4
Bloodlust

The heat of the morning sun blazing onto my face brought me back to consciousness. I smiled, squinting through blurry morning eyes and reached over to feel Slade beside me. Instead of feeling his warm body I felt empty cold blankets. I jumped to the realization that he was gone. Maybe he was using the bathroom or he was in the kitchen fixing breakfast? I hoped anyway after a night like that I thought for sure I wouldn’t wake up alone. I snapped on my bra tugged on my panties and pulled on Slade’s sweater. I felt like I had been magically recharged but was it possible to be over-charged? Instead of climbing down the ladder I effortlessly floated down to the latch door. His room was empty and the bed remained untouched. I floated down the second ladder to the main top floor of the cabin. It was quiet, very quiet. I looked out through the massive window to the driveway and noticed all the cars and jeeps that were there last night had gone. Did everyone leave already? Again I had no idea what time it was but the sun was still just rising, so it was early.
“Slade?” I called out.
I could hear birds chirp outside but no answer from within the cabin. He must be down in the kitchen. I turned the corner and peered down the dark hallway where the sun hadn’t hit yet. All doors were closed except for one that was left cracked open with no light inside. I tip-toed down the hall to the door and slid my hand inside to find the light switch.
I instantly smelled blood. Being a witch I was trained to be aware of it and what it smelled like. The smell was surprisingly strong. I flipped on the light.
My eyes adjusted to the florescent red pool of blood that glistened off the white tile floor. I gasped and the air disappeared from my lungs. I pushed the door open and my eyes followed the splatters of blood to the bathtub. I recognized Chelsea’s face along with two other of her friends. I couldn’t feel the energy from their souls. They had gone…
They were dead.
I gripped the door frame and covered my mouth. Their bodies laid lifeless in the tub with deep red gashes in their necks and wrists. My eyes narrowed. They were bite marks, two deep distinct gashes. A vampire had been here.
“Shit!” I backed up to the wall.
Where the hell was Slade? Did he take care of the vampire? Was he still fighting him or her? Was Slade dead too? No... He couldn’t be he was too strong. I had to prepare myself…. Arm myself. How to kill a vampire? Wooden stake through the heart or decapitation but if it was a mixed vampire it would take a specific type of wooden stake. Forget it, I was going with decapitation. I had to summon my sword.
“Damn it…” I muttered, hesitating.
I had trained with my sword but never actually used my sword nor have I ever killed a magical being or a human for that matter. I didn’t want to, I really didn’t. I couldn’t think anymore, I had to find Slade. I floated quietly down the log stairs to the second floor.
BAM! Suddenly the air was knocked out of me. I felt hot hands pinning my shoulders to the cabin wall. I took in gasps of air as I watched Slade’s face, tormented, blood stained, and eyes catlike fiery red!
“SLADE!” I gasped, “Holy shit!”
“Ivy!” He breathed, “You should’ve stayed in the tower!”
His breathing was rough and very rapid,
“God you smell too damn good!” he grunted, “I’m too thirsty!”
I was fixated on his eyes and the expression on his face. His energy was seducing me, luring me in; I wanted him to bite me.
“No!” I yelled, “Jesus Slade!”
He smelled my hair and then I saw them; the sparkling white razor sharp cusped teeth that his luscious lips surrounded. God I wanted to give in!
“Please you have to get away from me!” He huffed.
He shook his head shaking off a tremor of pain. I saw tears swell in his fierce eyes. I couldn’t stand to see him like this. I had to do something! This I knew would take a lot of power. Without hesitation I let the damper on my over-flowing magic open completely. My green eyes I knew had illuminated to their full capacity, instantly feeling the magic flow from my heart and pulsate into my hands. I ran my hands up his bare chest grasped his neck with my right and my left traced up his neck into his blonde hair. I held him tight and got within centimeters of his lips.
“Ivy! Are you insane?!” he breathed digging his fingers into my back.
“Look into my eyes!” I demanded, “This will be quick!”
He obeyed instantly as a small tear escaped down his cheek. How much pain was he really in? I could taste his breath which was still sweet even after he drank all that blood. I concentrated my power on his throat and his heart. My lips brushed his lips as I whispered,
“Katapravno sas dipso. Kalmaro sas kardia. Mais eseis eimai apokathisto.”
(Soothe your thirst. Calm your heart. May you be restored.)
I couldn’t hold back anymore his luring seduction was too much but I knew it was safe now. Our lips met eagerly as we moved together. He tugged and pulled at my sweater and ran his hands over my chest. He pulled at my bra, ripping the sweater and breaking the clasps on my bra. This was too much! I couldn’t breathe! I pushed him hard sending out a wave of power from my hands,
“Ochi pia!”
(No more!)
He hit the back wall with a thud and slid down to the floor. I leaned against the wall trying to catch my breath.
“God damn it!” Slade breathed putting his head in his hands shaking.
I watched him carefully. He still had dried blood on his hands and chest but his eyes were blue and his vampire teeth were gone. I had done it. I felt the no support from my broken bra and noticed just how large the rips were in Slade’s sweater I wore.
“Jesus, I look like a rape victim…” noticing the small tear in my panties.
I looked back to Slade who was wiping his wet cheeks. I rushed to him kneeling down,
“Are you okay?! How do you feel?” I asked concerned.
He was breaking down completely, shuddering off the sobs,
“Did you see them?” he asked, “Chelsea…”
“Yes.” I answered softly.
I held his head up and straddled his legs wiping away the silent tears,
“Just breath for me… deep breathes.”
He obeyed and then asked,
“I thought I was going to kill you… How did you do that? You made the burning go away….”
“It was a strong spell. Fortunately, you feed to my energy well and you help me produce more powerful spells.”
Another tear fell down his cheek, “Thank God for that. Will it come back anytime soon?”
“By pure vampire rules your thirst shouldn’t come back for another six months. But you are a mix, so the possibilities are unknown.”
He exhaled,
“What do I do? What have I done!? I’m sorry! I didn’t want to kill those girls! I’m not a killer!”
“I know! It’s okay! Do not be sorry!” I yelled back, “It was natural for you; your thirst had just awakened! This is what happens! We will figure it out!”
“You still want to be with me after this? After what I did?” Slade asked.
“I don’t care what you did or that you are a mix breed! I’m here with you and I don’t see any reason why I would want to leave you. By some crazy force in this universe I know that we are finally meant to be together! I love you! Stop questioning it!”
“Alright! You’re so forceful!”
I smiled, “So are you and you know you like it.”
“You know me so well already.” He cracked a small smile wiping the tears off his cheeks.
I laughed and stood offering my hand to help him up.
“I don’t think I can stand. I really can’t feel my legs right now.”
“You need to get some real food in you. Come on, just take my hand.”
He did and with a little magic he stood effortlessly.
“You are amazing. You know that? You really are.” He said putting his arm around my shoulders.
“I know. But so are you.” I answered simply.
I helped him downstairs and sat him down at the kitchen island bar which was still packed to the edge of empty liquor bottles and an array of trash. I opened the fridge and quickly poured him a glass of orange juice.
“I don’t think orange juice will mix well with blood…” Slade said picking up the glass I set in front of him, swirling the juice in its cup.
“You won’t vomit trust me. Not when you’ve been touched by my magic… no one vomits when they’ve been touched by me.”
“What does that mean?”
“Everyone has a different reaction to magic… or I should say a different reaction to each witch. I can be feisty if I want but usually my magic will make you feel good. My parents told me I have a healing touch.”
“Interesting.” He replied.
