjustapplied,butthatdidn’tdimhismintytaste.

“Heyguys,Iamback,whatdidImiss?”Iheardsomeonesayasthedoorshut.AndIwasupfrom

thecouchintheflickofaneye.

Chapter-11Sharon

“Hey—uh,whydoIfeeltheroomistoostuffyrightnow?”Julianaskedashestoodinfrontofthe

couchwithaplasticbagfilledjunkdelicacies.Thesmellwouldhavesentmedroolingonanyother

occasion,butrightnow,Icouldn’tgetmyselftothinkaboutfood.

“Ithink,youhavecaughtacold,andthat’swhyyourhead’sfeelingstuffy.Now,where’smyfood?I

amstarving!”Michaelsaidasthoughhehadn’tjustengagedwithmeinatoecurlingkiss.Icouldstillfeel

thewarmthofhislipsonmine.

“Sharon,don’tyouwantyoursmoothie?”Julianasked,holdingmycupofsmoothie.

“Yeah,Iguess,sure,”Isaid,walkingovertohissittingform.Itookaseatmyselfbesidehim,inthe

smallspacethatwasleft.IwasnotgoinganywherenearMichael.

AsJulianhandedovermysmoothie,hesaid,“Ididn’tknowwhatyouwouldlike.Youforgotto

mentionthat,soIthoughtofbringingtwo,astrawberryandachocolate.Whichonedoyouwanttotake?”

Suddenlyapangofguilthitmelikeabaseballonmyface;hereJulianwastheperfectcaringboyfriend,

andIamthischeatergirl,kissinghisfriend.WhendidIgetdowntothis?

“Uh?Areyouthere?”Julianasked,concernlacinghisface.Michaelwasn’tevenpayingattentionto

us;hewaseatinglikeacavemanwhohadbeendeprivedoffoodformonths.Thebastard!

“Yeah,sorry,justabittired.Canwejustgohome?”Iasked,lookingathim,guilteatingmyinsides

asthetimeelapsed.

“Yeah,sure,let’sgo,”Juliansaid,gettingup,“MeetyoutomorrowMike,Ihopeyouwillbewell

enoughtowalktomorrow,”hechuckled.

Michaellookedupfromhisfoodwithhismouththreateningtoopenupwiththeamountoffoodhe

wasmunchingonandlookedfrommetoJulian.

Hegruntedandwentbacktohisfood.Howcouldhe?Ididn’tlookbackasIstartedwalking

towardsthedoorandtoJulian’scarwaitingoutside.IhatedMichael,whythehelldidhehavetokiss

me?It’shisfault,nowhowamIsupposedtoexplainthistoJulian?He’ssuchakindandcaringguy,

unlikeMichael.

AsIsatinthecar,Julianfollowedmeandstartedthecarup,assoonaswewerebothstrapped.

Theminutestickedbyinanawkwardsilence.Itriedtofocusonthebeautifulnightenvironmentoutside

thecarbutIcouldn’t.

“Youknow,youcantellmeanything,Iwon’tmind,”Juliansaidoutoftheblue,ashiscarcametoa

stopoutsidemyhouse.

Isighed,“Yeah,goodnightJu…,”IsaidasIkissedhischeekwhilehewastryingtoturnhishead

towardsmylipsbutIwasfastenoughtoavoidit.AsIopenedthecardoor,hecaughtholdofmyhand.I

turnedaroundswiftly.Hewasgoingtosaysomething,butIguessdecidedagainstit.

“Goodnight,”hesaidasheleftmyhandandspedaway,leavingmetodwellinmydarkness.

***

“Youdidwhat?”Mirabelleshoutedthroughthephonespeaker.OnceIwasinsidemyroom,Ihad

dialedhernumber.Ineededtosharethiswithsomeone.

“Iamnotgoingtorepeatit,”Isaidbacktoherinameektone.Comeon,Iwasalreadyfeelingso

guilty,whywasshemakingthishard?

“HasSharonEstherjustkissedanotherguywhileinarelationshipwithJulian?Thisissomething

new.”Shesaidback,inahappyvoice.

“Iamkeepingthephonedown.You’reofnohelp,andIhateyou,”Isaidirritated.

“Okay,okaysorry.Iknowwhatyou’regoingthroughShar,butIwillsaystopfeelingguilty.

Alright?Itwasnotyourfault,justtellJulianaboutit.Iamsurehewillbemoreappreciativeifyoutell

thetruth.He’sagoodguy,”Mirabellesaid,likethelovegurusheis.

“Idon’tknow;hemightgetangrywithme.Hewillbehurt.IhateMichael.Iamsomeone’s

girlfriend,andyethecomesandkissesme.”Isaidback,thepreviousangerbubblingupinsideme.

“Shutthe‘IhateMichael’thing!YouandIbothknowthatyouwouldn’thavekissedhimifyou

didn’tfeelanattractiontowardshim.Now,justgoandtellJulianaboutit.Shar,youhavetochoose

betweenthetwo,youknowthisjustcan’tgoon.”Mirabellesaidindefeat.

Iknewthatshewasright,butIwasangriernowonhearingit.IknewIfeltmoreattractedtowards

MichaelthanIwasevergoingtofeeltowardsJulian.ButIcan’tacceptit.Notyet.

“Bye,”Iputthephonedownwithouthearingherreply.

Chapter-12Michael

AfterJulianandSharonhadleftyesterdaynight,IspentitthinkingaboutwhyIhaddonewhatIhad.

Imean,Ineverwentaboutkissinganothergirlwhohadagirlfriend,theycametomewillingly,andnever

theotherwayround.IknewSharonwasn’tagirllikethat;sheprobablyfeltsoguiltyafterdoingthat.

HowcanIbesomadforsomenewgirl?Ididn’tlikehowshewasupsetandjustwentawaywithJulian

withoutevensayingsomethingtome.Ididn'tsleepawinklastnight,andthatonlyhappenedwhenIhada

girloveratmyhouse,andwespentthenightonour‘errands’,whichincludedmorepleasurablework

thanthinkingabouthowsomeonewasupsetwithme.

Believeme,lastnightIwasfuriousatJulianforbringingSharontothefight.Thatplacewasn’t

someamusementparkyoucantakeyourgirlfriendto.Thosemenweredrunk,andtheycouldhaveharmed

her.Iwouldn’thavelikedanyonetouchingherinaninappropriateway,thoughJulianprobablydidthat

exactthingeveryday.Iwon’tthinkaboutthat,Nah,notatall.Finally,Ireachedcollege,afteralotof

ponderingonwhetherornotactuallytoshowup.

“Whattookyousolong?”Leeaskedwithhisarmscrossedoverhischest.

“ComeonLee;hewasprobablytiredfromhavingtobangthatgirlallnight.Ithappens,”Hanschuckledat

that.

“Yeah,weallknowhowmuchhedoesthatinonenight.Moreover,hewonanimportantgamelast

night.Hedeservedthat.”Timsaidaswell.

“Yeah,Iwasabittired,”Isaidbackwithamildsmile.Icouldn’ttellthemthetruththatIdidn’twantto

facethehateofthegirlIlikedyetagain.

“Okay,comeonthen,”Leeletthemattergo,muchtomyrelief.Hewasneverfooled;hewas

alwaysthisbrothertomethatIneverhad.Idon’tknowhowImanagedthistime.

AsIdictatedthetaleofmyfightinganticsfromlastnighttotheboyswhilewalkingovertoour

class,Inoticedher.Thereshewassmilingandgigglingatsomethingwithherfriendinfrontoftheir

locker,booksinhand.Shewaswearingabluedresstoday,whichclungtoherchestandabdomenand

floweddowntohermidthigh.Evenfromthisdistance,shelookedsobeautifulandcute.Thememoriesof

hersoftlipscamefloodingbacktome,howshehadgaspedwhenminetouchedhers,thenhowsheslowly

yetsteadilystartedkissingmeback,howhersmallhandsclungtomyshirtforsupport.Mymandown

thereisgettingalljumpynow.Ihavetostopthinkingaboutherlips.Thiswillbeaveryawkward

situationifIdon’t.

“Mike,areyoualright?”Hanssaidloudly.

“Yeah,why?”Inoticedalloftheboysweregivingmeweirdlooks,andLeewasstaringatmewith

hisjudgingeyes.Iamgoingtobeinabigrowwithhimsoon.Icanfeelitinmybones.

“Youjuststoppedtalkingallofasuddenandstoodtherestaring,”Hanssaidlookingatme,

concerned.

“Iamokay,let’sgo,”JustasIsaid,thathereyesfellonme.Itfeltlikeherhearthadstoppedallofa

suddenashermouthfellopenslightly.Icouldseehergriptighteningonthebookherhandsheld.I

smirked,knowingmyinfluenceonher.Atleastshedoesn’thateme.Herfriend,too,lookedinmy

directionandjustlikethatshestartedtalkingandwhatevershesaidmadeatingeofredappearonher

cheeks.Shepulledherfriendbythehandasiffurious,andspeed-walkedintheotherdirectionawayfrom

me.

“Mike,Icanseeyourinterestinthatnewgirl,”Leesmirkedbesidemewhiletheotherslookedat

himandmeweirdly.

“Whatgirl?”IaskedasifIdon’tknow.Whenallofasudden,realizationdawneduponTimand

Hans,andtheystartedhootingimmaturely.Thestudentsinthecorridorwereallgivingweirdlooksinour

direction.

“SoMichaelStartonisinlove?”Hansaskedchallengingly.

“Iamnotinlove,youfucker.Icanneverbe,”Isaidbacktohim.

“Well,weknowthatprettywell.”Withthat,Leestartedwalking,andtheothersfollowedhim.Not

havingachoiceIfellinstepwiththem.Somuchforbeingtheworstbadboyinourgroup!Iamturning

intoamushboy,fuck.

Chapter-13Sharon

“MissEsther?”Mr.Donovansaidfromhisdesk,pushinghisgrandpaspectacleshigherupthe

bridgeofhisnose.

“Yes,”Isaid,standingup.Hebeckonedmetohisdesk,whichIobliged,thinkingwhatIhaddone

wrongnow.

“IassumeyougotbackyourMathspaper.”Hemadeitsoundlikeastatementinsteadofaquestion.

“Yes,sir,”Isaidsheepishly.IamnotthebestpersonatMaths.Idespiseditwithallmyheart.And

thathatredreflectedoffofmypapershowingabig‘F’ontheside.

“Thisisthesecondtimeyou’refailinginmysubject.Iamsureyou’reawareofthat?”Okay,nowhe

madeitsoundlikeaquestion.

“Yeah,Iam,”Isaid.Ihopehe’snotgoingtoassignextraclassestome.Collegeteachersdon’thave

timeforthat.Comeon,thisisnotaschool.Idon’twanttogetsessionswithmyMathsteacher.

“Iamalsonoticingthatyou’relaggingbehindwhatisbeingtaughtintheclass.Therefore,duetoall

ofthesereasons,Iamassigningaseniortoteachyouabitfortheupcomingexam.He’sasplendid

student,andIamsureyouwillprogressifheteachesyou.IamgoingtoaskhimaboutitwhenIhavea

classwithhimtoday.”

“ButIdon’tneedatutor.Icantakelessonsfromsomeoneinmyclass.”Itriedtoreasonwithhim,

butIprobablysoundedalmostpleading.Whyasenior?WhynotMirabelle?WhynotJulian?Theyareall

goodatMaths.

“Iamnotassigningoneofyourclassmatesbecausetheyaregoingtobebusyintheupcomingweeks

justlikeyouwiththetests.Theseniorsdon’thaveexaminationsrightnow.Now,Iamgoingtoaskhimto

startyourclassesfromtomorrowafterschool.Youtwowillmeetinthelibrary,andhewillbegivingyou

classesfortwohours.Iassumethatwillbeenoughforyoutopassthistestintheupcomingweek.”He

babbledonaboutit.Inotedtheword‘him’.It’saguy,andanotherstuckupseniorguynodoubt.Canmy

lifegetanybetter?

“Butsir,myfriendswon’thaveaproblemteachingme.Theyaresuperbatstudiesandme—“Iwas

saying,desperatelytryingtoalterhisdecision.Twohours,withacompletestrangerseniorguyina

desertedschool.Notaverygoodidea.Nope,notatall.

“Mydecisionisnotupfornegotiation,MissEsther.Nowpleasetakeyourseat.”Hesaidpushingat

hisspectaclesagain.

Igavehimafinaldisheartenedlookandturnedaway,sittingdownatmydesk.Let’sjustthink

positive.Maybehe’sanerd,averyinnocentpersonwithbigHarryPotter-styleglasses,onlywithmore

thicklenses.Maybehewon’tevenpayattentionifIwasagirlandwillonlytutormeforthetwohours

andleave.Yeah,thatmightbe.Iamsureifhe’sagoodstudent,thenhehastobeanerd.Okay,Ifeelgood

now,everythingwillbealright.

“IassumeyougotyourselfanewMathstutor?”Mirabelleaskedfrombesidemewithoutlookingup

fromhernotebookwhereshewasscribblingdownsomeformulashit.

“Don’tsaythat‘assume’wordagain,orelseIamgoingtobiteyou,”IhatedhowMr.Donovansaid

‘Iassume’somanytimesandmademeacceptatutor.

Shegiggled,“Okay,okay.Sowho’sgoingtobeYOURtutor?Ibethehastobeexceptionally

skilledtoteachyouMaths.”

“IcanannoyhimtodeathifIdon’tevenattempttolearnsomething.Hemightleavemebeforethe

exams.Iwillbefree,”Isquealed,andeveryotherstudentlookedmyway.Icalmeddown,embarrassed.

“Yeah,sure.Iamconfidentyoucandothatalright.Butmindyou,Iamnotgoingtoplaytheroleof

yourtutorthen,”shesaidsternly.

“Huh,Idon’tneedyourhelp.IhaveJulian.Hewillteachme.”IsaidasIlookedtowardstheback

desks.Hecaughtmewatchinghimandwinkedatmewithanadorablesmile.Ilikedhissmile,butnotas

muchasMichael’ssmirk.Ugh,notagain.Sharon,don’tthinkaboutthatbastard.

“BestoflucktopoorJulianthen,tryingtoteachyouMaths.”Shegiggled,andthebellrang,

indicatingtheendoftheclass.

Chapter-14Sharon

“Okay,byeShar.Hopeyouhavefunwithyournewnerdtutor,”Mirabellesaidinherchirpyvoice.

“Comeonstopteasingme.Iamnotgoingtobeagoodytwoshoesforhim,Iwillbethemost

annoyingstudentthathehaseverhadtoteach,”Isaidcrossingmyarmsovermychest.

Ashley,Sierra,Gerard,andJeromewerealljustcomingoutthroughthegateofthecollege;all

preparedtogohome.WhenIhadfirstmetthem,Ihadthoughtwewouldbethegreatcollegegroup,butit

wasn'treallylikethat.Wedidn’thititoffaswellasIhadthought.Weweren’tthatclosefriends,andjust

sattogetheratlunchtime.Mirabelletoowasgoinghomeinhercar,andIwouldhavetocatchthebusto

getbackhome.Thankyou,Mr.Donovan,,forthisthoughtofyourstohelpmeinMaths.Finally,Juliantoo

climbeddownthestairstogetbackhome.

“HeyJu…,”Iwentuptogreethim,andhecaughtholdofmywaistandkissedmesoftlyonmylips.

“Hibabe,”hesaid,hiseyesfondlytakingmein.Hestoleanotherkiss,justasIwasgoingtoreply.

Hewasobsessedwithkissingme.Thistime,though,Ididn’tletthekissbreaktoosoon.Ibitontohislips

justashewasgoingtoleavemine;ourtonguesswirledtogetherinunisonashesmiledintothekiss.I

couldhear,oohsandaahsfrombehindme,probablyfromGerardandJerome.Asweseparated,we

staredintoeachother’seyes,smilingafterwhichJulianletgoofmywaistandinsteadsettledforholding

myhand.

“So,nowthatyoutwoaredoneslurpingoneachother’ssaliva,Ithinkyou’regoingtobelatefor

yourextraclass,”Mirabellesaidcockily.

“Gross,‘Belle,shutup.Whenyouhadaboyfriend,youusedtopushyourtonguedownhisthroatall

thetime,”Isaidbacktoherwithasmirk.

“Shutup.Julian,areyoucoming?”ShesaidlookingatJulian.

“Yeah,weshouldprobablygo.Sharonwouldn’twanttobelateforherfirstextraclass,”he

chuckled.Hewasclearlyhappytoteasemeaboutitaswell.

Irolledmyeyes,“Youtwoarethesame.Ipromisetosendhimawaybythethirdday.AndJulian,

thenyou’regoingtobemyteacher,”Isaid,twirlingmyhandsaroundhisneck.

“IwouldlovetoteachyouMathsaswellasmanyotherthingswhichincludeanelementofsexyin

itaswell,”hesaidwigglinghiseyebrows.

Ilightlysmackedhischest,“Sureyoudoloverboy,nowgo,”Ipushedhimplayfully.

“Bye‘Belle,”Isaidasshewavedthebackofherhandwhilewalkingtowardshercar.

Isighedandstartedwalkinguptothelibrarywheremytutorwassupposedtobethererightnow.

Thiswasridiculous.Iamincollege,yetIhavetotaketuitionclassesfromasenior.Icouldjustbunkhis

tutoringclassandgohome.Butthenagain,Icouldn’tdothat;hewouldprobablycomplaintoMr.

Donovan,andIwouldbeinmoreofaproblem.

Thelibrarywasemptyexceptforthelibrarian.Igavehermynameandtoldheraboutthetutoring,

towhichshejustnoddedherheadandsaidthattherewasaguyatthelasttablebehindtheshelvesof

Mathsbooks.Okay,thiswasnotgoodnews,thattableiscompletelyhiddenbehindtheseveralshelvesof

books.

Hecould,well,beaserialkiller.StopgivingstupidexcusesSharon,andjustgowithit.Howbad

canitbe?Istartedwalkingtowardsthetableandtherewasmytutor.

Sittinghunchedover,andlookingoutthewindow.Heprobablyheardmyfootstepsandturned

around,andohboy,thiswasnotgood.Thiswasnotgoodatall.Ihadstoppedwalkingandstaredblankly

athim.

Chapter-15Michael

Ismirked,lookingathershockedandsurprisedcondition.Hermouthhadslightlyopened,andher

eyesbulgedoutwide;shelookedcomical.Shestartedlookingaround,probablythinkingshehadsomeone

elseasatutor,andIwasjustsittingthere.Asshecompletedherinspection,notfindinganyoneelse,she

lookedbacktome.

“Areyouheretotakeextraclassestoo?”sheasked,tryingtoreassureherselfthatwashowitwas.

Ichuckled.“Nobabe,Iamheretotutoryou,”Isaid,stillsmiling,andpattingtheseatbesidemefor

hertositdown.

Thereitgoesagain;hermouthfellopen,andifitwerenotattachedtoherjaw,itwouldhave

probablytouchedtheground.Shelookedfrommetotheseatandthenbacktome.

“You’rebluffing!”shesaid,throwingherhandsupintheairandimmediatelywecouldhearthe

librarianmakingannoyednoises,tokeepusquiet.

“Well,Iamnot.Nowwillyoupleasesitdownandletmestartyourtutoring?Idon’twanttogetthe

badmouthforyourresultsintheupcomingtests.”Isaidmatteroffactly.Ialwaystakemyjobsseriously.

Shereluctantlytooktheseatbesidemeandsliditabitfurtherawayfromme.

“So,Mr.Donovanaskedmetohelpyou,sayingthatyou’requitemuchofatopperinMaths,”I

chuckled,andIcouldseeherfacegoingred.Thiswascute.“Howaboutwestartwithsomethingeasy?”

Istartedwiththebasics,andeverytimeIwouldexplainsomethingandaskhertodoaproblem,she

wouldjuststareathernotebookandthetextbook.Shewouldn’ttellmethatshecouldn’tunderstandor

anything,shewouldjustsitthere.Ithoughtmaybeshewastooproudtosaythatshecan’tunderstandsoI

explainedthechaptertoheraboutfivetimesandyetshestillwouldn’tunderstand.Icouldn’tcontrolit

anymore.Iamnotapatientperson,butforhersake,Itried.

“Wherethehellisyourmind?AreyouevenlisteningtowhatIamsaying?It’sbeenonehour,and

yetyouhaven’tdoneasingleproblem.Whatthehellareyoutryingtodo?”Isaidexasperatedly.

“Iamnotinterestedinlearninganythingfromadouchebag,good-for-nothingpersonlikeyou,”now

shetalkswithacalmvoice.Itwaslikethecalmandpleasantenvironmentyouhavebeforeastorm.

“Idon’thaveanyinterestinteachingyouwhatIhadtolearnwithmyownhardwork.Iamtryingto

teachyoueveryshortcutandtrickIhaveeverusedsothatyoucangetagoodgrade.Ifitweren'tforyou,I

neverwouldhaveagreedtodothis,sojustgetyourheadinthegameandgetthisshitoverwith,”Isaid

back.

“That’sthedamnproblem.Thisistheproblem.YougokissingmewhenyouperfectlyknowIam

datingsomeone,andthenyouwouldactlikeitneverhappened.Youjustignoremeafterthatlikeyou

neverknewme.Imean,whythehellareyoudoingthisforme?”Shesaid,angerevidentinhervoice.

Shewasgoingtosaymore,butIguessthiswasenoughtotriggersomethinginme,andIcrashedmy

lipsonhers.Likethelasttime,thistimetoo,shewassurprised.Oh,howImissedthefeelingofher

mouth!Ithadbeenweeks,andIhadtoseeherkissingandhuggingJulian,whodidn’tevenknowhowto

protecther.WheneverIsawthemtogether,Iwantedjusttosnatchherawayfromhimandkissher

senseless,toshowherwhoisbetterforher.Butthiswassogood,aftersuchalongtime.Shetriedtopush

meaway.ButIcaughtholdofhernecktomakeherstayinplaceandkeptholdofherlips.Afteracouple

ofmoments,shemeltedintomykiss.Shestartedkissingmeback.Asmytongueenteredhermouth

touchinghers,shemoanedloudly,andIdrankupallofit.Shebitmylowerlip,andasmuchasIhateit,I

madeamuffledmoantoo.Icouldfeelhertremblinghands;IsmirkedatthereactionIleftonherand

slowlyreleasedherlips.Asweparted,herhandswerestillheldinmine,andshelookedbacktomy

mouth.Thensuddenly,asifshehadwokenupfromatrance,sheshookmyhandsofffromherwristsand

stoodupintheflashofaneye.

“Ohno,you’renotdoingthisagain.Iamleaving,”shesaidhurriedlypackingherbooksintoher

bag.

“Sharon.”Isaidcalmly.

“No,Iamnotlisteningtoyou…”Shewasstilltryingtogetherbelongingsintoherbag.

“Sharon!”Isaidlouderthistime.

“What?”sheshouted.Andthesound‘shhh’echoedinthelibrary.Thelibrariandidn’tlikethissort

ofnoiseinherpeacefulheaven.

“Sitdown,”Isaid,lookingstraightintoheroceanblueeyes,swirlingintodifferentwavesfromher

emotions.

Shesatdownslowly,lookingatmeandkeptherbagdownwithhalfofthebookstumblingoutofit.

“Iamnotgoingtoendureyouignoringmeafterthiskiss,”shesaidwithdefiance.

“Thenwhatthehelldoyouwant?”Ilostmycalmagain,butmanagedtokeepmyvoicelevelsothat

shecouldonlyhearit.“Whatdoyouwant,huh?You’redatingaguyandsuckingfacewithhim.Whatwas

Isupposedtosaytoyouwhenyouwereleavingmyhousetheotherday?Wasitappropriatetosay,no

Sharondon’tgo,Iwanttokissyoumore?Wasit?”

Shewasdumb-foundedandjuststaredatmewiththosebigblueeyes.Isighed.

“Look,Iamnotgoodatsharingfeelings.AndIdoshitthings,andyouaredatingsomeoneelse.But

Itriedtooverlookyou,Isleptwithothersanddidshit.”Hereyesnarrowedatthatstatement,“Ilikeyou

alright?Fromthefirstdayyouslappedmeinfrontofthewholedamncollege.Iknowthisisweird,but

yeah,Ilikedyourdefianceandyourno-nonsenseattitude.Youdon’tthrowyourselfatmeliketheother

girls,”Inervouslylaughedandranmyhandsthroughmyhair.

“Soyoulikeme?”Itwaslikeshedidn’thearanythingelsebutjustthat.

“Yeah,Isaidthat,didn’tI?”Thistime,shesighed.

“YouknowIshouldgo,let’sjusthaveourtutoringclassestomorrowwhenwearebothinafresh

mind.”Shesaidbacktome,standingupandthistime,therewasnostoppingher.Iquietlygotuptoo,and

followedherdownthestairsoutside,biddingfarewelltothelibrarian.

“Icanjustleaveyouatyourhouse,Ihavemycar,”Ioffered.

“No,it’sokay,Iwilljust—“Iknewwhatshewasgoingtosay,andIdidn’tlikeherbeingcrowded

uponthatbus.

“Justsitalright?Iamnotgoingtoeatyou,”Isaid.

Shelookeddownandobeyed,finallyforthefirsttime.Iopenedthedoorforher,andshesatdown

withoutaword.AsIstartedtodrive,Ithoughtitwasmaybebetterforhertogobybusorsomething.The

tensionwassuffocating.Idroveinsilenceandwiththehelpofherdirectionsreachedherhouse.She

didn’tsayawordtomeassheleftmycar,probablytoenterherparents’house.

***

Ihadn’tgotoverthefirstkissIhadsharedwithMichael,andthereheenteredwithanother.Don’t

getthewrongimpression;itwasamazing,IfeltIwasoncloudnineeachandeverytimehistongue

touchedmine.ButIhadaboyfriend,howcanIdothistohim?Ihadn’tsaidanythingtohimaboutthefirst

kissMichaelandIhadsneakedin,andnowIhaveanother.Thetypesofthoughtswereracingthroughmy

mindwhenMichaelleftmeatmyhouse.Ididn’tturnbacktosayanythingtohim.Itfeltweirdand

awkward.Heconfessedhelikedmeandnowonder,ifitturnsouttobemorethanthatinthefuture.

“Sharon,areyoubackdarling?”Mumsaidfromthekitchen,probablymakingourdinner.Ididn’t

understandhowthetimeflewbywhenIwaswithhim.

“Yeah,Iamback,Iamjustgoingtomyroom,”Isaidalreadystartingtoclimbthestairs.

“Why?Areyouillorsomething?”shesaidhurriedly.Icouldpictureherworriedfigurestandingin

thekitchen,stoppingalloftheworkshewasdoing.

“No,IamjustabittiredwithalloftheadditionalstudyforMaths.Don’tworry,”Isaidbacktoher,

alreadyhalfwayupthestairs.

“Alright,”Iheardherfaint,almostnon-existentvoicefromthekitchenasIenteredmyroomand

closedthedoor.Ifloppeddownonmybedandsighed.Myemptylightblueceilingstaredbackatme.

“WhatamIgoingtodonow?”Iwhisperedintothesilence.

Iamnotusedtosomuchattention.Iwasmoreofaguythanagirlinhighschoolandnoguydaredtoeven

lookatmeinthatsense,knowingthattheywouldgetanearfull.Thiswassoweird.

Yeah,IlikeJulian,butwithhim,itfeltlikesomethingwasn’tright,likeIwasn’tsupposedtobe

withhim.WithMichaelthough,everythingfeltgood,Ifeltcomplete.Healwaysmademeangryor

frustrated,butIlikedit.

“Ugh,”Igroaned,pullingthepillowovermyhead,notevenrealizingthatIfellasleep,inthoughtof

howMichael’slipsfeltonmine.

Thenexttutoringsessionswithhimwereprofessional,infacttotallyprofessional.Hedidnothing

butteachmeMathsandhelpmeoutwithmyproblems.Henevermentionedthekissorhisfeelingsor

anything.God,therehewentagain,ignoringmelikeIwassomedeadlydisease-inflictedgirl.Ihatedthis

characteristicofhim;well,Ididn’tmentioniteither.Atleastitwasn’tallawkwardairbetweenusright

now,andthenwhowasItobringitupagain?

Tomyastonishment,IpassedmyMathsexamwithashiningB.ThatwasthebestresultIhadever

gotinaMathsexam.EvenwhenIcheated,Ididn’tgetthathighofagrade.Thiswasgreat.Butwiththe

testsbeingover,IhadnoexcusetomeetMichaelanymore.Maybehewilltryandtalktomeaboutthings,

nowthatthetutor-tuteerelationshipwasover?

Chapter-16Sharon

IthadbeenafewweekssinceIhadanynewencounterswithMichael.Iwashappyforthat,and

thenagain,Ifeltnotsogood.Itwaslikehehadforgottenmeafterthekiss.Itdidn’tevenmattertohim,

andwhywouldit?AfewdaysagoonlyIsawhimenteringwiththisnewgirlinthecafeteriaduringlunch

break.Hedidn’tevenseemtonoticemethen.Hehadsatwiththatgirlattheirusualtable.Thatgirlwith

herpinkpoutylipsandface,whichlookedlikeithadaninchofmakeuponitcouldn’tkeepherhandsto

herself.Sheconstantlytouchedhisbiceporsometimestouchedhischestwithapointedfingeroreven

sometimesIcouldseeherhandsgoingunderneaththetable.ThankgodIcouldn’tseewhatshewas

touchingthen.Ididn’thaveanywishforthat.I’mnotmuchofaPDAperson,andthosethingslookedso

nastytome.Herfacewastooclosetohisearorhislips,andheseemedtoenjoyit.HowIhatedthat

overlypowderedreptile!LikeMirabellesaid,IneededtomakeupmymindastowhoIwant.Butevery

timeIwouldthinkofhowJulianwassosweettomeandhowIfeltwhenIwasnearhimandshitthings

likethat,MichaelandhisobnoxiouskisswouldpopupinfrontofmyfacelikeIwasrelivingthatmoment

again.IwasthinkingoftellingJulianaboutwhathadhappenedbetweenMichaelandmetonight.Julian

wasactingveryweirdafterwehavereturnedfromMichael’shouse.Icouldn’tpinpointastowhatthat

was,hedidn’ttalktomemuch,nordidhewanttobeallinvolvedwithme.Itsaddenedme.

AfterIhadgonehomeintheafternoon,withadaythatwasasannoyingasmyauntDorothy,Icalled

upJulian.Hewasn’tcomingintocollegemuchthesedays.

Afterthethirdring,whenIthoughthewouldn’tpickupthephone,hefinallydid,hisvoicecame

floatingthroughthephonespeaker,“Hi,Sharon,what’sup?”

“Uh,couldyoucomeforastrollinthepark?Iwantedtotellyousomething.”Myparentsdidn’t

knowIwasdating;itwasn’tseriousuntilnow.So,Ididn’tbothertogetJuliantomeetthemyet,whichis

whyIcouldn’taskhimtocometomyhouse.

“Yeah,Iguess,howabout5?”Heasked.

“Yeah,sure.Iwillbewaitingbythepond.”

“Yeah,okay,bye,”JustasIwasgoingtohangup,hespokeagain,“Hey,Sareyoustillthere?”

“Yeah,Iamhere,whatisit?”

It’sjust,youareveryspecialtome,justrememberthatalright?”Okay,theguiltwassettinginonme

now.

“Bye.Meetyouat5,”Isaidandimmediatelyhungup,afraidofwhathemightsaynext.

Thisisgoingtobeharderthanitalreadywas.HowamIgoingtotellthissweetpersonthatIhad

kissedanotherguywhenhehadtrustedmeandleftmealonewithhim?

***

Ihadreachedtheparkatfiveminutespast5,andIcouldn’tseeJuliananywhereyet.AsIstood

lookingtowardsthepond,Ienjoyedthebeautyofnature;thebluesky,theoccasionaltrees,thelight

wavescreatedinthewaterofthelakeandthesoundofthebirdschirping;allofthesethingsmesmerized

me.Ilovednature.Ifeltconnectedtoit.LikeitwaswhereIbelongedinthemiddleofthetrees,underthe

opensky.Ifeltfree.Julianwascoming,asIturnedaroundtoseeifhewascoming.Hehaddecidedto

wearabluebuttonupshirtwithdenimpants.Helookedhandsomeinthem,withhistousledchestnut-

brownhair.Hewassofit,andprobablyanygirlwouldhavebeenluckytohavehimasherboyfriend,yet

hereIwasthinkingaboutanotherdoucheguy.

“Hey,”hecameandhuggedme.Helikedhuggingme.Weirdforaguy,butthegesturewassweet.

“Hi,”Isaidbacktohimwithasmile.

“Let’swalktowardsthemarket.Ineedtobuysomething.Youcantellmeaboutwhatyouwantedto

sayontheway,”hesaidashegesturedmetowalkwithhim.

“Yeah,sure,”IhadbeensilentasIwalkedwithhimtowardsthemainroadwherethemarketwas

located.

“So,IwantedtotellyouaboutthenightwhenyoutookmetoseeMichael’sfight,rememberthe

night?”Iaskedlookingdown.

“Yeah,Idowhataboutit?”heaskedconfused.

“It’sjustthatthingshappenedwhenyouleftusalone,Imeaninthemeantimewhenyouwerenot

withus,”Isaidstilllookingdownnothavingthecouragetolookathisface.Icouldseehimwalkingabit

slowerthanIwas.Ifelthewasgettingupsetastowherethiswasleading.Ididn’tpayheedtothat.

“SoIwasdoingthefirstaidwhenwegrewcloser.Itwasn’tintentional,onmypart.Iwasdoingmy

work.Buthestartedtalkingseductivelyandallofasuddenhestartedkis—“Icouldn’tfinishmysentence

beforeIfeltIwasfallingforward.Itallhappenedsofast;Ididn’thavethetimetosavemyselffrom

falling.AsIfell,Ifeltahardbang,andbyhard,Imeanveryhard,itfeltlikesomeonehadthrownahuge

boulderwithacatapultandithaddirectlystruckmyribsandhead.IheardalotofcommotionasIfell

downonsomethinghard.Everythingwentblurry,andIcouldlistentoaringingnoiseinmyear.Afterthat,

everythingwentblackasIwasdraggedintosomedarkabyss.

Chapter-17Michael

Icouldn’tbelievewhatIsawplayoutinfrontofme.Iwasjustouttotakeajoggingsession,being

boredtodeathinmyhouse.Theboysevenweren’tavailable;theywereallbusydoingsomeshit,even

Lee.Ihadn’ttalkedtoSharonformaybeamonth.Thiswassohardforme,beingIsawhereverydayat

college,eitherpassingthroughthecorridorwearingthatsmallsmileofherinthecafeteriaduringlunch,

orlaughingherheartoutwithherfriends.Callmeacreeporastalker,Idon’tcare,butIadmitto

watchingheratcollegeallthefreakingtimeduringlunchbreak.Isawhowsheblushedwhensheshowed

herfriendstheMathstestpaper,andtheypraisedher.Isawhowshealwaysactedastheproblemsolver

betweenherfriends,howshealwaysusedherhandswhenshetalked,howshereactedtoJulian’s

touches.Believeme,IfeltlikebeatingtheshitoutofJulian.Ifelthurt,Ifelt…..jealousy.Whoever

thoughtthatMichaelStarton,thebiggestheart-breakerinthecollege,wouldfeeljealousoverasimple

newgirlwhohaddaredtoslapme?Idefinitelycouldn’t.Shenevernoticedmestaringatherlikea

lunatic.Thatbrokememore;Isleptaroundalotmorethanbeforeandwenttothefightsalotmoretoo.It

helpedtokickthefrustrationIgatheredupduringtheday.

Rightnow,asIsawSharonwalkingtowardsthepark.Ithoughtofchangingmyroute,butthenagain

whyshouldI?Ifshedoesn’tcare,Idon’ttoo.ShemetupwithJulian,andhegesturedforhertowalk

towardsthemainroad.That’stheonlyplacethatroutecouldleadtofromhere.Istoppedinmytracks

whentheywerenearingtheroad.IthoughtIshouldgoandtakealookatwhattheyweredoingaround

here.SoIdidwhatIneededtodo,Iranfastbehindthem,insteadofjogging,butwhenIreachedthemain

road,mymouthhadfallenopen,andIstoppeddeadinmytracks.Itfeltlikemyworldwascrashingdown,

andsomethingbrokeinsidemewithasnap.Icouldhearit.Sharontrippedoversomething,itfeltlike

someonepushedher,buttherewasnobodybehindherexceptJulian.Juliandefinitelywouldn’tpushhis

girlfriend.Shefelloverandwashitbyacar,adamnedwhitecar!Herbodyflewoverafewmetersand

crashedintotheground.Bloodwasspillingoutofherheadinacascade,andherbodyslowlystoppedthe

minimalmovementitwasdoing.Peoplestartedgatheringaroundher;Julianwasalreadybentoverher

figure.Irantohermotionlessbody,mybreathwashaggard.Shecouldn’tbedead,shecouldn’tbedead,I

continuouslychantedtomyself.

AsIbentoverher,Ifeltmybodywasgoingnumbfromthesight,“Callthefuckingambulance

someone!”Iscreamedholdingherhand.