He hesitated then took a gulp of orange juice and swallowed. I watched the color return to his cheeks. He smiled,
“Not bad. Just one gulp and I already feel myself gaining strength.”
“How’s breakfast sound?”
“Extremely appetizing! Oddly enough even after what I had just done.”
“You’ll think clearly after you’ve eaten.”
I walked around the island and sat at the bar next to Slade and snapped my fingers, creating a small spark between my fingers.
“Aren’t you going to make breakfast?” Slade asked confused.
“Of course,” I answered with a smile.
Slade watched mystified as a bottom cupboard opened by itself and a medium sized frying pan floated out and gently landed on the stovetop; as did the eggs and butter from the refrigerator, and a spatula from a kitchen drawer.
“No way…” Slade gawked, “How can you do this when you’ve never been in this kitchen before?”
“It doesn’t matter; the spell knows where to find its tools to get the job done. Breakfast is my favorite meal so I’ve customized it well.”
“You are good.”
As the food began to cook itself I decided to ask some questions,
“It’s interesting. You still have a heartbeat and you are able to sleep and eat normal human food, yet you thirst for blood. Obviously the vampire traits did not come in order to you. You are part vampire and part something else.”
He nodded looking sullen and took a few more gulps of the orange juice until it was gone.
“Thank you Ivy. I wouldn’t have known what to do if you weren’t here.”
I stood and hugged him kissing his forehead.
“Come on; let’s get this blood off you.”
We stood at the kitchen sink as I soaked a kitchen towel in warm water. I gently washed off the dried blood from his chest and felt his eyes watching me intensely.
“I can’t concentrate when you’re staring at me so hard.” I blushed.
“Sorry… I can’t help it.”
I smiled as I washed off the blood from his neck and jaw line, “Well what are you starting at?”
“You… in nothing but panties and my torn sweater,” smiling big.
“Shut up.” I laughed, being self-conscious of going braless. I had set the broken bra on a kitchen stool.
Slade looked over his chest and arms,
“I don’t remember blood ever washing off this easily.”
“I am using some magic… that’s why.”
“Wow, look at you go.” He said surprised.
“It’s usually not like this. I mean I don’t use this much magic all the time. It mostly has to do with you. You’re like my own personal energy supply.”
“I think I like being your own energy supply.”
Slade pulled at a thread rippling out another hole in the sweater I wore,
“Whoops,” he laughed.
“Would you stop, you’re almost clean!”
I rubbed off the last bit of blood off his shoulder as he ripped another hole out.
“Slade!” I said annoyed.
Next I knew his lips were against mine as he lifted me and carried me into the living room. He slammed me onto the couch and ripped off the remains of the sweater and threw it to the side, leaving me in just my panties.

The dishes had cleaned themselves and the food had gone cold by the time I summoned my clothes down from the tower. I felt even more charged with magic then when I did this morning but Slade was drained from not having any food yet and he could barely put his jeans back on. I found him a t-shirt in the other room and helped him put it on.
“Just stay there and I’ll get you your food.” I said.
“I know it probably wasn’t the right time for that. But your amazing-ness was too overwhelming; I couldn’t stand it any longer.” He murmured slumped over on the couch.
“That’s okay… I… I didn’t mind.” I stammered embarrassed.
With a quick snap of my fingers the food was hot again. Slade wolfed down the bacon, sausage, eggs, and toast within five minutes. His heart rate evened and the rosy pink color returned to his cheeks. I finished my food while I watched him look out the front windows.
“Tell me what you’re thinking.” I said.
“I’m not sure what to do with the girls upstairs.” He said quietly.
“Did anyone else see you do it?”
“No… everyone else had gone. The girls were on their way out when I ran into them… Chelsea’s metro is still here.” He finished running his hand through his hair.
He looked at me seriously,
“Can you bring them back?” he asked.
“What – The girls?” I asked surprised.
He nodded.
“Not unless you want them to come back as zombies! Otherwise I’ve never heard of that being done successfully. That’s dark magic.”
“Zombies…” he shook his head, “She was already unpleasant alive…”
“Yeah, Chelsea as a zombie would not be so fun.”
“What do I do?” Slade asked.
“What do we do you mean… I know I don’t want you to go to jail. Now that I finally have you I don’t want to lose you.”
He gave me a warm smile, “Yeah,” he agreed, “I can’t be away from you right now.”
“We’ll have to do something about the evidence.” I suggested, “The girls and the car.”
“I think I have an idea. I’ll have to get my hands dirty. Can you do something about the blood upstairs?”
“Easily,” I answered, “What do you plan to do?”
“I can make it look like they got in a car accident… That’s the most logical thing I can come up with.”
“Okay. Just make sure you don’t leave any finger prints or anything like that for the police to find later.”
“Right. Can you set the car on fire, I mean without lighter fluid?”
“Yeah.”
“Have you done this before?” he asked sarcastically.
“No… I’ve just watched a lot of movies.” I smiled, “And also… you’ll probably have to give a police report. Hopefully the girl’s families don’t press any charges against you or your adopted parents.”
He sighed heavily, “right,”
“What about the teeth marks? Will they find traces of my saliva or venom?” he asked, coming to the sudden realization he actually had venom to leave behind.
“No… Vampires never leave traces of their fluids. I’ve read about vampire killings mocked up to be animal attacks. I think that’s what they’ll end up deciding about this as well… but if we set the car on fire they won’t be able to tell.”
“You know a lot about this don’t you?” Slade asked.
“My parents taught me all they could about the magical world before they died. I’ve also studied a lot since I was adopted. I was able to get my books back and some of my parent’s things after I was adopted too. My adopted parents have no idea what I am or that the magical world exists. Do yours?”
“No they don’t,” he paused, “Did you ever find out who poisoned your parents?”
The memory of the restaurant suddenly flashed through my head,
“No… but whoever it was wanted me dead too. I drank the same poison they did but it didn’t do a thing to me….”
I snapped my fingers and the empty plates floated off our laps and to the kitchen sink. I put my head in my hands. I could still hear my parents last breathes’ in the back of my head. See the scowl on the old woman’s face. Feel the way my throat felt after screaming for so long.
“Hey…” Slade said snapping me out of the flood of memories,
“Sorry I brought it up.”
“It’s okay really. I appreciate you asking.”
“For what it’s worth, I’m really glad you survived.” His eyes were intense, “Come on,” he said taking my hand, “We should take care of this before someone calls the cabin.”
“What about your parents? Will they be here anytime soon?”
“No, they’re vacationing at their time-share in Spain.”
“Wow, really?”
“Yeah.”
“And they didn’t take you with them?”
“No… I mean I’ve gone with them before but I’d been planning last night for a while.”
I stopped on the stair landing between the first and second floor,
“You have?”
Slade laughed, “Ivy! I invited you a month ago remember? It’s embarrassing to keep repeating it alright.”
The flirting mood came to an abrupt halt when we saw the three lifeless bodies laying in the tub. I didn’t say anything; I didn’t want to make Slade feel worse then he already did. He had just killed three innocent girls out of a blood rage thirst. After all, this is what happens when a vampire first gets his thirst for blood.
“If we move them the blood will get everywhere.” Slade said.
“Its okay, my magic will get every drop that falls. The important thing is to get them out of here first.”
“Okay,” he agreed.
I stayed at the door while he tip toed over the pools of blood on the tiled floor to the bathtub. He touched Chelsea’s arm and immediately flowing from his touch Chelsea began to turn to ash. He jerked his hand away in surprise,
“Gah! What the hell?! Is this suppose to happen?!” he yelled.
My mouth fell open watching the other two turn to ash, ash shaped like three eighteen year old girls. It sounded like running sand as their skin dissolved away. Goosebumps ran down my arms.