“Youcan’tbedead,you’restrongerthanthat,youdumbassgirl,”Julianjuststaredatherfigure,his

faceemotionless.HewasprobablymoreshakenthanIwas.Inthedistance,Icouldhearthesirenofthe

ambulance.

***

SharonwasrushedtotheICU,herheadrest,soakingupherblood.Julianstayedwithmeallthis

time.Icalledtheboystoo.Ifshewasgoingtoneedanything,Iwasn’tgoingtogetitlate.Julianhadn’t

saidaworduntilnow.Hejuststaredatmeandherbodyallthistime.

Nowhespokeup,“Iamgoingtogohome.Callmeifyouneedanything.Iwilltellherparents.”He

saiditlikeamachine.Iwasastonished.Wasn’tthishisgirlfriendwhohadanaccident?Isn’thesupposed

tobetenserthanme?IopenedmymouthtosaysomethingwhenanursecameoutoftheICU.

“Whatareyourbloodgroups?”sheaskedinacalmtone.

“Opositive,whydoyouask?”Juliansaid.

“Opositiveaswell,”Isaidbacktoher.

“Whichoneofyouisclosertoher?Weneedtosupplyherbloodimmediately,andourstoredoesn’t

havethisbloodgrouprightnow,”IlookedatJulian,knowingthathewasprobablygoingtodoit.

“Iamsorry,Ihavetogo,”hesaidtoher,“Maybeyoucandoit?”hesaidtome.

Iwasagaindumbfounded,“What?”Icroaked.Whyishebehavinglikeanass?

“Maybewecanstillgoandcheckoutthestorefortheblood,”hewondered.

“Iamtellingyou,boy,wedon’thavethesupplyinthestorerightnow,sheneedsitrightnow.Her

conditionisworsening.”Shesaidinahurry.

“Iwillgive—“IwassayingwhenJulianspokeupagain.“Iamtellingyou;weshouldcheckthe

bloodbanks.Weshouldnotuseourblood.”

“Whynot?”thenurseasked.NowIwasgettingangry.HereSharonwasdyinginthatroom,andhe

wasdelayingit.Hewasn’tgoingtogiveherblood,fine,butwhythefuckisn’thelettingmedoit?

“Pleaseshutthefuckupandgetyourassoutofhere.Iamgivingherblood,”Isaidinadeadlycalm

tonetoJulian,rollingthesleevesofmyhoodieup.

Hedidn’tansweranymore;instead,hisfacegavemeahardlook.

“Thisway,”thesisterledmehastily.

***

Aftertwohoursofwaitinginthelobby,thedoctorsfinallyannouncedthatshewasgoingtoliveand

allbecausethebloodhadreachedherintime.IfeltlikeIwasgoingtocry.IhuggedLeeinmyhappiness;

shewasgoingtolive,mySharonwasgoingtolive.Thedoctorsaidthatoneofuscouldvisitherright

nowandstaythenightifwewanted,butwehadtoremaininthechair.Theboysaskedtoleave,andsince

herparentshadn’tbeeninformedyet,theyweren’tthere.Whichleftmetowatchherforthenight.Iasked

theboystotellherparentsaboutherwhentheygothome.Theymightbeworriedsickaboutherrightnow.

Ienteredtheroom;machinesbeepedaroundher.MypoorSharon!Shelookedsovulnerableandsmallin

thatbed.Isatdownonthehardplasticchairplacedbesideherbedandheldherhandinmine.Ithad

syringesandplastictubesstickingoutofit,Ididn’tlikethem,Ididn’tlikeherbeingsoweak.Isighed;at

leastshewasgoingtolive.

Ikissedherhandtenderly,withnosignoflifeinthem.Thedoctorsaidhersenseswouldbebackby

tomorrow.Ihopethatitwastrue.

“Maybeafterwakingup,youwillwanttogobacktoJulian.Perhapsyouwillwanthimhereinstead

ofme,butsweetheart,Ipromisenevertoleaveyourside.Nomatterwhatyouchoose,Iwill….loveyou

Sharonunconditionally,always,”Isaidtenderlyinawhisper.

Idon’tknowwhenIfellasleep,butIhadadreamagain.Thistime,itwasdifferentthantheoneI

alwayshad,theonewhereIamtalkingtosomemanwithabeardprobablybiggerthananocean.This

time,itwasdifferent.

Thesamemanspoketome,onlyhewassmiling.“Yourfirstlaborofunconditionalloveis

complete.Threemorebeforeyouareamongusagain.Igivemyblessingsson.”

Afterthat,Iwaswokenupfrommysleep,whatwasthateven?Butallofthosethoughtswentoutof

mymindwhenIheardafaintsoundcomingfrombesideme.

“Michael?”

Sharonwasawake.

*****

THEEND

ABOUTTHEAUTHOR

AmeliaWilsonhasdedicatedherlifetowriting.Sheisafirmbelieverinthepoweroflovetoconquer
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BONUS1

TheTruthinLies

ATALEOFMANN

By:

AmeliaWilson

Allrightsreserved.

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AlsobyAme liaWilson

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AWitchyGirl(WickedVampireBook2)

IntrotoSedayval

TheLegendsaysthatMaanherselfcamefromtheheavens,topartakeinthewar.SheusedQueenVahana

I’sbodyasavessel,astheemissarytothepeople.WithQueenVahana’suniontothegoddessMaan,they

enteredthewar.Emergingvictorious,shebanishedtheDragonKnightsofShandototheEast,and

dispersedtherestofherenemiesintotheEnmeiprovinceintheNorth,andtheXeracontinentinthe

South.Tofurtherremindherenemiesofthegreatnessofherpower,Maancarvedoutahugepieceofland

fromtheearth,andbroughtitintothesky.

Thus,themodernfloatingcityofSedayvalwascreated.

Maanherselfascendedoncemoreintotheheavensandleftbehindafragmentofherheart,theJewelof

Maan,toensureSedayvalcontinuedtoprosperinherabsence.

TheFestivalofProvidencewascreatedinMaan’shonor,toremindherenemiesofhergreatness.Maan

didnotbelieveinimposingherbeliefsuponothers.But,shewasadequatelyshrewd,andinherwordsto

thefirstHighPriestessofMaan,shehadsaid:

“LetmyenemiesintothecityIhavecreated,fortheymustseewhatthebelieversofMaan

arecapableof.Showneitherhatenorcandortothem,fortheyneedtoseewhatthese

negativehumanemotionsarecapableofrenderingwithinthehumanrace.Greettheenemy

asyougreetafriend,andindoingso,theywillunderstandthetruenatureofMaan.”

AndthatwashowtheFestivalofProvidencecametobe.

ThepeopleofEnmeiandXera,eversince,wereamiabletowardsthecityofSedayval,havingeconomic

relationswithitspeopleforhundredsofyears.Thoughthefoundationoftherelationshipwasbuilton

war,thepastseemedtohavebeenputbehindthem.TheDragonsKnightsofShandohowever,keptto

themselvesforthreecenturies,nevertobeheardofagain.Rumorsovertheyearscamewithwhispersthat

theywereplottingforanotherwar,buteventhosewerediscarded,untilrecently.

Themostdistressingnewsofall,wastheirsuddeninterestincomingintoSedayvalfortheFestivalof

Providence.

Chapter1:Commune

Thefloatingorbsoflightilluminatedthesidesofthestreetwithanunwaveringintensitythatoutshonethe

fullmooninthesky.Halfwaythroughitsjourneyacrosstheblackcanvasofspace,thewhitemoonwas

thebrightestitwouldbefortheyear,heraldingtheFestivalofProvidence.

Sheraquickenedherpace.Shehadtohurry.ThePriestessesofMaandidnottakekindlytotardiness.

Shemadealeftturnatthejunction,almostcollidingheadfirstintoanoldman.

“Watchit!”heshoutedather.

“Sorryaboutthat!”Sheraexclaimed,alreadymorethantenfeetawayfromthedazedoldman.

Herlong,flowingwhiteclothtrailedbehindherlikecurtainedwisps.Thosewhosawherapproaching

fromthehighstreetnudgedeachother,amusedattheunseemlysightoftheYoungAcolyteofMaan.The

sightofherhandsliftingatthehemsofherheavyskirt,feetstompingthroughthecleanpavements,the

earliercoiffedhairnowweighingheavilyatthebackofthehead,madethemsmirk.

Sheracouldnotcareless.

“Outoftheway!”shebarkedatthesmallgroupofpeopleoccupyingthemiddleofthestreet.Justbeyond

themwasthedomeshapedTempleofMaan.Thegatherersgaveastartledjumpandpartedtomakeway

forhertrajectory.

“Lateagain,Shera?”anoldstreetpeddlercackledastheAcolyterushedpast.“Betterhaveanexcusethis

time!”

“Oh,shutup!”sherasped,toobreathlesstothrowthemerchantanangrierretort.

Reachingtheentranceofthetemple,shestraightenedherruffleddressandwoundthewhite,wispycloth

aroundherneck.CatchingherreflectioninthereflectivesurfaceoftheTempledoors,Sherawashorrified

toseebeadsofsweatspatteredonherforehead,somealreadyflowinginperfectrivuletsatthesideofher

head.ShehopedthattheHighPriestesswouldnotnoticeherharriedfeaturesfromwhereshestood.

Twopealsofthebellrang,signalingthebeginningofCommune.

“Maan’stits!”Sheracursedunderherbreath.Wipingherfeetattheclothinfrontofthetemple,she

steppedintothemarblebluestructure,herbarefeetproducingastreakofdirtontheearlierwhite

footcloth.

Handsclaspedliketheupturnedshellofacrab’s,sherecitedtheentranceprayerofthetemple.

“Invoke,Lead,Disperse,”Sherasaidunderherbreath.Therunesonherforearmsglowed,andshe

touchedthetipofherindexfingersagainstthebronzedentrancedoor.

Themechanismsinthedoorandwallsbegantoturn,itsmetallichandsclickingagainstoneanother.

Reactingtoherlatentpowers,theblueglowofherindexfingerspreadalongthegroovesonthedoor.

RunesymbolsappearedonthedoorjustasSherahadintoned.Afterafewsecondsofheavycogwheels

turning,thedooropenedwithametallicsighandSheraenteredquietly.

Herexposedsolesprickledagainstthecoldtemplefloor.ThepaintingsofQueenVahanaIontheblue

wallsseemedtojudgehereverystep.Keepingherheaddown,Sheracouldnothelpbutfeelthatshewas

beingwatchedbythefirstvesselofMaan.

PriestessesandAcolyteswerealreadyatthecenterofthehall.Communewasjustabouttobegin.The

YoungAcolytes,cladinrobesofwhiteandblue,wereconvergingtothemiddleofthewidehall.Shera

steppedofftheledgeofthestepsleadingtotheprayerhall.Themarbledcolumnsliningtheperimeterof

thehallweresturdyandtheyglowedinalifelikemanner,almostmimickingthatofaheartbeat.Thelined,

gapedpalisadesheldthesturdyceilingoverthem.Beyondthecolumns,Sheracouldappreciatethe

pristine,nakednightsky,withoutthehintofclouds.

“YoungAcolyteShera!”avoicebarkedfromherright.

Sheragaveoutastartledjumpandfoundherselffacingatall,middle-agedPriestess,Abandi.

“Lateagain!”Abandisaid,snappingherfingersforSheratojointheotherYoungAcolytesinthemiddle

ofthehall.

TheYoungAcolytebowedandextendedherhands,palmsupwardsinadiamondformation,asignofher

apology.“Begyourpardon,PriestessAbandi.Itistheanniversaryofmymother’sdeath.Myfather

insistedthatwevisitedherrestingplacetonight.”

Abandi’searliergruffvoicesoftenedconsiderablywhenshespoke.“Oh,well,that…thatisboundto

happen.Nowgo,jointheothersbeforeHighPriestessIktairainsdownMaan’sdispleasureonyour

tardinessagain.”

Therewasnochatterinthemiddleofthehall,merelytherustlesoffeetandclothsbrushingagainstthe

fleshoftheirskin.TheotherYoungAcolytesmovedfluidly,asthoughcontrolledbytheintensegazeofthe

HighPriestesswatchingfromthealtarsethighaboveinfrontofthem.Thoughsilent,theYoungAcolytes

werecuriouslyfidgety.TheHighPriestesshadcalledforasuddenCommunejustanhourago.Neverhad

HighPriestessIktaidonesuchathing,oftenchoosingtoannounceadayofCommuneatleastfivedays

beforetheymet.

HighPriestessIktaistoodinherrobesofwhiteandgreen.Theclothes,weavedbymagicandcotton,

changeditscolorsanddesigntoIktai’swhim.Herrighthandheldontoastaffwhichshonebrilliantlyat

itssphericaltip.Withhawk-likeeyes,shevisuallypreenedattheYoungAcolytesarrangingthemselvesin

frontofher.ThesymbolofthereligiousleaderofSedayval,theHighPriestess’spowerwasonlysecond

toQueenVahanaIVinthemattersofadministration.

Sheraimmersedherselfintotheseaofwhiteandblue,effortlesslyglidingthroughtheotherAcolytes,who

werealreadybeginningtoshowanecclesiasticalinertiafromtheirearliermovements.Onlytheirwhite,

flowingneckclothsflewtothetrajectoryofthenight’swind.ThefacesoftheYoungAcolyteswerenow

paintedwiththeglorificationoftheirleaderinfrontofthem.MovingbehindarowofYoungAcolytes,

SheraknewthattheywouldnotprovidethebestprotectionfromIktai’sstricteyes.Sherawaseasilyone

ofthetallestYoungAcolytesinCommune.Butnovoiceofdispleasurecamefromthepedestalhigh

above.

Sighingwithrelief,SherafoundherdesignatedspotnexttoIman.Immediately,afreshwaveofdislike

washedoverher.Iman,thered-haired,petiteYoungAcolytewasconsideredthepinnacleofperfection.

AtleastthatwaswhattheotherPriestessessaid.Imanspokeonlywhenshewasspokento,andshenever

questionedtheteachingsofMaan.Itwasnotthatshewasapersonwithoutcuriosity;itwasjustthatIman

absorbedtheteachingsofMaanwithanobsessiveacceptance.ToIman,theonlytruthintheworldwas

thetruthflowingthroughthelipsofHighPriestessIktai.

Anotherpealofbellrangthroughtheprayerhall,signalingthebeginningofCommune.Withoutbeingtold,

theYoungAcolytesprostratedthemselvesinfrontoftheHighPriestess.

Asherlipstouchedthecold,marblefloor,SheraheardImanwhisperather.

“TardinessisthedevilinthecourtofMaan.”

“Tardinessisjustnotarrivingontime,”Sherarepliedquietly,hereyesaninchfromtheground.“Stop

beingsodramatic.”

Fromthecornerofhereye,shesawImanflinchatherirreverentretort.Thered-hairedacolyte’seyes

weretightlyshut,asthoughShera’swordsfeltlikeahitknifetwistingunderneathherskin.Nowords

camefromIman,andSherabreathedoutasighofrelief;shewasnotinthemoodforanother

philosophicalargumentwithadisciplewhoacceptedeverythingandquestionednothing.

ImanusedHighPriestessIktai’sfavoritismoverherasatoolofpopularity,tospreadnastyrumorsabout

Shera.TherewasnodoubtinShera’smindthatImanwouldinformtheothersofShera’searlier

impoliteness.KnowingtheYoungAcolyte’spropensityforexaggeration,itwouldprobablyreachthe

HighPriestess’ears,too.SherawasalreadyanabhorrentfigureamongsttheotherYoungAcolytes;it

wouldnottakemuchforImantoconvincethemofShera’sgratingremarks.But,Sheradidnotcare.Ithad

beenaroughnightforher.Thefirstanniversaryofhermother’sdeathwasstillweighingheavilyinher

mind,remindedofthefactthatithadbeenayearsinceshelosthergreatestsupporter.

WhenHighPriestessIktaispoke,theinflectionofhervoicewasassoftandpurposeful,likevinessnaking

upatree.HerwordsreachedthebackmostrowYoungAcolytes,losingnomagnitudeofemotion.As

always,hersentenceswerepunctuatedwithgratitudetothegoddess,Maan.

“WhentheGoddessofMaanseparatedthislandfromEarthtocreateourfloatingcity,Sedayval,shedidit

sothatourcitywouldnotbeexposedtotheinflammatoryactionsofthenonbelieversontheEarthbelow,

thankstoMaan.”

“ThankstoMaan,”chorusedthewaveofYoungAcolytes.

“Whentherewasonlyenmityandwarandstrifeinthisworld,Maantookusfromwithinthathorrible

land.Shedeliveredustosafety,thankstoMaan,”HighPriestessIktaisaidagain,wavingawizenedhand

atthedisciplesinfrontofher.

“ThankstoMaan,”theYoungAcolytessangoutinunison.

Nexttoher,ImanpracticallyscreamedouthergratitudetowardsMaan.UnliketheotherYoungAcolytes

whowerecomfortableinloudlyexclaimingtheirgratitudetowardstheabstractdeity,Sheraoftenfelt

contrastively.Maanexistedeverywhere.Beingtoodecadentinone’sreverenceoftheubiquitously

presentgoddesswasredundant.SherawascomfortablewiththankingMaaninherheart.

“NotgivingpropergratitudeisadevilinMaan’scourt,”ImansaidquietlyastheHighPriestesscontinued

herspeech.

“Theloudestidiotsareoftentheoneswiththeemptiestvoices,”Sherareplied,eyesclosed,foreheadstill

againstthemarblefloor.

BeforeImancouldreplytheHighPriestessbeckonedfortheYoungAcolytestorise.

“Rise,YoungAcolytes.LetourGoddessMaanseeyourfacesthroughmyeyes.”

TheYoungAcolytesliftedtheirforeheadsfromthecool,marblefloorsandsat,withtheirlegsfoldedand

handsrestedontheirlaps.Sheratooktheopportunitytolookaroundtheprayerhall.Ateachcolumn

liningtheperimeterstoodaPriestessofMaanintheirrobesofblueandgreen,bodiesfacingtheYoung

Acolytes.HereyesresteduponherfavoritePriestess,Hazpo,whostoodthenearesttoHighPriestess

Iktai,asymbolofherseniority.

SomethingaboutHazpo’sfacedisturbedShera.Theoftenbenevolent,calmpatinaonHazpo’sfacewas

replacedwithaworrisomelooktonight.ItdistressedSheragreatlytoseethecleardistressinPriestess

Hazpo’seyes.ThesmilethatwasalwaysonherfaceduringHighPriestessIktai’saddresswasmissing.

Somethingwasclearlywrong,thoughSheradidnotknowwhy.ShewasresolvedtoapproachHazpo

aboutaftertheCommunewasover.

TheelderPriestesswastheonlyonewhoacknowledgedShera’sintensecuriosity.Inthecourtwhere

inquisitivenesswasoftenmetwithannoyance,HazpowelcomedanyquestionsSherahadaboutMaan.

Shera’softentooobservantnaturesometimesgotherintotrouble.Herinquisitivenesstowardsthe

religionwasmetwithdiscomfortbytheotherYoungAcolytes.Fromayoungage,theyhavebeentaughtto

accepttheteachingsofMaanwithoutquestioningit.

“…PraisetoMaan,”theHighPriestess’svoicesoundedgarbledinShera’sears.

Herattentiondissipatedfromitscurrentplane,travelingtorandomflightsoffancy.Shewonderedif

AndelwouldstillbeintheAcademia,poringoverhisscrolls.HadfatherleftforEnmei?Orwouldhe

waitforhertoreturnfromCommunefirst?Sherasighedinwardly,herhandreachingdowntoscratchat

theitchonherankle.

“IndulgingintheneedsofyourphysicalbodyisthedevilinMaan’scourt,”Iman’ssharplipswhispered.

“ToscratchanitchwhiletheHighPriestessspeaksisdisrespectful.Youshouldknowbetter.”

Iman’ssharpandacridwordssliceditswaythroughtotheotherYoungAcolytesadjacenttotheir

persons.SomeeventurnedaroundinthemostdiscreetmannertolookatSheraindispleasure.TheHigh

Priestess,oblivioustotheYoungAcolytes’arguments,ploughedonwithherspeech.

“Anitchismerelyanitch.DisturbingtheHighPriestess’CommuneisadevilinMaan’scourt,”Shera

whisperedback.

“Whatisyourpoint?”Imancountered.

“You,Iman.YouareadevilinMaan’scourt,preventingmefromlisteningtotheHighPriestesses’words.”

ThegaspfromIman’smouthwasworthShera’sretaliation.Butsheknewthen,thatshehadgottenabittoo

farwithherwords.Already,afewoftheYoungAcolytes,indeferencetotheirfriendshipwithIman,gave

Sheralooksofshockanddisbelief.

“PraisetoMaan,whatisgoingonthere?WhyarethoseYoungAcolytesnotpayingattentionduring

Commune?”HighPriestessIktaisuddenlysaidout,hervoicenowchanneledinSheraandIman’s

direction.

SherafelttheweightoftheentireCommunefalluponher.Shewasoftenthescapegoatofsuchsituations.

NoneoftheeyesregardedImaninannoyance;theonlyindulgenceshereceivedbeingthatofsympathyand

concern.Hazpo’seyeshowever,werethosethatshowedmereneutralityinsituationssuchasthese.

“YoungAcolyteShera,disturbingtheCommuneagain,PraisetoMaan…”HighPriestessIktaishookher

head.

“PraisetoMaan…”

Shera’sfaceburntatbeingspokentodirectlybytheHighPriestess.Shehadnochoicebuttosettleher

gazeonthesmallblotofpatternonthemarbledfloor,hopingthattheberatingwouldbeoversoon.Luck

wasunfortunatelynotonherside.Toherright,Imantriedherbestnottolaughoutloud.

“Myapologies,HighPriestessIktai,Iwasmerelyscratchinganitchonmyankle,”Sheratriedtoexplain.

TheearliercurvedlinesaroundIktai’seyesnowstrainedtoaccommodatethewideningofhereyes.

“IndulginginanitchisthedevilinMaan’scourt,”sheechoedIman’ssentences.Thoughhertonewassoft,

itsmagnitudeconveyedanexplosiveemotion,forthePriestesseslookedarounduneasilyateachother.

AsHighPriestessIktaicontinuedtodenounceShera’squalityinfrontofmany,theYoungAcolytemerely

focusedontherunesonherhands.Thewristsofherhandswereimbibedincircularrunesthatsnakedall

thewayuptothejunctureofherelbows.ItwasthedirectRunictranslationofMaan’swordstothefirst

QueenVahanaIwhenshedescendedfromtheheavenstoaidintheGreatWar.

‘Therearemultipleformsofthetruth,andtheyarepeople’swords.Liveyourtruthandsharethem

withothers.’

IftherewereanyofMaan’steachingsthatSheratooktoherheart,itwasthat.Sadly,noneofherpeersor

seniorsechoedhersentimentsonthematter.Maan’steachingstothem,waswhatcameoutfromtheHigh

Priestess’lips.IktaiwastheonewhodispensedtheknowledgeofMaan,andherfollowerswereforced

toobsequiouslyfollowitwithoutbattinganeyelid.

IktaicontinuedalongthisveinofShera’sdenouncement.TheYoungAcolytestooktheopportunitytoshoot

Sheranastyglances.Sherawasangryandtriedtocontainheremotions.Grippingatherwrist,she

mentallyrepeatedthefirstmantraofMaan.

AndthenshespokeoutagainstHighPriestessIktai.

“Isitso,HighPriestessIktai?”SherainterruptedIktai’slecture,hervoicetingedwithinnocence.“Is

scratchinganitchreallythatbad?”

EveryoneintheInnerSanctumgaspedaudibly.Forthefirsttimeinhistory,SheraspokebackattheHigh

Priestess.Shera,stubbornasshemaybe,wasalsointelligentintheartofconveyingherthoughts.Anger

andopendefiancewouldbemetwithretributionbytheHighPriestessherself.Ifsheaddressedthe

questionproperly,perhapsshecouldemergevictoriousinthisbattle.

“PraisetoMaan,doyoudarequestiontheteachingsofMaan?HelpMaanmaintainherreinonallofus.”

“PraiseMaan,helpMaan…”theotherschantedaroundShera.Someevenclutchedattheirchests,others

clappingtheirmouthsinhorror.

“Ifmerelyscratchinganitchisunacceptable,surelysomethingelseastrivialasbreathing,oreven

blinkingoureyesarebiggerdevilsinMaan’scourt,forwedothemallthetime.I…Ijustthoughtthat

perhapsanitchpaledincomparisontothoseotherdeeds.”

Atthecornerofhereye,SheracouldseethePriestessesliningtheperimeterofthewalllookateach

other.

“Itisadevil!Scratchingtheitchmakesyounotpayattentiontothewordscomingoutofmylips!”the

HighPriestesscontinued.“Breathingandblinkingtheeyelidsdonotpreventyoufromlistening,doesit?”

SheraponderedattheabsurdityofIktai’swords.HavingstudiedMaanwordsinitspurest,originalform,

sheknewthattherewerenosuchrules.Communeitselfwasahumanconceptualization.Andtherulesof

CommuneweremadebytheHighPriestess.

Maancouldgivearat’sassifsomeoneweretoscratchthemselves.

Butaroundtheprayerhall,thePriestessesandAcolytesnoddedfervently.Somewerestilltoostunnedby

Shera’saudacity;theirhandswereplantedfirmlyonthefloortopreventthemfromfallingoveratthe

sheerintensityofthedrama.Sherawantedtoscreamatthem,butknewthattheyweretoogluedtothe

HighPriestess’steachings.

“Myapologies,HighPriestessIktai…Istilldon’tunderstand.Earlierwhenwebowedinprostration,a

YoungAcolyteletoutaterriblefart,”Sherastruggledtokeepastraightface.“Dowehavetodenounce

herjustbecauseherbodychosetoactinanaturalway?”

SomeoftheYoungAcolytesgiggled,asmallblamegamestartingaroundthem.Mostofthepriestesses

howeverlookedliketheyweregoingtofaintatShera’swords.Iktai’slipspursedintensely.

“Bequiet!”Iktairaisedhervoice,herstaffglowingbrightlyasshewaveditaround.“PraisetoMaan,she

doesnotacceptsuchremarksintheprayerhall!”

“PraisetoMaan,”everyonechorused.

“Butiftheitchpersists,andIdon’tscratchit,IwouldnotbepayingattentiontoyourwordsHigh

PriestessIktai.SurelyMaandoesnotwantthat,”Sheraasked,hervoiceslightlyhigher,emulatingthatofa

child’sinnocentcuriosity.

AtthefootofIktai’spedestal,Hazposmileddiscreetly.TheHighPriestesswasruffledbythemannerin

whichSheracouldanswerher,andwassilentforamoment.Thenshespoke.

“IfyouarebotheredbyanitchduringCommune,Maandeemsyouunworthyofherattentionandblessing

then,YoungAcolyteShera.”

ThesmileonShera’sfacevanishedinstantly.Allaroundher,thePriestessesandAcolyteswereshocked

toheartheHighPriestessopenlydenounceadiscipleinsuchamanner.TheyhadneverseenIktaispeak

withsuchmalice,thoughitwasalsotheirfirsttimeseeingaYoungAcolytelobaquestiontowardsIktai.

Thiswasuncharteredterritoryforallofthem.

Sherabitatherlip,hopingthehurtwouldbluntoutthethoughtsswirlinginherhead.Shetriedherbest

nottolookatHazpo,whowasnowslowly,butsurelyshakingherheadattheHighPriestess’behavior.

SatisfiedatputtingSherabackinherplace,Iktailookedeveryoneelseintheprayerhall.

“Now…asIwassaying,praisetoMaan,”HighPriestessIktaicontinuedherspeech.

Sherawasnotlisteninganymore.Thetearswelledupattheedgesofhereyes.Iktaihadopenlycalledher

unworthyofMaan’sattention.HerhazyvisioncaughttheexpressiononHazpo’sface.

TheolderwomannoddedtowardsShera,asignofsupportfromadistance.Hazpo,thoughbeingasenior

Priestess,couldnotopenlyannouncehercamaraderietowardstheYoungAcolyte.Hazpowasfrustrated

attheHighPriestess’tendenciesinsinglingtheYoungAcolyteoutofmany.Itwasanunfairmaneuverto

makeSherathescapegoat.

SheraavertedhergazefromHazpo,unwillingtoletthePriestessseehercry.TheYoungAcolyteknew

thenthatshewouldnotbeacceptedinthiscourt,nomatterhowhardshetried.

TheeventthatnightrevealedtoShera,thatshemayneverbeafull-fledgedPriestessofMaan.Thefive

yearsofstudyingtherunesofMaanwentupinsmokewhenshedecidedtospeakupagainsttheHigh

Priestess.Gladthatnoonewaspayingheranymoreattention,Sheraletthetearsfallfreely.Neverhad

shefeltsomuchshame.

“Asweallknow,theFestivalofProvidencewillbeuponusintwodays,”Iktaicontinuedasthoughshe

hasnotbeeninterrupted.Shepausedandlookedaroundtheroom.“Thiswillbethethreehundredth

FestivalofProvidence,PraisetoMaan.”

“PraisetoMaan.”

“AsMaandictatedthroughQueenVahanaI’sbodyafteremergingvictorious…”hereIktaipausedtoadopt

amoreetherealvoice.“Thoughmyenemiesaredefeated,theyshouldnolongerbecalledourenemies.

Thatisthepurposeofawar;toletpeacebloom.Henceforth,thislandthatIclaimwillbeSedayval,

whichIwillpartfromtheEarth.ItwillbethepinnacleofCivilization.Sedayvalwillopenitsdoorsto

thosewhofoughtagainstus,toallowthem,foraweek,toexperiencelifeinthisfloatingcity.Itwillbe

knownastheFestivalofProvidence.O’myEnmeitBrothersandSistersfromtheNorth,myXeraian

SiblingsfromtheSouth,mybloodrelations,ShandoriansfromtheEast,Ibeckonallofyoutocometo

myhomeduringthedayofProvidence.Letusputourdifferencesaside.”

Iktaistoppedtoletoutasmallcough.HadSheranotbeencryingatIktai’scruelwordsearlier,shewould

havelaughedattheHighPriestess’shorribleimpersonationofMaan’svoice.

“Everyyear,forthepasttwohundredandninety-nineyears,onlytheEnmeitsandXeraianshadgracedus

withtheirpresenceduringtheFestivalofProvidence.TheselfishShandorians,bitterovertheirdefeat,

retreatedbeyondtheeasternmountains,nevertobeheardofagain…orsowethought.”

TheYoungAcolytesintheroomgazedateachothernervously.

“Justafewhoursago,QueenVahanaIVhasjustinformedmethatforthefirsttimeinthreehundredyears,

theShandorianswillbecomingfortheFestivalofProvidenceinSedayval.”

Awaveofwhispersbrokearoundtheprayerhall.HighPriestessIktaiwhousuallyfrownedatsuch

noises,allowedtheYoungAcolytestoconverseamongstthemselves.Somenewswastooimmensefor

traditions.Shera’searlierdebasementwaseclipsedbythisrevelation.

“AndthatiswhyIcalledforthisCommune.NooneknowswhytheShandorianshavedecidedtoattend

theFestivalofProvidence.ButasMaanhasdictated,wewillplaythepartofthegoodhost,”High

PriestessIktaisaid.“AstheYoungAcolytesofMaan,youarethefaceofSedayval’sreligion.Showour

visitorswhywearethepinnacleofcivilization.PraisetoMaan!”

“PraisetoMaan!”everyonechorusedloudly.

“MyYoungAcolytes,alleyeswillbeonyouduringtheFestivalofProvidence.ThePeopleofSedayval

willlooktoyouasthesymbolofMaan’spower.DonotdisappointourGoddess.PraisetoMaan!”

“PraisetoMaan!”onefinalchantrippledaroundtheprayerhall.

Chapter2:TheRumor

TheCommunecametoanend,andtheHighPriestessvanishedintotheveilbehindher.

EveryonestaredforamomentattheemptypedestalfromwhichIktaihadstood.RealizingthatCommune

wasover,theYoungAcolytesgotupfromthefloor.ImanwasstillsittingnexttoShera,aworrisomelook

plasteredacrossherface.Thehandsonherlaptrembledalittle.SherawasabouttoapproachPriestess

HazpowhenImanspoke.

“Thenonbelieversarecomingintoourcity.IfIweretheHighPriestess,Iwouldputanendtosuch

improperpractices.Maan’sbodydoesnotdeservetobesteppedonbythoseinfidels!”

“Whydon’tyoudropasuggestionintotheHighPriestess’chambersandseewhatshesaysaboutit?”

Imanhadagift,orratheracurse,ofbeingunabletodetectsarcasm.ShelookedatSherawithbulging

eyesthatalmostmimickedHighPriestessIktai’s,whenshewasgivingoneofhersermons,andthen

smiled.“Imightjustdothat!”

Thered-hairedAcolytestoodupandbrushedherwhiterobesbeforerushingoffintheHighPriestess’s

direction.

Stupidgirl,Sherathought,shakingherhead.ShedidnothavetimeforIman’sidiocy.PriestessHazpo

heldmoreimportance.

Scanningtheprayerhall,ImansawHazpoconversingwithanotherPriestess.BythelookHazpo’sface,

theconversationwasnotatallpleasant.Sheradiscreetlywalkedaroundtheperimeter,waitingforthe

bestmomenttoapproachHazpo.Herearswereabletocapturesnatchesofconversationsbetweensome

otherPriestesses.

“TheyarethreateningSedayval.”

“WarhasbrokenoutintheEnmeiregion.Itwon’tbelongtillitreachesSedayval.”

“TheDragonKnightsofShando.DragonKnights,canyouimagine?InEnmei!Ithinktheywanttobegina

newwar!”

“Oh,blessusMaan,whatwouldwedo?TheywillbecomingfortheFestivalofProvidence!”

WhenPriestessesorAcolytessawSheraapproaching,theygavehersnidelooks,rememberingtheway

shehadbeenspokentobyIktai.Brandedastheundesirableelementincourt,therewasrepellingforce

betweenSheraandtheotherswherevershewalked,allofthemchoosingtomaintaintheirdistancefrom

her.Shewasusedtobeinganoutcast.Evenduringlessons,thePriestesseswerequicktoremindherof

theirdispleasuretowardsherexuberantlyinquisitivenature.

NoticingShera’spresence,Hazpoendedtheconversationwiththepriestess.Inaroomwhereeveryone

deliberatelyavoidedShera,shewastheonlyonewhohadtheenergy,andpatiencetowalktowardsthe

YoungAcolyte,asmilebreakingacrossherface.

“GlorytoMaan,”Hazpowhispered,takingShera’ssmoothhandsintoherowngnarledones.“Howare

youfeeling?”

“GlorytoMaan,”Sherareciprocated.ThoughstillthoroughlyaffectedbyHighPriestessIktai’swords,

shewouldrecover.Thepresenceofthebald,Priestessinfrontofhersuddenlyhadasoothingeffecton

herflayedego.“IdidnotexpectHighPriestessIktaitoreactinsuchaway.Iwasmerelystatingafact.”

“Ifanything,IthoughtyoumadeasoundargumenttowardsIktai,”Hazposaid.Shelookedaround,

unwillingtohaveeavesdroppersstealintotheirconversation.Already,theotherPriestessesandYoung

Acolyteswerestaringintheirdirection.

“Let’sgetoutofherefirst,”thePriestesssaid.ShetookShera’shandandledheroutthetemple.

Theunwaveringglowofthestreetwasintense,abletolightuptheareaforhoursatendswithout

flickering.TheJewelofMaanheartpoweredthewholeofSedayval.Itmadesurethatthewatersflowed,

thelightsshone,thegearsofthecitymoved,andmostimportantly,itkeptSedayvalfloatingthousandsof

feetabovetheEarth.

“YoushouldnothavespokentoIktaiinsuchabrazenmanner,”Hazpoadvised.“Thereisatimeandplace

toargue,Shera.”

“TheoriginalwordsofMaanneversaidanythingaboutnotbeingabletoscratchitches,orblink,orfart

forthatmatter.Whydowehavetocareaboutsuchtrivialthings?”

“Forshow.”

SheralookedatHazpo’ssmilingface.ShedidnotexpectthePriestesstohavebeencompletelycandid

andconcisewithheranswer.ThePriestessthoughtsotoo.

“MaanneversaidsuchthingsthroughQueenVahanaI.Thatistrue.Buttherearecertainexpectations

whenyouwanttobecomeaPriestessofMaan.Andthatisself-disciplineandrigor.”

“Thereisnoneedforsuchcustoms,”Sherarepliedangrily,holdingoutherrightforearm.Thesymbols

andlinesonherarmwerequietlyindelibletonightwhenitdidnotchanneltheJewelofMaan’spower.

“MysolepurposeofwantingtobethePriestessofMaan,istochannelthepowerofherJewel!Idon’t

havetimetobeconcernedwithtraditionssurroundingthewayanAcolyteshouldbehave.”

TheywalkedalongtheouterfringesofSedayval.Iftherewasacompetitionforthebestwonderofthe

world,thefloatingcityofSedayvalwouldgrabthecrown.Defyinggravity,thecitywashometoa

hundredthousandcitizens.Tonight,most,ifnotallofthem,werepeacefullysleeping,knowingthatinthe

heartofthecity,theJewelofMaancontinuedsupplyingthemitslimitlessenergy.

Leaningagainstthelowparapet,SheratookintheviewoflowerEarth.Thefirsthalfofthehorizon

closesttoSedayvalwasaplateauwithdotsoflightsharboringhamletsandsmalltowns.Atadistant,a

faintgleamoflightlinedagainsttheedgeofthehorizon.TheCivilizationofXerawasthere.

AsagirlpartakinginthejourneytobethePriestessofMaan,SherawasnotallowedoutofSedayval.She

oftencametotheparapetsliningSedayvaltoseetheviewithadtooffer.Likeacagedbird,shewondered

whatitwouldbeliketoflyawaytothedistantcities.

“Itisunfair,”Sherasaidquietly.“IstudiedtheRunesofMaanonmyown.AndIamthebestatchanneling

theJewel’senergy.”

“Idon’tdisagreeonebit.AmongstalltheYoungAcolytes,youaretheonlyonewhohasbeenabletouse

theJewel’senergyquiteprecisely,”Hazposaid,pointingattheelaboratehousenearesttothem.It

belongedtoaministerinQueenVahanaIV’scourt,whowantedherhomebuiltbytheenergyfromthe

JewelofMaan.

TaskssuchasthesewereusuallydesignatedtothePriestesses,whohadbettercontrolofthepower.But

HazpohadbeenkindenoughtoallowSheratotry.Andshedidanamazingjob.Ittookherfivedaysto

channeltheJewel’senergytoamalgamatesmallpebblestobecomealargechunkofboulder,andanother

twenty-threedaystofashionthemoutasasculptorwould.ThePriestessesandYoungAcolyteswere

immenselysurprisedtoseeShera’scapabilityincuttingtherockswithherglowingbarehands.Noneof

theAcolytesshowedmoreprogressthanshedidincontrollingtheJewel’spowers.

ButallthatdidnotmatterinIktai’seyes.TheHighPriestessonlycaredforthemostsycophanticdisciples

ratherthanthemostable.

Sherasawthehouseasatestamenttoherabilities.Therewereotheraccomplishmentstoo.Usingthe

Jewel’spower,shewasabletocarrywaterfromtheriverflowinginlowerEarth,formingablueveinof

coolliquidtocoursethroughSedayval,ensuringthefloatingcityafreshwatersupply.Therewasalsothe

rearrangingofseveralhouseswhichrequiredtelekineticlifting.AllthisSheradideffortlessly,for

amongsttheYoungAcolytes,shewasthemostattunedtotheJewelofMaan.

IfshewereaYoungAcolyteabouttwohundredyearsago,shewouldhavebeenafavoritetobethenext

Priestess,andsubsequentlythechoicetobetheHighPriestess.But,thereligionofMaanhadturnedfrom

merittomouth.Itwasahierarchynow,basednotonone’sabilitytoproperlychanneltheJewelofMaan’s

energy,buttoflattertheHighPriestess.

Theystaredatthedistanttownsandcity,enamoredintosilencebytheview.

“Isn’ttodaythefirstanniversaryofyourmother’sdeath?”Hazposuddenlyasked.

“Itis…”

“Doyoumissher?”

“Terribly.ItfeelslikeIhavelostmybestfriend.Shewastheonlypersonwhotoldmenottolistentothe

othersandkeepupwithmystudies,”Sherasighed.“Gonetoosoon.”

Chapter3:Family

ItwasclosetodawnwhenSherafinallyreachedhome.Thebeamsofthesuncoloredtheeasternhorizon

withaminutetingeofblue.Herfather,Damas,wasalreadyoutsidethehouse,fasteninghiswaresagainst

hiscart.

Thefatigueonhislinedfacewasevident,havingnotsleptthedaybefore.Hiseyeswerestillswollen

fromtheirsmallceremonyearlier.Ithadbeenahardyearforthebothofthem,andtherewasstillmuch

healingtobedone.Herrelationshipwithhimhadbeensheerawkwardnesssincethemomenttheymet

duringherchildbirth–hewasnotgoodwithkids.Andnow,ateighteen,hecouldnotwrapthefactthat

thegirlheavoidedformostofherchildhoodwasnowawoman,andthegluethatlinkedthemtogether,

Shera’smother,haddied.

Sheraandherfatherhadneverbeenclose.Hermotherhadkeptthetwoofthemfromfrayingapart.And

now,herdemisewastheonlythingthatkeptthembothtogether.Thepassingofhermotherhaddrivena

wedgebetweenthem;butthatwasthefunnythingaboutwedges–itmadethembothfallintoit

awkwardly.Therewasaconcessionmadebetweenthetwoofthemtobethereforeachother,untilone

didnotneedtheother.

“Wereyouwaitingformetocomehome?”Sheraaskedsoftly.

Herfathergruntedandpulledattheropes.Thejutfiberstightenedaroundthecratescontainingwares

fromSedayval,muchprocuredinseveraltownsinEnmei.Sedayvalwasknownfortheirausterepotteries

andclassyknickknacks.Herfatherwasalsoanartisan,havingmadealltheitemshepeddled.

“Iwillbegoneforthreedaysthistime.Staysafe,”hesaid,hisbackturnedtoher.

Sherawantedtoreachoutandembraceherfather.Thequiet,raremomentsofconversationtheyeverhad

wereofteninreminiscenceofhermother,ortheturmoilunfoldinginEnmei.Therewasneveran

opportunitytotalkaboutherPriestesshood,orhislovelife.Shehadheardrumorsofhisgoingondates

withthewidowdownthestreetfromwheretheystayed,butSherafeltittoopresumptuoustoaskher

fatheraboutit.

Sheoftenbusiedherselfwiththepropergovernanceofthehouse,cookingandcleaningwhenhewas

there,doingtheverysamethingswhenhewasn’t.Thoughshehatedtoadmitit,herfather’sdepartureto

Enmeioftenmadethehousemorelight-hearted.Therewasn’tacloudofgloomhangingaround,andshe

couldsing,evenlaughwhenhewasn’taround.

Hewasabouttogetonthecartwhenhehesitatedforamoment.Placinghishandonthegrooveonthe

panelofthecart,hecursed.

“Damnedthingwon’twork!”heexclaimed,proceedingtohitthesidesofthecart.

Sherasighed.TheJewelofMaanonlychanneleditsenergytothebelievers.Eversincehermotherdied,

shenoticedthatthingsdidnotworkwellforherfatheranymore.Itwasasifhestoppedbelievingin

Maan,andindoingso,hecouldnotchannelitspowersproperly.

“Here,letme,”Sherasaid,sidlingnexttohim.Sheplacedherhandinthehandshapedgrooveonthe

panel.Immediately,thepanelglowedandtherunesofMaanilluminatedinitsbluish-greenhue.Thecart

gaveoutaparoxysmaltremblebeforethewheelsbegantomove.

“Hmmph!”herfathergrunted.“Blastedcartdoesn’tlistentomeanymore!”

Sheramerelysmiled.“Haveasafetrip,father.”

Herfathergruntedandwavedheroff,beforesettingdownthestreet.Ifhewaslucky,itwouldlasthimtill

themainentranceinthemiddleofSedayval.OncetransporteddowntoEarth,hewouldhavetorentsome

ofthehorsestopullhiscartallthewaytoEnmei.

Ashemadearightturnattheendofthejunction,thepallorofgloomthatwasherfather’spresencewas

liftedoffShera’sshoulders.Sheenteredthehomefeelingslightlyhappier.Apictureofhermotherhungon

thewall,gracingthelivingroomwithherbeautifulwhiteeyes.

Sherahadnoneofhermother’sbeauty.Shewastootallforayoungwoman,herhairwastoocoarse.

EvenafterbeingcoiffedfortheComMaane,itwasstilldeemedanunrulybird’snestofaheadbysomeof

thesnarkierpriestesses.Theonlygiftshereceivedfromhermotherwasthegreyish-whiteeyes,an

uncommontraitofthepeopleoftheShandoregion.

ItwasprobablyoneofthereasonswhySheradidnotfeelshefitin,forhavinggreyish-whiteeyeswasa

commoncharacteristicofaDragonKnight.Infact,hermother,Irinde,hadhailedfromtheEastern

ContinentofShando.Anexuberantwomaninneedofanadventure,Irindehadlefthomeatthetenderage

ofeighteen,andtravelledtheentirecontinentsofXeraandEnmeibeforemeetingherfatheratasmall

tavernjustashewasabouttoreturntoSedayval.

AnativeSedayvalian,theunionofherfatherandanoutsider,aShandoNativeatthat,wasmetwith

skepticismbytheotherSedayvalians.Buttheyhadnothingtoworryabout,forShera’smotherwasawell-

likedwoman.ShetooktolifeinSedayvaleasily.AndshewasafirmbelieverofMaantoo.

Sheragrewuplisteningtohermother’sstoriesofShando.Hermotherwasneveronewhospokeillof

anyoneoranything.Toher,Shandowashome,aplacewhereherheartwouldalwaysbe,tillthedayshe

died.

Then,justwhenSheraturnedseventeen,amysterioussicknesssuddenlybegantoravageIrinde.Sheraand

herfatherweredistraught.HealersfromalloverSedayvalwerecalledtoalleviatehermother’s

sufferings,tonoavail.Threedaysafterhermotherbegantocoughbloodandhaveastrangegrowthof

scalesgrowatherrightshin.Nottoolongafter,shedied.Thefuneralwasheldquietly,andwasgraced

bysomeoftheirfamilies’closestfriendsandrelatives.

Tomanymourners’surprise,Irinde’sfuneralwasgracedbythepresenceofHighPriestessIktai.High

PriestessnoddedatthepalebodyofIrinde,saidafewprayers,andleft.

InaccordancetothereligionofMaan,hermotherwascremated,andtheashesweresprinkledatthe

WesternstarpointofSedayval.ItwasoneofthemostbreathtakingviewsinthewholeofSedayval.The

westernhemisphereofthefloatingcityoverlookedtheShur’Avioceans,whichstretchedforthousandsof

miles.TotheireastlaidthethickcloudsandunrulyjungleswhichkepttheregionofShandohiddenfrom

naked,pryingeyes.EastSedayvalwasIrinde’sfavoritespottoreminisceaboutherhometown,butthe

WesternStarPointwaswhereshehadgottenmarried.Andso,herfatherhadthoughtitaptthattheashes

besprinkledthere.

TherewasanargumentbetweenSheraandherfatheroverthechoosingofIrinde’slastrestingplace.She

wasinsistentonhavinghermother’sashesbespreadattheEasternStarPoint,torespectherheritageasa

NativeShando.But,herfather,Damas,wasdoggedlyinsistenttowardstheWesternStarPoint.Hehad

neveracknowledgedIrinde’sShandotraits,eveniftheywerealwaysthere,staringathimwithinIrinde’s

white-greyeyes.

Ofcourse,thedeathofhermotherinvokedafewmysteriousquestions.Sheraherselfwaslitwith

curiosityastothecircumstancesofhermother’sdeath.Thesicknesswasonethehealershadneverseen,

andthedragon-likescalesspeckledonhermother’sskinwasanothermatteraltogether.

Whatmadeitoddwasherfather’sforbiddanceofspeakingofthescales.Hewouldgladlyspeakwith

melancholyofhowheheldherasshecoughedblood,andtrembledinhighfevers.Butonethinghenever

spokeoffwerethegreen,reptiliangrowthsonhiswife’sthighs.Infact,hehadkeptithiddenfromthe

healerswhentheycametotryandhealhermother.

Thoughcurious,Sheracouldneverfindawaytoanswerthequestions.Therewerenoothernativesfrom

ShandolivingonSedayval.AndasaYoungAcolyte,shewasnotallowedoutofSedayval,underany

circumstances.ThepurestofMaan’svesselsremainedclosetotheJewel,nevertodistancethemselvesat

all.

So,whennewsofShandonativescomingfortheFestivalofProvidencereachedherears,shewasboth

apprehensiveandexcited.Foronce,shewouldbeabletomeetpeoplewhomighthaveknownhermother

–perhapsadistantkin.

Thecircumstancesofhermother’sdeathweighedheavilyonShera’smind.Shewonderediftherewas

moretoitthanjustatragictwistoffate.

AsmallknockonthedoorwokeSheraupfromadream.Lookingoutthewindow,thesunwasalready

highupinthesky.Shestretchedandyawned,mentallycursingatthepersonwhohaddisturbedhersleep.

TheknockingonthedoorpersistedinafashionthatwasonlyuniquetoAndel’s.

“Coming!”Sherayelledout,openingthefrontdoortoseeayoungmaninhisearlytwentiesstandingthere

withagoofysmileonhisface.Hehoistedasmallknapsackfromwhichscrollswerecomingoutlike

pipestoanorgan.

“Youwereasleep?”heasked.“Thatisquiteunlikeyou.”

“TherewasaCommunelastnight,”Sherarepliedsleepily.“Itendedprettylate.”

ShegavewayforAndeltoenterthehouse,holdingtwosmallcontainersoffood.Heoftenvisitedduring

thelunchbreak,usingthattimetoeatwithShera.

Andel’seyeswidened.“Commune?Buttherewasnoannouncement.”

Sherayawnedandwentovertothewashbasin.Sherinsedhermouthwiththecoldwaterandturnedto

herlover.“TheHighPriestesssuddenlyinsistedinmeetingthePriestessesandAcolytleslastnight.We

onlyknewaboutitanhourbeforeitbegan.”

“Why?Didsomethinghappen?”

SheproceededtotellAndelabouttheShandorianscomingfortheFestivalofProvidence.Asherstory

progressed,Andel’sfacedarkened.Heplacedthecontainersoffoodonthetableandsatdownwitha

pensivelookonhisface.Hedidnotseemtoosurprisedbyherstory,thoughshepurposelyomittedthe

partwhereIktaihaddenouncedherinfrontoftheotherAcolytesandPriestesses.Andeldidnotneedto

knowthat.

AndelwasateacherinthelocalSedayvalAcademy.Hespecializedinhistory,andhisresearchoften

grantedhimtheabilitytotraveloutofSedayvaltotheforeignlandsofEnmeiandXera.Once,hehad

evenreachedtheeasterncityofBen-Airo,insearchofmapsoftheregiontodecoratetheSedayval

Library.HisjourneyintoShandolandshadtobecutshortfortheicymountainousrangesweretoo

harrowingforhimalone.

WhenSherafinishedherstory,Andelcoughedandremovedhisglasses,settlingitonthetable.He

massagedhistemple,thenewsgivinghimquiteaheadache.

“TherewererumorscirculatingintheAcademytoo,”hesaid.“Lookslikeitistruethen.”

Heopenedthecontainersoffood,andthesmellofdumplingsandporridgefilledthekitchen.Fetching

somespoons,theysattogetherandatebythewindow.

Hereyescaughttheblotofinkspatteredonhisknucklesfromtheamountofwritingheoftendidinthe

academy,andwassuddenlyremindedofthelonghourshespentteachingandresearching.Itwas

beginningtopushthemapart.

Andel’spursuitofknowledgecamefromhisobsessiontowardsthaumaturgyandscience.Hesharedthe

thoughtsofmanyacademiciansinSedayval–thattheJewelofMaanintheheartofSedayvalimbibeda

morethaumaturgicelementthanareligiousone.

ThisiswhereSheraandhehadspentcountlessarguments.Sherabelievedthatthegoddess,Maan,

descendedfromtheheavensabovetoaidQueenVahanaIinthewar.ActingasMaan’svessel,theQueen

easilytoreaparttheirenemies.BeforeMaanleftthequeen’sbody,shelaidclaimovertheland,and

carveditoffthefaceoftheearth,thuscreatingthefloatingcityofSedayval.Andtoremindpeopleofher

sheerawesomepower,thegoddessembeddedtheJewelofMaanintotheheartofSedayval.

TheJewelofMaanwasthenucleustothematrixthatwasSedayval.Onecouldnotsurvivewithoutthe

other.Sedayvalfloatedandlivedandfunctionedbecauseofthejewel,andinreturn,thecityprovidedthe

Jewelwithreverentbelievers.

Forawhile,theirrelationshipwasfueledbyphilosophicarguments.She,thebeliever;he,thehealthy

skeptic.Butrecently,AndelhadtakentoamoredisparagingviewoftheJewelofMaan.Anditdidnot

helpwhenAndelaccusedtheHighPriestessoffuelingfalsebeliefsamongstthepeopleofSedayval.

Hereachedoutforadumplinginhisbowlandplaceditonhersastheyateinsilence.Hecaughther

staringathisknucklesmadebluefromthesmudgesofink.Settlinghisbowlonthetable,hebenttothe

sidetofishoutafewscrollsfromhisbag.

Smoothingthemopenatthesurfaceofthetable,Sherarecognizedsamediagramstobetheoutlineof

Sedayval,viewedfromtransverselyandfromthetop.MultipleannotationsinAndel’schickenclaw

handwritingwerescatteredacrossthepaper.EachsectionofSedayvalfromitsmultiplepointsofview

hadasinglecircle.SheraknewthatAndelwasresearchingtheexactpositionoftheJewelofMaanwithin

Sedayval.

IthasbeenamysterythathasstumpedAcademiciansforthreecenturies.ThepreciselocationoftheJewel

wasasecretonlykeptbytheHighPriestess.Itgavethemtheupperreinovertheothersinthecity.

“Wecalculatedwhereitsenergywasthehighest,andtriangulatedittoafewpositions,”Andelsaid

excitedly,havinglostallhisappetiteforthehalf-eatenbowlofporridge.Hepointedtoseveralplaceson

thescroll.

Sheralookedatthediagrams.AsaYoungAcolyte,theexactlocationoftheJewelofMaanwaskepta

secretfromher,too.OnlythemosttrustedinIktai’scourtwouldbegiventhehonor.ThatwaswhatHazpo

meantbybehavinginIktai’scourt.ThosewholistenedtotheHighPriestess,andgavehertheproper

honor,wouldhaveitreciprocatedbytherevealingoftheJewelofMaan.Itwasthehighestpieceof

knowledgeeveryoneviedfor,evenShera.

“Whatareyougoingtodowithsuchinformation?”

“Isn’titobvious?WearegoingtolookfortheJewel.”

Sheraslammedthecontaineronhertable,bitsofporridgeflewoutoftherim.Asmallblotofcongee

founditswaytotheborderofAndel’sscroll.Hegaveoutashoutandbrushedawaythefoodfromthe

scrollbeforerollingitup.

“Maan’sfeet,Shera!Becareful!Ispentthewholenightconceptualizingthatdiagram!”

Sheradidnotcare.Andelhadcrossedtheline,andtheywerebackintheargument.Hestuffedthescroll

backintohissatchel,mumblingunderhisbreath.

“Youcan’tbefuckingserious.IfyoudiguptheJewelofMaan,itmightspoiltheentireecosystemthatis

Sedayval!ThatveryJewelpowersthiscity!”

“Wearen’tgoingtodoanythingwithit,Shera.Wejustwantproofofitsexistence.WhyshouldtheHigh

Priestessbetheonlyonewhoknowsofitslocation?”

“Youarejealous,”Sherarealized.“Youwanttoharnessitspowerstoo.”

“ThereisnoreasonthatthoseundergoingPriestesshoodshouldbetheonlyoneswhocanchannelthe

Jewel’spower.Ifitisathaumaturgicelement,itisthepropertyofeverybodyinSedayval!”

“Itisyourproperty,youselfishbastard.TheJewelensuresthatyouhavealifeinthiscity!Itprovidesall

thenecessitiesweneed.Weastheacolytesandpriestesses,arethevesselsoftheJewel’spower.Isn’t

thatenoughforyou?”

“No.AslongasthepowerremainsintheHighPriestess’sgrasps,wewillallbemerepuppets.Why

shouldweblindlybelieveinMaan’sexistence,Shera?”

“BecauseMaanexists!”Sheraexclaimed,throwingherhandsupintheair.“Whatmoreproofdoyou

want?”

“IwanttoseetheJewelofMaanwithmyowneyes,”Andeladmittedangrily.Oncehestartedarguing,the

veinonhislefttemplethrobbed,mimickingtheriseinhisemotions.“Iwanttobegiventherightto

channelitspowers!Itisn’tfairthatonlythoseinthePriestesshoodareallowedthatprivilege.”

“So,thisisamatterofprivilegethen?”Sheraasked,incredulous.“ThePriestesshoodisonlyallowedfor

Sedayvaliangirls,Andel.Ifyouwantitsobad,goforasexchange!”

“YouarenotanativeSedayvalian,”Andelcountered,slammingahandonthetable.

“Treadcarefully,”Shera’svoicebecamehushed.

AndelhesitatedforamomentattheicycoldnessofShera’swarning.Gatheringhisthoughts,hetooka

deepbreathandcontinued.“Well,itistrue.YourfatherisSedayvalian,butyourmotherwasn’t.Asfaras

lineagesgo,myparentswerebothbornhere!”

Thesmallchirpsofbirdscouldbeheardfromoutsideherwindow.Itwastheseasonofspringandthe

WillowTailbird,ararebreedofbirdsthatoftenlaiditseggsathighaltitudes,foundacomfortablehome

intheveryfloatingcity.Itschirpswerelanguid,describedtobethemeltingiceinthenorth,melancholy

yetcheerful.ThechirpscontinuedoutsideasSherafoughttokeephertemperincheck.Ithadbeenarough

coupleofmonthsbetweenherandAndel.

WhenshehadfirstmetAndel,shehadfoundhiscuriosityforknowledgetobeinteresting.Andel’s

curiosityinfectedher,andshebeganquestioningtheteachingsofMaan.Butneveroncedidherfaithinthe

Goddesswaver.InAndelandmanyacademiciansofSedayval,however,therewasaslowbutpernicious

movementtoslowlydisassociatethemselvesfromtheteachingsofMaan.

TheonlyconnectionMaanhadwithSedayvalwastheJewelsheleftbehindandherVessels;theYoung

Acolytes,PriestessesandHighPriestessIktai.TheirreverenceforMaanallowedtheJeweltocontinue

itsfunctionality.WithoutthewomeninSedayval,theJewelwouldceasetofunction,andthehugemassof

landwouldcomecrashingdownontotheearth,killingthehundredsofthousandsofpeoplelivingin

Sedayval.

Andelchosenottoanswerherquestion,butthemaddeninglookofsuperiorityonhisfacetoldSheraall

sheneededtoknow.Hestoodup.

“Idon’twantustoargue,Shera.”

Shera’seyesflashedwithanger.SherosefromherchairandapproachedAndel.Slightlytallerthanhim,

herwhite-greyeyesweren’ttheonlysouvenirsfromhermother.SheraalsoexhibitedtheShandorian

people’stall,andburlyphysicalcharacteristics.Herbodywasnotbuiltlikeabeautifulvase’s,with

narrowshouldersandwidehips.Herupperbodywasquitebuilt,andherbreasts,thoughgenerous,

weren’ttoodecorativelybeautifulonthewideupperframeofherbody.Herhipswereinadequatelywide

towarranttheattentionofthemeninSedayval.ItwasoneofthereasonsAndelhadfallenforher.

Shewasatypical,andshewasstrongmindedandopinionated.Ironically,theverysamethingshefound

attractiveinherwerenowextremelyoff-putting.

“Listenhere,Andel.IhaveneverinsultedyourpathwayintoAcademia.”

“Becausemineisthepathoftruth,”Andelsaid,unabletocontainhissmirk.“Youcannotarguewithfacts,

Shera!”

Heproddedherheadwiththetipofhisindexfinger,ahabitheusuallyexhibitedwhenhewantedtodrive

homeapoint.Often,Sherafounditamusing.Buttoday,Andelhadcrossedtheline.Sheslappedhishand

awaybythewrist.HeractionsurprisedAndel,forSherahadneverbeenapersontoshowher

vulnerability.Thelookofpoorlycontainedragewasetchedonherangularface.

“Getout,”sheseethed.

“Shera…”

“Out!”Sherascreamed.

TheriseinthetoneofhervoicestupefiedAndelforasecond.Recoveringfromhisbeingstunned,helet

outasmallsighandremovedhisglasses.TheeyesthatSherahadoncethoughtbeliedintelligenceand

respectweremerelybrown,rudeandunrecognizableanymore.

WhatbroughtoutthechangeinbehaviorinAndel?shewondered.

Heproceededtomovetothefrontdoorwithouthesitation.Hisgaitwaslubricatedbyherfurious

emotions,anditwasevidentthathewantedtomakehisexit.

“Youmusthavenoticedittoo,”hesaid,leaningahandagainstthearchitraveofthedoor.“Peopleare

beginningtolosefaithinMaan.Itisrampantamongsttheacademicians.”

Shera’sbodytrembled.ShewasovercomewithasuddendesiretoflingaceramicmugatAndel’s

retreatingfigure.Itwastoolate.Hewasoutthedoor,leavingherwithherownconfusedthoughts.

Chapter4:Festival

TheFestivalofProvidencewassoonuponSedayval.Asitwascustomary,thepeopleofSedayvalkept

theirdoorsopen,asasignthattheirhomeswereopentothevisitorsfromtheforeignlands.

Astheentirepopulationgatheredinthecentralsquare,thehugeportalinthemiddleofthetownlinkingto

thelowerEarthglowedlazily,beamsoflightshininguptotheheavens.HighPriestessIktaistoodonthe

ledgeofherpalacewallparapets,andaddressedthegroundbelow,hervoicemagnifiedbymagic.

“MypeopleofSedayval,todaymarksthethreehundredthFestivalofProvidence!”

LoudcheersfollowedtheHighPriestess’announcement.Sherastoodamongstthecrowdinherdaily

clothes.OnlyafewYoungAcolyteshadbeenhandpickedbyHighPriestessIktai,tobethechaperonesfor

theirincomingguests.Sherahadnotexpectedtobechosen.Butstill,shewasbristled,havingbeen

curioustoseethenewcomersfromShandoregion.Thepastdayhadbeenlonelyforher.Withtheabsence

ofherfatheronbusinessinEnmei,andherstillblazingargumentwithAndel,noneofherAcolytefriends

hadcometovisit.TheywereslowlybeginningtodisassociatethemselvesfromShera,notwantingtobe

seenwiththeoddoneout.

“Maan,praisetoourgoddess,hasbeenbenevolentinprovidingtousthebestofthebest.Lookatour

civilization!Whereelseintheworldcanyoufindacitythatfloatsclosetotheheavens,”shearcedher

handsacrossthestarspeckledskies.“Wearetrulythepinnacleofhumanachievement.Anditisallpraise

toMaan.”

“PraisetoMaan,”peoplebellowedbeneathher.

SherawonderediftheHighPriestesswouldaddressthearrivalofthenewcomersfromShandothisyear.

Already,therumorshadbeencirculatingthatadelegateoffiftyShandoswouldcomefortheFestivalof

Providencethisyear.Asthoughreadingherthoughts,Iktaispoke.

“PeopleofSedayval,theFestivalofProvidenceisawayforus,thebelieversofMaan,toacceptour

fellowhumans,nomatterwheretheycomefrom.Maanremindsus,thatitisourresponsibility,our

obligationtobeherbestrepresentative!DonotletMaandown!Praisetoher.”

TheloudcheerscontinuedasHighPriestessIktaitookadeepbreath.“TheFestivalwillbeourbestone

yet,wherewewillbemetwithnewcomers,fromtheShandoregion.Forthefirsttimeinthreehundred

years,theShandoshavedecidedtojoinus!”

Theshockrippledthroughthecrowdliketheflitofmultiplepebblesacrossalayerofwater.Though

someclappedandcheered,othersbegantalking,thehintofworryintheirvoicesevident.

Iktaiseemedtodetectittoo,fromwhereshestood.Andshedidwhatmostpeopleinpowerwoulddoin

suchdistressingsituations.Diverttheirattention.

“Wewillwelcomethemwithopenarms!”shesaid,asmultiplefireworksflewaboundwildlyaroundher.

Thespatterofbright,dazzlingcolorsexplodedallaroundtheminthenightsky.Thepeopleooohedand

aahed,momentarilydistractedbythedisplay.Sherahowever,couldnothelpbutshakeherheadatsucha

display.

ItwasevidentthattheHighPriestesswasapprehensiveofthevisitbytheDragonKnightsofShando,but

nothingcouldbedone.Thebestwastoensurethattheguardspatrolledthecitiesextensively,andmagic

waskepttoabareminimum.Already,thesorcerersofSedayvalwerecommissionedtoplacearingof

magicalnullificationaroundthevisitors,topreventanyunforeseencircumstances.

Butwoulditwork?

Asthefireworksfinisheditslastbang,ithaddoneitsjob.Peoplebeganclappingoncemore,smilesnow

returningtotheirinattentivemindsandfaces.

Asthehugeplatforminthemiddleofthesquareincreasedtheintensityofitsglow,shescreamedoutfor

thepeopleofSedayvaltowelcometheirvisitors.

Fromtheglowingplatform,peoplebeganmaterializingoutofthinair.TheJewelofMaanwasableto

transportlargegroupsofpeoplefromlowerEarth.

ThefirsttwohundredpeopletransportedintoSedayvalweretherepresentativesofmanytownsandcities

ofthenorthernEnmeiregion.Knownfortheirsorcery,thedelegatesofEnmeiwererightlydressedinthe

bestwitchesandwarlocksattire,floatingorbsofmagicaccompanyingtheirowners.Somealsocame

withinterestingbeasts:gryphons,unicorns,andevenafive-headedlynxwithsnow-whitefurand

sapphirespots.ThedelegateswereaccompaniedbyafewAcolytesandPriestessofMaan.Hazpowas

oneofthem,deepinconversationwithafellowwarlockfromEnmei.Theylaughedandwavedatthe

peopleofSedayvalwhowerepartedtothesideofthelongsquarewalkway,toaccommodatethevisitors.

AfterthepeopleofEnmeiwalkedthrough,theyweresucceededbythepeopleofXera.Itwaseasyto

differentiatetheXeraiansfromtheEnmeits.Livinginatropicalclimate,theXeraianshadahigher

tendencytohavetanned,darkerskins.Itwasalsoclearlydemarcatedintheclothestheywore,lighter,and

itscottonthinner.Thisregionhaditsfairshareofmagic,butnotinthekindthatwasofsorcery.Xeraians

weretheproudestofElementalists,havingtheabilitytoshaperandompartsoftheearth,soil,water,

wind,air,metal,andevenvacuum.

LegendhasitthatwhenMaantookoverthefirstHighPriestessIktai’sbody,shewenttotheoldest

Elementalistsintheworldthen,tolearnofthisoccult,naturalmagic.

TheXeraiansdelegateswereaslightlylargercrowdthantheEnmeits,andtheyhadalsoincluded

children.Thenation,asanaverage,toweredovertherestoftheworld.Longlimbedandeasynatured,the

XeraiansworesmilesontheirfacesbetterthantheEnmeits.

Thoughbristledbyhercircumstances,Sherawasstillquitehappytoseethearrivalofthevisitorsforthe

FestivalofProvidence.Ithadbeenoneofthemomentswhenshe,herfatherandmotherhadspenttogether

asafamily.ThiswasthefirstFestivalherfatherhaddeliberatelyskipped.Apparently,hetoomusthave

beenthinkingofthesignificanceofthefestivaltotheirfamily,toohurtbyhiswife’spassingtoreliveit.

AstheXeraiansmovedalongtheparade,theSedayvaliancrowdscranedtheirheadsoncemoreatthe

platforminthemiddleofthesquare,theapprehensionclearlydemarcatedontheirfaces.Everyoneheld

theirbreathforthearrivalofthethird,andfinalrepresentatives.Theplatformgaveoutafinalglowofred

andbeforedissipating.Everyonegasped.

Ontheelevatedplatformnowstoodasolitaryfigure,havingbeentransportedfromlowerEarth.Onlyone

delegatehadarrivedfromShando.

HissolitarypresenceunnervedtheSedayvalianswhohadbeenexpectingalargecrowdfromtheEastern

Region.Tallandmuscular,helookedaroundatthesubduedwelcome,andmadehiswayintheXeraians

andEnmeits’wake.Heworehishairinablackponytail.Hewalkedwithhaughtiness,stirringsome

discomfortamongsttheSedayvalians.

Hiseyesfixedtothefront,atHighPriestessIktai’scastle,whereshestoodattheparapettowelcomethe

delegatesfromtheNorthern,SouthernandEasternRegion…ItwasclearthattheHighPriestessdidnot

welcomehim,forhewasnotaffordedachaperone.

Hiseyes,shethoughttoherself,aseveryonearoundhercontinuedcheering.Herownworldfellsilent,as

hergazefellupontheeyesoftheDragonKnight.Whitishwithatingeofsilver,hiseyeswerethegloom

ofamundane,cloudyday,thoughtheintensityoftheirgazebeliedakindofrough,untamedpassion.For

thefirsttimesincehermother’spassing,SherafeltastrongbondwiththeShandos.Nooneelsein

SedayvalhadthebloodofShandoexceptshe,andherlatemother.IthadalwaysmadeSherafeellikea

foreignerinherownland.

Shelookedatthesky,wonderingifhermotherwaswithMaan,lookingdownattheparadewithasmile

onherface.

WhenherattentionturnedtothisparticularlytallShandoman,shehadtodoadoubletake.Thetenseness

onhisfacewasclearfromthewayheworehissurlyexpression,buttherewasbeautyinhiseyes.His

facewaschiseledrightdowntotheslightbluntnessofhischin,buteverythingabouthisbodydenoted

hardworkandperseverance.Hewasmuscular,thoughinthewaythathewasnotameatheadwhohadto

showhismusclesofftoeveryoneinthevicinity.Cladinasimplerobeofashengreyandwhite,it

mimickedhiseyes.Whenthewindblewagainsttheparade,thegarbpressedagainsthismuscular

pectoralsandflatabdomen.

Multiplerubystudslinedalonghisear,shiningwithdazzlingalacrityasitcaughtthelightofthe

IlluminatingOrbsliningthestreets.Heseemedboredbutkeptwiththeusualexpression,asthoughitwas

required.Sherawasdrawntohimbyacertainunexplainablemagnetism.

Shepushedthroughthecrowdatthefringeoftheroadtokeepupwithhissteadygaitastheymoved

towardstheHighPriestess’spalace.Alas,itwastoodifficultforSheratopermeatethecrowdnearestto

thepalacegates,wheretheconcentrationofpeoplewasatitshighest.Bythistime,themanandhisfellow

peoplefromShandohadgoneintothegatesofthepalacetomeetwiththeHighPriestess.

Thehubbubofthecrowdsoonbegantodiedown,aspeoplebegantomovebacktotheirhomes.Doors

wouldbekeptopenforthenextweek.

Itwascustomarythatafterthedelegates’meetingwithHighPriestessIktai,eachofthemcouldchoosea

housetooccupy,wherethehostswouldtreatthemastheywouldtheirownfamily,theirownSedayvalian.

“IhopetheShandoriandoesn’tstiruptroublehere,”Sheraheardonelocalereacttoanother.

“MayMaanhelpthefamilieswhowillhavetoaccommodatethatwhite-eyedfreak,”anothersaidwitha

sigh.

“Oh,noamountofblessingfromMaanwouldmakemeabletoseethatpairofabominations.”

ItwasthenthetworealizedthatSherawaslistening.Atthesightofherwhitisheyesandlong,Un-

Sedayvalianhair,theyrecoiledandbeganwalkingintheoppositedirection.

Soon,thecrowdthathadstoodatthesidesofthestreetsbeganconvergingintothemiddle,toseewhat

waresandgoodhavealsobeenbroughtbymerchantsfromalloverinthecentralsquare.Manymerchants

werealsopresentfromalloverthecontinent,takingadvantageoftheconfluenceofpeoplefromthe

festival.

Sherawaslefttoherownthoughtswhensheheardsomeonecallingouthername.Lookingatthe

direction,shesmiled.ItwasanotherYoungAcolyteofMaan,Aishan.AishanwastheonlyfriendShera

hadinthecourtofMaan.

AishanranuptoShera,pantingslightly,herhandsettlingonthetallerwoman’sshoulderforsupport.

“Didyou…didyouseetheShandorian?Hehasyoureyes!Justasyourmotherhadsaidbeforethis!”

SherasmiledatAishan’scomments.“Isuredid.Itfeelsalittleweirdtoseeanotherpersonwitheyeslike

mine.Allmylife,ithasalwaysjustbeenmymotherandI.”

Aishanreachedforasmallbottleandpulledatthestopper.ShedrankalittlePruvaneWinebefore

offeringSherasome.Thesweet,fermentedcherrytastestirredalittlewarmthinSherainthecoldnight.

“Iwonderwheretheywillbestaying,”Aishansaid,astheywalkedalongthenoisystreet.ThePalace

Gateswereclosed,thedelegatesinmeetingwithHighPriestessIktai.Whenitopened,theywouldthen

walkalongthestreetsofSedayvalaslocaleswould,beforechoosingahousetostayin.

“Usuallywiththericherhosts,”Sherasaid,pointingatsomeofthebiggermansionsclosesttoSedayval

Castle.“Itisalwaysthatway,isn’tit?”

Aishandidnotreplyimmediately,andSherarealizedtheerrorsinherstatement.Aishan’smotherwasa

ministerinHighPriestessIktai’scourt,andthereforewassupplicatedwiththeproperaccoladesand

amenitiesthejobhadtooffer.Aishan’shome,athree-floormansion,couldbeseenfromthemainstreet,

andwasoneofthemostbeautifulhousesoutofthePalaceofSedayval.