“Ivy? What’s happening?”
“I know what you are…” I said stunned.
Slade’s eyes went wide, “You do! From this?”
“You are part vampire part wizard. No wonder your energy connects so well with mine.”
“How-?”
“I know because if you were a pure vampire these bodies would not turn to ash! They would still be solidly there rotting away or turning, depending on how much blood you drank. This only happens if you are a vampire with magic in your blood!”
“Okay, we need to sit down and have a talk about all this. I know some basics, but apparently not everything.”
I nodded in agreement.
“So what now?” he asked.
“You can come back out.” I said.
He carefully made his way back and stood by me in the doorway of the bathroom.
“Put your hand on my shoulder. I’ll need some of your magic for this.”
He placed his warm hand on top of my right shoulder and instantly I could feel his magic power flow into me.
“Now kneel down with me.”
“What are you doing?”
“Just watch.”
We knelt together at the doorframe of the bathroom. I slid my hand out along the tile wall feeling the energy of the room. It was ice cold, raw, and full of fear. The last emotion the girls had felt before they died.
“What is that? Do you feel that?” Slade asked, “Its cold.”
“That is the feeling within the room.” I answered.
“How-?”
“Shh!” I cut him off, “Hang on a minute.”
I bowed my head to the girls’ lives that were lost. It was time to move on from this incident and erase the pain. I kept my hand flat against the cold tiles and let my magic surge from my hand into the walls of the room. The tiles began to vibrate and shake out of their sealants. The pools of blood separated and slithered together, disappearing under the floor. The splatters of blood on the glass shower walls dripped down, even the blood on the ceiling fell to the floor and vanished under the shaking tiles. The room shook until every drop of blood had vanished. I lifted my hand from the wall and the tiles slammed back into their sealants. But the ash sculpted girls remained untouched.
“Can you open the nearest window?” I asked.
“Slade?” I said turning to him, “You can let go now.” His mouth was hanging open,
“Oh!” shaking his head, “Sorry, yeah!”
He got up and ran to the window at the end of the hallway and opened it. I took one last look at the ashen girls,
“Eisaste eleytheros.”
(You are free.)
I stepped back from the door and ushered Slade away from the window. The pallid sculpted girls dispersed into a cloud of ash. The ash shifted together and abruptly streamed out the doorway turning left down the hall and out the window. A swift and violent breeze immediately followed and slammed the window shut making Slade jump back. I couldn’t help but laugh.
“You’re laughing? After that you’re laughing?” he asked shocked.
“Look vampire boy, you’re going to have to get used to this stuff. Weather you like it or not magic is in your blood… I couldn’t have done that without you.”
“What? But that wasn’t such a big spell was it?”
“No, it wasn’t. But it couldn’t have been undone without your energy. That’s why I had you hold onto me. You were the one to do this and you are the one to undo it. I just… helped.”
“Oh.” he said calmly peering back into the spotless white bathroom.
I gently reached out and shoved him into the bathroom,
“Whoa!” he yelled, stood there for a minute and realized it was safe.
He turned and gave me a suspicious look which made me laugh. His blue eyes sparkled as he smiled back. He really was beautiful it almost made me ache. Ache to not be near him. He walked up to me and took my face in his hands and kissed me so that the room spun.
“I’m such an idiot.” Slade suddenly blurted out.
“What? Why?”
“For not being with you sooner… I’m so sorry Ivy.”
I wrapped my arms around him tight and held my head against his.
“Just make it up to me.” I whispered.
Slade tried to go in for a kiss but I turned my head so his lips kissed my cheek. I pushed him away,
“Only after we take care of the car!” I said.
He gave me a look of frustration,
“Tell me you get to stay with me all day?”
“I do.” I answered with a smile.
“You know Ivy… I would not be handling this well if you weren’t here. Hell, I’d probably turn myself in and go straight to jail.”
I turned to see his beautiful face in such a painful expression,
“Slade, you are vampire part wizard… these things happen. As long as we stay together we will get through this. Just remember who you are and what you are.”
His expression lightened and let out a sigh of relief.
Suddenly the song ‘Bootylicious’ by Beyonce started to sound off from a room down the hall. We both ran to the open vacant room. The double size bed was a mess and there were a couple sweaters and three purses spilled onto the floor. One of the cell phones was going off.
“That’s Chelsea’s.” I said, “Don’t answer it.”
“Who is it?” Slade asked with panic in his voice.
I knelt down and saw a name lit up on the screen of her bright pink flip phone that read: RYAN GLASS.
“Why the hell is he calling her?” I said disgusted.
“Who?”
“Ryan Glass.”
“Go figure.” Slade said.
“Why would he want to fool around with her?” I asked.
“You know what Ryan is right? Didn’t you guys go out?” Slade asked.
“Aa…? Yeah we went out but it didn’t turn out so well. Why, is he one of us?” I asked. I was seriously concerned now.
“I’m surprised. There are a few of them at our school.” Slade said.
“Them- what?” I urged again.
“Ryan Glass is a werewolf.” Slade said simply.
I gasped. But it all made sense, the way he acted and the way he didn’t. I knew something was off about him.
“Werewolf. That is bad…. And his brothers?”
“Yeah… all of them.”
“Do they know about you or me?” I asked.
“Ryan doesn’t know about me, but I’m not sure if they know what you are.”
“Great.”
“Let’s take care of this and worry about them later.” Slade said.
“Alright then,” I sighed.
“Let’s take their stuff and throw it the metro.” Slade said, “I’ll drive the metro if you’ll follow me in my car. I’ll crash the metro off into the woods a few miles down then you can set it all alight and a…. heal me if I get hurt.”
“I’ll put a spell on you so you won’t get hurt at all. I don’t want to see that happen.” I said.
“Wow… you can do that? Can you make it permanent?” Slade asked.
I laughed, “No! It does take a lot of power and I can’t cast immortality upon you!”
“Oh right…” Slade said looking embarrassed.
I picked up the girls purses and sweaters and we made our way down stairs to the front door. I had finally had all my clothes back on and put on my warm pea coat. Slade put on his black hooded jacket that looked amazing on him and we set out into the winter cold to complete our criminally insane mission.

3
Number Seven

We gathered together at the front cabin door along with the three other jeeps full of people that had followed us here. The air was cold and crisp; a sign that fall was coming to an end. The tall trees that surrounded the cabin were dark, thick, and ominous looking. I stuffed my hands in the pockets of my wool pea coat and burrowed my chin in my scarf. I stood in the midst of the crowd and nailed my eyes to the door impatiently waiting for it to open and I would finally see Slade’s gorgeous face. Some of the girls were giggling and I could hear the guys murmuring about how massive his cabin was. My heart was racing; I had been looking forward to this all month.
Slade had told me his parents trusted him with the place. I wasn’t surprised; he seemed much older than a high school senior. I was excited about the fact that there wouldn’t be any parents, no supervision, as was everyone else. A few of them were able to get a hold of beer and hard liquor but I wasn’t planning to get drunk beyond repair. I wanted to observe and be able to be fully conscious and aware just in case I had anymore close encounters with Slade, which I was counting on. I also didn’t want to make a fool of myself in front of everyone especially with Chelsea and her cult of stuck up friends. Chelsea seemed to have an intense hatred for me, I think because she’s picked up on the little connection Slade and I have. Ever since she had become aware of this she has tried to make my high school life hell. Yes she’s annoying and immature but I did love to cast little spells in her direction. I consider those to be payback for all the times she has taken Slade away from me in mid-conversation. I had a feeling tonight would be a beautiful night to do some magic. No one not even Chelsea could keep me away from Slade tonight.