“Ididn’tmeanitthatway,Aishan.I’msorry,”Sherareplied,flustered.“Ijustmeanthatthedelegatesare

usuallytiredaftertheirlongjourneytoSedayval.Whentheyreach,theywoulddefinitelywanttofindthe

nearestandmostcomfortablehouses,wouldn’tthey?Andthehousesoftheministersarethemost

convenient,asitisneartheCentralSquare.”

“Yousayitlikeitisabadthing,”Aishanrepliedinaplayfullypeevedvoice.Still,shesmiled.The

youngerAcolytehadalotofrespectforShera’soutspokenwaysandoccasionallybrashbehavior.

“Itisn’t,”Sherareassuredher.

Buttheybothknewthatitwasthetruth.ManyassumedthatwithSedayvalbeingthepinnacleofhuman

civilization,theircitizenswouldbetreatedequally.Therealityofthesituationwasfarfromit,forthe

citizensweredividedintomanyclasses.Royaltyoccupiedthecenterandwestofthefloatingcity,with

theHighPriestess’spalacebeingthetallestbuildinginthewholeofSedayval.Academicians,ministers,

andluxurygoodsmerchants,distallyabuttedtheprimelocationsofthecity.Andatitscircumferencelived

therest–thesmallerPriestesses,Acolytes,artisans,simplemerchants,occupytheouter.Sheraandher

fatheroccupiedthemorehiddenpartsofthecitythatthevisitorswouldneversee.

InhereighteenyearsoflivinginSedayval,neverhavetheybeenhosttothedelegates.Tobechosenasa

hostwasconsideredahighhonor,anditwasonlybestowedtoSedayvalianswhohadpower,positionor

money.

Suchwasthewaytheworldworks.

“Hey,isn’tthatAndel?”Aishanpointedout.

Sureenough,itwasAndel,withagroupofhisAcademicfriendsoccupyingatableinasmallteashop.

TheAcademicianswereoftenclothedinasimplebeigeshirtandblackpants,carryinglargetomesof

books,rushingfromoneschoolaroundSedayvaltoanother.

“Let’sgosomewhereelse,”Sherasaid,unwillingtohavearuninwithAndelandhisfriends.The

argumenttheyhadhadthedaybeforeyesterdaystillweighedheavilyinhermind.

PoorAishan.Sherawantedtotellher,butAishanwassometimesalostlambofagirl.Shewastooeasily

impressionableandlookedatpeoplelikeSheraandImanasinspiration.TellingAishanabouther

argumentwouldAndelwouldinviteunnecessaryquestions.

Butitwastoolate.AishanhadalreadycalledoutAndel’sname,andwavedinhisdirectionwhenhe

lookedover.Sheragroanedinwardlyandstomachedheracidicanger.Shehadnotseenorheardfrom

Andelsincetheirargument.

Andeltoo,wascaughtinanuncompromisingposition.Hereluctantlywavedthemover,hiseyesintently

lookingatSherathewholetime.

“Comejoinus,”Andel’sfriendinvitedthegirlstositattheemptychairsnexttoAndel.

ThetwoYoungAcolytessatwiththeAcademicians,SherainthemiddleofAndelandAishan.Andel

grabbedhiscupofteaandsettledhislipsonitsrim,takinghistimetosipthehotbeverage.Hewasintent

onstallingtheneedtoinitiateaconversationwithShera.

“Whataparade!”oneAcademiciangushedout.“TofinallybeabletoseetheShandointhislifetime!Iam

solucky.”

Sherawasgladforthistopic.Itgaveheranopportunitytopursuethesubjectfurther.“You’venotbeento

theeasternregionofthecontinent?”

Theman,Andel’sfriendthatSheraknewonlyasVon,shookhishead.Hishairfrizzedsogreatlyinthe

nighthumidityofSedayval,italmostresembledadenselyfoliagedpalmtree.“Amongstusall,only

Andel’sbeenthere.Thisguy’sgotmoreballsthanfivedragonsputtogether!”

TheotheracademicianslaughedatthejokewhileAndelbeamedwithpleasure.Heenjoyedtheattention

peoplegrantedhim.

“Youmustbeexcitedtoo,Shera.Finally,youmeetpeoplewhowerefromyourmother’shometown.

What’sthatlike?”Vonaskedwhenthelaughterdieddown.

“Mixedemotionsreally,”Sherasaid.ShewasstillthinkingoftheShandodelegate.Awaveofguilt

washedoverher.Andel,herlover,wassittingbesideher,yetallSheracouldthinkwasthefeelingof

gazinglovinglythewhitish-greyisheyesoftheShandoman.

Theconversationwaskeptlightforthemostpart,untilasmaller,meekacademiciansuddenlyspokeup.

“Settleanargumentforus,please.WewerediscussingsomethingaboutthePriestesshoodofMaan.”

ItseemedasiftheyoungAcademicianhadunearthedtheirearlierconversationinfrontofSheraand

Aishan.SheraturnedtoAndel,whohadastunnedlookonhisface,asthoughunwillingtobeapartofthis

conversation.

“Tellus.Maybewecanhelp?”Aishan’seyesglowedbrightly.Toher,shefeltthatifpeoplehada

questionaboutMaan,theywerecurioustoknowmoreaboutthegoddess,ratherthandenounceit.Tonight,

Sherathought,AishanwouldprobablylearnthedualitythatranwithinthecityofSedayval.

“WewerehavinganargumentovertheJewelofMaan.AccordingtoAndelandSemi,”theboycontinued,

pointingatanotheracademiciansittingtotheleftofAndel,“theJewelisameregeomagneticrockthat

powersthecityandkeepsusafloat.VonandIthinkthatthereismagicinvolved.”

Sherasmiled.Evenamongsttheacademicians,theycouldnotagreeaboutthetruenatureoftheJewelof

Maan.Andthatwaseasilyexplainable,fortheJewelofMaanlaidmileswithintheheartofSedayval,

withintheencasementofthefloatingrockthatwasthecity.

“So,whichisit?”theboyasked,pushingthebridgeofhisglassesagainsthisnose.Heleanedforward,as

thoughwantingananswerimmediately.

ItwasAishanwhoanswered.“YoungAcolytesaren’tsupposedtoseetheJewelofMaan.Thathonoris

onlygiventoHighPriestessIktai.”

“Hasn’ttheHighPriestessevertoldyouwhattheJewelofMaanis?Whatpowersitcontains?Whatit

evenlookslike?”

“OnlytheHighPriestess,”Sherarepeated.“TheyaretheonlyoneswhohaveseentheJewelofMaanthat

keepsthiscityalive.”

“Thenwhydon’ttheysayanythingabouthowitlooks?”Andelasked,muchtoSemiandVon’sexcited

nods.“WhynottelluswhattheJewelofMaanactuallylookslike?Isitacoincidentalpieceofrockwith

geomagneticproperties,ordoesitactuallycontainmagic?”

Theconversationbegantogetalittlechaotic,angerfilled.

AndelwentonaboutatiradehowtheHighPriestessofMaanhasbeenspreadingliesaboutMaan’s

existence.Andthatithadtostop.Sherabitatherlip,unabletocontainheranger.

“Ifittrulyexists,whynotshowittous?Whyhidesomethingasmagicalasthat?”Hepointedtothe

entrancetothecatacombs.

Sherashookherhead.ShelookedatAishanwhohadalookofshockonherface,accompaniedbya

helplesstrembleonherlips.“But…butMaandoesexist.Itgivespowertousall.Therunes,themagic.”

“Magicdoesexist,”Vonreplied,hisvoicethoughalotcalmerthanAndel’s,stillonhisfriend’sside.

“Butthemagicsystemdoeshaveitsexplanationstoo.NotSedayvalhowever.Forthreecenturies,the

JewelofMaanhasbeenkepthiddenfromallofus.Evenfromyou.”

“Shera,isthistrue?”Aishanasked,almostatthevergeoftears.

SheraignoredherandcontinuedtofixhergazeatAndel.ItwasclearthatAndelhadinstigatedthis

conversationamongsttheAcademicians.Thesmallwedgeofdisrespectthemenhadforthewomen

undergoingPriestesshoodwasnowverymuchsignificant.

“ItwasMaanwhocreatedtheJewelofMaan,whichgivesthiscityitslife,Andel,”Sherasaidsoftly.

“Proveit,”hesaidwithmaddeningsuperiority.“IfMaantrulydoesexist,showusthisJewelofMaanthat

issopowerful.”

Sheragotupabruptly,causingthetableandcupstorattle.Teawasspilledoutofthecupswheretheiquid

wasfilledtothebrim.“Let’sgo,Aishan.”Theyoungergirlnoddedandstoodup,herquieteyesunableto

comprehendthenatureoftheconversationthathadjusttakenplace.

Andelsattherenow,stillsmilingatShera,unwillingtoapologize.“Iamstillwaitingforananswer,

Shera.”

Shera,tooangrytocomeupwitharetort,stormedoffwithAishan.

AfterseeingAishanofftoherhome,Sheratookthelongerroutetoreturnhome.Shewasinnohurry.Her

fatherwasnottoreturnfromEnmeiuntillatenighttomorroworthemorningafter.

IftherewasacompetitionfortheWondersoftheWorld,Sedayvalwouldhavegarneredthetopmost

position.Afloatingmassofland,defyinggravityandseverallawsofancientphysics,wasthestuffof

magic.Andwithmagiccamealotoffolklore.

ThestoryofMaanfightingfortheexodusofherpeoplewasthetaleoflegends,andforyears,ithadbeen

irrefutable.Sherahadtoconcede,afterherargumentwithAndel,thatshetoo,understoodadegreeofhis

sentiments.ThoughmanytaleshadbeenwrittenofMaan’sdescentfromtheheavens,thereneverwereany

picturesofherdepictedinthosecenturyoldscrolls.

Noartistshadbotheredtodraw,document,sculpt,orwriteaboutherphysicaltraits.

ThecarvingsofMaanwereoftendepictedinthevariousformsofhervessels,theactualgodherselfwas

amysteriousbeing,abstractandnebulous,toocomplexforthesimplehumanmindtocomprehend.Itwas

duringherfirstdatewithAndelwhenheposedthequestion–IsitthatMaanistooabstracttobe

conceived,orisitanexcusewegiveourselvestobluntanycuriositiespeoplehaveofherexistence?

Sherafeltashamed.ShehadperpetuatedAndel’sbehavior.Andinreturn,hehadusedher.Shehadtold

himoftheritualsofthePriestesshood,somethinghetooktoprobablyreportingtohisfellow

academicians.InferenceswereprobablymadeofShera’sPriestesshood,andAndelhadcometothe

conclusionthatshewasinfactlivingalie.

Shelookedaroundatthenowquieterstreetsatthemoremiddleclassportionsofthecity.Thedoorswere

stillkeptopen,butSheraknewthatnoneofthedelegatesfromEnmei,XeraandShandowouldevergrace

theirpresenceatthesepartsofhercity.

So,nothingpreparedherwhenSherasawaDragonKnightofShandowalkingquietlyalongthestreetof

herhome.ShestoppedatthejunctionandsawtheretreatingfigureoftheDragonKnight,recognizableby

theirtraditionalwhitegarb.Itwasthesamemanshehadfoundherselfattractedtoduringtheparade,tall,

muscularwithashort-croppedhairstreakedinalineofred.Hisfigurecaughtthebeamofmoonlightand

hemovedwithaslowbutsuregaitalongthestreets,consideringtheopendoorsofthehouses.

Hearthammeringagainstherchest,Sherawalkedupthestreettocatchuptohim.Somethingabouthim,

perhapsitwasjustazanyformofattraction,madeherwanttoseehimupclose.Heheardherfootsteps

comingfrombehindandturnedaroundtostareather.

Hiseyesmethers,anditremainedthere,asmalltingeofsurpriseregisteredonhisface.

“Areyoulost?”Sheraasked.

Heshookhishead,lipspursedtightly.Asthoughherpresencemeantnothingtohim,hecontinuedwalking

upthestreet,leavingheraloneinthedesertedstreet.

Sherafeltslightedbythemannerinwhichheregardedandrejectedher.Still,itdidnotmattertoher.

Walkingtoherownhome,sheentered,leavingthedooropen,astraditiondictated.Safetywasan

imperative,aruleofSedayval.Therewerenorobbersinthefloatingcity,andwiththeaddedpatrolof

guardsonthestreetsduringtheFestivalofProvidence,thelocalsfeltmuchsafertoadheretothe

requirementofMaan.

HerhandpressedagainsttheInscriptionalRunesonherwallsanditlitup.Thebluelightflowedfromthe

touchofherhandalongtheshapesoftherunes,likewaterfillingupthedriedriverbeds.TheIllumination

Orbontheceilingglowedbrightlyinresponsetohertouch,thepowerofMaanflowingthroughher.

Foramoment,shestaredatherrunesandthenattheOrb.HowcouldAndellookandseethisasa

geomagneticnon-magicalforce?Maan’spowerscouldbechanneledbyrunes.Therefore,itshouldbe

magic.Whydidhethinkotherwise?WhydidheevenconsiderMaantobeanon-existentconceptinthis

universe?

Herthoughtswereinterruptedbyaknockonthedoor.

TheShandorianwasnowstandingatherfrontdoor,anunreadableexpressiononhisface.Heseemedto

lookaroundthehouse,atthevasesandpotteries,andatthetable,beforestoppingattheportraitof

Shera’smother.

Sherasmiled,buthedidnotreciprocate.

“Wouldyouliketohavesomewine?”sheasked.Shepointedatthetablewhereabottleofwineanda

fewglassesstoodon.Asitwascustomary,anyvisitorswhocameduringtheFestivalofProvidencemust

beinvitedintothehousewithsomewine.ThebottlewasbroughtbyShera’smotherfromherhometown,

whichsheinsistedwastobeusedforthevisitorsduringthefestival.

Thiswasthefirsttimetheyhadreceivedavisitor,anditwasadelegatefromShando.Themanlookedat

thetable,andasmileprickedhislipsatthesightoftheShando-madewine.

“Astraditiondictates,willthehostofSedayvalacceptmyintrusionintotheirhumblehome?”hespoke.

Hisvoicewaspolished,deep,butitwasapparentthathewasnotusedtospeakinginsuchpolite

eloquence.Hestruggledwithhiswords,hesitatingbeforespeaking.

Sherastrugglednottoblush.Noddingshebeckonedhimin.

Sherahadneverfalleninlove.WhenAndelfirstcameuptoherinagettogetherbetweenAcolytesand

Academicians,heapproachedherwitharigorthatwasbothawkwardandsweet.Hehadimpressedher

withhishealthyknowledgeandsweetcompliments.Theloveshefeltforhimwasbuiltfromaslow,but

steadytransitionfromtolerancetoattraction.ShehadthoughtAndeltobethewisestchoiceforawoman

ofherpositiontomarry,forhisstabilityandinfluence.AcouplemadeupofanAcademicofSedayval,

andthePriestessofMaanwasthemostdesirableunioninthecountry.

Butnow,atthepresenceofthismaninherhouse,Sheracouldnothelpbutfeelanineffableattraction

towardshim.True,hewasdashing,butSherahadbeenapproachedbymanybeautifulmenbefore.There

wasthatintangiblequalityinhimthatshefoundmostappealing.

Hewalkedaroundthelivingroom,histwothin,longsilverychainsdiagonallycrossinghistorso.They

clinkedagainsthisbeautifullyspunleatherarmor.Uponcloserinspection,Sheranoticedthattheyweren’t

armor.Thegreen,rough,scale-liketextureonhisbodywasinfacthisscale.

Shebeckonedhimtothetablewhereshepouredhimaglassofwine.Hesmeltatitandletoutacontented

sigh.

“MynameisVahren,”hesaid,sippingattheShandorianwine.Lickinghislipsatitsdelicious,familiar

taste,heleanedbackagainstthechairwithamorerelaxeddemeanor.Heseemedintentatlookingat

Shera’seyes,captivatedbytheircolors.

“Shera,”shesaid,pouringhimanothersmallhelping.

“IwaslookingforthehomeofIrindeGuim.Theytoldmethatsheusedtostayaroundhere.Theytoldme

thatIrindehadadaughterwhohadcloudyeyeslikeminetoo.Areyouherdaughter?”

Sheranodded.“Mymotherdiedlastyear.”

Vahrenleanedforward,hisindexfingercaressingthestemofthewineglass.“Iknow.ThatiswhyIcame.

Iamherelookingforsomething.”

Sheralookedathiminsurprise.“Whatisit?”

“TheJewelofMaan.”

Hiswordswerestillechoinginhermindevenafteraday.Vahrendidnothavetimetoexplainhis

purposeforDamasalsoreturned.Hewassurprisedtoseeadelegateinhishouse,aShandorianatthat.In

hisexcitement,hetookareluctantVahrenoutforadrinkthatnight.

Sherahadnochoicebuttoremainsilent.Shewantedtoaskhimabouthismotivationsincomingto

Sedayval.WhywouldaShandorianbelookingfortheJewelofMaan?Weretherumorstrue–didhe

wanttodestroySedayval’sprimeenergysource?

Theatmosphereatthedinnertablewassubduedthatnight.Sheraservedthecookedchickenandmashed

chickpeasbeforesittingnexttoAndel.Herloverappearedasaformofappeasement,butwasenraged

insteadtofindtheShandorianmanintheirhouse.

Vahrensatinfrontofher,silentlyliftingafewspoonfulofchickpeasontohisplate.Hewasdeterminedto

notlookather.Shera’sfatherchewedhisfoodsilently.IfhewasuncomfortablewithVahren’spresence,

hedidnotshowit.AndeltriedtomakesmalltalkwithDamasandShera,butwasonlymetwithagrunt,

andmonosyllabicmurmursfromthefatheranddaughter.Occasionally,hethrewanobliviousVahrena

nastystare,jealousofhispresenceinShera’shome.

“Greatchickpeas,”Vahrensaidafterafewminutesofeating.

“HowhaveyoufoundyourstayhereinSedayval?”Damasasked,pickingupanotherpieceofchicken

fromthemiddleofthetable.“Wouldyouconsidercomingbackforthenextfestival?”

“AftertheyhavedestroyedEnmei?TheywouldprobablyinvadeXerabeforecomingforus,”Andel

answeredsmugly.

“Andel!”Sheracautioned.

Andel’shatefuleyeswerefixeddirectlyatVahren.“Youjustwait,Damas.Youthinktheirkindisherefor

peacefulreasons?”

VahrenputhisspoondownonthetableandlookedcalmlyatAndel.Theredstreakonhishairseemedto

glow,asthoughenragedbyAndel’sremarks,buthisfacehadonasmile.“Asusual,theAcademician

thinksheknowsallabouttheworldbecausehehasreadafewbooks.”

“Ihavetravelledthecontinent!”Andelexclaimed,slammingafistonthetable.

“Really,Andel,thereisnoneedforsuchpassionatthedinnertable!”Damasretorted,surprisedwiththe

usuallyquietacademician’snowalarmingbehavior.

“Ihaveevenbeentotheeasternregion,nearShandolands!”

“Whereexactly?”Vahrenchallenged,thesmileonhislipsthinning.

“HehasdonesomecartographyresearchintheeasterntownofBen-Airo,”Sheraansweredcalmly,trying

toalleviatetheheatedargument.ButVahrenmadeitworsebylaughing.

“Youcallthat‘near’Shandoterritory?Please,”hewavedhishandinamusement.“Youhavenoteven

scaledthemountainsthatseparateyourregionfromours.”

Andelgrippedathisspoon,unabletothinkofaretort.Damaswasintentonnumbinghimselffromthe

drama,andhadalreadybegundowninghisthirdglassofwine.SheralookedatAndel’sbespectacled

angryface,alternatedwithVahren’scalmnessthoughhishandswereballedonthesurfaceofthetable.It

wasclearthatbothmenwereatthevergeofafistfight.

“Andel,let’snotspeakofthisnow.Vahrenisaguestinourhome,inourcity.Youarebeingrude.”

“Easyforyoutosay,Shera,”Andelspat.“AllyouknowisyouruselessMaan.Youdon’tknowhow

violenttheirkindcanberighthere.”

“Whatdidyousay?”Vahren’svoicesuddenlychanged.Hisfacedarkened,andhiseyesnarrowed

dangerously.

SherawassurprisedtohearthecoldfurydrippingforthfromVahren’slips.WhathadAndelsaidthat

madehimangry?

“Isaid,shedoesnotknowhowviolentyoucanbe—”

“No,beforethat.AboutMaan.Didyoujustcallheruseless?”

Andelrolledhiseyes,andlaughedoutwithmirth.“Oh,fortheloveofMaan.Notyoutoo?Youactually

believethatMaanexists?You–adragonknightofShandobelieveallthecrapabouttheGoddess,andthe

JewelofMaaninthe—”

Sherascreamed.Vahrenmovedwithsuchspeedthathishandsseemtovanishfromthetableandreappear

infrontofAndel’sface.Therewasanaudiblesnapandthud,andAndelwasknockedoffhischair.He

howledinpain,clutchingathisbleedingnose.

Noseswollenandbloody,heutteredastringofincomprehensibleprofanities.Damas,numbfromthe

Pruvanewine,lookedattheentirescenewithanamusedlookonhisface.Sherawasshockedtoseethe

lookofrageonVahren’sface.ItwasasifAndelhadgravelyinsultedafamilymember.Hewasstunned

foramomentatwhathehaddone.Mumblinganapology,herosefromhischairandwalkedoutofthe

kitchen.SherahadnochoicebuttohelpAndeltohisfeet.Thetearswerestreamingdownhisface,asthe

bloodcakedaroundhisfingersandbrokennose.Herhandhaphazardlytouchedatthetable,lookingfora

pieceofclothtostemthebleedingwhenAndelscreamedincoherentatherface.

ShewastoonumbfromtheearliershocktobestartledbyAndel’simpotentrage.Coldly,shelookedat

himandsaid,“Well,youdeservedit,”andproceededtochaseafterVahren,leavingherhalf-drunkfather

andinjuredAndelinthekitchen.

Thefrontdooroftheirhomewasstillopen,andVahren’ssatchelwasmissingfromthehookonthewall.

Sheraranoutthedoorandsawhishunchedfiguremakingitswayupthestreet.

“Vahren!”Sherayelled,catchingupwithhim.

Hedidnotturntolookather.Continuinghissteadypace,heplantedhisgazeatthestepsinfrontofhim.

Havingnochoice,Sherawalkednexttohim,alittlescaredtoholdhishands.Shenoticedthathisright

handwasstillballedupinafist.Theywerealonetogetherinthequietstreet.Familieswerejustaboutto

sitanddine,theirdoorsopen.Acatmeowedsomewhere.

Thewesternseawassplayedacrossthehorizonsinaripplingcanvasofshiningblackness,having

swallowedthesunfortheday.HewouldreturntoShandointwodays.Sherarealizedthenthatshedid

notwanthimtoleaveSedayval.Sherefusedtocometotermsthathewouldleaveher.

“I’msorryforruiningdinner,”hemuttered.“Especiallywhenyouwereexcitedtohaveyourfatherback.”

“Don’tworryaboutit.Andeldeservedit.”

Vahrengaveoutamurmurofassentastheywalkedupthestreettothewesternstarpoint.

“Iwon’tbotheryouanymoreafterthis.MyfriendisstayingneartheCentralSquare,andhishostfamily

hasanextraspotforanotherdelegate.Iwillgostaywithherthen.”

TheWesternStarPointwasasmallparkattheperimeterofSedayval.Parapetswerebuiltaroundthe

bordertopreventchildrenanddiscombobulatedgeriatricsfromrunningofftheedgeofSedayvalintothe

deepseasixhundredfeetbelowthecity.Butforlovebirdsandpoetsandartists,thetopledgeservedasa

beautifulspottooverlookthebreadthofthehorizoninfrontofthem.Theledgewasabuttedbyasmall

graveyardwherehermother’sasheshadbeenspread.Itwasoftenhereshecametowhenshewas

overcomebyamelancholicemotionofhermother’spassing.

Vahreneasilyclimbedupthecracksonthewallandstoodontheparapet.Hecoaxedhertodothesame.

Shewashesitant.

“What?Tooscared?”

“I’mnotsupposedtodothat.IamaYoungAcolyte.”

“ForMaan’ssake,Shera,whocares?”hesmiled.Itwasthefirsttimeshethesmileappearonhisface.It

wasnotasuperiorsmirk,norwasitacockygrin.Itwaswarm,andthefinecrinklesonhiseyesbroke

somethingwithinher.Itwasasifasledgehammerhaddestroyedaninsurmountablewallshehadbuilt

overtheyears.

Sheralookedaround.Therewasusuallynooneatthewesternstarpointatthishour,andtheguardsrarely

patrolledthisarea.TheyweremorefocusedattheCentralSquareandtheadjacentdistrictsanyway.

MimickingVahren’smoves,shedugherfingersintothesmallcracksonthewallandbeganclimbing,the

edgesofhertoesstrugglingtofindsomeleverageatthesmallgapsbetweentwobricks.Vahrenhelped

heruphalfway,easilyhoistingherrightarmwithoutlosingabreath.Whenshereachedthetop,shewas

greetedwithawildgustofsaltywind.Vahrensatthere,withhisfaceconsiderablyrelaxed.Allthoughts

oftheearlierincidentwereeffacedfromtheirminds.

“Itissoironicthatlivinginafloatingcitycanmakeyoufeelimprisoned.Ialwaysthoughtthatthepeople

ofSedayvalwouldhavethebestviewsinthewhole,wideworld,buteventhatisimpossiblewiththis

hugewall.”

Sheralaughed.“Asdadusuallysays,nomatterwhereyouliveinthisworld,youhavetoberich,orlucky

tobeaffordedarealniceviewfromyourhome.Primerealestateisarulethattranscendsmagic.”

“Shandoisn’tlikethisthough,”hesaidquietly.

Fortheyearsthathermotherhadbeenalive,SHerahadneveraskedheraboutlifeinthelesserknown

Easternregion.Hermothertoo,wasoftentooquietaboutherlifeinShando.

“Whatisitlikeoverthere?”

“WehaveAcademies,libraries,butthereisn’tacastle.Everyoneisgivenasmallpieceoflandthatthey

workontosupplementtheirlifestyle.WerelyonthelavafromtheAdhaniVolcanoforourlandstobe

fertile.Andinthecoldwinters,wemorphandenterthedeepcrevicesoftheAdhaniChasmwhereitis

warm.Ourfamilieshibernatethereformonthsatendsuntilthefirstflowerofspringbuds.”

“Mustbegreat,”Sherasighed.“Tobeabletoformintoawingedcreatureandjustflyofftoyourheart’s

content.”

ItwasVahren’sturntolookatherwithskepticism.“DragonMorphologyisacomplexmagic.Icannotjust

simplymorphtobecomeadragononmyown.”

Sherawassurprisedbythis.“ButIthoughtthatwaswhatyoucoulddo?Youcantransformintoadragon,

hencetheterm,aDragonKnight.”

Vahrentiltedhisheadanddeliberatedhissentence.“Yes…andno.Itistruethatwecantransforminto

dragons.Buttheexacttransformationisn’tassimpleasyouthinkitis.Ittakesthecollectiveenergiesand

consciousnessofafewofustobecomeonedragon.”

Shera’seyeswidenedinamazement.“Youjoinbodies?”

Vahrennodded.“Andminds.AndSouls.Themagicsystemforourmorphologyisn’ttooeasy.But,itisthe

waywehavelivedinShando.Duringwinter,whenitgetstoocoldforeveryoneinShando,thesenior

DragonWeaversstitchthepatternsneededforourfusion.”

SherastraightenedherbuttocksagainsttheledgeandplantedherhandsonVahren’skneesinexcitement.

“Thisissointeresting.Doyouallformonegreatbigdragon?Canyouchoosewhoyouwanttofuse

with?”

“Well,therearemanyrulestoDragonMorphology.Nothingissetinstone,andevenyouandIcanfuse,

withtherightpatternandspell.But,sinceyouaren’tusedtothenatureofdragons,ourfusionmightbe

unstable.Toformastrong,resilient,andevencohesivelyfunctioninggreatlizard,themindsofitsparts

havetobesynchronized.”

HeproceededtotellherofthetimewhenShandowasattackedbyanextremelydistantenemythousands

ofmilesofftheVeraContinent.TheAirPirateswereanotoriousbunch,bentofconqueringtheVera

Continent.Believersofadifferentsectofgodsaltogether,theirultimategoalwastoreachSedayval,to

putanendtotheruleofMaanintheutopiansociety.

“Sixtyofusfusedtobecomethreegreatdragons,”Vahrensaid,areminiscentsmileappearingonhisface.

“itwasagreatbattle.Theywereahalf-a-millionstrongarmy,butwebattledthemandwon.”

Theysattherequietly.SherawonderedhowshewasgoingtoconfessherfeelingstowardsVahren.

“Anyway,thankyoufordefendingmewithAndeltonight.Youdidn’thaveto.”

Vahrenlookedatherwithamildlookofpuzzlement.“Ididn’tdoittodefendyou.HeinsultedMaan,and

moreimportantly,hedaredtoinsultthe‘JewelofMaan.’

“Whywouldthatoffendyougreatly?”

“BecausetheJewelofMaanexists.”Vahrendeadpanned.“Anditbelongstous.”

Chapter5:TheTruth

“Youarebeingridiculous.TheJewelofMaanisthepropertyofSedayval.This–”Sherarolledupher

sleevestorevealtherunesonherarms“—IamaYoungAcolytesworntobethevesseloftheJewel!”

Vahrenlistenedcalmlyandspoke.“Youmayassumethat.AndIdon’tblameyou.ButtheJewelisn’t

yours,norisitSedayval’s.ItbelongstotheShandorians.AndIamheretotakeitback.”

Sherahadneverbeeninbattle.Herexperienceswithfightswerelimitedtotheoccasionalsparswith

otherAcolytesduringtraining.But,thiswasdifferent.ThesanctityoftheJewelwasbeingthreatened,and

itwasherdutytopreventthisstrangerfrommakinghismotivationsareality.

Therunesonherarmsglowed,thoughnotatthesamelevelasIktai’s.Regardless,Vahren’sbodytensedat

thesightofthem.Hetriedtoreachforasmalldaggerathisbeltloop,butSherawasquicktopullthe

weaponawayfromhimwithhertelekineticpowers.Hewatchedimpotentlyashisweaponorbited

Shera’sbody,channeledbythepoweroftheJewelcoursingthroughher.

ThepulsatingpoweroftheJewelflowedthroughSheralikeanold,butdistantfriend.Shewastemptedto

letoutaburstofenergytoknockVahrenunconscious,andreporthimtotheguards.

“YouwillleaveSedayvalimmediately,Vahren.TherewillbenotalkofstealingtheJewelfromoutofour

city.”

Vahrenplacedbothhishandsupintheairtoconcededefeat.Still,hisfacewasresolute.“TheJewelof

Maanisnotwhatyouthinkitis,YoungAcolyte.Youeasilyharnessitspower,yetyouknownotitstrue

nature.”

“Whatdoyoumean?”

“Please,allowmetimetoexplain.Imeanyounoharm,”hereplied.Toprovethis,hereachedintohis

scales,whichpartedtorevealtheripplingmusclesofhisbody.Attachedtohisskinwasasmallpieceof

paper,whichheremoved.Itwastiedtohisskinbyabindingmagic,whichallowedonlytheownerofthe

bodytoremoveit–topreventtheletterfromfallingintothewronghands.Hethrewtheletteronthetable.

TheglowonShera’sarmsvanished,andherpowersdissipatedwhenshesawhermother’sfamiliar

handwritingonthepaper.ItwasaddressedtoGodemaofShando.Vahren’sdagger,whichhadbeenlazily

orbitingShera,droppedontothefloorinathudasthetelekinesissustainingitsprojectionwasnowgone.

“Thiswaswrittenonthe15

dayofYupol321,”Vahrensaid.

“Twodaysbeforeshedied…”Shera’stonewashushed.Thatwasimpossible.Towardsthefinalweeks

ofherlife,hermotherwastooweaktoeveneat,letaloneliftupaquilltopenaletter.Yet,thereitwas;

herhandwritingonthepaper

Sheralookedattheletter,thenatVahren.Thesewerehermother’slastwords,andtheywerewrittenjust

beforeshedied.

Godema,

Iamwritingthistoyouonmydeathbed.IhopeyourangerwillbeextinguishedbythefactthatI

havenotmuchtimeleftonthisearth.First,forgivemefornotkeepingintouchalltheseyears.If

thereisoneregretIhaveinthislifetime,itisnotwritingtoyoumuchsooner.

Ihavehadtheopportunityofseeingtheworld.AnditisjustasIhadexpectedit.Theentire

westerncontinenttoShandoisfulloflife,magic,opportunity.Butnothingwouldhaveprepared

meforthecityofSedayval.

WhenIsawitfromafar,itlookedlikeanalienpieceofrockfloatinginthesky.AsIapproached

closer,Iwasgreetedbyitsobsidianunderbellyandgreenuppersurface.TheVahanariverthat

flowsthroughoutthecontinentarcsupwards,defyinggravityinanupside-downlikewaterfall,

flowingtowardsthecityinsixrivulets.

IwasdyingtoseetheSedayvalfrominside,buttheywouldneverallowoutsidersotherthan

merchantsin.AndjustbelowSedayval,inasmalltownofShan,Imetamanbythenameof

Damas.Myearlierplanwastoenticehim,andbeckonhimtotakemeintoSedayval.Butthen,

somethingunexpectedhappened.Ifellinlovewithhim,andweweremarried.

DoyourememberwhenwelearntabouttheJewelofMaan?Godema,youaskedmetotravelinto

thewesterncontinenttoseeiftherumorsaretrue.YouwantedtoknowiftheJeweltrulyexisted.

Itistrue.Andyes,theJewelofMaaniswithinSedayval.Anditistrue.TheJeweldoesnot

belongtotheSedayvalians.ItbelongstoShando.Wehavebeenlivingathree-hundred-year-old

lie.

IhavetriedmybesttoextirpatetheJewelfromitscocoonthatisSedayval,butI’mafraidIhave

failed.Thismysterioussicknessthathasgottenmeisnomerecoincidence.IfearthatIhavebeen

poisonedbysomeimportantpeopleinSedayval,whocametoknowofmytrueintentions.

Withthefinalfractionoflifewithinme,Ipenthisletter.Knowthismyfriend,mymentor,my

teacher.Iloveyouwithallmyheart,andIdohopeyouwillforgiveme.

IwillflytotheafterlifetojointhewyerofDragonSpecters.ItistherewhereIwillwaitforyou,

andallmyfriends.

Yourstruly,

IrindeGuim

“Howdoyouexpectmetobelievethis?”SherawavedtheletteratVahren.

“Godemaismymaster,aswellasIrinde’s.ShetrustedIrinde’sjudgmentofthematter.”

“AndsoyouaresenttotakethisJewelback?”

“IfwhatIrindesaysistrue,then,theJewelbelongstoShando,andnotSedayval.”

“Youaremad,fuckingmad!”Sheraexclaimed.“TheJewelsustainsthiscity!Ithasdonesoforthree

hundredyears.Takingitwouldmean…”

“ThatSedayvalwouldceasetoexist,”Vahrencompletedhersentence.“Iknow.Godemaherselfisquite

skepticalabouttakingtheJewelaway,ifitmeanskillingeveryoneonthiscity.But,wehavetoknow…

wehavetoknowiftheJewelofMaanisexactlywhatIrindeclaimsittobe.”

Sherarereadtheletteragain.Hereyeswerenolongerperusingthecontentoftheletter,ratherjusttherise

andfallandloopandturnofeachword.Hermotherwasaliveinthisletter.Aftershehaddied,Damas

hadinsistedonthrowingawayherclothes,withonlyherjewelandportraitbeingthelasttraces

ofherexistenceinthehouse.

“Mymotherwaskilledthen?”Sherasaid.

Vahrennodded.“Itwouldappearso.IfshewaspokinghernoseintothebusinesssurroundingtheJewel

ofMaan,shemighthaveruffledafewfeathers.”

Sheragulped.Suddenlythecircumstancessurroundinghermother’sdeathdidnotseemsomysterious

anymore.

“Thereismore.Thiscamewithherletter,”Vahrensaid.Hefishedasmall,flat,almosttriangularobject

thesizeofaguitarpick.Ithadanazureblueglowofthesky.Itsidentityneedednoexplanationthe

momentSheratouchedthetranslucentpiece.

ItwasafragmentoftheJewelofMaan.Hermotherhadfounditsexactlocationbeforeshedied.

Chapter6:Confrontation

ThenewsoftheShandodelegatechoosingSheratobehishostspreadalloverSedayval.Peoplecraned

theirneckswhentheywalkedpastShera’shome,hopingtocatchaglimpseofthemysteriousstranger

fromtheEasternregionoftheworld.

SherawastroubledbyVahren’srevelation.ShehadnoonetoturntobutHazpo.Thenextday,when

VahrenhadgoneforawalkaroundSedayval,sheranovertohermentor’shome,andknockedonthedoor

withurgency.