The porch light suddenly flipped on and the front door swung open. Cheers erupted from the crowd. I saw his silhouette for a brief second before the crowd engulfed him. I followed behind slowly up the porch steps with my heart racing. I could feel the heat rise on my cheeks and my palms get sweaty. I loosened my scarf and fanned myself with my coat. Suddenly large arms wrapped around me and held me tight. His cologne filled my nostrils and I was in heaven.
“Ivy! You made it! I was worried you wouldn’t come!” Slade said as he held me tight.
“Are you kidding!? I wouldn’t miss this night for anything!” I chimed.
He unlocked his arms and I could finally see his beautiful face and his light blue eyes sparkled.
“Man you smell good.” He beamed.
“Thanks… so do you!”
“Can I take your coat?” He asked.
I didn’t notice him take any other girls’ coats for them. I blushed.
“Sure… thank you.” I answered and he stepped behind me and gracefully in one swift movement slipped the coat from my arms.
I looked down the hall from the front room and saw Chelsea and couple of her friends staring me down already. I rolled my eyes. Then I noticed Slade missed the coat hanger completely and my coat fell to the floor.
“Slade? You okay?” I said smiling at his expression.
He looked like he had been stunned.
“What?” I asked.
He shook his head.
“Aaa… Wow, I’m sorry. It’s just you look really great. I mean good. I… I’ve never seen you wear that before.” He answered.
I blushed and I laughed lightly in embarrassment as I picked up my coat from the floor,
“Oh…yeah. I guess I dressed up a little. I usually don’t wear this stuff to school.”
“Well you should.”
“Thank you.”
I smiled at him. He was always so nice to me.
My shirt was a tub-top, black satin, backless, and form fitting; very cute in my opinion and definitely seductive. It didn’t have lace on it like most of the other girls; it looked like they had on lingerie. Slade’s reaction was exactly what I wanted. He led me into the kitchen and I felt his hand touch my skin on the small of my back. A small shock wave of energy instantly ran from his fingers and up my spine. I suppressed a shudder. I had forgotten the feeling of his unique touch. As if I were a battery and he was my recharger. His energy was unlike anyone’s I had ever felt. I felt so much stronger when I was skin to skin with him. Just one of the many reasons I was so infatuated with him. Like a vampire thirsting for the perfect type of blood. I craved his energy all the time.
The kitchen was large with dark wood cabinets and black marble counters. The kitchen opened up with two steps leading down into the living room area. The living room had higher vaulted ceilings with windows that extended all the way up to the roof. The room was lined with black leather couches surrounding a very expensive looking rug that faced a coble stoned fire place. It wasn’t your usual fire place; it looked like it was six feet long. Above the mantel was a very large flat screen TV mounted to the wall. Someone had found the volume to the music and cranked it so the bass vibrated the walls from the built in speakers. His cabin looked like a resort you would see in a travel magazine. This was heaven in itself.
“Wow. This place is amazing!” I cheered.
Slade smiled, “Thank you!”
“Aren’t you worried about the place getting trashed after tonight?!” I asked concerned.
“No worries… I can take care of it.” He answered confidently.
I admired his confidence but I secretly wished I could clean it all myself for him. It would only take one spell and not much power. What if Slade knew what I was? Would he like me more? Or would he cast me out like everyone else? Even though everyone else didn’t know what I was, they still shunned me. I’m not that bad am I?

“SLADE! Your cabin is so cool! You have to show us around!!” Chelsea screamed as she clamped onto his arm.
Two of her friends nodded enthusiastically behind her. Slade pulled a fake smile and looked back at me hesitant, not wanting to go.
“Just real quick ladies, okay?”
“I know! I know!” Chelsea giggled as her and the girls literally dragged him away from me. Before Slade was out of reach he reached back and grabbed my arm,
“I want to talk to you later okay?” there was a burning feeling of importance coming from his eyes.
“Okay!” I was caught off guard but excited that he actually needed me. What did he need to say?
Something was definitely going to happen tonight.

I was left standing next to the kitchen island that was full of chips and dip, candy, beer, liquor, and shot glasses. I heard someone say there were jello-shots in the fridge. This party was going to get crazy very soon. I opened the fridge in search of something non-alcoholic. A nice tall Monster energy drink had my name on it. I’d rather be on a caffeine high then get completely wasted.
“Damn girl!” A familiar voice boomed behind me, “Ivy is that you? You have the sexiest back I have ever seen!”
I turned to see Bobby’s smiling face.
“Bobby!” I laughed giving him a warm hug.
Bobby was a tall California blonde with pretty blue eyes and a surfer’s tan. We had English class together and he sat with me at lunch sometimes. He was a good friend and was so fun to flirt with.
“Seriously, why haven’t you worn that shirt to school?”
“Girls aren’t allowed to wear backless tops to school.”
“God damn that school.” He muttered, “I’m having a hard time not getting aroused so I better move along before I do something crazy. I know about Slade anyway…” he erupted in laughter and walked away with a wink.
I smiled and watched him disappear into the crowd. Now what was I suppose to do? I knew quite a few people but they were all acquaintances, I didn’t have a best friend. I was utterly alone in the middle of a massive party. I felt almost stupid for dressing up so much and for what? Slade’s face popped up in my mind. Oh yeah. My world did revolve around him. There was something about him that was different. He had a different energy, different way he looked at me compared to everyone else. Eye contact with him instantly made me feel warm inside that would protect me from the coldest chill. I wasn’t going to wait anymore, I was going to find him and have this “talk”.
I grabbed a blanket from the couch and wrapped it around my shoulders. I walked up the log carved stairs all the way to the fourth floor, feeling out his energy.
Suddenly a door flew open with the sound of a toilet flushing. Chelsea walked out adjusting her tube top tripping over her platform heels. Her drunken eyes met mine,
“Oh Ivy! What are you doing up here? You’re not trying to look for Slade are you?! Ugh! Please! Like you would have any chance getting with him! A loser freak who tries to look cute is just scary! You belong outside on the front porch with the rest of the geeks who can’t get in!” She finished with an annoying giggle.
“You really are a light weight…” I mumbled.
She rammed her boney shoulder into my arm as she passed. I watched her approach the stairs.
“I would watch your step in those shoes…. Bitch.” I said curtly.
She whipped her eyes back at me,
“Excuse me… What did you just say?”
“Good luck down stairs…” I smiled and walked away.
“Whatever!” she snapped.
I could hear the clunking of her heels on the slightly uneven stairs. I whispered a little spell I thought useful at the moment,
“Xekobo, xekobo.”
(snip snip)
I knew her next step would be treacherous. I heard the clunk then a crack and Chelsea’s high pitch scream echo throughout the hall and the whole bottom floor. I could hear her tumble the rest of the way down the log stairs.
“Owe!! Oh my God!! My platforms!!! They just totally broke! I just got these!!”
“Whoa Chels, are you okay!?”
“No! I’m not okay!! Help me up!!”
I smiled and continued down the hall full of closed doors and empty rooms. Soft lamps were lit randomly throughout the floor. I reached the back room and looked out the sliding glass doors and saw a black silhouette standing on the unlit balcony against the night forest. My heart skipped a beat. There he was.
I opened the sliding door and watched him turn to me and I swear his eyes were so blue they gave off their own light. I gasped.
“Ivy?! Sorry, did I scare you?” he asked concerned. He blinked and his eyes were back to normal. My eyes had to be playing tricks on me. There was no way.
“Oh no! Your fine. What are you doing up here in the dark? You’ve got an awesome party going down stairs.”
“I know I just needed some fresh air. Well any air away from Chelsea is good.” He said.
“I agree.” I replied pleased to know he felt that way.
How could he stand this cold? He had no coat, just a thin sweater over a tee-shirt. I pulled the blanket tighter around my shoulders trying to keep the cold out. I could see my breath crystallize in front of me.
“Sorry, I was just about to come find you.” He said.
“That’s okay, you don’t have to apologize!” I laughed, “It’s your party, I figured I’d come to you.”
He smiled.
“What did you want to talk about?” I asked as my heart rate reached mach 4.
“Um… yeah,” he took a deep breath, “I’ve been wanting to talk to you for a while now, but every time I’ve tried something happens to separate us.”
He looked at me with a very serious expression.
“What is it?” I asked concerned.
“First I need to do this.”
He walked up to me and suddenly there was a loud rumble from his stomach. He paused and held his stomach,
“Damn it…” he muttered.
“What was that?” I laughed.
“That would be my stomach,” he chuckled, “I’ve been feeling a little weird lately. I kinda feel like I’m starving but food doesn’t seem to help.”
“That’s weird.”
“Tell me about it.”
I nervously raised my hand to his cheek; he was standing so close. I felt the warmth of his smooth skin under my fingertips.
“Hmm…” I smiled, “You don’t feel cold like a vampire, so I don’t have to worry about you thirsting for my blood right?”
What he didn’t know was that this was true in the magical world. I really did mean what I said. He smiled,
“I don’t know about that. With the way I’ve been feeling lately anything can happen.” He looked straight into my eyes and held my hand to his cheek. I couldn’t wipe the smile from my face and an uncontrollable giggle erupted from my throat. I felt my cheeks flush with embarrassment. I was definitely losing it. He turned his head and kissed my hand. I swallowed hard.
Oh Lord.
“So… so are you going to suck my blood now?” I asked trying to play along.
“Hmm, maybe I should. If you think that’ll help me feel better?” he whispered with a mischievous smile.
“Sh… Sure.” I barely spit out as I noticed he was inching closer to my face.
He placed my hand on the back of his neck and suddenly yanked me closer and his lips slammed into mine. His lips were warm, soft, and perfect. His breath was sweet. I had never felt so much passion from a kiss before in my life! I had found a new dimension, I was tumbling down a black hole, and I had reached the very top cloud of heaven. The invisible nervous, hesitant wall crumbled and I eagerly wrapped my arms around his neck and my fingers tangled through his hair. After a long and intense couple of minutes he suddenly pulled me away, gasping,
“Wow! That was long overdue!”
“Damn,” was all I could spit out.
“You are an extremely good kisser.” He said.
“Thanks…” I laughed, “So are you! Was that what you needed to do first?”
He blushed, “Yeah… God, I’ve been wanting to do that for so long.”
“Really?” I replied surprised.
“I know I hide it well.”
“Yes… yes you do.”
“I do want to talk to you though, I –”
I cut him off mid-sentence. Watching his lips move, his beautiful ice blue eyes, and the way the moonlight shined in his hair. I could not help myself. I flung my arms back around him and kissed him again. He instantly gave in and pulled me closer, holding me tight. The bass boomed through the windows from the party on the bottom floor. No one knew we were making out in the winter freeze on the top balcony. I was the luckiest girl in the world nothing could touch me now. His lips left mine and traced down my neck slowly making his way back to my lips. Slade suddenly pulled away again,
“Seriously! I do need to talk to you… I can’t if you jump me again.”
I chuckled, “Okay, but I’m going to have trouble resisting.”
His cheeks flushed and broke a smile,
“Don’t say those kinds of things. Now Miss LaBell, we have all night okay?”
Did he say all night? I had forgotten that I was staying the night. At that moment I think my heart exploded with excitement or happiness, I didn’t know which and I didn’t care. He just said we had all night. I could officially die happy now.
“Okay?”
“Yeah!”
I felt my cheeks go hot with embarrassment; I had said that with a little too much excitement. Slade reacted with a smile,
“Ready to talk?”
“Yes.” I said obediently.
“Okay… um…” he paused.
He looked deep in thought. What did he have to say?
“What is it Slade? This must be pretty serious.” I commented.
“A… yeah….” He took a deep breath.
“You can tell me anything. Just talk to me.”
“Okay…. Here it goes…..” he took another deep breath,
“Ivy… You know I’m an orphan too right?”
“Yes.”
“And I’ve never told you what orphanage I went to right?”
“Right,” I affirmed, “Which one did you go to?” I asked genuinely curious.
“Saint Caruso’s.”
“What?! Saint Caruso’s?” I paused in shock, “But I went there too?”
Slade went to the very same orphanage I did? How did I not know this? He didn’t say anything. I looked him right in his eyes,
“When were you there?” I asked in a deep serious tone.
He looked away, looking guilty about something.
“There’s no way.” I said. Slade really experienced that prison?
He looked out at the forest below,
“We didn’t have names remember? We were called by numbers….”
“Right,” I answered wanting him to get on with it.
I touched his arm and made him look at me,
“When were you there?” I asked again.
“Ivy…. I was there the same time you were. You arrived right when my time had ended. We didn’t have that much time together. You knew me as number Seven.”
I gasped, the air in my lungs disappeared. I took a few steps back. Slade’s face was so familiar to me now.
“Oh my god….” I murmured.
Flashbacks flooded my mind. I remembered when I had a magical outburst and had to cast a memory expunge charm so I wasn’t kicked out for being a freak. The charm touched everyone but this boy. After that I knew he was like me. The special boy I believed to be my guardian angel but when he disappeared so suddenly he became a myth in my mind. My parents had just been murdered and he held me when I cried and he gave me hope. But then he was taken away from me just like my parents were, like everything else had been. How have I made it this far? There he stood staring at me with those baby blues, just like the one’s my little guardian angel had. He was the very reason why I had indeed made it this far. The binding magic between us was still as strong as it was then.
“Ivy? Talk to me.” Slade said, pulling me back to reality.
His warm hand wiped away a frozen tear from my eye. I barely found my voice,
“Please… tell me more, so that I know this is real.”
He smiled warmly and answered,
“I made you make me a promise, right before I left. You promised me that you would live… live so that I may find you again.” He brushed his hand against my cheek, “Then we had our first kiss. I know we were young but it was as real then as I am standing here in front of you now. I know what had happened to your parents and I knew your pain. I felt everything you felt then because my parents had died too.”
Hot silent tears streamed from my eyes. His blue eyes were glowing brilliantly,
“I know we’ve known each other since we were sophomores and now we’re seniors. I’m sorry it’s taken me this long to tell you. I knew who you were from the first moment I saw you, and believe me I’ve tried to tell you quite a few times but apparently I guess I wasn’t trying hard enough. I hope you forgive me. I also have to tell you I still don’t know what I am. I don’t have any dominant traits to determine what breed I am. I know I have to be a mixed breed but I just have no idea yet. Ivy…. Please tell me you forgive me.”
“I do forgive you.” I whispered through my tears.
I grabbed his hand and held it tight,
“Now you have to make me a promise!” I said suddenly finding my voice.
“Anything.” He answered.
“Promise me you will never leave me again! We are bound by magic even from the first sight of you at the orphanage we were bound! I can feel it! There is a reason, now I cannot live without you anymore! Please promise me to be mine that you’ll never leave me.”
His lips hit mine with urgency. His passion was consuming. I pushed him away,
“Promise me first!” I breathed.
“You are mine and I am yours. I will not leave you again.”