“MercyonMaan,Shera,”HazpoadmonishedwhensheopenedthedoortoseethebreathlessYoung

Acolyte.“Whateveristhematter?”

PushingHazpointoherhome,Sheratoldtheolderwomanallthathadhappenedthenightbefore;Vahren’s

visit,hispurpose,andthecontentsofhermother’sletter.Hazpolistenedintentlywithoutinterrupting

Shera.

“MercyonMaan,thisisdangerous!ThismanwantstostealtheJewelofMaanfromus!Hemustbe

stopped!”Hazpoexclaimed.

Sheranodded.Thoughshefeltasemblanceofemotionsforthetall,darkman,therewasnothingshecould

doaboutit.VahrenwantedtotearaparttheveryexistenceofSedayvalandstealanartifacthergoddess

hadplacedonearth.AsaYoungAcolytetoMaan,hersworndutywastotheprotectionoftheJewel.

“WeneedtoinformIktaiimmediately.”Hazpolimpedtowardshercupboard.

“What,likerightnow?”

“Ofcourse,yousillygirl!Sheneedstoknowofthis!”

Sherahesitated.“Idon’tthinkIktaiwouldwanttoseeme.”

“Nonsense!Thisismoreimportantthanyoursquabblewithhertheotherday,”Hazpowavedherarms

impatiently,beckoningforSheratojoinheratthecorneroftheroom.Therewasteleportationtileonthe

floor,inscribedwiththeRunicSymbolfortransport.

Hazpomutteredunderherbreath,andherarmsgloweditsfamiliarbluish-greenhue.Shebentoverand

pressedherpalmagainstthetile,whichreceivedherpowers.Therewasalong,etherealsighemanating

fromthenowglowingtiles.Thewholelivingareawasnowbathedinthesamelightthatcamefrom

Hazpo’sarmsandthetransporttiles.

“Afteryou,”shesaid,andbeckonedatShera.

TheYoungAcolytehadnochoicebuttoconcede.Takingadeepbreath,shesteppedonthetiles.Anodd

sensationpulledateverysurfaceofherbodyasshewasteleported.

WhenSheraopenedhereyes,shewasnotinHazpo’scomfortable,quainthomeanymore.Shewasina

largehallwithmanypaintingsofQueenVahanaI,II,IIIandIVontheleft,andthefourHighPriestesses

precedingIktaiontherightwalls.TheywereintheHighPriestess’shome.Anotherfaintpopechoedto

herright,andHazpomaterializedoutofthinair.

Asherbodysolidified,thewomanshookherheadandgaveoutashudder.“MercytoMaan,Icannever

getusedtoteleportation!”

Attheendoftheemptyhallofmarblewasadoor.Hazpo,withoutmissingabeat,rushedtowardsthe

door,urgingSheratofollowinherwake.Uponreachingtheplainbluedoor,Hazpogaveitasmallknock.

“Comein,”Iktaisaidfromwithin.

UponhearingIktai’svoice,unpleasantmemoriesbegancoursingthroughSheraoncemore.Sherelivedthe

momentsinthePrayerHallwhentheHighPriestesshadshamedherinfrontoftheotherPriestessesand

YoungAcolytes.Hazpo,notlettingtheyoungerwomangatherherthoughts,pushedatthedoorand

admittedtheduointoIktai’soffice.

Iktaiwassittingonanarmchairwithherlegsonanottoman.Therewasagrandeurinherofficethatwas

ratherunbecomingofaHighPriestess,thoughSherakeptheropiniontoherself.Mysteriousobjects

floatedaroundtheceiling,andalargewindowtowardstherightwallrevealedtheviewofSedayval.

“Hazpoandah…Shera,”Iktaisaid,lookingathervisitors.“TowhatdoIowethispleasure?”

HazpoandSherastoodinfrontoftheHighPriestessandboweddeeply.Iktaireciprocatedwithanodof

herheadandaskedthemtositonchairsshematerializedoutofthinair.Sherasatandlookedather

claspedhands.ShecouldfeeltheHighPriestess’seyesboringdeepintoher.Hazpotookchargeand

beganspeaking.

“Asyoumayhaveheard,YourExcellency,theShandodelegatedecidedtostayoverinYoungAcolyte

Shera’shome.”

“SoIhaveheard,”Iktaisaidlazily,herfootshakingontheottoman.“Whataboutitthen?”

“TheyoungmantoldSherasomeincrediblydistressingnews.Andshefeltthatyouneededtoknowabout

it.”

SeeingthatSherarefusedtospeak,Hazpogaveheragentlenudge.Timidly,SheralookedupattheHigh

Priestesswhosegazestillhadnotleftherperson.SheproceededtoinformIktaiofVahren’smotivation

forcomingtoSedayval.

TheHighPriestessmerelylistenedwithpassivenods.Shewasunperturbedbythenews.

“Andhealsobroughtalettermymothermailedjusttwodaysbeforeshedied.”

ThiscaughtIktai’sattention.Leaningforwardandplacingherfeetonthefloor,sheaskedsharply,“Letter?

Whatletter?”

SherareachedfortheletterinherpocketandhandedittotheHighPriestesswhosnatchedtheletter

abruptly.TheYoungAcolyltelookedatHazpo.TheywerebothsurprisedbythesuddenchangeinIktai’s

demeanor.

Iktaireadtheletter,hertiredeyessnakingandtrailingalongthelinesoftheletter.Herlipsmoved

silently,mouthingoutseveralwordsinthemostminutebutaudibletone.Whenshewasdone,theletterin

herhandbeganglowing,firstinabrightbrowncolor.Sheracouldseetheoutlineofthewordsintheletter

beforethewholepaperburstintoflames,settlingasembersandashesonIktai’sfloor.

Shegaveoutascreamofprotest,theletterbeingtheproofofIrinde’slastwordsonthisearth.

“Whydidyoudothatfor?”Sheracriedout,standingfromherchair.

“Shera,please!”Hazpoexclaimed,pullingatherarm.“Yourexcellency,Iamsosorryforherbehavior.

Sheisstillaffectedbyhermother’sdeath…”

SherawrenchedherarmawayfromHazpo’sgripandlookedattheHighPriestess.“Thatwasmy

mother’sletter!Youhadnorighttodoit!”

“Sitdown,youstupidgirl,”Iktaisnapped.“Areyousoquicktobelieveawordofastranger?A

Shandorianianatthat?Heisobviouslylying!”

“Thatletterwasnotalie.Irecognizemymother’swritingfromanywhere,andtheletterwasattached

withthis,”Sherasaid,fishingoutsomethingVahrenhadgivenher.Itwasthesmall,flattenedsapphire

jewelpiecethatglowed.

“Wheredidyougetthat?”Iktaiasked,hervoicetremblingslightly.

Sheraheldontothebluejeweledpiece.Itglimmeredintheroom.HazpowasconfusedaswasShera.

Iktaiseemedtobeangry,buttheycouldnotascertainwhy.

“Itcamewithmymother’sletter…ThiswaswhatVahrensenttome.”

“Thatbitch.Theaudacityofthatbitch!How…howdidshemanagetogetintotheHeartofSedayval?

ThereisnowayshecouldhavereachedtheJewel!”

“TheheartofSedayval?”Hazpoaskedinhushedtones,hereyeswidening.“Youmeantosay,thatShera

isholdingapieceoftheJewelofMaan?”

NothingwouldhavepreparedSheraforwhathappenednext.TheHighPriestesspointedatHazpowith

herindexfinger.Asharpbeamoflightcamefromthetipofherfinger,piercingHazpo’schest.

ThePriestessletoutasurprised‘Oh!’astheconcentratedlighttorethroughherchest.Bloodandflesh

spatteredonthewallbehindher,marringthebluewallswithred,blackandcongealedpiecesofyellow.

Shewasdeadevenbeforeshereachedthefloor.

Sherascreamedandtooktwostepsback.Shecouldnotbelievewhatwashappening.TheHighPriestess

hadjustmurderedoneofherownPriestesses.

“Ican’thaveanywitnesses,”Iktaisaidwithapant.Eyesbulging,sheseemedtobetalkingtothenow

deceasedHazpo.“IfanyonefoundoutabouttheJewel,wewouldallceasetoexist.”

AsifjustsuddenlyrealizingShera’sexistenceintheroom,IktaiextendedahandouttoShera.“Giveme

thefragmentofthatjewel.”

Sheraknewthatresistancewasfutile.Holdingbackthetears,shecouldnotbelievewhatwashappening.

ThiswastheHighPriestess,theonewhowassupposedtoprotectthesanctityofMaan–andshehadjust

destroyedthatnotionbymurderingoneofherPriestesses.Thefragmentofthejewelscratchedagainstthe

surfaceofherskin.

“Icaneasilywrenchitoutofyourcold,deadhands,”Iktaisaid,herarmsbeginningtoglow.ButShera

wasready.SheknewshewasnomatchforIktai,butshewouldputupafightevenifitwasfutile.

TherewasaloudsnapintheairasathunderousbeamoflightshotfromIktai’sfingeragain.

Sheradroppedtothegroundtoherleft.ThebeamfromIktai’shandhitthewallbehindherinalugubrious

blast,withbitsandpiecesofmarblehittingherhead.

Asshefelltotheground,Sheracarvedattheair,herownhandsgleaming.Itwasoneofthesymbolsshe

hadmastered,‘Mist.’SheoftenusedthissymboltohelpintheSedayvalcropswhentheorangesand

applesrequiredacoldermilieutobearitsfruitscomfortably.

Instantly,theHighPriestess’sroomwasplungedintoathickblanketofwetair.SheheardtheHigh

Priestesscurseout.Sheratookadvantageofthesmokescreentogetupandmovetowardsthedoor.She

avoidedanotherbluebeamoflight,whichhitthefloorwhereshe’dlainjusttwosecondsago.Themist

thickenedandtheroomseemedtosolidifyinathickpatinaofimpenetrablewhiteness.

“Youbitch!AfterIgetthatfragment,Iwillkillyou,justlikeIdidyourmother!”Iktaiscreamed.

Shera’sheartstoppedattheremark.Shewasalreadyatthedoor.Animmensefeelingofrageenveloped

her,andshewastemptedtostaybackandfight.But,shewasremindedofhermother’sconstantwords.

Gingerly,sheopenedthedoorandwasimmediatelyplungedintotheemptyhallway.Theteleportationtile

stillglowed,theremnantsofHazpo’searliermagicstillcoursingthroughit.Withoutwastinganytime,

Sherarantowardsthetile.

Behindher,shecouldhearIktai’sdooropenoncemore.TheHighPriestessscreamedatShera’s

retreatingfigure,shootingoutrandommagicalpulses,hopingthatitwouldfindcontactwiththeYoung

Acolyte.

ButSherawasquicker.SteppingontheTeleportationtile,shewastransportedhalfwayacrossSedayval.

Chapter7:Chaos

SheralandedinthefloorofHazpo’shome,panting.Withoutwastinganytime,shesiphonedthemagic

fromthetiles,preventingtheHighPriestessfromusingit.Herwholebodywastremblingfromtheentire

experience.Shemovedwoozilytowardsthekitchenandletoutahorribleretch.ThesightofHazpo’s

chest,tunneledbythesheersharpnessofIktai’smagic,wasstillnigglinginhermind.

IktaididnotwantanyonetoknowthetruenatureoftheJewelofMaan.Wasitalljustalie?HadAndel

beenrightallthistime?

Sheradidnotknowwhattothink.

Notknowingwhatelsetodo,sheranbacktoherhome.Throughouttheentirejourney,onlyonemantra

echoedinherhead.

“Iktaikilledmymom…”

Uponreachinghome,shefoundVahrensittingatthegardenpolishinghisdagger.Hewaspuzzledbyher

disheveledappearance.Unabletocontainheremotionsanymore,sheembracedVahren.

Shetoldhimwhathappened.Vahrenbithislipinfrustration.

“Doyouhavethefragment?”heasked.

Sherafisheditoutofherpocketandgaveittohim.“Iktaifreakedoutwhenshesawthis.Itwasasthough

shewaspossessed!”

“Wheredidyougetthat?”avoicecamefrombehindthem.

SheraandVahrenturnedaroundtoseeDamasstandingattheentrancetothegarden.Hewasstaringatthe

fragmentedJewelonShera’shand.Hetookastepbackwards,asthoughwantingtoescapefromtheplace.

Damaslookedasifhejustsawaghost.

“MothersentittoShandoalongwithaletter.She…sheknewthatshewasbeingpoisoned,”Shera

answered.Shelookedatherfather,andthebeadsofsweatformingonhisforehead.Thebloodhadrushed

offhisface.Then,Sheraexperiencedtheoddestout-of-bodyexperienceinherentirelife.Shepieced

everythingtogether–hermother’smysteriousillness,herfather’srefusalintakingIrindetohealersoutof

Sedayval,andhisforbiddanceinspeakingaboutthegreenscalesthathadformedonherthighs.

“You…youknew.”

Damastookanotherstepbackwards,eyeswidening.ItwasclearinDamas’eyesthathewishedtobe

anywherebuthere,butSherawasquicker.Shethrewherselfathim,herhandspushinghardagainsthis

shoulders,hisbackslammingagainstthewall.VahrenwassurprisedbythestrengththeYoungAcolyte

had.

“Youweretheonewhopoisonedher!”SheraslammedherballedupfistsagainstDamas’body.

Hetookherbeatings,unabletofacetheguiltanymore.

“Shera,lethimgo,”Vahrensaid.Hegrippedatherwrists.Damasleanedagainstthewall,hisbody

renderedhollowfromtheguiltthathadbeenrevealed.Hiseyeswerewideopen,buthestaredatnothing

inparticular.Nowordsescapedhismouth,neitheranapology,noranexplanation.

Sheracouldnottakeitanymore.Helplessnesswashedoverher.Buttherewasnotimetogainclosure.

Therewasaviolentknockagainstthefrontdoor.

“Openup!”agruffvoiceshouted.

Vahrenpeekedthroughthesmallholeinthewallofthegardenandcursedsoftly.“TheGuardsarehere.

Wehavetogo!”

“Where?”Sheraasked,wipingthetearsandsnotfromherface.

Herfatherwasnowseatedonthefloor,maddeninglysilent.Herockedbackandforth,unabletoconstruct

acoherentthoughtanymore.Theguiltofbeingfoundouthadfinallymadehiminsane.

“WeneedtogettoAndel.WeneedhishelptofindtheJewelofMaan.”

Chapter8:Reveal

TheyhadtobediscreetabouttheirjourneytotheAcademy.TheguardswereontheprowlforSheraand

Vahren.TheyescapedthroughthebackdoorofthegardenbeforetheSedayvalianguardsstormedintothe

home.

ItwasnearingduskinSedayval.Asmallstretchofstreetseparatedtheduofromtheirdestination.

Hazpo’sdeathwasstillinShera’smind.Shecouldnotforgethowthelookofshockwasregisteredonthe

olderwoman’sface,killedbytheverywomanshetrustedandrevered.

“AreyousurethatAndelisinthere?”Vahrenasked,lookingaround.Thescalesonhisbodyseemedto

acquirealifeoftheirown,undulatinglikethesteadyflowofaclothonawindyday.Itseemedtoalways

dosowhenhewasexcitedorstressed.

“Accordingtohisfriends,hehasnotlefttheplacesinceyoupunchedhim.Heseemsdetermined,almost

obsessedtoprovethetwoofuswrong.”

“Well,letushopehehasfoundawayintothecatacombs.”

TheAcademywasabuildingwithmanyfloors.Withoutanyguardsinthevicinity,SheraandVahrenhad

notroubleentering.TheyclimbeduptothethirdfloortoAndel’soffice.Thedesertedcorridorechoed

theirpurposefulfootsteps.Therewasasinglesolitarylightflowingintothecorridor–Andel’soffice.

VahrenstoppedSheramidwaythroughandpressedafingertohismouth.Theyheardvoicesofpeople

talking.

“Idon’tknow!”SheracouldhearAndelshouting.“Idon’tknowwhereSherais!Didyoucheckher

home?”

SheracouldhearthefrightinAndel’svoice.

Astranger’svoicespokeoverAndel’s.“You’relying!Sheisyourlover,isn’tshe?Whereareyouhiding

her?”

Asmallthudcouldbeheard,followedbyAndel’sgroan.

“We’vegottohelphim!”Sherahissed.“Theymightkillhim,too.Iktaidoesnotcarehowmanypeople

shehastomurder!”

Vahrennoddedandtiptoedtothedoor.Sherafollowedsuit.Theyleanedintoseetwoguardsstanding

overAndel’scrumpled,writhingfigureonthefloor.UnsatisfiedwithAndel’sanswer,theguardkicked

himinthestomach.TheywereoblivioustothefactthatSheraandVahrenwerejustoutsidethedoor.

“Whatarewegoingtodowiththisone?”theguardaskedhispartner.

“Killhim.HighPriestessIktaisaysthatanyoneassociatedtotheAcolyteareguiltyoftreasonanyway,”

theotherretorted.Andelgaveoutawhimper.

Vahrentookthemomentwhentheywerebothtalkingtoentertheroomsilently.Heapproachedtheguard

ontheleftquietlyandplantedakickontheman’sneck.Theguardcareenedtotheside,crashedintoa

glassdisplayofitems,unconscious.TheotherguardsnarledandattemptedtoplungeaknifeintoVahren’s

body.TherewasshockacrosshisfaceashissharpweaponshatteruponimpactonVahren’stoughbody

scales.Withoutwastinganothersecond,Vahrenplantedtwoblowsontheguard’sjawandstomach.The

guardkeeledover,notmovinganotherinch.

SheraranintotheroomandhelpedAndelup.

“MercyonMaan,Andel!Areyouokay?”sheasked,brushingthedustoffhisclothes.

“What…whatareyoudoinghere?”

Sherawastednotime.ShehadtosettherecordstraightwithAndel.“Youwereright.TheJewelofMaan

isamerepowertripfortheHighPriestess!”ShetoldhimaboutIrinde’sletter,andhowIktaihadkilled

Hazpoearlierintheday.Chokingslightly,sherevealedhowDamaspoisonedIrindeatIktai’sorders.

“So,theJeweldoesnotexistthen?”Andelsaidtriumphantly,inspiteofthepainhehadtobe

experiencing.“Iwasright?”

“You’rerightaboutthePriestesshood.TheJeweldoesexist,”Vahrensaid.

“Whyareyouhere?”Andelasked,annoyed.

“Well,forone,Ijustsavedyourlife.So,a‘thankyou’wouldbenicelyappreciated.Andsecond,weneed

yourhelptolookfortheJewelofMaan.Youaretheonlypersonwhohastriangulateditsprobable

locationswithinSedayval.”

Andelgaveoutasmilethroughhissplitlipandbruisedeye.“Probable?Iknowitsexactlocation.”

ThewholecityofSedayvalwasputinastateofemergency.Announcementsweredisseminatedbymagic,

astheHighPriestess’sdisembodiedvoiceboomedoutineverystreet,tavern,home,templeandportalsin

andoutofSedayval.SheproceededtoslanderSheraasapersonwhowasinstrumentalinspreadinga

falsebeliefsystemwithinthecity.Tomakemattersworse,shealsoaccusedSheraofmurderingPriestess

Hazpo.Vahrenwasnotleftsmellingtoosweeteither.Markingthemtobeincahootswitheachother,the

HighPriestesspromisedanimmenserewardforanybodywhocouldcapturethemalive.

“Fuck…fuck,fuck,fuck,”Andelexclaimed,lookingattheguardsextensivelypatrollingthedeserted

streets.ThefestivalofProvidencehadbeencutshort,andthedelegateswerebeginningtoleave

Sedayval.CheckswereconductedattheteleportationplatformintheCentralSquare.

“WhereistheexactlocationoftheJewel?”

“SouthwestofSedayval,aboutamileawayfromhere.Thereisasmallentrancegoingintothecatacombs

fromthere.FindthegreenmarblestatueofQueenVahanaIIbythefountainnearFika’sTavern.According

tomycharts,theentrancetothecatacombstotheheartofSedayvalisatthefootofthatstatue.”

Despitetheirdifferences,VahrengaveAndelapatontheshoulderandmovedoutoftheroom,leaving

Sherawithherformerlover.AndelwatchedVahrengoandturnedtoShera.

“Heisverymuchsuitedforyou,”Andelsaidquietly.

“Andel,foreveryonethatwehaveevergonethrough,Idoapologize.Foralltheargumentsand

heartbreak.”

“IthoughtIwouldbemad.Atleast,atfirstIrealizedthatIwasactuallyjealousofVahren.But,Inoticed

thatIwasusingyoutofuelmyindecentobsession.Nobodydeservestobetreatedinsuchaway.Ishould

haverespectedyourbeliefs.”

Sherasighed.“Whatbelief?ThePriestesshoodisafallacy.Whereyouwereright,Iwasquickto

denounceyou.Willyoufinditinyoutoforgiveme?”

Andelembracedherasafriendwould.“Iwillalwaysloveyou,Shera.But,Idobelievethatinlife,

VahrencanmakeyouhappierthanIevercoulddaretotry.”

Whentheyparted,SheraletherselfholdontoAndel’sroughfingersforasecondlonger.Theperpetual

smudgeonhishandsrubbedontohers.Itwouldbethelasttimethattheywouldbetogether.

“Go,”hewhispered.

AndSherawent.

JustasAndelhadpredicted,therewasasmall,hiddentrapdoorinfrontofQueenVahanaII’sfountain

sculpture.Usingherrunes,Sheraopenedthedustytrapdooratthefootofthesculpture.Thewaterbegan

torushin,clearingthecobwebsdecoratingtheentranceintothecatacombs.Theyhadmanagedtoavoid

theguardswhosepatrolsweretoodilutedintheiractualpositions,tooconcentratedaroundherhome.

Theywereabouttoentertheverticaltunnelwhenasharpbeamoflightcoursedoutofnowhere.

“Watchout!”Vahrenshouted,pushingSheraawayfromthemarblestatue.Aloudbangofexplosionwas

heard,followedbythebreakingofstones.SheraandVahrencoughedatthethick,densecloudofdustthat

billowedup.

Whenitcleared,Iktaiwasstandingafewfeetawayfromthem,surroundedbytenguardsandafew

Priestesses.HerstaffpointeddirectlyatShera’schest.Themanicexpressionhadnotleftherfacefrom

themomentshemurderedHazpo.Thetipofherstaffglowedaniridescentwhiteness,supplicatedbythe

powerofMaancoursingthroughtherunesofherarms.

“Youhadmyfatherkillmymother,”Sherasnarled.Therunesonherarmsglowed,readytoformabarrier

incaseIktaiattackedagain.

“Irindewassneakingaroundinthelabyrinth.ShestoleafragmentofftheJewelofMaan,”Iktaisaid,her

staffstillpointeddirectlyatShera.Thesneeronherfacewasevident.“Thepunishmentsuchacrimeis

death.”

“IrindewasonlylookingforsomethingthatbelongstotheShandorianians!”

“TheJewelbelongstous!”Iktaiscreamed.“Itistheonlythingthatkeepsthiscityalive!”

“Youselfishsnake,”Vahrengrowled.“Youarewillingtoletpeoplesufferjusttofueltheexistenceof

yourcity?”

HighPriestessIktairaisedhervoice,almostinhumanlyechoinginthechamber.“Shutyourmouth!Shut

it!”

“Letpeoplesuffer?Nooneissufferingyoungman,”aPriestesssaidconfusedly.

“Oh,ofcoursethat’swhattheywanttoleadyoutobelieve,”Vahrenyelled.“Forthreehundredyears,that

wasthelietheHighPriestessesandQueenshavebuilt.”

“Younonbelievers,infidels,coming…comingintoourCity,andspillinglies,”Iktaipanted,thegripon

thestafftightening.Thetipofthestaffglowedanominousgreen,holdingveryconcentratedmagic.

“Spreadingyourpoisonouslies.”

“Lies?”Vahrenbellowed,hiseyesbulging.Heturnedtotheguards,SheraandthefewPriestesswho

werestanding,petrified.“DoyoureallywanttoknowwhattheJewelofMaanis?”

“No!”Iktaiscreamedandwavedthestaff.ShecouldnothaveVahrenspillingthesecretinfrontof

everybody.

Therewasawhooshintheair,andSherafeltherentireexistenceslowlybeingsuckedintothewhitelight

fromIktai’sstaff.Thetinyhairsonherskinindividuallypulledatitsroots,threateningtotearoffher

body.Herinsideschurned.Shescreamedoutbutnosoundcame.AndassuddenastheVoidSpellhad

appeared,itseffectsvanished.

Sheraopenedhereyes,shockedtoseeagreatbigdragonofayellowcarapaceofaheadandblackwings

standinginfrontofallofthem.Halfitswingwascompletelytorn,nowamangledmessofscales,flesh

andbones.Yet,itstoodtallandproud,lookingdownonIktaiwithapairofangry,emeraldeyes.

Iktaigaveoutayellandheldontoherstaff,armstrembling.“Stayback!”

Vahrenthedragonsnarled.HeletoutajetstreamoffiretowardsIktai,whichsheeasilyparriedwithher

staff.Therecoilofherparrycreatedapulsethatliftedeveryoneofftheirfeet.Thedragonvanishedas

quicklyasithadappeared.VahrenreappearednexttoShera,holdinghisbloodiedarm.

“Thereisnotime,Shera.Youneedtotakemeintothelabyrinth,”hegasped.

TheHighPriestessswipedtheairwiththestaffoncemore,andanotherpullingsensationrippedthrough

theair.EventheguardsandPriestesseswerenotspared.Theyweresuckedintothevortex,theirbodies

rippedintoamilliontinyparticles.

“But,myfriends…”shesaidhelplessly.

“Shera!”Vahrenyelled,alreadyatthemouthofthelabyrinth.

Sheratriedtoholdbackthetears.Theonepersonshehadthoughtwasherbestfriendturnedouttobeher

enemy.Herfatherwasleaningagainsttheworld,tooashamedtomove.Herefusedtolookatanyoneor

anything,hishandsatthesidesofhishead,asthoughovercomewithmadness.

Iktaihowled,therunesonherarmsglowingbrightly.Vahrentookadeepbreathandspatoutamultitudeof

fireballswhichlandedonthefloorinfrontofIktai,turningintospiralingtunnelofflame–focused,

precise,deadly.

HighPriestessIktaimovedwiththeagilitythatbeliedthetruenatureofherage.Shesidesteppedthefire,

lettingithitthewall,piercingthroughthestones.

Sherascreamedagain,worriedthatshetoowouldbeconsumedbythenearbyflames.Shefeltherarms

beingpulled,andtheywereplungedintototaldarknessoncemore.Thedoorintothelabyrinthclosedina

squelchingcreak.Thebattlefromaboveandoutsidecouldstillbeheard,butitwasbluntedbythethick

wallsofthemaze.

“Areyouokay?Didyougetburnt?”Vahrenasked.Hishandsgropedaboutinthedarkness.

“I’m…I’mfine,”Sherasaid.Shecouldnotseeanything.Theairwascoolinthemaze,andshesatonthe

floor.Outside,ascreamwasheard,butshecouldnotdetermineitsdirection.Shemighthaveimaginedit.

Thegroundrumbledoccasionally.Whenthedragonhowledandroared,itfeltlikeitwasmilesaway.The

labyrinth’swallmuffledallsensefromtheworldoutside.

Shesatonthecoolstoneandtriedtocollectherthoughts.

Herfather,Damas,hadmurderedIrindebecausetheHighPriestessandtheQueenhadorderedhimtodo

so.Therewasnojusticeinthisworld.But,IrindewasalsoaspywhowassentbytheShandorianiansto

reclaimtheJewelofMaan.

TheJewel.

Everybody’sliferevolvedaroundthejewel.TheShandorianiansclaimedthatitwasstolen.The

Sedayvalians,well,someSedayvaliansclaimedthatitbelongedsolelytotheGoddessMaan,thereforeit

belongedtoSedayval.

“Shera,wehavetogo.”

Hishandstouchedherexposedcalfwherethefirehadeatenawaythecloth.

“Don’ttouchme.”

Vahrendidnotremovehishand.Itremainedthere.

“Isaid–”Sherapushedherhandsintothedarknessandfoundhisbody“—don’ttouchme!”

“You’reangry.Idon’tblameyou.Damaskilledyourmother.Iunderstandwhatitfeels.”

“Youdon’t!Youjustfuckingdon’t!Mywholelife,thislifeIhavelivedhasallbeenalie!”Shera

screamed.Shewasunabletoholditbackinanymore.“Itisasif…everyonearoundmehasbeentelling

meuntruthsallmylife.FromMaan,tomymother,tomyPriestesshood!”

“I’msorry,”Vahrensaid.

Therewasasmallsnapofhisfinger.Nothinghappened.Vahrentrieditagain.Stillnothing.

“Don’tevenbothertrying,”Sherasaid,relaxingfromhersobs.“ThecatacombsareputwithaBarring

magic.Thereisnowaytoguideusthroughthismaze.Itpreventsanykindofmagic.

“WehavetotrytofindtheJewelofMaan.”

“Thismessstartedbecauseofme,Vahren.WhatmakesyouthinkIwanttoletyoutaketheJewel?Idon’t

wantSedayvaltofall!”

“Youjustsaidthatyouwereangrylivingalie.Howmuchmoreofaliedoyouwanttolive?Iktaiwas

afraidofsomethingIwasgoingtosayabouttheJewel.Whydidyouthinkshegotthatway?”

“Sheisscared!Weallare!Sedayvalisourhome,anditispoweredbytheJewel!”

Theyhadbeenwalkingforhours.Thelabyrinthseemedtogoonforever.Sometimes,theywere

methodical,othertimes,justrelyingonblindfaith.

“Oh,Maan’stits,”Sheracursed,feelingherhandagainstthewallonherright.

“Whatisit?”Vahrensaid,rubbinghisnose.HehadwalkedintoShera,unabletoseethatshehadstopped

walking.

“Ihavebeentryingtomemorizethewaythewallshavecertainbumps.TheonlythingInoticedthatwas

quiteinterestingwasthatthereweretwosmallbumpsonthewall,followedbyakindofjaggedlike

textureonitfivestepslater.Ifeltthesamethingjustawhileago.”

“So,itiseitherarandomscriptureonthewallthatisrepeated.”

“Orwehavebeenwalkingaroundinaloop,”Sherasaid,almostgivingup.

Itseemedliketheyweremilesbeneaththecity,yet,sofarawayfromtheheartofSedayval.Thewaythe

roadscrossedwasalmostmindwrenching.Atsomeparts,thepathstendedtobecomesmaller,giving

themasenseofexcitementthatitmighthavebeenprogress,butasitbecamesmaller,theyonlywalked

intodeadends.Everytimeapathstartedtobecomesmaller,thequestionplayingtheirmindwas–isthis

justanotherpathleadingtoadeadend,orwillthisbetheonethatwouldfinallyleadtotheHeartof

Maan?

“Ican’tgoonanymore,”Vahrensaid.Hisarmfeltlikeadeadbranchattachedtohisbody.Themuscles

werenonfunctional,andhecouldnolongerfeelanysensationinhisfingers.

Sheraturnedback.Thecatacombswereslowlyconsuminghermindandsoul.Itsdarknesswastoo

overbearing,swallowinganyfeelingsofhope.Feelingaroundinthedarkness,shefoundVahren’sbody

onthefloor.Hewaspanting,feelingthelastdregsoflifewithinhim.Hewasdying.

Inthedarkness,shehadnotnoticedit.Itwasnotjustthesurroundingthatwasblack,butalsotheannalsof

hermind.Shedidnotknowwhattobelieveanymore.ButasshekneltnexttoVahren,shetouchedthe

stickycakeofdryingbloodonhisarm.Hisfingersgrazedagainstherface.

“WhatisthetruthVahren?WhatdoIhavetolivefor?EverythingIhaveknownisalie.”

Inthedark,coolcatacombs,theyembraced.Sheraknewshewoulddiehere.TheFragmentoftheJewel

ofMaanpulsedweakly,likeadyingheart.Itwasreactingtoitsseparatedbody,deepwithinthelabyrinth

somewhere.Therewasnothingmoreshecoulddo.

‘Therearemultipleformsofthetruth,andtheyarepeople’swords.Liveyourtruth,andsharethem

withothers.’

Vahrenremainedtherebyherside,unwillingtoleave.Heleanedhisbodyagainsthers,wincinginpain

wheretheHighPriestess’smagichaddamagedhisrightarm.Andthenhedidsomethinghehadbeen

wantingtodosincethemomenthesawShera.

Hefusedwithher.

Sheraflinched.Thoughhisfingersweresoft,theycontainedalatentpower.Itsurgedwithinher.She

closedhereyesandfeltsomethingembracehermindandsoul.Inhermind’seye,shesawagreatdragon

circlingher.Therewasnothingmaliciousaboutthebeast.Itwastheretoprotecther.Andthenitlandedin

frontofher,itsgreatbiglizardeyeslookingdownatherwithakindnessshehadnotseensinceIrinde’s

passing.Itletoutalefthindpaw,whichshetook.

Thebeasttooktheskyandtookherwithhim.Andthentherewasaflash.

Theyfused,notonlybody,butsoul.Therewasacamaraderienowetchedinsideofthem,andtherewere

notwobodies.Therewerenotwominds.Thisdragonwasjustone.

I…we…Itsmindtriedtograspconceptofidentity.Itfeltodd,likeassigningsoliditytoclouds.Onejust

wasn’ttoosure.

Move…thedragonsaidinitsmind.

Whenitthought,itthoughtitselfasingularity.IthadboththeessencesofSheraandVahren,butitwas

itselfanewbeing,withitsownthoughts.Asumofbothitspartshadgivenbirthtosomethingnew

altogether.

Fusingconsciousness,itthoughttoitself.Still,itknewthatthiscombinedconsciousnesswouldonlylast

forasmallmoment.Sherawouldnotbeabletotakeaprolongedconjoining.Shewouldstarttolosesense

oftheselfifshewasnottoocareful.

Thedragonmovedthroughthemazeeasilythistime.Itstonguedartedouttosniffattheair.Thescales

prickledmoresensitively,abletopickupthetiniestvibrationsfromtheJewelofMaan.Itknewwhereto

go.Itknewthen,whattodo.Itfeltsad.

Keepittogether.Itcouldfeelthesingularpointofitsconsciousnessslowlybreaking.Themoreitthought

ofSedayval,Irinde,anditsfamilybackinShando,andDamas,andAndel,and,themoreitunderwenta

splittingintheepicenter.Afurrowingappeared,threateningtosplititsconsciousnessintotwo.

Therewasnotime.ItcouldsmelltheJewelofMaan,tasteit.

Evenodder,itcouldheartheJewelofMaanbeckoningforittocomecloser.Itwaslikealanguage,asad

songofafewoldpeople,intheirdeathbeds,wantingtobevisitedonelasttime,tohavetheirdeaths,their

partingfromthisworldwitnessedbysomeone–bysomething.

Thedragonhadtohurry.ItpushedallthoughtsofVahrenandSheraoutofitsmind.

IseeknottodestroySedayval.Thatisnotmyprimarypurpose.IneedtosavetheJewelofMaan.They

havebeeninthere.

They?

It.They.Him.Her.TheJewel.

WhatistheJewelofMaan?

Bythistime,theconversationinsidethedragon’sheadhadbeguntearingintotwoseparatevoices.Itwas

nottalkingtoitselfanymore.Thereweretwodistinctvoices.Ittoredownthelastlane,theonewhichits

wallsbegangrowingbigger.Therewasasmall,bluntlightattheendofthetunnel.Theywere

approachingtheheartofSedayval,wheretheJewelofMaanawaited.

Justabitmore,thedragonurgeditself.

Andwithoneroar,itlauncheditselffromthelastbrickofthelabyrinth,andlandedonthesoftground.

Allwasblack.

Whenshefinallycameto,sheopenedhereyestothesoundofarushingwaterfallandVahrenlooking

downather.Hewassmiling,thoughthefatigueshowedinthedarkenedcirclesaroundhiseyes.The

fusionmagichadtakenatollonhimmore;itwashewhohadtoworkhardertomaintaintheirconjoined

form.

“Youwerenotlying,”Sherawhisperedinhushedtones.“Youwerenotlyingatall.”

Shehadfelthismind.Therewasnomaliceinhisintentions.Vahren’swish,hismotivationshadbeen

pure.Thoughothershadfaultedhimforbeingacold-heartedbastard,hedidnothingtoalleviatetheir

prejudices.Heknewinhisheartofhearts,thathewasinfactimpeachable,honest,andgood.Andhehad

apurpose.

Whentheywerefused,shealsogottoknowhowhefeltabouther.Allthoseunspokenthoughtsthathad

floatedbetweenthemwerestillunspoken,butittranscendedonemindtoanother’sduringtheperiodof

overlap.Hewouldknowhowshefeltabouthimtoo.

Slowlyhereacheddown,andkissedhersoftly.Whentheirlipsparted,Sherasmiled.

“Iwaswaitingforthatforquitealongtime.”

“AndyouwouldknowhowbadlyIwantedtodoittoo.”

TheheartofSedayvalwasenvelopingthem.Itwasalargecavern,andSherawashelpedtoherfeetby

Vahren.Shebroughthimtothenearbypondwherethewatershealed.Dippinghisbodyintothe

invigoratingpool,heletoutasighofrelief.Hiswoundsbeganclosing.