I smiled wiping away the wet from my cheeks and we kissed, long and hard. The passion between us rose quickly. He lifted me up wrapping my legs around him and pinned me against the corner balcony rail. His lips would leave mine briefly and trace down my neck to my collar bone then back up to my lips again. The butterflies were in full force and I thought my heart was going to explode. He was extremely good at this. I noticed he was using some self control by not going too far which I respected him for, but my thoughts were running a little beyond what you would call respectful. I was hoping his were too. It felt like my skin was on fire and so was his. I yanked the blanket off us and we both breathed easily with the sudden winter air on our skin. My self control was slowly slipping and was surprised his was not.
Suddenly I heard a loud thud and I fell to my feet,
“Damn!” Slade yelled.
Slade was suddenly against the far wall. His eyes were shut tight and his fingers gripped the wall so hard the wood splintered.
“Slade what’s wrong?” I asked breathlessly fixing my tub top.
He looked at me with intense glowing blue eyes and very red cheeks,
“God damn it. What was that? Did you do that?”
“What? What did I do?”
“Those images in my head were not mine! I mean mine were similar but nothing like that!”
I was sure my face turned a nice shade of strawberry red. I wasn’t expecting that. Did I transfer my thoughts? I had done this once before but it was in training with my parents a long time ago.
“Are you sure?”
“I’m positive!” he laughed.
He pried his fingers from the wall leaving ten nice puncture wounds in the log of the cabin. He exhaled running his hand through his hair.
“You are strong…” I said.
“Uh… yeah.” He replied embarrassed, “I didn’t hurt you did I?”
“No….” I blushed, “You’re great.” I laughed.
Suddenly he was close again,
“So how did you do that?” he asked eager.
“Aa… I didn’t even know I was doing it. My parents taught me a long time ago, but I haven’t done it since. Its like a wanting spell… I know I have to be physically touching you and wanting something from you very badly in order for you to see it….” I turned away blushing, remembering the image I had let him see.
He laughed amused and leaned in barely touching my lips with his,
“How bad do you want it?” he whispered.
I gasped, “Slade!!” hitting his shoulder.
“I’m sorry I couldn’t help myself!” He chuckled,
“But damn woman… that was hot!” He finished with a seducing smile.
But my smile disappeared when I noticed the black pupils of his eyes had changed shape from normal human round circles to catlike slits.
“Slade! Your eyes!” I said surprised.
“What?” he asked.
“Your pupils are… catlike…”I replied.
“Oh… they do that. It’s been happening for a few months now; I don’t know what it means.”
“You are a mix for sure… I’ve never seen those kinds of eyes before on a pure breed.”
“Yeah…” he said solemnly.
I looked into his magical eyes and saw the little boy I used to know, the boy I made that promise to.
“What is it?” he asked, “You look so sad.”
“The promise at the orphanage… I must live so that you may find me again…”
He smiled, “You’ve kept your promise well.”
“I have missed you Slade… Even though you’ve been right in front of me, I have really missed you.” I choked back another sting of tears.
“I’ve missed you too.” He smiled.
It was me that kissed him this time but it was a more serious kiss, not so urgent. He pulled away and smiled,
“Let’s go see how the party is doing… I don’t even know what time it is!” he laughed, “Just promise me Miss LaBell, not to let go of my hand tonight. I want people to know that you are mine.”
Fireworks erupted from my heart, “Okay!”
We started down the dark hallway but Slade stopped,
“You might want to control your eyes though.” He said.
“What? Have they been glowing?” I asked concerned. I totally thought I had control of them.
“They’ve been glowing since we first kissed out there.” He chuckled
“Ah damn it! I thought I had that covered.”
“I guess I’m too irresistible.”
“You have no idea.”
He kissed me again, the urgency back and in full force. I slammed him into the hallway wall and pushed my body against him. Then forced my lips away from his breathing hard,
“You’re so not helping!”
“Sorry… you can’t say those kinds of things, remember?”
“God… this is a lot harder then I thought.” I muttered, “Just stay still for a moment. No kissing!”
“Okay okay.” He said smiling.
I breathed in deep taking a few deep breathes centering my self. I opened my eyes again,
“All better?” I asked.
“All better.” Slade said.
He took my hand and weaved his fingers through mine and held it tight. I was officially the happiest girl on the planet.
We went down to the bottom floor where the music was still blasting. The party was definitely still going but with a little more influence from all the alcohol. The kitchen island was jammed full of beer bottles, sticky shot glasses, almost empty liquor bottles, and partially eaten jello-shots.
“Damn guys! Drink all the booze why don’t ya!” Slade yelled happily.
“Oh! Here Slade this one is still cold!!” A guy yelled handing him a beer bottle.
“Thanks man! I was just joking… I’ve had plenty tonight!”
“Oh okay man, no worries.” He slurred as he walked off.
“You’ve had plenty?” I asked.
“No… I tried to have some earlier but the beer isn’t tasting good tonight for some reason.”
“Oh.” I answered. Interesting I thought.
“What the hell is this?! Where have you been! I’ve been looking for you all night!” Chelsea suddenly shrieked.
I jumped to see Chelsea glaring right at me and also at my hand holding Slade’s. The crowd around us was suddenly jerked out of their drunken state and focused on Slade and me. Our holding hands were suddenly very hot.
“That didn’t take long…” Slade muttered.
“What THE HELL IS THIS?!” Chelsea fumed along with her little group of friends behind her.
“What does it look like bitch!?” I asked sternly. Slade whipped his head at me in shock to my sudden voice. Chelsea gasped,
“What did you say?”
Chelsea’s friends looked horrified. I could hear cheers in the back ground from people I knew,
“Oh yeah! Go Ivy!”
“Take her Ivy!”
“Go Ivy… Go Slade!”
“It’s about time Slade!”
“Shut up!” Chelsea shrieked.
I turned to Slade and whispered,
“Can I curse her now?”
He smiled slightly but his eyes shot back to Chelsea and he stepped forward quickly. I heard gasps around us and realized that Slade had caught Chelsea’s hand before it could connect to my head.
“I wouldn’t be so bold Chelsea,” Slade said in a deep serious tone, “Ivy is my girl and no one, not even you is aloud to lay a hand on her.”
I watched her eyes glaze over with fresh tears and her expression turn from shocked to betrayal. She yanked her hand back out of Slade’s grip.
“You… You led me on. I thought I was your girl?” she said as her voice broke.
“You’re mistaken Chelsea. There has only been one girl I’ve had my eye on and that’s Ivy. So now you need to leave her alone.” Slade said sternly.
“You bitch!” Chelsea shrieked.
She sucked in and launched a wad of spit right onto my face.
That set my blood to boil. She had finally pushed me too far. I let go of Slade’s hand and in one swift movement I threw a right hook straight into Chelsea’s nose. The group of girls shrieked and swarmed around her as Chelsea fell into their arms with a bleeding nose. Cheers erupted from the crowd. Slade looked to his friends and nodded conveying one of them take care of her and they instantly obeyed. I was amazed as to how loyal they were to Slade. No one knew his secret right? I shook off the anger and sighed heavily. Slade grabbed my hand again and smiled reassuringly,
“That was awesome.”
Next I knew I was getting pats on the back from friends and acquaintances congratulating me on my one punch victory. I didn’t realize how many people actually didn’t like Chelsea. This little incident would not go unheard at school. I would actually be noticed at school for once.
The music was blaring again and more drinks were passed out to now a more cheerful crowd. I was suddenly uncomfortable with all the attention. I just wanted to be with Slade and disappear with him. Slade suddenly grabbed me and tipped me back and planted a deep passionate kiss for all to see. I couldn’t stop smiling afterwards. Everyone definitely knew I was his and he was mine and I didn’t mind the public display of affection.
As the night went on I realized I had a lot to talk about with Slade. What happened to his birth parents? What else was he capable of? Did he know more about our magical world then I did? I just wanted to be alone with him.

It got to three thirty a.m. when people finally started to pass out. I helped Slade carry at least ten sleeping bags down from the upstairs. We were definitely tired but not drunk. Thank goodness. The boys wouldn’t let Chelsea drive home and had comforted her enough to calm down and slip her a sleeping pill from what Slade had told me, she was sound asleep in the other room. I could’ve cast a sleeping charm on her but I had forgotten she was even there after the public display of affection with Slade.
I sat exhausted at the kitchen bar and watched people nestle into their sleeping bags near the fire as a movie played over head. I wondered if I would have my own sleeping bag tonight or if I would share one with Slade? But I didn’t want all these people around. There were people spread out all through out the cabin and Slade made sure they were all set for the night. He was such a good host. Finally he came back down the stairs and came to me.
“You look like you’re about to fall over…” he whispered.
I smiled and nodded. Since it was so dark and everyone was basically passed out I let my green eyes give off light but not too much. Although I did it to get Slade’s attention, I didn’t want him to leave me tonight. His warm hand touched my face and his lips pressed against mine long enough to breath him in.
“Come on, I have a secret place to show you.” He said.
I couldn’t help but smile back and watch in amazement as his blue eyes began to glow too. He grabbed my hand and led the way,
“All the way to the top floor…” he said.
We walked up the four flights of stairs and through the hall quietly and past the balcony we spent so much time on earlier. Another room opened up with a vaulted ceiling and a large window that spanned most of the wall facing out to the driveway below. In the middle of the right wall was a ladder that led up to a door.
“Is that a fourth floor?” I asked.
“That would be my room.”
“Just your room?”
“Come up and see.” He motioned for me to go first.
I grabbed the ladder and climbed up to the small ledge and opened the dark oak door. Moonlight illuminated the one room from the two skylights above. In the middle of the room was a four post queen size bed covered in massive white pillows and a very thick down comforter. In the far corner was an unlit fire place and along the right wall was a small lounger chair, the other wall a chest of drawers, and another door that I assumed was a bathroom.
“Wow… this is nice.” I said with my eyes glued to the very massive bed, hoping that was where we would be sleeping or not sleeping.
“Thank you… but that’s not all.”
He walked over to the lounger chair and pushed it aside. He put his hands on the wall and pushed in firmly.
“There is one more floor.” He said.
“What? Are you kidding me?”
The wall he pushed in was actually a three foot by four foot door that slid sideways behind the actual wall revealing a small passageway.
“That is so cool. I want that in my house!”
I crawled in and stood along side him. It was pitch black except for the light of our eyes, but the nook was barely big enough to hold both of us.
“Look up.” Slade said.
I looked up to see a faint glow of moonlight coming from the opening above us. I felt the wall and found another ladder.
“Oh… this is the tower I saw from out side right?”
“Right.” He confirmed.
I climbed up to a small room that was covered in blankets and pillows of all sizes. The room wasn’t tall enough to even stand in; this would be a small child’s dream to play in. There were four major sky lights that took up most of the ceiling and all you could see were the stars and the orange waning moon. There were some cupboards that covered the back wall.
“This is freaking awesome!” I said excited.
“Check this out!” Slade cheered as he crawled across the blankets and pillows to the cupboards and opened them,
“There’s a dumb-waiter that goes down to the kitchen, a small fridge and an IPOD stereo! Plus some books.”
“Damn Slade!” I laughed, “I would’ve loved to have this when I was little!”
“It was pretty awesome.” He sighed, “I think we can sleep here tonight.”
My heart skipped a little with rejoice,
“Okay.”
But this was more then okay. I could feel the sleep deprivation weigh heavy on my eyelids. I wouldn’t let it make me miss out on what I hoped was going to happen next. I had questions but my questions would wait until tomorrow. Slade looked at me completely serious and crawled over me laying me down. He ran his fingers through my hair making chills run down my back. He was so beautiful with the stars shimmering above him and his bright blue eyes against the darkness of the night.
“Seven.” I whispered.
The energy between us had changed from intense to electric. It was like magnetism so powerful that it took me by surprise. Slade’s touch was like food that fed my magical hunger. It felt like I was keeping a damper on a volcano. I was afraid of a magical eruption. Not that kind of eruption. A magical outburst which is dangerous and I had at all costs to keep it under control. I had to keep it stored in the back of my mind holding the lid down tight. We kissed with more urgency and passion that surpassed what we felt earlier on the balcony. Slade wasn’t holding back this time which didn’t help me at all. He was mine and I wanted to make him mine. Slade paused before he took off my tub top,
“Ivy…” he said softly, “I love you.”
I touched his face searching his beautiful glowing blue eyes. He was serious and he meant it.
“I love you too Slade.” I said.
He smiled and laughed. I giggled and forcibly took off his shirt.

We passed all bases there was to pass. We both gave each other willingly and it was beautiful. I knew I loved him, deep down the feeling was there and I had been so scared to let it out… until now. I wouldn’t have given myself so willingly if I didn’t love him. I knew my life would not be so dark anymore.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The morning sun still hid below the horizon under the night sky when Slade woke with a startle, eyes wide and sweating. He sat up clutching his throat which burned and itched with fire. Even clearing his throat felt like knives cutting through his voice box. Ivy was still sleeping peacefully beside him and he was suddenly aware of the blood that pumped so avidly through her veins. His dry mouth watered to the thought. He looked up at his reflection in the skylight window and saw his eyes were smoldering red. His breathing sped as anxiety hit him. He was changing! He had to get away from Ivy and fast!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

2
The Orphanage

I felt like a lost child and in many ways I was. I had lost my parents, my home, and my belongings. My heart that was completely ripped apart and my insides had turned hollow. I was an empty void in desperate search for something to fill it before I realized the enormity of my actual pain. They had taken my jewelry so I couldn’t bewitch a ring to hold my parents’ picture inside. I had gone numb and had turned into an uncaring drone to take the edge off the pain. But I didn’t know how long it would last.
Saint Caruso’s orphanage had abnormally white walls and was exceedingly clean. It housed orphan kids from birth to age thirteen. My bed was my new home and my only sanctuary. My bed was the top bunk in the back corner of a very long rectangular room full of bunk beds. It was a cold blank room with bright florescent lights and the only window was lined with iron bars right below the foot of my bed. At night it cast scary shadows on the white painted brick walls which did not help my nightmares go away. Each bunk had a large black number painted above it and it had replaced our real names. I was called number three and my real name no longer existed as long as I stayed within these walls. All of us wore the same youth sized nurse scrub attire, boys wore blue and girls wore purple. Go figure. Our days were scheduled for us. There was a time to eat, bathe, and sleep. We had chores everyday and thankfully everyday they were different. During activity time I chose not to participate. I sat by the window and prayed for rain. Rain had a magical element about it and had a way to soothe my worries and in my case it would help ease the pain that still lay raw inside me. It didn’t help that all the windows in the place were lined with the same iron bars as in our bunk room. This was a jail for children and I did not belong here.