Waterflowedfreshlyinthecavern,formingbrooks.Mossyflowersbloomedonthewalls,defyingthe

needforsunlightthroughphotosynthesis.Sheralookedatthewide,coolcavernandwipedthesweatfrom

herbrow.TheJewelofMaanwasanopensecrettoSedayvalandtherestoftheworld.Thoughpeople

knewofitsexistence,notmanywereawareofthecircumstancessurroundingtheverystone.

Foronething,theJewelofMaanwasnotexactlyajewel.Sheraknewnow.Asshestaredattheheartof

Sedayval,thetruthbecamecleartoher.

TheJewelofMaanwasadragon.

“Ican’tbelieveit,”Sheragasped.Sherubbedhereyes,unabletograsptherealityofthesituation.There

itwas,inthemiddleofthecavern,abluishgreenandyellowdragon.Itslegs,andthemany-scaled

carapacearmoronitsbody,weretieddownintothegroundbyaformofbindingmagic.Thebluenessof

itsscaleswerethesametoneastheflattenedpieceofjewelinhermother’sletter.Itwasadragon’sscale

thatIrindehadstolenfromtheJewelandenclosedinherlettertoGodema.

Snakingonthedragon’sfeetwereparasiticroots,drainingtheessenceofthedragon.

Vahrengotdownonhiskneesandcried.Hissobswereracked,painfulandraw.Hecouldnotimaginehis

kinbeingtorturedinsuchaway,denigratedforcenturiestofulfillthelivesofthosewholivedinthecity

above.

“See,Shera?SeewhatyourpeoplehavedonetotheJewelofMaan?Seehowtheyhavetorturedmy

people!Beingkeptalivebyforce-feedingandlife-forcemagic!Isthisawaytolive?”

Sheralookedatthebindingscoveringthedragon’sfeet.Themagichadsappeditdry.Ithadnoneofthe

austereglowofthedragonsshehadseeninthebooks.Itseyeswereexhausted,wide,anditscarapace,

onceshinyandglowing,wasnowdull.Therewaslifeinthedragon,butbarely.

TheJewelofMaanlookedatthetwohumanswithadisinterestedglare.

Sheratookastepcloserandthedragonflinchedandinchedbackwards.

“I’mnotgoingtohurtyou,”shereassureditsoftly.

Still,thedragongrowledatherandtriedtomoveitswings,butfailed.Thesheerexhaustionofitslined,

wizenedfacebrokeherheart.Thelineofmagicbindingthedragonsnakedintothickermagicalfibers

whichrooteditselfintothegroundandmadeitswayalongthewallsofthecavern.Itleechedoutthe

seeminglylimitlesspowersofthedragon,andfeditintothefloatingcityofSedayval.

“Antoherlie.Anotherfuckinglie!”Sherathrewherhandsintheair.“Ican’tbelievethis.TheJewelof

Maanisatrappeddragon.Andthiscityisaparasitethathasbeenfeedingoffthisdragon.”

Vahrenwipedhistears.“EverytimeIuseaRunemagic,Iamtakingyourlife…”

“I’msorryyouhadtofindoutthisway.Iwantedtotellyou…butIknewyouwouldn’tbelieveme,”

Vahrensaidbehindher.

“Itwas…themomentwefused.Ifeltyourthoughts.Youwantedtokeepthisfrommedidn’tyou,butyou

alsowantedmetoknow?”

Thedragonhadnowmanagedtopushitsentirebodyagainstthefarendofthecavernwall.Itleaned

againstthewall,eyespartiallyclosed,butitsorangeirisstillfixatedupontherunesonShera’shands.

TheYoungAcolyteknewthedragon’sfears.ItprobablythoughtthattheHighPriestesshadcomefora

visit.Shewondered,herbodygrowingnauseous,whattheHighPriestessdidtothispoorcreature.She

couldnot,didnotwanttoimagineit.

Vahrensteppedforward.Whenhespoke,adifferentlanguagecameoutfromwithinhim.Itmadetense

hindandrearlegsofthedragonrelaxconsiderably.Itsjawsfellslack,andarasping,chokingroarcame

out,asthoughithadjuststifledacoughandtear.Theeyeswidened,anditlookedfromVahrentoShera,

hesitatingtomove,todarebelieve.Vahrencontinuedspeakingtoit,andasthesoftwordscameoutof

him,hesteppedforward,onestepatatime.Thedragondidnothingtoprotectitself,nordiditraisea

sickledclawtoattack.

Slwolybutsurely,VahrenmadehiswaytowardstheJewelofMaan,tillhewasnowstandinginches

awayfromthedragon.Still,hedidnottouchit.Hecouldn’t.Sherawasquicktowarnhimnottopatthe

dragon,nomatterhowmuchhewantedto.

“Thoserunesonitslegs,istiedtoadrainingspell.Thatisanencryptedrune.ItrequiresaPriestessto

undoit.”

“Can’tyoudoso?”Thedesperationwasthickinhisvoice.Hewouldlookoftenattheentrancefrom

whichtheycame,fearinganambushfromHighPriestessIktai.

Sherawashesitant.Forone,thiswasasmacktowardsthebeliefsystemshehadbeentrainedtobelieve

sinceasmallchild.But,certainelementsofitstillcontainedtruthspertainingtheJewelofMaan.Where

theenergysappedthegreatbigdragon,itwasusedtofuelthecity’slivelihood.Peoplereliedonit.Inthat

regard,theJewelofMaanexpoundeditstruth–tosustainthepeoplelivingabove.

Butatwhatexpense?

“Ican’tdothis,Vahren.Icannot,”Sherabitherlip.“IfIundoitsbinding,thereisnosayingwhatthe

dragonmightdo.Ifitchoosestoescape,thewholecitywillcomecrashingontoearth!Thepeopleabove

woulddie.”

TheJewelofMaanblinkedlazilyatthearguingpeopleinfrontofit.

“Ican’tbelieveitShera.YouknownowthatMaanisamade-upconcept!Isn’titcleartoyouthatthis

dragonistorturedtokeepSedayvalalive?”

Serve,lead,disperse,Sherathought.TheywerewhatwastranscribedonherbodyinMaan’stongue.The

runeshadservedherwell.WhensheallowedthepowerofMaantoflowthroughher,itwasalwaysthe

powerofthisJewel–thisdragon.Shehadfeltitallherlife.AlltheotherAcolytesandPriestesseshad

feltittoo.

Shetookadeepbreath.Becausetheruneswerealreadytattooedonherarms,therewasnoneedfora

chant.ShefocusedonchannelingthepoweroftheJewel,andstruckherarmwithafingerslidingacross

therunesinasuddenmanner–likeamatchstrikingtheboxtolightaflame.Herrunesglowedastrong

turquoise,somethingithadneverdonebefore.Insteadofpureenergycoursingthroughher,itmadeher

feelelevated.Theenergywaspure,concentrated,anditcamedirectlyfromthedragon’seyes,which

werenowgazingintenselyather.

Thebridgeofenergywasconnectedbetweenthemtwo,andSherasteppedforward.Vahrensawthe

wholething,puzzlementrackingthroughhishead.Hecouldnotheartheirtelepathicconversation,buthe

eggedhertohurry.

Sherahowever,didnotcareanymore.

Canyouhearme?shesaidinhermind.

TheJewelofMaannodded,muchtoherastonishment.Andthenittoldherhowitcametobe.

Thegreatwaroftheworlddidhappen.Butitwasn’tasyouthoughtitwas.Itneveris.

ThesorcerersinQueenVahanaI’scourtweredabblinginmagicthatwasconsideredtoomodern,too

erroneous,anddangerousforthecourtbackthen.Itwastotapintotheconsciousnessofabeing,and

seepouttheenergyfromtheirminds.Thoughtscontainedsomeofthemostpowerfulenergies,andour

brainisanintense,self-replenishingreservoir,withtherightchemicals.Theywereinterestedinthe

waytheDragonKnightscouldfusetheirbodiesandmindstocompoundandexaggeratetheir

strengthsintheDragonianform.

Whenthesappingmagicwasperfected,theytrieditonmanytestsubjects.Backthen,Sedayvalwas

stillacityaground,clenchedbytheEarth.Prisoners,childrenfromalloverSedayval,evenpeasants

werekidnappedtobeexperimentedupon.

AndthentheymadethemistakeofkidnappingaShandowomanandherchild,whowasintheregion

forhermerchantduties.

WeShandoswereanextremelycommunalpeople.DragonKnightsweresenttoSedayvaltoinvestigate

themissingwomanandherchild.Thoughweverymuchlivedinthisfertileregioninpeacewiththe

others,wecouldnottakewhattheQueenwastryingtodo,whenwegotwindofit.Ourspieswere

horrifiedtofindoutwhatwashappening,andtheexperimentstheywereconductingincourt.

Andthatwaswhywewenttowar.

Thewholeregionplungedintoanintensebattle,betweenthesorcerersofthenorth,Sedayvalnearthe

bay,andtheelementalistsoftheregion,whowereatthatmoment,alsojealousofthemysterious

progressofSedayvalintheirmagic.

Alas,ourpowersweretooweakforthem.Bythistime,QueenVahanaIhadamassedacollectionof

prisoners,andtheHighPriestesscouldtapintotheirmindstodrawoutsuchintensepower.Itwasa

landslidevictoryfortheQueen,andshetooktobanishingustoourrespectiveareas.Thesorcerers

weresenttothenorth,theelementalistthesouth.

TheShandorianians,whosheregardedwastheworstofthemall,shekilled.QueenVahanasparedno

one–nochildren,nowomen,nomen.Thoseofusthemwhosurvived,ranacrossthemountainpass,

pasttundra,pastwastelands,pastseasandsettledintheeasternmostpointofthecontinent,the

moderndayShando.

MostoftheprisonersofSedayvalwerehumans.Theycouldnottaketheimmensepowersvacuuming

theirmind’spowers,andsotheysuccumbedtoexhaustion.Mostdiedaftertheirlatentenergieswere

pulledoutoftheirbodiesthreetimes.

ButtheHighPriestessnoticedthatsomeprisonerssurvivedbetterthantheothers.Itwasthenthey

realizedthattheonesthatsurvivedweretheDragonKnightsofShando,whohadalatentdragon’s

consciousnessswirlinginthemlikeapotentialenergywaitingtobeunleashed.Andso,theydidthe

mostunspeakable–theyforcedtheprisonerstofuse.

AndthatwashowIcametobe.Iwasboundinmagicandenclosedwithinthiscavern.Drainingmagic

wasputaroundmetotapintomyalmostlimitlesspower.Threehundredyearslater,Istillwaitforthe

daythatIcanescape.

“Andmymothercametoyou?”

IspottedthewomanwhohadtheeyesofanativeShandorianian.Atthatpointoftime,Ihadalready

forgotten.Ihavenoidentity.ButhergreyishwhiteeyeswerearemindertoalifeIonceknew.She

camecloseandtookascalefrommybodyasproof.Andthensheranaway.

Iamthesumofthecruelty,theforbiddenmagic,theselfish.

“Stopit.”

Iamtheproductofthegreedofyourqueen.

“No,please,Ican’ttakethis.”

Iamthelietoyourso-calledtruth.Wesuffersoyoucanlivecomfortablyaboveus.

“Ibegyou.Ican’ttakeitanymore.”

Howdoesitfeeltohaveyourlifefueledbythesufferingofthemany?Howdoesitfeeltoleadalie?

Sherascreamed,breakingtheconnectionbetweenherandtheJewelofMaan.Whentherunesonherhand

stoppedglowing,theJewelofMaancastedaweaklookatherbeforeturningitsheadawayfromthemin

asmallgrowl.Itseemeddefeated,andwasclearlyatthelastofitslife.

Sherawenttowardsthedragon.SheignoredVahrencallingouthername.Therewasnothingmorethatshe

coulddo.AsthetruewordsofMaanrangthroughherbody,shequestionedtheexistenceoftheverygod

thathadbeenkeepingthemalive.

WasMaanreal?WastheMagicofMaanreal?Ordiditonlycomefromthispoorlytreatedcreaturein

frontofher?

“Shera.”

Vahrenfeltguilty,havingforcedSheradownthisroad.Butitwasimperativethatthepeoplesawwhat

wasgoingtohappen.Hedidnotknowwhatshewasgoingtodonext,buttheyhadtohurry.Therumbling

ofthewaroverheadhadbeguntoreduce.

Inasurprisingmove,theYoungAcolytereacheddowntothecablesnearthedragonandwrenchedthem

away.Herruneswerelikeblades,herhands,andthehandsoftheotherfollowersofMaanallowedto

severethesappingmagicbindingtheJewelofMaan.

Thedragonlookedatherinpuzzlementandshookitshead,lettingoutanotherhigh-pitchedsqueal.

“I’mlettingyougo,”Sheragrunted.

Asshepulledoutthefibroustendrils,therootsofmagicwhichhaddugdeepintothedragon’scarapace

cameouteasily,nolongerstrongandfleshy,butgreyandwithered.Witheachtug,thedragonbegun

movingitsclawsandlegsmorecomfortably.Itstretchedout.

“Leaveone,”thedragonsaidout,surprisingboththehumans.“Itwillgivemeenoughtimetopowerthe

citysoeveryonecanleaveintime.”

Sheracouldnotbelieveherears.Whydidthisdragoncarewhattheotherswentthrough?Whywasit

concernedaboutthelivesoftheotherpeoplelivingupthere?Shedidnothavethetimetoaskthisofit,

forthedragonstretchedmagnificently,andspreadopenitsslightlytorn,wizenedwings.Ifitcouldsmile,

thereitwas,asmallgrinetchedonitsface.

Thankyou,ittelepathicallyrelayed,beforeshootingofffromthecavern,asinglestrandofbindingmagic

stillglowingtoitslefthindleg.Asitflewtowardsthetopofthecavern,thedragonswirledintoa

torpedolikeformationandeasilybrokethroughthewall.

VahrenlookedatShera,whowasstillawestruckbywhatshehadjustwitnessed.Hetookherhandinto

hisandkissedit.Hetriedtocontainthetrembleshefeltoverwhatshehaddone.

“Thankyou.”

Sheracouldonlynodandembracehim.TherewasnothingelseshecoulddobutseewhattheJewelof

Maanhadinstoreforallofthem.

“Itwillallbeallright.Wewillbefine,”hereassuredher.

Justthen,asharpshriekwasemittedfrombehindthem.TheyturnedtoseetheHighPriestessstandingat

theentranceofthecavern,herbodybloodied.Alonggashranacrossherface,andherstaffwasbroken.

Shelimpedatthem.

“Where…whereisthatdamneddragon?”shegrittedherteeth.Discardingthestaffattheside,Iktai

wheezed.Thebulgeinhereyeswasalmosttoofearsoaked,unwillingtocometotermswithwhatShera

andVahrenhadjustdone.“Whatdidyoudo?”

HerscreamwasnowadistantrelictoShera.Whatwasoncefearbornoutofrespectfortheprolific

figureinSedayval,wasnowreplacedwithpity.Thiswasthewomanwhohadtoconformtotheideasand

beliefsoftheothersbeforeher.

Theoldwomanlimpedbadly,theinjuriesgettingtoher.

“Gone.Isetitfree.”

IktaipointedatShera,butnobeamwasemittedfromherfingers.Thesymbolsonherhandglowed

weakly,flickeredintermittentlybeforedyingoffcompletely.

“Whatdidyoudo?”Iktaimoaned.“Whatdidyoudo?”

SheraandVahrenlookedawaywhenIktaislammedherheadagainsttheground.TheHighPriestess

sobbedlikeababy,unabletocometotermsthattheJewelofMaanwasnomore.Shespokeinasad

monologue,notcaringiftheywerelistening.

“WhentheyfirstshowedmetheJewelofMaan,Ididnotwanttobelieveit.Itwas…adragon.Something

disgusting.Therewasnothinggod-likeaboutit,”Iktaisaid,hermouthcurlinginabhorrence.“But…butI

hadadutytofulfillandthiswasit.IdidthebestIcould.”

IktaisatatoparockandlookedatthediscardednestformerlyoccupiedbytheJewelofMaan.Its

detachedscaleswerestilllitteredonthecoolrockflooroftheairycavern.Shelookedattheemptiness

withawistfulexpressiononherface.Therewasnothingelselefttobesaid.Shehadgivenup.

“Athree-hundred-year-oldsecret,anditisnowrevealed,”shesaid,lookingupattheholecausedbythe

JewelofMaan.Onesolitarysappingwireremainedactive,tiedtothedragonasitrevealeditselftothe

denizensofSedayval.

TheyleftIktaitocryinthecavern.Nothingmuchcouldbedoneanymore.Togetoutofthere,Vahrenfused

againwithShera.Therewasnotmuchenergyleftbetweenthem,butasaunitedform,theycouldclimbout

throughthehole.

Astheymadetheirwayintothecentralsquare,itlookedlikeasceneofcarnage.Thebeautifulpillarson

andstatuesandmarbleswerebroken,andthefightwasslowlybeginningtodissipate.

Whentheybrokeapartfromeachother,Sherawasgreetedbythesightofherrival,Iman,whowas

panicky.

“Shera,whatareyoudoinghere?”sheasked,helpingherup.ToVahren,shegaveayelpoffright.

“Don’tworry,heisafriend.”

“What?”

“Iman,Idon’thavetimetoexplain.Sedayvalisgoingtofallsoon.”

ThelookonIman’sfacedoubledinitsfright.Shewasclosetothevergeoftears.

“Getyourself,yourfamily,asmanypeopleoutofhere.”

“Shera,whatisgoingon?”Imanwasalmostatthevergeoftears.Thecitywasplungedintodarkness.The

lightsnolongerglowed,thewatersnolongerflowed.Everythingwasinstasis.

“GettheAcolytestoactivatetheteleportpadsinthetemples.”

“Thereisnopower!Ourrunesnolongerwork,”Imanwrungherhands.

“Itwill.Inawhile.”

Afewpeoplescreamedoutinthedarkness.Imanlookedattheskyinterroratthesilhouetteofagreatbig

beastflyingovertheirheads.

“Go,Iman!TelltheAcolytestogeteveryoneoutofhere!”

“ButMaan…Maanwillhelpus!”

SheradidnothavethehearttotellImanwhatsheknew.Therewasnotimetoexplaintothereligiously

fanaticalYoungAcolytethatthegodtheyallprayedtowasavictim.Sedayval,theHighPriestess,even

Shera–theywereallparasitesleechingfromaliving,magicalbeing.

Thestreetwasplungedindarkness.Mostofthepowersourcethathadranthecitywasnowgone.Allthat

wasleftwasthelastfinalwirestillloopedaroundtheJewelofMaan’sfrontleg.Thatwastheonly

powerthatkeptSedayvalfromcrashingdown.

Vahreninchedclosertoher,exhausted.Hecouldmovenomore.

Justwhenallhopewaslost,agreatdarkfigureloomedinthesky.TheJewelofMaanflewdown,and

lookedatSheraandVahren.Imanscreamedoutprofanitiesandcowered,beggingforMaantospareher.

TheJewelofMaanignoredherandspoketoShera.

“Leaveittome,”itsaid.

AnditsentoutatelepathicwavetowardseveryoneinSedayval.

“Thecitywillcrumbleandfallinanhour.Thiswillgiveeveryoneenoughtimetoevacuatethisplace.Go

totheTempleofMaan,andwalkthroughtheteleportationpads.Theywilltransportyoutothenearest

cities.”

TherunesonitsbodywasevidenceenoughtobetherunesderivedfromthewordsofMaan.Thecable

stillstuckonitsbodywasproofofitsexactnature.Othersmaynotknow,buttheimportantpeoplein

Sedyavaldid.Anditwasenough.

“Let’sgetoutofhere,”SherasaidtoVahren.

TheJewelofMaanblinkedatthem,andletoutasmallstringoffirethroughitsmouth.Sheragasped,but

thefiredidnotburnthem.Instead,itswirledaroundthemlikebutterflies,replenishingherenergy.She

wasenamoredoncemore,invigoratedbytheimmenseenergywithinher.

“Gowithmylastblessings.”

“Aren’tyouleavingwithus?”

“I…we…madethiscity.Ifitistodie,wearetodiewithit.”

“Youdon’thaveto,”Vahrensaid.

“Oh,butwedo,”thedragonexplained.“Wehavebeenfusedforsolong,wehaveforgottenwhatitislike

todisassociateanymore.Wemaybemadeofhundredsofpeople,butnowourmindsaremeldedintoone.

Itiswhoweare,andwehavetoacceptit.”

“Whyareyouchoosingtospareus?”Sheracouldnothelpbutask.

“Forthreehundredyears,wehaveseenthesmilesandsadnessoftheSedayvalian.Welovethemwithall

ourheart.FromthewailofanewbornchildtothelastbreathofthecentenarianinSedayval,wehave

beentherealltheway.”

Sheralookedatthebeast.Thoughitwasn’tthetruthshehadexpected,shehadfinallyfoundsomeclosure.

Therewasnothingelselefttobesaid.Peoplewerebeginningtoevacuatearoundthem,headingtothe

CentralSquareorthetemples.

Chapter7:Epilogue

TheywereteleportedtoadistantCliffsideonlowerEarth,aboutseventymilesawayfromthefloating

city.There,theycouldseethefloatingcityofSedayval.Butitnowseemedbare.Thegreeneriesthatonce

littereditssurfacewerenowbrownorred.Theobsidianunderbellywasrusty.Thewaterfromthe

Vahanariverthatflowedagainstgravityintothecitynowceasedtoexist.Sedayvalwasslowlydying

withtheJewelofMaan.

TheonehourgiventothembytheJewelofMaanfinallycametoanend.Evenfromadistance,Sheraand

VahrencouldheartheJewelofMaangiveoutagreatroar.Therewasaflashoflightasthedragon

implodedwithinitself.Withnothingtokeepitafloat,thegreatrockthatwasSedayvalcamecrashingto

theearth.AcloudofdustandagreatrumbleoftheearthwerefeltfromwhereSheraandVahrenstood.

Thedustwouldnotdissipateforweeks.Peoplefromfarandwidewouldsoonlearnthatthefloatingcity

ofSedayvalisnomore.

Sherathoughtthatshewouldcryatthedestructionofherhomeland.But,asshelookedatthethicksmog

formedatthecrashsite,allshecouldfeelwasrelief.

“Everythinginmylifehasbeenalie.Idon’tknowwhattobelieveinanymore,Vahren.”

“Therearethingsinlifethatyoudon’thavetobelievesometimes.Anditisfinetosaythatyoudon’t

know,andyoudon’twanttoknow.Curiosityisakindofdangerousdrug.”

“ButwhatifIwantedsomethingmoretolife?WhatifIwantedtobelievethattherewassomething

great?”

“Thenwhenitisn’t,youwouldbedisappointed.Butifitis,youwouldthenbehappy.Butletmeaskyou

this.Wouldn’titbebettersometimes,tojustnotknow?”

SheraponderedlongandhardatVahren’squestion.Theystoodattheedgeofthecliff,armsclaspedinto

eachother’s.

“Tellmesomethingthatistruethen.Makemebelieveinsomething.”

Vahrensmiledwanly.Thesadnesswasstillevidentinhisface.HehadcometoSedayvaltofreethe

JewelofMaan.Instead,hehadtoacceptthatittoo,justwantedtodie.

“Believeinme,Shera.WehaveasayinginShando.Adragonismadefromtwothings;loveandbelief.”

Shesmiledathim..

Satisfied,Sherajumpedoffthecliff,handsstillclaspedinhis.Thesurpriseonhisfacewasnot

unpleasant.Hehadanticipatedhermove.Theduoheldhandsmidair,theloudwhooshingsoundintheir

eardeafeningtoalltheothersoundsintheworlds.Thebrightlightfromtheseemedsoincandescentwhen

viewedfromtheperspectiveofafallingbody.Sheracouldonlysquint,unabletotakeintherushofair

coursingthroughherassheplummetedtothegroundbelow.

Therewasatimetoanchorone’sbeliefsontheground,andtherewasatimetotakeitup.Agoodship

knewhowtodoboth.

Asthebrowndragontooktothesky,itflewnotwithasenseofpurpose,butonethatwasof

accomplishment.Thebodywasencompassedofcalmnessandemotionalturmoil,balanceinimbalance,

andtruthinaseaoflies.

WhenSheraandVahrenflewtogetherasone,theydidso,notbecausetheyknewtheywereinlove;but

becausetheywerecuriousenoughtosearchwithinthemselves,andadmitthattheywouldnotknowwhere

thisrelationshipwouldheadto.

Thefusiongaveoutoneroarintothesky,andflewtowardstheeasternregionofShando.

*****

THEEND

BONUS2

ADarkTruth

By:

AmeliaWilson

Copyright

2016byAmeliaWilson

Allrightsreserved.

Innowayisitlegaltoreproduce,duplicate,ortransmitanypartofthisdocumentineitherelectronicmeansorinprintedformat.Recordingof

thispublicationisstrictlyprohibited,andanystorageofthisdocumentisnotallowedunlesswithwrittenpermissionfromthepublisher.All

rightsreserved.

Respectiveauthorsownallcopyrightsnotheldbythepublisher.

GetYourExclusivefreecopyofparanormalread

“ToCatchaKille r”

!oryoucanpastethisURL:

http://AmeliaWilson.gr8.com

AlsobyAmeliaWilson

http://www.ameliawilsonauthor.com/

Introduction

TheStartofaBeginning

Itwasdarkandtheairfelthumid.Anendlesswallofredbrickswasonhersideassheran.Thepavementwasunevenandmadehertripon

herownfeetbutshecontinuedherlongstrides,lookingbackfromtimetotime.

Therewasnomoonandtheilluminationwasclosetonil.Therewasbarelyanysourceoflightsaveforthelamppostmetersawayfromher.

Shefeltforthebrickstoguideherandshepantedasshesloweddownwithherpacewhileusingthewallasleverage.

Whenshereachedtheendofthestreet,shestoppedandleanedbackonthewall,tiltedherheadupandheaveddeepbreaths.Itwasdead

silentbutshewasawarethatsomeonewascomingnear.Nosoundsoffootstepswereheardyetherheartthrummedinanticipation.

Aminutedidnotlastwhenwhatlittlelightingshehadwasblocked.Hereyeswerestillshutbuttheworldseemedtohavebecomedarker.

Herheartstartedtopoundharder;shecanfeelthebloodrushingthroughherveins.Therewassomeoneinfrontofheranditexcitedyet

scaredher.Therewasanticipationanddreadenvelopingherbeing.

Thefigurecamecloserandshecouldheartheloudbreathingcomingfromamouth,theairlightlyhittingherfaceandmakingherknees

buckle.

Ahandrestedonhershoulderbeforeittracedtothedipsofhercollarboneandthenherneck.Herbloodwasrushinganditwasdizzying.The

touchbroughtapleasantsensation,itfeltheavenlyandshealmostmewledindesire.

Shetiltedherheadupininvitationandlipspresseddownagainsthers,firmbutnotprodding.Herhandsshookinanticipationandmovedblindly

torestonbroadshoulders.

“Idon’twanttohurtyou.”Thewhispersenttinglesdownherspineandsheshookherheadvehemently.

“Youwon’t.”Sheprotested,hookingherhandsaroundtheneckandpullingtheotherdown.

Therewasalickdownherthroatandshegasped.

Madisonstaredblanklyattheceilingasshewokeupgaspingforairwhilesweatmistedherface.Shefeltalickandthatwaswhenshe

registeredthataman’sbodywashoveringoverhers,suckingonhernecksoftly.

Shegroanedatthefeeling.

“You’reawake?”Theteasingvoicemadehersmiledespitestillbeingperturbedbythedream.

SherestedherhandonEaston’sheadandtuggedhishairlightly.“Whatareyoudoinghere?It’s…”Sheglancedattheclockonherbedside

table.“FourAM,whyareyouhere?”Despiteherquestion,shecardedherfingersthroughhishair,enjoyingthesoftmoansheletout

whenevershebarelypressedonthescalp.

“Imissedyou.”Sheshivered.Shehadknownhimformonthsbuthisdeep,raspyvoicestillhadthesameeffectonher.Itwascalmingyetat

thesametime,itspikedfeelingsshecouldnotexplain.

Hepulledbackanddroppedasoftpeckonherlips.Hecuppedhercheeksandkissedheragain,gentlyandloving.

“Idreamedofsomethingweird.”MadisonturnedtohersideandEastonfollowed,settingbehindherandwrappinghishandsaroundher.

“Whatdream?”Henestledhisfaceonherneckcomfortably,snugglingascloselyaspossible.

“I…”Madison’sbrowsfurrowed.“Ican’tremember.Itjustfeelsweird.”

Eastonhummedandrubbedhishanddownherarms.“Gobacktosleep.I’llbehere.”

ShefeltherlidsdroopingandshemanagedtotellEastontomakesuretoleaveearlysoheraunt,Courtney,wouldnotseehim.Shewasoffto

dreamlandassoonasshemumbledoutthosewords,notbotheringtowaitforhisreply.

Chapter-1

Let’sIgnoretheQuestionsandBaskintheBliss

Madisoncollectedherthingsfromthedeskandslungherbagonhershouldersbeforetrudgingoutoftheroom.Thehallwayswerefilledwith

studentsontheirwaytotheirnextclassesandshesloweddownhersteps.Shedidnotwanttostumbleagainstsomeone,notwhenshewasa

minuteawayfromfallingasleep.

Sheblinkedandfoughtdownaloudyawn.Withthewayshewasechoedbytheotherstudents,shesupposedshewasnottheonlyonewho

hadahardtimewakingupearlyagainafterashortbreakfromschool.

Hereyesfeltheavysosheshutthemforawhileinanattempttogainbacknormalconsciousness.Shewalkedinsmallstepsbutshedidnot

getfarbeforeletoutan“Oomph,”andtookstepsbackwhenshecrashedintosomeone.

“Oh!I’msor--”Therestofherapologywasleftunheardbecauseofachuckle.Thesoundwasmelodiousandsoothingtoherears.Itwasthe

voicethatshealwaysyearnedtohearfirstthinginthemorning.Sometimes,itwastheonlyreasonwhyshewantedtowakeupandstarther

day.

“Itoldyou,youshouldn’thavestayeduptoolatefinishingthatbook.”Alargeandheavyhandruffledherhairaffectionatelyandsheduckedto

preventhimfromruiningheralreadyunflatteringhair.

Sheyawnedagain.“Canwegotothelibrary?”

“Ofcourse.”Hekissedhertemplelightly.

Shefeltanarmwraparoundherwaistandhestartedtowalkslowly,guidingherandshieldingherfromthestudentsloiteringthehallways.She

leanedonhim,baskinginthesecurityhealwaysgaveherwhentheyaretogether.

Shechancedaglanceontheirwayeverynowandthen,checkingifhewasindeedleadinghertothelibrary.Thenexttimeshefeltconscious

waswhenhelethersitonachairgently.Madisonimmediatelyfoldedherhandsonthetableandsettledherhead,yearningtotakethenapshe

hadbeendaydreamingofwhileshewasinherclass.

ItwasanhourlaterwhenMadisonwokeup.Shecouldhearthefaintshrillsofringingbellsandshesearchedforherphonefrantically,sighing

inreliefwhensheconfirmedthatshedidnotoversleeptobelatefornextclass.

“Morningsleepyhead.”Sheturnedaround,smilingatthesightofEaston,withhisfaceproppeduponhispalmwhileherestedhiselbowonthe

table.Itseemedtobeoneofhisfavoriteposeswheneverthereisatablenearby.Hetendedtojustkeepsilentandbroodaboutwhateverhe

wasthinkingwhilehisheadwasrestedagainsthishand.

TheactionmakesMadisonsighdreamily.Withhisdarkeyes,prominentjawline,andsensuallips,itwashardnottoregardhimasagorgeous

being.Sometimes,Madisonponderedwhywouldheevenbeattractedtoherwhenshewasfarfromhavingidealtraits,thoughshealways

jokinglycreditedittotheweirdpreferencesofavampireguy.Hewasprobablyfedupwithbeautifulgirlsofhiscaliberwithhowlonghehad

livedthathejustsettledonmediocrechoices.

Eastonwinkedatherandshefelttheheatcreepuphercheeks.

“Ihaven’tseenyoublushlikethisforawhile.”Hepinchedacheekashechuckled.EventhesoundofhislaughterattractedMadisonlikeno

other.ShewassmittenwithEastonandapparently,hewasextremelyattractedtoher,too,enoughtoevenriskdyinginthehandsofavampire

hunter.

IthadbeenamonthsincethefightbetweenEastonandRichmond.Backthen,Madison’snormal,dulldaysbecamedayswhenshehadtobe

inthemidstofthetensionbetweenavampireandavampirehunter.Itwasunnervingtobethewitnessofhowmuchtheydetestedeachother

untilitbrokeupintoarealfightthatrenderedEastoninjuredforaweek.

Madisonneverlefthissidewhilehewasrecovering.Deepdown,shefeltguiltyfortriggeringthefight.Ifthingshadgoneworst,Eastonwould

probablydeadbynow.

Sherememberedhowfuriousandpanickedshewas,howmuchshewantedtohelpEastonandsavehislifefromtheloomingdeath.Seeing

himweakandhelplesshurtherandpushedhertoteeterontheedge.ShesnappedatRichmondandbaredherteethonhim,alloninstinct.She

didnothavelongandsharpfangslikevampiresdidandsheoftenrealizedhowstupidshemusthavelookedfordoingthat.

“Hey,I’mlosingyouagain.”Shesnappedbackintoreality,erasingthementalimagesofthefightandreplacingitwithEaston’sfacecloseto

hersashegazedatherworriedly.Heoftentimessportedthatlookwhichmadeherheartclench.

“Areyouthinkingaboutthatagain?”Heasked.TherewereonlyafewthingsthatcoulddistractMadisoneasily.Andonewaswhenevershe

rememberedthevividimagesduringhisfightwithRichmond.

Madisonsmiled.“I’mjustwonderingwhyIactedlikethat.”

Eastonsearchedhereyesandhisvoicesoftened.“Can’twejustdismissitasaproofofhowmuchyoulikemethatyouautomaticallycopied

myactions?”Hiseyestwinkledwithmischiefandshesmackedhimonthechestbutnonethelessdidnotprotest.

Itwasanotherunexplainableinstancesincethey’vemet.Thefirstwasthefactthattherewasaninvisiblepullbetweenthemthattheycould

notexplain.Itgovernedtheiractionsandmadethemwanttospendeverywakingsecondtogether.Andnow,itthefactthatsheseemedto

havetransformedsuddenlyintosomeonewithvampire-liketendencies.Herhearingwasheightened,hertastebudspreferredadifferentfood,

andhereyesightgotbetterthanwhensheusedglasses.

Eastongraspedoneofherhandsinhis,brushingherknuckleswithathumb.“Stopoverthinking.”Hekissedhercheekandthetensionseeped

outofherasshebaskedinthecalmheexuded.

“MaybeitreallywasbecauseIlikeyoutoomuch.”Shewhisperedcheekily.

Shewastakenabackwhenhestoppedplayingwithherhandandswoopedin,kissingherproperly,makingherstomachflipflopincessantly.

OnlyEastoncouldaffectherandincitethousandsofemotionsallatonce.

“Ireallylikeyoutoo.”HelockedtheirgazesandMadisonfeltoverwhelmedwiththesincerityinhiseyes.

ThepullhadbecomestrongerandMadison,stilldrowninginapoolofemotions,letherselfsinkinwholly.Allthatmattersnowarethatthey

werebothsafeandtherewasnooneanymorewhowoulddeliberatelypartthemfromeachother.Andshetrulywisheditwouldstaythesame

forlong.

Chapter-2

ItwasaBrothers’Thing

Thecafeteriawasbuzzingandshestretchedherneck,findingEastoninthemidstofthechaos.Theyrarelywenttothecafeteria,especially

duringlunchperiods,whenthewholeplaceisjampacked.

Earlier,Eastontalkedaboutthemmeetingthere.ItpuzzledMadisonbecauseiftherewasanyonebetweenthemwholoathedacrowdedplace

more,itwouldbehim.Thoughconfused,shedidnotaskandreadilyagreed.

ShewalkedtowardamanwholookedlikeEaston,hisbackfacingher.Sheknewhowhisshoulderslooklikebecauseitwassomethingshe

cametolove.Onceshewascloseenough,hereyeswidenedinsurpriseuponseeingwhowaswithEaston.

SheapproachedthetableandhereyesdartedeverywhereexceptfortheothermansittingacrossEaston.Thepresenceofanothervampire

unnervedher.EventhoughGavinwasEaston’sbrother,shefeltuneasyaroundhim.GavindidnotlikeherforEaston,shewascertain.

DuringtheweekwhenshetookcareofEaston,shebarelyexchangedwordswiththeman,whoalsokeptadistancefromher.Hewasalmost

neverhomewhenshevisitedandintheraretimesthattheymeteachother,allwordsdieddownattheexchangeofhello’s.Gavinwasaman

ofmuchfewerwords,worsethanEaston.

WhileEastonhadamysteriousaurablanketinghim,GavinwasaplainblankthatMadisoncouldnotdecipher.Shehadoftenfoundherself

wonderingwhetherthesilencewasabitofavampire-relatedtraitormaybetheyjustgottiredoftalkingalongtheway.

“Hi,”shegreeted,takingtheseatbesideEastonwhobeameduponherarrival.

“Madison!”HegesturedatGavin,whowaswatchingtheirinteractionintently.“You’vemetGavin.”

Shesmiledawkwardlyatthestone-facedman.Gavinonlygaveheranodbeforetakingabiteofthesandwich.Hewincedashechewedthe

food,hisactionsmorepracticedthanahabit.Hislipstwistedintoasnarlbuthecontinuedeating.

“Howareyoudoing?”Shestarted.Therewasnowaytheotherwouldstartaconversationsoshehadtotaketheinitiative.

ShetookEaston’sprofferedsandwichandtookabite.

“Fine.”Gavinansweredinaclippedtone.

“Whatbroughtyouhere?”Sheattemptedagain,eyeinghimandtryingtolookgenuinelyinterestedratherthanterrified.

GavinshotEastonalook.

“He’sastudenttoo.Hegothimselfinjustthissemester.”Eastonexplained.

Madisonprocessedtheinformation.GavinbeingastudentmeantthattheywillseeeachotheralmosteverydayifEastondecidedthatthey

meetwithhimforeverycommonperiodtheyhad.Shewastemptedtoaskhowhemanagedtogetinduringasecondsemesterbutshe

decidedtokeepmum.Whateverthereasonwasandhowhedidit,theideaofspendingtimewithhimdidnotsitwellwithher.

ItwasobviousthatGavindidnotlikeherforEaston.ThefirsttimetheysaweachotherwaswhenEastonwasalmostkilledandGavin,even

thoughhewasquietthewholetime,wasfumingandhadshotMadisonaccusatoryglancesnotjustonce.Evenherattemptstobefriendly

wereignoredandshesattherethinkingthathiscoldnesstowardherisunderstandable.Becauseofher,hisonlybrotheralmostgotkilled.

“That’sgreat…”Shecommentedbelatedly.Gavinraisedaneyebrowbeforetakingthelastbite.

“I’mgoing.”Hegotupanddroppedhistraybythecounterbeforewalkingout.

***

Gavin’shandsweretrembling.Itwasamiraclethathemanagednottochokeonthesandwichhewaseatingearlier.

HeknewofMadison.HehadlistenedtoEastontellstoriesaboutherandeachtimehedid,hiseyeslightedupandhisactionsbecame

animated.Hepracticallyknewherjustthroughhisbrother’sstories.

GavinhadneverapprovedofEaston’srelationshipwithMadison.Itwasnotawisethingforvampireslikethemtobeinarelationshipwith

mortals.Eastonwouldonlybedevastatedwhenthetimecomesforthemtopartways,particularlywhenMadisonmeetsherdeath.Itwaspart

ofthehumannaturetheywillnevergettoexperiencewhentheygotturned.

Sheseemedtobeaniceperson.ButEaston’spraisesdidnotcountasreliableassessmentwithhowsmittenhewas.

Despiteeverything,Gavincouldnothelpbutbecoldtowardher,whowasthecausewhyEastonhadtobenursedbackintohealthforaweek.

Hesawherasadanger.Herfamilybeingconnectedtoexistingfamiliesofvampirehunterswasmorethanalarming.

However,whenhemetwithEastonandMadisonearlier,therewasalurchinhisstomachthatmadehimuncomfortable.Hefeltnauseousand

hehadtoforcehisthroattoswallowthefood.

HeavertedhiseyesfromlookingatMadisonbuthervoiceasshetriedtoaddresshimignitedhisnerves.Hethoughtitwasangeror

annoyancebutitwasnot.Whenhechancedaglancetoherdirection,histhroatfeltconstrictedandtinglesrandownhisbody.

WithhowuncontrollablehewasbecomingwitheverysecondspentwithMadison,hedecidedtofinishfirstandleavethem.Itwouldbeunsafe

tostaywithhowsomethinginsidehimwasachingtoreachoutandtouchMadison’sface.

***

“Don’tworry,he’sjustaquietperson.”Eastonheldherhandsandconsoledher.ItwashardforMadisontoconcealherdisappointment.

Eastonhadonlyonefamilymemberanditturnedoutthathedisapprovedofthemthoughheneversaiditoutloud.

Shesigheddejectedly.“Hedoesn’tlikeme,I’msure.Hedidn’tlookatmeevenonceearlier!”

Eastonsmiledatherwhinytone.“He’llwarmuptoyousoon,believeme.Hejusttakestimebeforehegetsusedtonewpeople.”

Shecontinuedeatinginsteadofanswering,ponderingEaston’swords.

ShegenuinelyhopedtogetalongwellwithGavin.Shecouldwaitandtry,evenifthatmeantmoreawkwardmomentsandfailed

conversations.

***

“Ithinkthisone’sbetter.”Madisonpointedattheimageontheright.Kelvin,herpartnerforareport,selectedtheimageandcopieditintheir

presentation.

Kelvinclickedforthenextslide.“ThesewerethepicturesIsawlastnight.”Hescrolledthroughhisfilesandshowedhereachone.She

leanedclosertoseethembetterwhenahandblockedherfromgettinganycloser.

Startled,theybothlookedbackandMadisonwassurprisedtoseeGavin.Hewasstandingbehindthem,ahandonhershoulder,hiseyessharp

whilehislipswerepursed.Heseemedtobepissed.HisholdtightenedandMadisonwincedatthepain.

Herreactionseemedtohavesnappedhimoutofhisthoughtsandhereleasedher.“Easton’sbeenlookingforyou.”Gavinsaidbeforestorming

outoftheroom.

Madisonfounditodd.Gavinwasnotthetypetoseekoutforher.Judgingbyhowhetreatedherasinvisible,sheissurprisedthathewas

remindedofherexistenceandthathetalkedtoherinhisownaccord.

Theencounterpuzzledherevenmore.Eastonknewwheretofindthem;shewascertainshetoldhimearlier.Itwasweirdthathewouldbe

lookingforherasGavinsaid,orevenodder,thathewouldaskforGavin’shelptofindher.Shewassurehecouldmanageonhisownifit

cametothat.

“Shouldwecontinuethistomorrow?We’rehalfwaydoneright?”ShebeganpackingupherthingsandKelvindidthesame.

“Okay,sametime.Seeyou.”Hehurriedout,pausingbeforegoingthroughthedoor.Madisonfollowedhimandhereyeswideneduponspotting

Gavinatthedoor,staringatitlikeithadcommittedacrimeagainsthim.

“Iseverythingalright?”

Heonlyglancedatherthenturnedaroundandleftheralone.Madisonwasdumbfoundedbytheundisguisedhostility.

***

Theshelvesloomedoverherandshewasbeginningtofeeljittery.Shestrodethroughthelibraryandhurriedtoreturnthebooksshegot.

Itfeltlikedéjàvu.Therewasthatnaggingfeelingthatshewasbeingwatched,beingfollowed.Shecheckedherbackafewtimesbutsawno

one,toherrelief.Butassoonasshefacedfrontagain,theuneasinessreturnedimmediately.Madisoncouldnotwaittogetoutandmeet

Easton.

Shetiptoedandslidabookinwhenahandtouchedherlowerbackandshegaspedloudlyinshock,facingwhoeveritwas.

“Easton!”HerheadwasreelingbutshewasbeyondrelievedthatitwasEastonandnotanyoneelse.

“Whathappened?”

“Nothing.Iwasjustsurprised.”Shelookedatbothendsoftheshelvestocheckiftherewereotherpeople.Shecouldstillfeeltheweightof

someone’sstarebutshecouldnotpinpointitssource,notwhenshewaspracticallysurroundedbyhundredsofbookswheresomeonecould

easilyhide.

CoulditbeRichmond?

Shedreadedtheanswertoherquestionbutsheknewshehadtokeepalert.IfitwasreallyRichmond,shehadtobeprepared.Shewas

probablyalreadymarkedasanallyofthevampireswithhowshetriedtoprotectEaston.ItwouldnotbesurprisingifRichmondlaunchesan

attackagainsthertoo.

“Areyousure?”Heheldhercoldhands.Thetensionwasstartingtoseepoutofher.

Whoeveritwas,theyhadprobablygoneoff.

“Yeah.Iwasn’texpectingtoseeyouhere.”Sheavertedhereyes.Eastonhadhiswayofextractingthetruthoutofherbutshedidnotwant

toalarmhimofhersuspicionswhenshehadnoclearproof.Itwouldnotbewisethatthetwoofthemwouldbeonedgefornoreason.

“YouweretakingtoolongsoIcametocheckonyou.”

“Wellthatwasthelastofit.”Shegesturedatheremptyhands.“Let’sgo.”Sheheldhishandandledhimout,searchingforanysuspicious

personbutfoundnone.

Getyourselftogether.You’rejustimaginingthings!

***

Gavinwatchedastheywentoutofthelibrarywiththeirhandsclasped.Thesightmadehimboilinanger.Seeingthemtogetherdidnotsitwell

withhim.NotanymoreofhisdisapprovaloverMadisonbutbecausehewantedherforhimself.

Hewalkedoutoftheshelfhewashidingandignoredthelibrarianwholookedathimcuriously.

Hiscontrolwasstartingtoloosen.HewasrestlessandshakenbythemerethoughtofMadisonspendingtimewithotherpeople,evenifitwas

Easton.TheotherdayhenearlyattackedtheguywhowasclosewithMadisonandhehadtowalkawaytocoolhimselfdown.

HedesiredforMadison.Hecravedforherattentionandhertouch.Gavinoftenfoundhimselfbitinghistonguearoundherbecausehisbody

wasgoingcrazy.Hismouthwateredbecausehewantedatasteofher.Madisonwasmakinghimballisticwithwantandneed.Hedidnot

knowuntilwhenhecouldstophimselffrompouncingher.Gavinwasnearhislimits.HeneededtotasteMadisonifhewantedtosalvagewhat

littlesanityhehasleft.

Chapter-3

I’mCaughtintheMidstofEmotionalTurbulence

Thesoundfromthetelevisionservedasthewhitenoiseastheyatetheirdinner.Courtneyhadbeencoldtohersincethefightbetween

RichmondandEaston.Atfirst,Madisonunderstoodwhyherauntwouldbeangry.

ShehadeveryreasontoshesuddenlyfoundoutthatMadisonbefriendedavampirewhonearlykilledthechildofoneofheroldfriends.She

alsoknewthatknowingthatvampiresexistmustbetoounbelievablethatshewasyettogetovertheshock.

Madisongaveherthespacesheneededbutasweekswentonandshegotthesamecoldtreatment,shetriedtomakeamendsbuttonoavail.

Courtneywasadamantonignoringher.

SteelscrapedagainsttheplatesandMadisonwasfeelingtiredoftheirongoingfeud.Shehadnooneleftbutherauntandnow,Courtney

seemedtohatehertothecore.

“Arewereallynevergoingbacktohowwewerebefore?”Thesewerethewordssherepeatedmultipletimesinherheadandtriedtorevise

andrephrasetosoundmoreamiable.Shebracedherselfforthereaction.

Courtneystoppedchewinganddroppedherfork.Madisonthoughtshewouldbeupandleaveherhangingbutshestayedseated,eyesfixated

onthefoodinherplate.

“Wecan.”

Madisonperkedattheresponse.

“Butonlyifyoustopseeinghim.”Courtneyfiddledwithherforkasshewaitedforherniece’sresponse.

“Idon’tunderstandwhatiswrongwithEaston.”Herdefenseswereonhigh-alert,especiallywhenitconcernedEaston.Shewasnotaware

whenshestartedcaringsomuchforhim.

Courtneystoodupsofastthatherchaircametumblingdown.ShebangedherhandsonthetablemakingMadisonjump.

“He’sabloodsuckerMadison.Isn’tthatenoughreasonforyoutostayawayfromhim?”Sheshouted.Hereyeswereblazingandshewas

fuming.Madisonhadneverseenhersolividbefore.

“I’veknownhimformonthsandhehasneverhurtme.Notonce.”Sheliedthroughherteeth.ShehadlongforgivenEastonforhismistakes

soforher,shewastellingthetruth.Afterthelasttimehesuckedherblood,heneverdidanythingtodeliberatelyhurther.

Courtneyscoffedandstartedpacingaroundwithherarmscrossed.“YouthinkI’dbelieveinthat?”

“Youshouldbecauseit’sthetruth.”Madison’shandsweretrembling.ShehadenoughofherauntaccusingEaston.

“You’remakingahugemistake,Madison.Beingwithavampiredoesn’tmeanyou’reacharacterinsomesortofafairytale.Ifyoudon’twant

thingstogetworst,itwouldbebestifyouseparateways.”Courtneycontainedherangerandtriedtoappeal.

ThestatementmadeMadisonmorefuriousandconfused.Fromhowherauntsaidit,sheseemedtoknowsomethingthatshewasnottelling

Madison.ShekeptgoingonabouthowitwasabadideabeingwithEastonbutshenevertoldhertherealreasonwhysheshouldnot.Heraunt

onlysputteredpatheticexcuseswhichsherefusedtobelieve.Therewassomethingshewashiding.Shefeltherangerbuttherewas

somethingmore.Somethingakintofear.

“Whatdoyoumeanbythat?”Bynow,shealsostoodupandfacedherauntheadon.Thiswastheconfrontationshewaswaitingforever

sincethatday.Heraunttriedtodivertthetopicwhenevershetriedtobringitupandthiswastheonlytimeshewasshowingsignsthatshestill

rememberedwhathappenedandMadisonwasdeterminedtokeephertalking.

CourtneywastheonlyfamilyshehadandshewoulddoanythingtoconvinceherthatsheissafewithEaston.Heracceptancewouldmeanso

muchtothem.

Herauntwastakenabackbyherquestionandsheturnedandtriedtowalkout,ifnotforMadison’sgriponherarm.

“Youknowsomething.Please,letmeknowwhat’sbotheringyousowecanworkthisout.”AchokeescapedMadisonandshedidnotrealize

thattearsstartedtoforminhereyes.

Courtney’sexpressionsoftenedandMadisoncouldseeherstrugglewiththefleetingemotionsflashingthroughhereyes.Shewantedtosay

something.Madisonwasawarethatheraunthadbeenhidingasecretthatseemedtoburdenhermorethananything.Shewantedtoknow

becauseshedidnotwanthertosufferalone.ShewaswillingtocarrypartoftheburdenifitmeansCourtneyopeninguptoher.

“Idon’tknowwhatyou’resaying.”

“No.YoudefinitelyknowwhatI’mtalkingaboutAuntCourtney.Whatisit?Tellme!WhatisitaboutEastonthatyouwantmetostayaway

fromhim?Iknowit’snotjustbecausehe’savampire.”Shewascertainthatshehitanervewhenherauntgulpedvisiblyandpulledherarm

away.

“Idon’tknowanything.”Shehissed.

Madisongaveupandwatchedherbackasshestompedherwayupthestairs.Shefeltexhaustedwiththeirconfrontation.Nothingwasadding

upandshehadnocluetoheraunt’ssecret.Whateveritis,shehadtomakesuretomakeherconfessbecauseitobviouslyconcernedher

relationshipwithEaston.

***

Itwasfaintbutshehearditinthedeadsilenceofthenight.Insteadofpanicking,shelaidcalmlyandremainedinherhalf-asleepstate,

knowingthatitwasEastonagainwhowassneakinginsideherroom.

Itwasahabitshewasnotabletostop.Eastoncamefromtimetotimeandusedherwindowtogetin.Sheprotestedatfirstbutsoonlethim

beashepromisedandheonlywishedtoaccompanyherwhilesleeping.

Admittedly,shelovedthenightstheyspenttogether,cuddledbeneaththewarmthofherblankets.Duringthosetimes,itfeltlikeeverything

aboutthemwasnormal.Itwasanalternateworldwheretheywerejustacouplewhoenjoyedbeingtogether.

Thefootstepsnearedandsheanticipatedhimlyingdownbehindherandspooningher.Whatshedidnotexpectwasforaheavyweightto

settleonherandlarge,coldhandsgrippingherwriststightly.

Inshock,shewasnotabletostruggle,stillbelievingthatitwasEastonandhewasjustplayingaround.Whentheholdgottighter,shefinally

openedhereyesandwasmetwithGavin’spair,whichweredarkanddilated.

Helookedfuriousandhepantedheavilywhilestaringather,straddlingherwaisttocageherdown.Madisonwaslost.Thebetterpartofher

wastellinghertoscreamandaskforhelpbutshehadtoknowwhyGavincamebarginginherroomandwhyhelookedlikehewasaboutto

murdersomeone.

Shegulpedattheunpleasantthoughtandforcedherselftonotpanic.ThisisGavin,Easton’sbrother.Hemeantnoharm.Hehadagood

reasonwhyhe’shereandthat’swhatsheshouldask.

“What,”hervoicecameoutasasqueak.Thefearwasoverpoweringhersenses.“Whatareyoudoinghere?”

Insteadofanswering,Gavinwentstraighttoherneckandflickedhistongueonherskin,emittinganaudiblegaspfromher.Shestartedto

thrashandtriedtothrowhimoffherbodybuthewasbiggerandstronger.Helockedherjawinatightholdandforcedhertomeethisgaze.

“Lookatme.”Hegrowled.Madisonwhimperedandshefelthowhestartedtotakeoverthecontrolofherbody,hownumbnesscrawled

acrosshertorsoanddowntoherlimbs.

TheonlythoughtrunningonhermindwasEaston.Whatwouldhefeelifheknewthathisbrotherkilledher?Howwouldhereact?Willhe

knowaboutitorwillGavinmakeitlooklikesomebodyelsedidit?

Whenshelaidlimpandshehadnomeanstostruggle,Gavinreleasedherwristsanddippeddownagainherneck,lickinghungrilyinonearea.

Hebaredhisfangsandpoiseditagainstherflesh.Shecouldfeelthestartofabite.Thewoundwasstillsmallandbarelynoticeablebutthere

wasbloodseepingout.

GavinflickedhistongueagainstthewoundsandmoanedatthetasteofMadison’sblood.

“Iknewyou’dtasteheavenly.NowonderEastonneverseemtogetenoughofyou.”

Madisonwantedtoscreamathim.TotellhimthatEastonwasnotwithherjustbecauseofthetasteofherblood.Butsheonlymanagedtolet

outsmallyelpsthatdidnothingtoaffectherassaulter.

Gavinreturnedtohispositionandswepttheremainingbloodwithhistongue,thenhebitheragainonthesamespot,thistimehewentdeeper

andMadisoncouldfeelhimsuckingslowly,asifhewasrelishingthefeeling.

Hishandsroamedonherbody,caressinghertorsodowntoherwaist.Tearsprickledtheedgesofhereyesandtheyfelldownindroplets,

cascadingdownhertemple.

Gavinwasmoaningashealternatelylickedthewoundanddrainedbloodfromit.Shefelthimmovehishipsagainsthersandshefelthorrified,

thinkingoftheworstsituationthiscouldleadto.

Shewilledherselftomove,tryingtorememberhowshemanagedtopushEastonbackthenwhenheattackedher.Hestartedtogrindagainst

herjustwhenshewasabletomoveherfingersandtoes.Shewaspracticallypleadingherbodytomoveandescapewhatevermagicheused

againsther.

Hestoppedsuckingandgazedather,desireandlustreflectedinhiseyes.Helickedthebloodoffhislipsandloweredhishead.Atthispoint,

Madisonraisedherhips,twistingherbodytothesideasmuchasshecould,catchinghimoffguard.Hestumbleddownthebedbuthewas

quicktoreturnandholdherdown.

Havingnootherway,shescreamedandprayedthatherauntwouldhearher.Gavincoveredhermouthwithahandandslappedherwiththe

other.Shecouldfeelhowsorehercheekwaswiththeimpactoftheblow.

Shethrashedagainsthim,liftingherbodyandhittinghimwithherfistsbuthedidnotbudge.Hisnostrilsflaredandheignoredherhits.Hewas

tornbetweenleavingandkillingherforgood.Itwouldnotbehardforhimtosnapherneckbuthewasbeingheldback.

Herbloodwasthemostdeliciousonehehadfordecadesandhecouldnottakethethoughtthatitwouldbegoneinaninstant.Drinkingthe

bloodofadeadpersonwouldbesynonymoustoamortaldrinkingspoiledmilk.

Hisconflictingthoughtswereinterruptedwhenthedooropenedandthewomanscreamed.Thiswasnotpartofhisplan.Heonlywanteda

taste,andpossiblyMadisonreciprocatinghistouches.Ahystericalwomanwasnotincludedinhisimagination.

Takenaback,heleapedawayfromthebedandwalkedbackwards,keepingwatchofthewomenwhowerepetrifiedbeyondbelief.

Whenhereachedthewindow,heopenedithastilyandjumpedout,runningawayatfullspeed.

CourtneyhuggedMadison,whowasacompletemess,withtearsdecoratinghercheeksandhervoicehoarseasshecried.Courtneyreached

forthetissueboxonthebedsidetableandpresseditagainstherwound.Itwouldnotsufficetostopthebleedingbutrightnow,Madison

neededcomfortmorethananything.

WhenMadison’sbreathingbecameeven,shehurrieddownstairsandfetchedtheirfirstaidkitandattendedtothewounds,relievedwhenthey

stoppedbleeding.

Madisoncouldnotstopsobbing.Shewantedtoerasethememoryofwhathappenedbutthewoundswouldserveasareminderanditwould

taketimebeforeitheals.Fortunately,theslaponlyreddenedhercheekanddidnotleaveamark.

Shesniffledandhiccuppedandwipedawayhertears.

Meanwhile,Courtneyfoughtdownheremotions.WhensheheardMadison’sscream,sheknewithadsomethingtodowiththebloodsuckers.

ShewasnotignorantandsheknewthatEastonsometimessneakedin.Duringthosenights,shewouldlayawakeonherbed,waitingforany

soundthatwouldsignalthatherniecewasintrouble.

Herworrywasuselessuntiltonight.Whatshedidnotexpectwastoseetheotherbloodsucker,whosheknewtoberelatedwithEaston.She

wastemptedtoruntotheirhouseandsetitonfireifnotforherniecewhoneededhernowmorethananything.

Shehushedherandcoaxedhertolaydownagainandsleep.

“Ican’tsleep.”Madisonbitherlipasafreshsetoftearssprangouthereyes.

“Oh,dear.”Courtneydecidedtolaydownbesideher.“I’llstayhere,don’tworry.”

Madisonreachedforherhandandsqueezedittightly.“Sleepnow,dear.I’mnotleavingyoualone.”

Needlesstosay,Courtneystayedawaketherestofthenight,jumpingattheslightestsound.ShewoulddoanythingtoprotectMadison.Allher

life,sheknewhermainpurposewastoprotectMadison,nomatterwhat.Andshewouldnotbackdownjustbecauseabloodsuckerdecided

thatherniece’sbloodtastedgood.

Chapter-4

ItwasAllMyFault

“Don’tyoufeelhot?”Eastongesturedatherclothes.

Shecaressedherneckandsmiledforcibly.“It’sabitchillyatnightsoIpreferthem.”

Sincethatnight,Madisonworeturtlenecksandhoodiestohidethewounds.Shewashesitanttoattendherclassesthenextday.Shewas

scaredattheideaofmeetingGavinbutwhenhedidnotshowup,shewasrelieved.

Maybeheregrettedwhathehaddoneandhewasjustmusteringthecouragetoaskforherforgiveness.Madisonlikedtothinkthatwaswhat

hefelt--regretandremorse.ShecouldnotbearthatGavinwouldnotfeelanyguiltwithwhathehaddone.

ShehatedlyingtoEaston.Sheknewthathewasawarethattherewassomethingwrong.Sheavoidedhistouchesandkissesandtriedto

spendaslesstimewithhimaspossible.Aslongasthememoriesreplayedvividly,shewouldfinditdifficulttofaceEastonlikenothing

happened.

CourtneytoldhertotellEastonbutsherefused.EastonwasfondofGavinandheoftenrepeatedhowmuchhecherishedhisbrotherandthat

hecouldnothavesurvivedforlongifnotforhim.Shewouldnotwishfortheirrelationshiptobetarnishedbecauseofher.ForEaston,shewas

willingtoforgiveandforget.IfonlyGavinwouldapologize,thenthesoonertheycouldmoveon.

“Theseat’sstillfree.”Eastongrinneduponspottingthechairsatthecornerofthelobby.Theypreferredtheareaasitwashiddenfromplain

view,withalargecircularpostblockingpeoplefromseeingthemimmediately.

EastonjoggedandMadisonfollowed,tryingtokeepupwithhisstrides.

Heploppeddownontheseatandpattedthespotbesidehim.

“Youshouldatleastrollthisdownwhen…”Hereachedfortheedgeofherturtleneckandtuggeditdown.Madisongaspedandjerkedaway,

notexpectingit.

“DidIdosomethingwrong?”Heeyedherworriedly,lookingatherasshekeptherhandssecuredonherclothes.Forthefirsttime,shewas

temptedtoconfessbutsheheldhertongue.

“Ijust…”Shesteppedback.“Ineedtodosomething.”

“I’llcomewith.”

“No.”Sheshouted.Bothofthemwereshockedatherresponse.Inacalmertone,shecontinued.“Iwon’tbegoneforlong.”

***

Therewasnowheretogo.Herusualspotswerethelobby,thelibrary,andsometimesthecafeteria.Shecouldnotrememberthelasttime

whenshestayedsomewherealoneinthecampus.ShehadbeentoousedtoEaston’spresencethatsheblindlyreachedforhishand,onlyto

graspinemptyair.

Guiltwaseatingher.Eastonwasclosetodiscoveringabouthersecretbutshewasconvincedthattherewasnousetellinghim.Itwouldonly

createaruckus.SheonlyneededtohearGavin’ssorryandshewouldletitgo.

ThereweredilemmasthatcouldbetalkedaboutbutifEastonlearnedaboutit,therewouldbenotalking.Hewoulddefinitelyresortto

violence.Sheoncesawhimonthebrinkofhisdeathandsheneverwishedtohimlikethatagain,especiallyifitwasinthehandsofhisown

brother.

Shemustkeepmumnomatterwhathappened.

Shestrolledalongthebackofthemusicbuilding.Frominside,shecouldhearthemutedsoundsofinstrumentsandvoiceswhichhelpedshake

offherrestlessness.SheshouldonlytakeafewminutesorelseEastonwouldtrackher.

Rubbingthesoreareainherneck,shewishedforittohealsoonandforthemarkstofadeaway.Itwastheonlyevidenceandshewasscared

thatEastonwouldknowonceheseesthem.

Thesoundsoftheinstrumentsfadedasshewalkedonwhensomeonedraggedhertowardtheendofthebuilding,wherenoonepassesby.

SheshriekedwhenshesawGavinandsheslappedhiminanattempttofreeherself.However,hewasfastenoughtoholdherhandandhe

pulledherandthrewheragainstthewall.

Shewhimperedinpain.Herbackachedatthehardnessofthecement.

Gavinheldherfacewithbothhands.“Listentome.”Heheldhertightlyuntilhercheeksweresquishedcomically.Shestartedtotremblein

fearandsheinternallycontemplatedhittinghimagainforanotherchanceofescape.

“Iwantyou,doyouhearthat?”Helickedhislipsandsmiledmaniacally.ItwasdifferentfromthecomposedGavinsheknew,farfromthe

Gavinalwaystalkedabout.

“You’redisgusting.”Shespat.“I’mwithyourbrother,forfuck’ssake!”

Heheldherneckwithahandasifhewasabouttostrangleher.“Thenbreakitoffwithhimandbewithme.”Hekissedherandforcedhis

tongueinandMadisonpunchedandkickedhimbuthewasinvincibletoherattacks.

“Stop!Stop,please.”Shepleaded.Tearswererunningdownherfaceanditonlyremindedherhowdevastatedshewastheothernight.

“Shh,”hebrushedhisthumbonhercheeksgently,acontrasttohisharshactionsearlier.“LetmekissyouonelasttimeandI’llletyougo.”

Holdingontohiswords,Madisonshuthereyestightlyandbracedfortheonslaughtofhislips.Sheremainedunmovingasheravishedher,

tastinghermouth.Shefeltsicktoherstomachandshestoodtherelikealifelessdoll,waitingforhimtostop.Oncehedid,shepushedhimwith

allherstrengthandsheranaway.Herbodytrembled.Shecouldhearhimlaughingevenfromadistance.

Gavinmustbecrazyanditwasapparenthehadnoremorsenorregret.Shewouldnotgettheapologythatshewantedandnow,shefelt

taintedwithhismonstrosity.

***

Thedoorwaslockedandsowasherwindow.Eastonhadbeenknockingincessantlybutsheignoredhim.Shewentstraighttoherhome

earlierbecauseshecouldnotstopshaking.

Shesobbedsoftlyunderhercovers,hopingthatEastonwouldbelievethatshewasjustdeepinsleep.

Whenherwindowrattled,shesatuponherbed,watchingasEastonforcedtoopenit.WorriedthatCourtneymightgetawakeandrushtoher,

shehurriedlyfixedherselfandopenedthelocks.

“Oh,finally.Thankgod.”HeembracedherandMadisonreturnedtheaffection.NooneelsebutEastoncouldmakeherfeelsafe.

“Whathappened?Whydidyousuddenlyleave?”

Madisonrefusedtomeethiseyes.

“Ifeltsick.Ineededtosleep.”

“Madison.”Hetiltedherchinupwithafinger.“HaveIdonesomethingwrong?DidIoffendyou?DidIdoanythingtomakeyouangry?”

Sheclutchedathisshirtandshookherheadno.

“Thenwhyareyouavoidingme?”

ThegentlenessofhisvoicewastemptingMadisontoletitallout.Eastonisrarelysoft-spoken.Healwayssoundedcoldandindifferent,and

onlyherknewthatitwasjusthisdefaultvoiceandthathewasnotbeingmean.

“Ijustreallydon’tfeelwell.”Shesmiledathimandreachedforhislips,tracingitwithherfinger.

Hekissedthefingersoftlyandshebitbackasob.

“Thenlet’sgetyousomesleep.”Heledherbacktoherbedandwrappedherinhisarms.Shesuppressedheremotionsuntilfatiguetookher

away.

***

Whathappenedbehindthemusicbuildingwasfollowedbymoreattempts.Althoughthistime,Madisonwaswiseenoughtonotwalkalone,

choosingpathsthatwerefrequentedbypeople.TherewasonetimewhenGavinsuccessfullypulledherinanalleybutshewaspreparedand

shekneedhiminthegroinatonce,givingherenoughtimetomakeadashout.

Madisonthoughthewouldgrowtiredafterafewdaysbuthewasrelentlessandeachtime,hewasgettingmoreaggressive.Thoughshe

foundwaystoevadehim,whichismostofthetimestickingbyEaston’sside,shewasnotcontentedwiththeirgameofhideandseek.She

wantedtoputastoptohismadness.Theycouldnotgoonlikethisandhewouldnotstopunlessshewhackedsomesenseintohim.

Hewasprobablylurkingsomewhere.ItcreepedMadisonoutthatGavinmustbehidingwherehecouldstillwatchherbutshecontinued

walking.Shewasinthemusicbuildingagainandanyminutenow,hewouldcomechargingatherlikeafamishedanimal.

Shehidapocketknifeinherwaist.Shedidnotwanttohurthimbutifhedidnotlistenthenshewouldhavetosorttoviolencetodefend

herself.

Asexpected,Gavinwasquicktotaketheopportunityandhetrappedherbetweenhisarms.

“Gavinstop!”

Sheexhaledwhenhehaltedatherwords.

“Whyareyoudoingthis?”

Hescoffed.“Itoldyou.Iwantyou,Madison.”

“YouknowIcan’tbewithyou.”

“Youcan.Ifyouchooseto,youcan.”

“Idon’tunderstand.Youdon’tlikeme.”Shestalledfortimebutshewaslookingforawayout.Gavinwascompletelyoutofhismind.Hewas

farfromtheGavinsheknewandspeakingtohimwasabadidea.Heseemedtohaveslippedfromreality.

“Oh,butIdolikeyou.”Hecamecloserandstopped,hismouthclosetoherears.“Ilikeyousomuch.DoyouknowhowmuchIwantedto

tasteyouagain?You’realluring,Madison.Iwasafoolnottonoticeitsoonenough.”Heflickedhistongueagainstherearlobeandshewinced

indisgust.

“ButnowIdo.Socomewithme.Youwon’tregretchoosingme.”

Therewasarustleandsuddenly,Gavinwasnowherenearher.

“Whatthefuckishappeninghere?”Eastonwasseething.Hishandswereclenchedintofistsandhewasfuminginanger.

“Madison?!”Heturnedtoherandshecriedwhenshesawhowhurthewas.

“Whatishappeninghere?”Herepeated,enunciatingeveryword.“PleasetellmeI’mwrongwithassumingthatyoutwoarechea--”

“Madisonwantsme.”Gavinsaidcasually.

“Youliar!”Madisongraspedatthecollarofhisshirt.“Takethatback!”Shescreamed.

“Isthattrue?”Eastonasked.

MadisonletgoofGavin’sshirtandwalkednearEaston,whoheldhishanduptostopher.

Theactionmadeherheartclench.

“No,Easton.Godno.I…,”shegulped.Shewantedtotellthetruth.ItwaseitherGavinwilltelltherealstoryorheturnsthetablesandmakes

herthebadguy.

“Gavinwas--”Shestammered,strugglingtogetthewordsoutofhermouth.

Nothavinganychoice,shepulleddownherhoodieandrevealedthemark,whichwasstillreddened.

Easton’seyeswidenedandhestrodetoGavinandpulledhimuptohisfeet.“Whatdidyoudotoher?”

Insteadofbeingaffronted,Gavinjustsmiled.

Hemustbeinsane.Hemustbereallyinsane.MadisonsawhissmirkandhowheseemedtohaveexpectedEaston’sreaction.Gavinwas

tauntingEastonanditwasmakingherbloodboil.

“Younevertoldmeabouthowdelicioussheis.”GavinpokedouthistonguetoemphasizehispointandEaston,losingthelaststringofhis

control,punchedhisbrotherandknockedhimdown.

GavinwasquicktoretaliateandkickedEastononthestomachandthechest.Madisonscreamedforthemtostop.Thiswaswhatshewas

fearing.Theyarebrothersandtheyshouldnotbefighting,especiallynotbecauseofher.

TheirmovementswerequickandMadisoncouldnotkeepup.Shescreamedandtriedtopullthemawayfromeachotherbutshewaspushed

offtotheside,watchinghelplesslyastheytrytooutdotheother.

EastonstraddledGavinandlockedhiminplace,punchinghisfacerepeatedlyuntilitwasbeatenblue.Eastonreachedforhisneck,hisbody

stillovertakenwithanger,whenMadisonscreamed.

“Don’tkillhim,please!”

Andthatwaswhenheregainedcontrolofhisemotions.

HewasonthevergeofsnappingGavin’sneck.Gavin,whowashisonlyfamily.Gavin,hisbrotherwhotookcareofhimandwhowaswith

himalltheway.

Hescrambledtogetoffhisbrotherandlookedathishands,whichwasbruisedwiththeforceheused.

Gavinsneered.“Whydidn’tyoukillme?Ideserveitdon’tI?”

“Justgo!Please.”Madisonpushedhimawayandshedidnottakehereyesoffhimuntilhewasagooddistancefromthem.

SherushedtoEaston’sside,dreadinghisexpression.

“Ialmostkilledmybrother.”Hesatthere,staringathishands.Madisonhuggedhimandrestedhisheadonhershouldersashisentirebody

shuddered.

Thiswasherfault.Itwasallherfault.

Chapter-5

WearetheMirrorofOurPast

Eastonrefusedtosayanything.Shecardedherfingersthroughhishairandhehummedinappreciation.

Hestillcouldnotbelievethathisbrotherdidthat.HetoldGavinhowimportantMadisonwastohim.Ofallpeople,heknewbestthatMadison

wasprecious;thathewouldgocrazyifanythingbadhappenedtoher.

Thatwaswhyhewasstillshell-shockedthatGavinwastheonewhoinflictedharmagainsther.

HeballedhishandsintofistsandMadison,noticingthegesture,reachedforhishandandunclenchedthem.

“Angerwouldgetyounowhere.”Shekissedhistempleandhefinallyfacedheraftermuchprodding.

TheywentstraighttoMadison’shouseandtheywerelyingonherbed.Herefusedherhelpwhenshetriedtocurehiswounds.Thebruises

werenotthatdeep,heassumed.Itwouldonlytakethreedaysatmostforthemtobegone.

“I’mangryatmyself.”Heconfessed.Hewassufferingfromconflictingemotions.Atonehand,hewasfuriousatGavinforhurtingMadison.

Attheother,hewasfuriousathimselfbecausehealmostkilledhisbrotherandthathewasnotabletoprotectMadison.Itwasatormenting

cyclethatonlybroughtself-hatred.

“Youshouldn’tbe.”

Shebrushedthehairawayfromhiseyes.Hisforlornexpressionmadeherworry.

“Itwasnotanyone’sfault.Noonewantedthistohappen.”

“ButIalmostkilledhim.”Hewhispered.

Madisonkeptsilent.ShedidnotknowwhattoreplybecausehereallyalmostkilledGavinwithhisownhands,ifnotforherstoppinghim.It

wasprobablyangertakingcontrolofhisbodyandhisactionswerepurelytriggeredbyhisemotions.Seeinghowsadheisnow,hemustbe

regrettingwhathehaddone.

Eastonslidcloser.“Whereelsedidhehurtyou?”

Madisonpeckedhimonthelips,relishingthesoftnessoftheflesh.“Nowhereelse.Imadesureofit.”

Shecouldfeelthetensionleavehisbody.Hewasprobablydreadingtohearheranswer.Atleastshewasgladshedidnothavetolieforthat

one.

“Hasthisbeengoingonforlong?”

“Aweek.”Shemurmured,notmeetinghisgaze.

“Sinceyoustartedwearingthoseclothes?”

Shenodded.

“Youshould’vetoldme.”Therewasnoaccusationandshefeltgladtobeassuredthathewasnotangrywithher.

“Ididn’tknowhow.Besides,Ididn’twantyoutofight…”

Eastonsighed.“Butwestilldid.ThiswouldhavenotstoppedifIdidn’tfollowyouearlier.Youlookedlikeyouwereabouttodosomething

stupidsoIdecidedtofollowyou.”

Madisonwrinkledhernose.“WasIthatobvious?”

Eastonchuckledattheaction.“Abit.ButitwasmorebecauseIknowyousowell.”

Sheflickedhisnoseandtheysharedalaugh.Itlightenedtheirmoodimmensely.

Hesighedagain.Shebroughtupahandandpressedherwristagainsthislips.Heneededadistractionandshewaswillingtogiveittohim.

Whentheygottogether,shecouldnotstopaskingEastonwhyhefoundherblooddelectable.Itstartedfromhonestcuriosityuntiltheystarted

toexperiment.Fromtimetotime,hesucksafewdropsofbloodfromherwrist.Thewoundsweresmallenoughnottoinflictanypainor

causeseriousbleeding.Sometimes,sheevenofferedherselftohim,knowingthateventhefewdropswillhelphimgainenergy.

“Goon.”ShecoaxedandEastonconceded.Hebroughthislipsagainstherwristandusedoneofhiscaninestopunctureasmallwound.

Madisonbarelywincedandpaidattentiontohimashesuckedgently.

Madisonneveradmitteditbutseeinghiminthatstatemadehereuphoric.Forher,theactioncreatesastrongerbondbetweenthemandit

madehermoreeagertoofferherselfasmuchasshecould.

Hereyesflutteredandshelickedherdrylips.

TheyogledateachotherandEastonswepthistongueagainstthewounds,neverbreakingtheireyecontact.Itcausedashivertorundown

herspine.

ThedooropenedandtheconnectionwasbrokenandtheyfrozeasCourtneygapedatthem,lookingterrifiedatthesightofhimholding

Madison’swrist,whichlookedabitred.

“Whatishappening?Madison?”ShewasinhystericsandshewalkedtothebedonlytopullheroffofEaston.

“AuntCourtney,wewerejust--”

“What?”Shegazedathersharply.“Justplayinggames?Justexperimenting?Exploringhowmuchabloodsuckercanrestrainhimselfbefore

hesucksthelifeoutofyou?Isthatwhatthisis?Becauseitcertainlylookedlikethattome.”

“Itwasn’t--”

Enraged,shepointedatEaston.“No,shutup.Lethertalk.”

Madisonstoodthere,flabbergasted.Shewasstillshakenwithhowrapidheremotionswerechanging.Awhileago,shewasbaskingin

Easton’sattention.Now,herauntisfumingtogetthetruthoutofher.

Notfindingawayout,sheconfessed.“Itwassomethingwedooften.There’snoneedtobeworried.Eastonhasfullcontrolofhimself.”She

rambled.Shedidnotseetheslapcomingandshebroughtahandtohercheekasshegapedatheraunt.

“Youconsidersuckingbloodoutofeachothernormal?CanyouhearyourselfMadison?”

Eastonremainedonthebed,notwantingtointerferewiththemthoughhewantedtoshieldMadison.IfCourtneyhitsheronemoretime,he

wouldnotbeabletorestrainhimself.

“Youarebothcrazy.Whatevermadeyouthinkthatyoucouldbeinarelationshipwasbullshit.”

Thestatementmadeherbloodboil.“Whatwefeelforeachotherisreal,AuntCourtney.Please,stopthinkingthatwecouldn’tmakeitwork

becausewecan.”

“Youcan’t!Orelseyou’llbethecauseofeachother’sdeath!”

TheoutburstwasexpectedbutMadisonandEastonexchangedpuzzledlooks.

Courtneyheaveddeepbreathsandexhaledslowly,stillnotlettinggoofherholdonMadison’sarm.

“Madison,yourgrandmotherwasalsobittenoncebyavampire.”

Chapter-6

OurLivesareIntertwined

Allherlife,Madisoncouldonlyrememberbeingwithheraunt.Shewastoldthatherparentsdiedwhenshewasyoungandasshegrewup,

shelearnedthattheonlyremainingfamilyshehadwasherAuntCourtney.

HerauntwasneverthetypetonarratestoriesabouttheirfamilyandMadisongottheimpressionthatitwasatopictobeevaded.Untilnow.

Courtneywasconflictedbutdecidedtotellthemthetruth.“Takeaseat.”ShegesturedforMadisontositontheedgeofthebedwhileshe

draggedthechairfromMadison’sdesk.EastonscrambledtosettlebesideMadison.Foraminute,hecontemplatedofleavingthemtotalkin

privatebutseeinghowwaryCourtneyeyedhim,heknewwhatshewasabouttosayconcernedhimtoo.

Shefacedthemwithadreadfulexpression.

“Yourgrandmotherwasbittenbyavampirebefore.”

Madisonnibbledwithherlip.“Didshedie?”

Courtneyshookherhead.“No,shedidn’t.Butthevampirewhobitherdid.”

“I--”Courtneywasstillhesitant.Itwasataleshelongburiedinhermind.

“Yourgrandmotherusedtobewithavampire,justlikethetwoofyou.Theytriedtodefytheoddsbecausetheywereinlove.Then,your

grandmotherdecidedthatshewantedtobeturnedintoabloodsuckersoshecouldbewithAtticus.”Courtneyfiddledwithherfingers.“And

theydidtrydespiteallthewarningsnotto.Notsurprisingly,everyonewhoknewabouttheirrelationshiptoldthemtopartwaysbuttheywere

persistentandmetbehindtheothers’backs.

“WhenthedaycamethatAtticustriedtoturnyourgrandmother,hewentmissing.Turningsomeoneisalongprocessandaftertheydidthe

firstphase,Atticuswasnowheretobefounduntiloneday,theygotthenewsthathewasdead.”

“DidyousayhisnamewasAtticus?”

CourtneywasadamanttonotrecognizeEaston’spresencebutknowingshehadto,shenoddedhesitantly.

“Andthishappenedinthefirstfewyearsofthe‘90s?”

“Howdidyouknow?”

MadisonlookedatEastonquestioningly.

“Ithinkitwasthesamemanwhoturnedus.”

Bothwomengaspedattheinformation.

“Sohe’stechnicallyyourfather?”Madisonreachedforhishandandsqueezedit.Shewasstilltryingtocomprehendeverything.

“Heis.Butwhenheturnedus,hewasalreadyweak.Icanstillrememberhimandhowhetoldusthathewouldn’tbelastingforlonguntilwe

can’tfindhimanymore.”

“Thatexplainsit.”Courtneymuttered.

“Explainswhat?”Madisonlookedatherauntdesperately.

“Thefirsttimeyousaweachother,wastheattractionimmediate?”Shequestioned,tryingtopieceeverythingtogether.Ifherhunchwasright,

thenitwouldbeuselesstotrytostopthembeingtogether.Allhereffortswouldbefutilebecausetheywouldsurelyfindawaythroughit.

“Itwas.”Eastonadmitted.

“AreyouimplyingthattheattractionbetweenAtticusandmygrandmotherhadaneffectonus?”Madisontreadedonthedetail.Itwasa

braveassumptiontomake.

“Itmighthave.Madison,itwouldnotbeimpossiblethatyouhavevampirebloodrunningthroughyourveins.Yourgrandmotherwasinfected

andyoumighthaveinheritedwhatlittleofvampirebloodshehad.”

Madisondraggedahandoverherface.Thisconversationwasdrainingmuchofherenergy.

“WhenAtticuswentmissing,yourgrandmotherwasheartbroken.Butyourgrandfathercameandeveryonehopedthathewouldreplace

Atticusinyourgrandmother’sheart.Yourmotherwasbornandtheywerecertainthatshehadtracesofvampirebloodinher.Whenyouwere

born,itwashardtosaywhetheryoualsodid.Butduringthatfight…”Courtneywincedatthememory.

“SomesuddenlyactinglikeIwasavampirewaspurelyoninstinct?”SherememberedhowsheshieldedEastonandbaredhercanineslike

shehadlongfangsthatcouldsuckblood.

“Thatwasthefirsttimeyoushowedanyindication.Whenyouwereyounger,itnevershowedsoIwassureyouwerenormal.Iwasshocked

whenIsawyoulikethatbutdeepinmymind,IthinkI’vebeenexpectingit.”

SilencerangintheroomandCourtneydecidedtoleavethemontheirown,withawarningthattherewouldbenomoresuckingofbloodinside

herroom.

“Thisisinsane.”Eastondroppedbacktolieonthebed.“Maybethat’swhyyousmelleddifferent.”

MadisonjumpedatthethoughtandcopiedEaston.

“AndwhyIsuddenlybrandishmyteethtopeoplelikeIhadthelongestfangs.”Theybothchuckledbutthesurprisewasyettobewornoff.

Theyneverexpectedsomethinglikethis.TheyalwaysthoughtthatCourtney’soppositionagainsttheirrelationshipwasmainlybecausethey

weredifferent.Turnedout,theyhavesimilaritiesfarmorethantheycouldimagine.

“Butwasthatreallypossible?ThatwhenAtticusturnedyou,healsotransferredhisemotionsunknowingly?”

“It’sprobable.It’stheonlylogicalexplanationwhytherewasapullbetweenus.Theymusthavelovedeachothersogreatly.”Eastonsighed,

nowunderstandingthatAtticuswasbrokenheartedmorethansick.Heprobablyfelthopelessandhadtodiewonderingiftheycouldhavebeen

togetherforeverliketheywanted.

“ButwhydidAtticussuddenlydie?”

Eastonpursedhislips.“Ihadnoidea.Hejustgrewweakerandthenhewentofftosomewhereanddidn’treturn.Newsjustcirculatedthathe

wasgone.Weneverhadastrongbondwithhimsoweweren’tinclinedtoseehim.Justknowingthathe’sgonewasenoughforusback

then.”

Theybothfellintothedepthoftheirthoughts.EastonponderedonthefactthatMadisonispartlyvampire.Hehadneverheardofsuchcase

before.Hewasnotawareastowhatherparticularcharacteristicswere.Itwasanothermysterythataddedhundredtohislistofunanswered

questions.

HefacedMadisonandcuppedhercheek.

“It’sbeenyearsbutfatewasstilldoingitsbesttomakeustogether.”

Madisonsmiled.“That’saromanticwaytoputit.”

***

Therewerethebrickwallsandtheirroughnesswasapparentwhenshepushedbackagainstit.

Shefeltthelickandshegasped,openinghereyestoseeamanshedidnotknow.

“Let’snotbackdown,Atticus.Notnowwhenwe’vecomesofar.”Shesaid.

Themanwasstillhesitating.

“Please.”

Andthentherewasasharp,excruciatingpainonherneck.

Chapter-7

ItwasAllforTheirVengeance

Therevelation,asopposedtobeingadeterrentintheirrelationship,madetheirdesiretobetogetherstronger.Theyacknowledgedthat

whateveraffectiontheyhadwasnotonlyaresultoftheirancestors’bondingbutalsotheirownaffections,whichblossomedastimepassed.

Itwasstrangeandoverwhelming,knowinghowdeeplyintertwinedtheirliveswere.Itwasalsointimateinawayanditmadethemmore

certainthattheirmeetingwasfated.

WhatstillbotheredthemwasCourtneysayingtheycouldbeeachother’scauseofdeathsbutMadisondismisseditbecauseEastonsworeto

takecareofherandshefoundcomfortinit.Allothertrivialdetailsbedamned.

Shefacedthenewdaywitharenewedvigor.

WhenMondaycameagain,Eastonneverstrayedawayfromher.Heneverletheroutofhissight,evenforegoingattendancetohisown

classesandinsistedthathewantedtobetheretoprotecther.Itwasdownrightmadbutshecouldseetheworryinhiseyessoshelethimbe.

TheyavoidedspeakingaboutGavinthewholeweekendbutmeetinghimwouldbeinevitable.Eastonevenstayedattheirhouse,admittingthat

hewasn’tsurewhathewoulddoifheandGavinwouldbeleftaloneintheirplace.

ItwasneartheendofthedayandGavinwasnowhereinsight.MadisonthoughtthatheprobablygaveupbutEastonremainedalert,eyes

constantlyscanningthecrowdandhandsalwaysholdingherswherevertheywent.

Shewantedtotellhimthatit’sokaybutshewasalsoawareofwhatGavinwascapableofdoing.Hedidnotsoundtheleastbitguiltythelast

time,therewasahintofarrogancewhenhechallengedEaston.

***

Shewasgoingoutoftherestroomwhenshewaspulledinsideacubicle.Herscreamwasmuffledbyahandandsherecognizedhiminan

instant.

HisbruiseshavefadedlikeEastonandtherewasthatsinistersmirkwhichmadehimlookdangerous.Hiseyesglitteredandherejoicedwhen

hesawherfear.

“Youshouldkeepquietifyoudon’twantEastontoknow.”

MadisonheldhiswristandforcedhishandawayandsheshoutedforEastonbuthewasfastenoughtosilenceheragain.

“Madison.PromisetoshutupandIwon’thurtyou.”

Hesitantly,sheagreedwithanod.

Heremovedhishandandwaitedifshewouldscreamagainbutshedidn’t.

Madisontookitasanotherchancetotalkthingsout.IfthereisawaytosalvageEastonandGavin’srelationship,thenshewouldchooseit.It

wasabrotherhoodthatstayedstrongforacenturyandit’snotabouttobebrokennow.

“Thinkaboutthis.”Heheldherfacesotheywouldmeeteyetoeye.“Ifyourunawaywithmenow,youwillsaveEastonfromhurtinglater.

Wecouldmakeitwork,Madison.Wecouldbehappy.”

Shegrittedherteeth.Shecouldnotthinkofawaytotellhimthatshewasnotinterested.Allherrejectionsonlyfellondeafears.“Idon’tsee

youthatway,Gavin.HowmanytimesdoIhavetorepeatitsoyou’dbelieveme?”

Hesmiledserenely.Sheshiveredatthesight.

“I’llneverbelieveyoubecauseIknowyou’rejustlying.”Hegraspedherelbowsthistimeandincherhisfaceclosertohers.“You’relying

becauseyoudon’twanttohurtmybrother.Butdon’tyousee,you’llneverbehappywithhimbecauseit’smewhoyouwanttobewith.Admit

it.”

“Areyououtofyourmind?Idon’twantyou--,”Whatevershewasabouttosaywascut.Hepressedhisfingersonherchin.

“Youdo.Believeme.”

Madisonswattedhishandawayandtriedtoducktohissidebutheblockedthedoorwithhisbody.

“Gavin,”shebegged.“Justleavemealone.”

Suddenly,hesurgedforwardwiththeforcethatwrenchedthedooropenwhileMadisonjumpedtothesidetoavoidcollidingwithhim.

EastongaveGavinacoldglare.ShetookadvantageofGavin’sstunnedstateandruntoEastonandhidbehindhisback.

“Let’sgo.”Shegrabbedhimandattemptedtoleadhimoutoftherestroom.Madisoncouldnotdecideifitwasfortunateornotthattherewas

nootherpersontowitnessthis.

“Goahead.”Eastondidnotspareheraglanceandsheworriedherbottomlip.Shecouldnotleavethemaloneorelsetheworstcouldreally

happen.

“Easton,please.Letitgo.Iwannagohome.”

Eastongentlypriedherhandoff.“I’msorrybutyouhavetogohomealonetoday.”

Madisonwasonthevergeofcrying.Eastonwassayingthingswithatoneoffinality.Shedidn’tevenwanttoimaginewhatwasonhismind.

“See?Itoldyouhewon’tmakeyouhappy.I’llwalkyouhomeeverydayMadison.I’llbebesideyouasmuchasyouwant.”Gavinwascoy

andheheldnoboundaries,rakinghiseyesoverMadisonevenwhileunderhisbrother’sscrutiny.

ThelinesinEaston’sforeheaddeepened.Gavinwasactingoutofcharacter.Hewasneverstraightforwardandhewasamanoffewwords.

TheGavinheknewwasconsiderateandneverridiculedanyone.

“WhyareyoudoingthisGavin?”HesidesteppedandGavinsmiledtriumphantly.

MadisonfellflatonthefloorwhenEastonshovedher,asGavinaimedapunchintheirdirection.

Chaosensuedandbothmenstumbleddownandwrestled.Eastongrazedhisknucklesagainsthisbrother’scheekswhileGavinhithimbackon

theheadandgrappledforhisneck.

Desperate,sheranoutsideinsearchofanyonewhocouldhelpherbutthehallwaysweredeserted.Herbreathingwasechoedinitsemptiness

andshedashedtothestairsbuttherewasstillnoone.

Theirgruntsandsnarlscouldbeoverheard.Shewasbeyondnervous.Themenwereonlyrecoveringfromtheirrecentboutbutherethey

wereagain,preparedtosmashtheother’sface.

Nothavinganyotherchoice,sheranback,onlytobemetbyalockeddoor.

Shebangedherfistsonitandshouted.“Openthedoor!Please.Easton,pleasedon’tdoanythingyouwillregret.”

Therewaslaughterfromtheothersideandshestopped.ShecouldnothearEastonnorGavinbutthereweremenwhowerelaughing.There

wasonethatstoodoutamongthemandshepoundedonthedoorharder.Sheneverthoughthewoulddaretocomebackafterwhathappened

buthedid,andhewasdefinitelynotalone.

Shereachedforthenearbymetaltrashbin,emptyingitscontentsonthefloor,andusedittohittheknob.Themetalrattledandsherepeatedit

untilitgaveaway,themetalpartstinklingastheyfellonthefloor.

ShepushedthedooropenbutwasmetwithEaston’spallidface.HemanhandledherandMadisonlostherfootingasheliftedhertohisback

andsecuredhersafety.Beforeheran,shemanagedaglimpseoftheroomandherstomachchurneduponseeingthegruesomeimage.

SheclungtoEaston’sneckashehurriedlydashedandnavigatedthemoutofthebuilding,ignoringthecuriouslooksofthepassers-by.

Easton’sprioritywashersafetyandhewoulddowhateverhecouldtotakeherawayfromthem.

Aflashofhisbrother’slifelesseyestriggeredhimtostridefaster,shovingMadisoninthepassengerseatofthecarandfollowingnotasecond

later.

TherewasnoonefollowingthemwhenhesteppedontheenginebutaglancetowardsthebuildingshowedRichmondandhiscomrades

sneeringathim.

Hesqueezedthewheelastheydroveawayfromschoolandintosomewherefarfromthecity.

Chapter-8

IfbeingwithYouwasaSin,thenIamaSinner

Itwasdarkwhentheyreachedtheirdestinationandwordlessly,Madisongotoutofthecarandobservedthesmallhousesituatedinthemiddle

oftrees.Theyhadtodrivethroughroughroadforthepasthouranditintensifiedhernausea.

Theplacewasrundown.Halfofitswoodenfenceslaidflatonthefloorandthesmallwindowatthefronthadabrokenglass.

Eastonguidedherinsideandshecoughedatthedustthatflew.Shealternatedbetweencoughingandsneezingthatshehadtopinchhernose

tightlytostopit.

Hepulledherinhisarmsandcradledherhead.Hisbodywasrigidandsheclungbackathim.

“Isawhim.”Shebitherlipwhenhetensedbutshehadtosayit.Eastonneededtoletouthisgrief.

“Iknewitwasn’tcompletelyhisfault.”Helookeddownatherandpressedhislipsonherforehead.“Whentheyarrived,thefirstthing

Richmonddidwastothankhim.Gavinlookedsolostandtheyonlylaughedathimashebecamehysterical.”

ItmademoresensetoMadison.GavinwasnothimselfandhedidnotfitEaston’sstoriesabouthislovingbrother.Therewasnotraceofthe

Gavintheybothknow.Whydiditnotoccurtothemthathewasbeingusedtocreateariftbetweenthem?Whydidtheynotseethrough

Richmond’splans?Iftheydid,thenGavindidn’thavetodie.

Sherestedherearagainsthischest.Therewasnosoundbutitmadehercalm.SeeingGavin’swide,lifelesseyeswillforeverremainetchedin

hermemory.Hisheadwastwistedinanimpossiblewayandtherewasapieceofwoodpiercedthroughhisback.

MadisoncouldnotimaginehowEastonfeltseeinghisbrotherkilled.

“Theywantedusdead.Theyusedhimtolureus,tocomplicatematters,anditworked.IfGavinandIwereokaythen…”Hetrailedoff.He

andhisbrotherwastheperfectpair.Hecomplementedhimperfectly,aidinghisweaknessesandenhancinghisstrengths.Theycouldhavehad

achancetodefeatthemeveniftheywereoutnumbered.

Buttheyknewtheperfectchance.Theycaughtthemunpreparedandweak.

Sheclutchedthebackofhisshirt.“Ican’tbelievehehadtheaudacitytogobackafterwhathappened.”

“He’sdesperatetokillus.He’savampirehunterandhewouldnotstopuntilhewipedoutallthevampireshecameacross.Itishisnaturejust

likehowbloodsuckingistous.”Hesaidindespite.Thedifferencebetweenthemisthatheneverusedadirtytactic.

Shehuggedhimtightly.GonewerethedustandtheweirdmustysmellofthehouseandwasreplacedbythewarmthofEaston’sarmsaround

her.

***

Sheglidedthroughthestreets,liftingherdressthatfellbelowheranklesandadjustingtheclothandpinthatheldherbunup.

Thestreetswerebusyandcarsandcarriagesspedby.Shecheckedforeachsideandeventhewindowsaroundbeforeslippingintothedark

alley.

Alongandsearingkisswelcomedherandsheliftedherhandstohisneck,savoringthefeelingofbeingwithhim.

“Whattookyousolong?”Hetuckedastrandofhairbehindherears,makinghercheekscrimson.

“Dadkepthiseyesonmeanditwasachallengetoevengetastepaway.”

“Youescaped?”Hechuckledather.Itsoundedlikechimingbellsduringagoodmorning.

“Idid.Foryou.”Sheemphasizedherpointwithapeckonhislips.

Theimageturnedintoablurandshewasyounger,pointingataboywhowasdoublingwithlaughter.Thestreetschangedintotreesand

grasses,thepeoplebecameboulders,andthevehiclesmorphedintotheclearwaterofthestream.

“Buymeanewdollorelse!”

Theboystoppedandwipedthedropsoftearsattheedgeofhiseyes.“Orelsewhat?You’lltellmummy?”

Hejumpedoffthetreebranchandshowedherhismasterpiece,abeheadeddollanditsbody.Whenthegirllungedforit,hethrewthemonthe

streamandwatchedasthewatercarriedthemaway.

Thegirlwailedandpunchedhischest.“Ihateyou!”Sheranawayanddidnotseetheboyjumptothestreamandfollowedthetoy.

Itbecamedark.Thistimeitlookedlikeahouse.Thefloorcreakedbeneathherfeetandshewincedwitheverynoiseshemade.

Sheknockedatthefarthestdoorbutreceivednoreply.

“Atticus?”

“Goaway,”camehisgruffvoice.

“Youhaven’tbeengoingout,yourmothersaid.Isanythingthematter?”Shecalledout.

“Isaidgoaway!”Heshoutedfollowedbyaloudbangproducedbyanobjectthrownatthedoor.

Madisonwokeupwithastart.ItwasnotthefirsttimeshehadadreamwhereAtticuswasmentioned.Besideher,Eastonwasstaringatthe

ceiling.

TheyfoundablanketinEaston’scaranditservedastheirbedforthenight.

“Can’tsleep?”Shesnuggledclose.

Eastonlaughedatthequestion.

“I’mgladImadeyoulaugh.”

“Youalwaysmakemehappy.”Heslidanarmbeneathherhead.“Whatwereyoudreamingabout?Youkepttossingandturning.”

“ItwasaboutAtticus.”Hisbrowsfurrowedatthename.“Whatabouthim?”

Sherecountedallthescenesinherdreams.Theywerestillvividinhermindandshecouldreplaythemovementslikeshewaswatchingthem

happenbeforeher.

Onceshewasdone,heheavedadeepbreath.

“Isupposethegirlwasyourgrandmother?”

“Ithinksotoo.”Shemurmured.“Theyreallylovedeachother.IthinktheyusedtofightalotwhentheywereyoungerbutIcanfeelhow

muchtheycared.Ionlysawthemtogetherbrieflybuttheywereveryfondoftheother.”

Sherecalledheraunt’sstory.AbouthowhergrandmotherandAtticuschosetohaveherturnedbecausetheywantedtobetogether.

“Willyouturnme?”Hegapedather.

“Willyouturnmewhentherighttimecomes?”

Hisshockturnedtogleewhenitdawnedonhimthatshetrulywantedit.

“Ifyouwantto.”Heclosedthegapbetweenthemandkissedherslowly.Henippedherbottomlip,makinghergroaninreturn.Itlastedlong

untilMadisonhadtopushhim.Shepantedasshetriedtocatchherbreath.

Hefoundherendearing.

Hisdelightfadedawaywhenherecalledhowitwastobeturned.“Butitcouldbelonely.You’llwatchyourlovedonesdieandyou’lllivefor

aslongyoudon’tgetkilled.”Herememberedthetimeswhenhecontemplatedondyingandhowanaturaldeathseemedtobeablessing

ratherthanacurse.

“Itwon’tbeifI’mwithyou.”Shemumbled.Hefeltlight-heartedatthewordsandresumedkissingherliketherewasnotomorrow.

***

Thesmellwasfaintwhenhefirstnoticeditbutitgrewstrongeratarapidpace.HewokeMadisonupjustintimewhenRichmond,alongwith

twobrusque-lookingmenwithlonghairsandpiercingslininguptheirupperearlobe,burstin.

“I’msorrytowakeyouguysupbutit’stimetoendthismadness.Comehere,Madison.”HereachedahandoutwhichMadisoneyed

disgustingly.

“Noone’scomingwithyouRichmond.Leaveusbe!”Sheyelled,comingoutfromEaston’sback.“DidAuntCourtneyputyoutothis?”

Hecockedhisheadandsmirked.“Nooneputmeuptothis.IcamebackbecauseIwanttosaveyoufromthatmonster.”

“Ifthere’sanymonsterinthisroomthenit’syou.”Herhandsballedintofistsandshelookedatthemwithfuryinhereyes.“Howcouldyoudo

thattoGavin?”

Atthementionofthename,theysnickered.“Hewasaneasytarget.Healreadylikedyou.Itwasn’tthathardtousehisfeelingstomanipulate

thingsintoourfavor.”

Theybothtensedattherevelation.SoGavinindeedlikedher,buthewasnotthemanwhoassaultedhermultipletimesanddemandedforher

attention.

“You’redespicable.”

“Sayssomeonewhoinsistsonbeingwithabloodsucker.”Richmondsteppedcloser.“Don’tyoufeelanyshame,Madison?Don’tyoufeel

ashamedthatsomeonefromalineageofhunterslikeyouisgoingcrazyoverabloodsucker?”

Shefroze.Itfeltlikeabucketoficewasdumpedonher.

Chapter-9

WeareOneandtheSame

ThetrioadvancedandEastonsnappedbackintoattention.Itwasnottherighttimetodealwithmattersconcerningtheirpast.Richmondwas

setonkillinghimandintheprocess,Madisonmayalsobeharmed.HeneededtothinkofawaytosaveMadisonoutofthismess.

“What?Shockedtoknowthatthetwoofyoubelongtocompletelydifferentworlds?”Richmondtaunted.Heprobablyitchedtodropthatbomb

ontothemandnowheenjoyedseeingtheirsurprisedfaces.

“ItoldyouMadison.Youshouldhavefoundsomeonefitforyou.”

EastonignoredRichmond’srambling.Hewouldnotgivehimthesatisfactionofbeingriledupwithhiswords.Hethoughtoffleeingagainbut

itwouldbefutile.Richmondknewwheretofindthemandtheirtrackswerehardtocover,withhisscentthatavampirehuntercouldeasily

identify.

IfGavinwashere,hewouldknowwhattodo.

Heswallowedalumpinhisthroat.Gavinwasnotthereandtheyhadnochoicebuttofacethethreeofthem.

Theywereclearlyoutnumberedandhewouldneedaninfiniteamountoflucktodownthetrio.ConsideringhowhestruggledwithRichmond

alone,itseemedlikeamonumentaltaskthatwasimpossibletoachieve.However,hewaswillingtotryforMadison’ssafety.

ThetwomensneeredatthemandonepouncedatEaston.Madisonbackedawaytothewallandsearchedforanyweaponshecoulduse.

Therewasawoodenstickbythecornerbutitwoulddonodamageagainsttheirlargebodies.

Whileshewasdistracted,Richmondencasedherinhisarms,herbackagainsthischestandahandonherneckwhiletheotherwasonher

waist.ItrenderedhermotionlessandshestruggledinhisholdwhilehegraspedhertighteruntilMadisonwassurethathisgripwouldleave

marks.

Eastontussledwiththemen.Onewasholdinghimbackwhiletheotherwaslandingpunchesonhisstomach.Eastongainedleverageand

swunghisfootbackbeforelungingitforcefullytowardsthemaninfrontofhim,whostumbledbackatthesuddenattack.Heelbowedtheone

whowasholdinghim,whocavedandkneltwhilehegaspedforbreath.

Easton’seyesweresoreandbruisesdecoratedhishandsomeface.Madisonfeltuseless.Shemighthaveavampirebloodbutshewasweak

lestshechangefully.Tearsrandownhereyesthoughshefoughtthemback.Eastonneededherandsheneededtostaystrongforhim.

ThemanwhofellonthefloorrecoveredandaimedakickonEaston’sface.HeyelpedinpainandMadisoncouldonlywatch.Itcreateda

largeweltonhischeekandMadisonforcedhereyesshut,notwantingtoseehimhurtanymore.Shedidnotlastforlongforwhenheshouted

again,sheopenedhereyesandsawhowthetwomenshiftedinhittinghimandsteppingonhishands,whichmadehimscreaminagony.

Whentheypausedtocatchtheirbreath,Eastontookhischanceandkickedtheirfeetsotheywouldfalldown.Therewouldbenoother

opportunitytokillthem.Easton,despitehislackingstrength,reachedforoneoftheman’sneckandtwistedit.Thesoundofthebonescracking

wasdeafeningandMadisonwasstunnedandshestoodtheregapingatthemanwholaylifelessonthefloorandbloodingpoolingaroundhim.

Eastondidnotwasteanymoretimeandgrabbedtheotherman,whobegantothrashinhisholdinpanic.ButEastonwasfuming.He

rememberedhowhisbrotherwastreatedthesameway,howhewasnotgivenachancetofight,howhewaskilledmercilessly.Andatthat

thought,heendedthelifeofthemaninhishands.

“Fucker.”Richmonddrewsomethingfromhisback.Madisoneyedit,terrifieduponseeingthehorrendousthingagain.Itwasastakeand

RichmondobviouslyintendedforittobethroughEaston’sbodybytheendoftheday.

Richmondreleasedherandpushedherdown.Herkneesfeltweakandwobbly.GlancingatEaston,hewascompletelydrainedandif

Richmondchallengedhim,hewassuretolose.

Shebracedherhandsonherkneesandforcedherselftostandup.RichmondstrodetowardsEaston’sbackandraisedthestake,readyto

lungeitthroughthevampire’sbody.

Hereyesdarkenedandshefeltadrenalinerushingthroughherbody.Hervisiongotclearer,herhearinggotbetterandshecouldfeelenergy

coursingthroughher.

ShejumpedatRichmondandheldhimbackwithahandonhisneck.Helookedather,terrifiedandsuddenlyreminiscentofherattackbefore.

TherewasasuddenurgeandMadisonwantedtofulfillit.Nothavingcontrolwithheractionsanymore,sheaimedforhisneckandbithim.

Therustytasteofbloodshouldhavebeenawfulbutshecravedmoreofit,feastingonRichmond’sbloodlikeshehadnoteatenformonths.

Itwentonforminutesandshekeptherlipsattachedtohisneck,conflictedwhethershewasdoingtherightthingornot.

Theredliquidfloweddownherthroatandshecouldnotstopherself.SheignoredEaston’scallsofhername.Hereyesweredilatedandshe

continuedtoquenchherthirstuntiltherewasnothingleft.

Shepulledbackandbrushedahandonhermouth.Whenshesawtheblood,thatwaswhenitdawnedonherwhatshehaddone.

Chapter-10

Itwasn’tSupposedtobeYouorMe

ShehelpedEastonstandupandrestedhishandaroundhershouldersforsupport.Shespatontheground,terrifiedoftheredcolormixedwith

hersaliva.

ThegroundwassoftfromtherecentdrizzlebuttheytrudgedonuntiltheyreachedtheareawheretheykeptEaston’scarhidden.Shehelped

himinandfishedthekeysfromhispocketsandspedawaywithnodestinationinmind.

Sheneverlookedbackatthehouse,determinedtonotrememberhowsheleftit.

***

Eastondriftedinandoutofconsciousnessandhewasshakenwiththelargerocksthattheyweredrivingalong.

Theyweregoingfastandthecarbouncedagainsttheroughroad.Madisonkeptherfocusondriving,tryingtowhiskawaytheimageof

Richmond,deathlypale,eyeswideopen,andlipspartedinshock.Itwasamomentthatwouldhauntherforever.

Shehadalwaysopposedviolence,optingtotalkthingsoutinsteadoflashingattheother.Violencecouldonlycauseunnecessaryhurtingbut

now,shejustkilledamansheknew.ShecouldnotimaginehowhorrifiedherauntwouldbeifsheknewthatherniecekilledRichmond.

Shewouldprobablydisclaimherandtreatherasastranger.

Thebloodinhertonguewasstillthere.Sherolleddownthewindowandtriedspittingitallbutthetangclungtotheroofofhermouth.Itwas

makingherstomachchurn.

HermainpriorityrightnowwouldbetonurseEastonbackintofullhealth.Shefoughtdownthesobsrackingherbuttheystillcameout,

revealingheranguishatherselfforwhatshehaddone.

Itwasamistakesheneverknewshecouldcommit.

Easton,ontheotherhand,waslosinghisgrasponreality.HewantedtocomfortMadisonbutevenhewasshockedathowtheevents

unfolded.

Whatalsoboggledhismindwaseverythingtheyhavelearnedthatday,whichsurelyhelpedpieceallinformationtogether.

NowheknewwhyAtticusdiedandwhyCourtneywasadamanttobreakthemup.Everythingmadesenseandheberatedhimselffornot

figuringitearlyon.

EastonwasavampireandMadison,apparently,didnotjustpossessvampireblood.Shealsocamefromthefamiliesofvampirehunters,and

relationshipsbetweenavampireandahunterwasnotjustforbidden,itwascursed.

HerecalledAtticusbreakingthingsintheirhome,cryingoutforanamewithlonginginhisvoice.Herememberedhimwarningthemtonever

getclosetoavampirehunter,nomatterhowmuchtheypromisednoharm.

Herememberedhimnarratingaboutanurbanlegendamongtheirkind:thatavampirewhotriestoturnahunterintooneofhiskindwillfacea

gradual,painfuldeath.

Cogswereturningandhecouldhearhersnifflebesidehim.Hecouldnotmovehisarmandhecouldonlylistenasshecriedinanguish.

Itwasnowondereveryonewasagainstthem.Madison’sgrandmotherwasthecauseofAtticus’death.Theyprobablytooktheriskand

dismissedthelegendasfalse.Theyprobablywantedtotakethechancetobetogetherforaslongaspossible.Whattheywerenotreadyfor

waswhenithappenedtobetrueandslowly,Atticuswaspoisonedandgotweakerbythedayuntilhefacedhisdeath.

EastonrecalledwhatMadisonsaidlastnight.Thatshewantedtobeturnedbecauseshewantedtobewithhim.Itshouldnotbeaproblem

becauseEastonwantedthesame.Hewantedtoholdherinhisarmsforeverandtakecareofherforaslongasshewouldpermit.

HefeltsostronglyforMadisonmorethanhecouldexplainandhewishedtospendhisfuturewithher.Madison,morethananyoneelse,knew

that.

Butsuchaselfishwishwillslapthemwiththetruth--thathimturningherwouldmeanhisowndeath.

*****

THEEND

Document Outline

Chapter 2: The Rumor
Chapter 3: Family
Chapter 4: Festival
Chapter 5: The Truth
Chapter 6: Confrontation
Chapter 7: Chaos
Chapter 8: Reveal
Chapter 7: Epilogue

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