The tiniest thing would remind me of my parents or I would randomly remember how warm my mom always felt when she hugged me or how my dad used to laugh. I didn’t care who saw or who talked I let the tears roll down my cheeks. At night though it was a different story. When I closed my eyes all I could see or think of were my parents and most of the time it was in my nightmares. I would cry myself to sleep because of the pain. I vividly saw the red blood on the tile floor, watched the color drain from their faces, and felt their skin turn cold. It got to the point where I didn’t want to sleep anymore which resulted in dark circled and tear swollen eyes. The counselors had tried to help me but all they did was make it worse.
There was only one thing I looked forward to every day in the orphanage; a boy who was called Number Seven. He was the cutest boy I had ever seen. He was my age, a little taller then me, blonde hair, and had bright blue eyes that reminded me of the ocean and made me calm inside. He always had a group of little kids following him around like he was their big brother. He cared for them and watched over them when the adults didn’t. It was clear that those kids loved him a lot and trusted him that only made me like him more. Every time I had the chance I watched him. He distracted me from the pain. I wondered how long he had been stuck here. Why hadn’t he been adopted yet? Every time I laid my eyes on him he would catch my gaze at least once and sometimes he would stare back for at least a minute or longer. Usually that kind of eye contact would make me turn away embarrassed but I had nothing to lose and I just didn’t care any more.
At meal time we sat in a large cafeteria and I would watch the girls fight over who sat closest to Number Seven. I didn’t care where I sat just as long as I could see him. I knew there was something different about him; he had to be part of the magical world somehow either a vampire or witch, maybe even a mix. Although mixed breeds were rare. Werewolves were never that attractive from what my parents had told me and from what I read they were dirty and manipulative.

I took my usual spot against the wall during activity time next to the window. It had been a month and it hadn’t rained once. I had given up on my prayers because I figured God wasn’t listening to me anymore. He didn’t listen to me before he took my parents so why would he listen now? All I wanted was for it to rain so I could feel it on my hands and feel its healing powers. I could hear Number Seven playing with the kids making them giggle. I watched him instead of the mockingly sunny day outside. His eyes met mine and I felt the pain inside lift just barely but enough to enjoy. Who was he really? Maybe I should work up the guts and just go ask him?
“Seven? You who?” one of the smaller boys waved his hand in front of Number Seven’s eyes.
Seven immediately snapped out of our gaze and continued to play with the little kids. Maybe he felt something too?
All the kids screamed and I jumped when suddenly there was a loud crash outside and the building shook with the tremendous thundering sky above. I looked outside and my mouth dropped open to see dark clouds that seemed to have come out of nowhere. The rain was suddenly pouring and splattering hazardously against the windows. I jumped up to the window gripping the iron bars,
“Rain!” I said joyfully, “Finally!”
I could hear one of the two counselors in the back of the room whisper,
“I think that’s the first time she’s really spoken since she’s been here…”
I shook the bars and tried pushing on the windows. Couldn’t they at least open? This was a facility not a jail!
“Number Three! Please stop! Get away from the windows.” I heard one of the counselors say firmly.
The room went quiet. I put my hands down to my sides and looked back at the woman. She was not pleasant looking; tall, odd shaped, with long brown hair parted down the middle that laid flat against her skull and had dark circles under her eyes like mine but hers drooped.
“Why don’t you join in on the activities?” She asked me.
My mouth went into a straight line and I shook my head slowly. I could hear the rain fall against the world outside with freedom and power. I felt the energy of the storm circulate through my body and it felt good. The rain poured harder as my anger grew. I didn’t think I could control it this time.
“Why are there bars on the windows?” I asked, “Don’t they open?”
“No they don’t. You’re not allowed.” She answered annoyed.
I closed my eyes and clenched my fists. I wished with all my heart my parents were here. I couldn’t even feel the rain anymore… I couldn’t see their smiling faces again. The pain in my chest multiplied. The start of tears stung my dry puffy eyes. I didn’t like rules and I didn’t like to be controlled. God was cruel to have taken them and put me here.
“Number Three, do you want extra chores? I’m sure one of the little ones would like to give you one of their duties.” The counselor suggested.
Silent tears burned down my cheeks,
“No, I don’t want extra chores,” I said curtly.
The rain beat harder against the glass. Some of the kids backed away from the windows and Number Seven’s group crowded behind him. The storm was getting worse. Lightning flashed and as it did I heard the glass of the windows shatter and break. Everyone flinched and stepped back except for me. The rain was pelting through the glass and I knew it was all because I had lost control.
“Three!? Get away from the windows!!” The woman yelled.
I gave her a hateful glare. I stood with my back to the broken windows and I faced the shocked group of kids and two counselors. I reached out to the two doors that were the only way in and out of the room and with the angry energy overflowing throughout my body I let the magic flow out of my hands and lock the doors. I didn’t want to dissolve more memories then the ones inside the room with me. They all stared at me with open mouths all except for Number Seven. He watched me with such a sad expression, almost as sad as mine. Could he feel the pain I felt? More tears seared down my face as we stared at each other. I wished he could take away the pain. I wished he would reach out. I wished for a miracle that would not come. I was alone and would remain that way for as long as I was in here. The thunder boomed and more glass shattered to the floor. I spread my hands out to my sides and felt the wet of the rain on my open palms. I lifted my head and felt the rain on my face. I exhaled and sobbed out loud,
“Thank you,” as if to the rain and not to God.
The rain sent healing vibrations throughout my tense muscles and instantly I was more relaxed and calm. I breathed deep and wiped the tears from my face.
“What are you?” the other counselor asked, bewildered.
“Pretty eyes…” one of the little girls whispered as she clung to Number Seven.
My green eyes illuminated sometimes when I lost control. I took a couple more deep breathes and looked at Number Seven one last time before I would wipe out the group’s memory of the last few minutes. I felt sad that he would forget what I was capable of. For the first time I wanted someone to remember but it had to be done.
I placed my palms together, my right palm up and my left palm down so that my arms were parallel to the floor. I rubbed my hands together to get extra energy flowing because I had to mend the windows in the process or there’d be more complications after then when I started with. Tiny red sparks flew out from my rubbing palms making the little kids gasp in awe. I had to act quickly before anyone made any rash moves. I lifted my hands twisting them together to a praying position and said,
“Anapolo!...”
I could feel the energy magnetize my hands together and I knew it was working. I watched as time slowed and the rain fell slowly but the shards of glass floated up from the floor to the exact places they had fallen from. The rain was quickly blocked out of the room again as the windows mended itself. Once I knew the final piece of glass was off the floor I continued,
“…Kai!...” I twisted my palms back down so that my right palm faced down instead of up and a red light began to shine out from between my palms,
“…Ekrizono!” I finished with my arms parallel to the floor.
The energy only took half a second to intensify between my palms then I forced my hands apart vertically. A small explosion erupted from my hands and a strong and swift wave of red energy rippled out and touched every soul in the room, everyone except for Number Seven. Time was still slowed and I saw Number Seven lift his hand in time to block it and the wave of energy did not go through him like it should have. I knew my concentration was right on and I had made a point to myself to rid the memory from him.
“Ivy…” Number Seven whispered.
What did he just say? I stared at him in shock. The ripple evaporated as it hit the walls of the room and time was restored back to normal speed. The counselors and kids blinked in confusion.
“Number three, get away from the windows.” The counselor repeated.
I pried my eyes away from Number Seven and looked at the counselor. I walked up to her,
“I’m sorry Counselor. May I please use the restroom pass?” I asked politely with a smile.
She smiled at me awkwardly and handed me the pass that was in her pocket. The awkward silence was broken by the kids as they started to play again. On my way out I hesitated at the door and looked at Number Seven again. Did he really just say my real name? How could he know? He didn’t turn to look so I left the room quickly. I walked the long vacant halls to the girl’s bathroom. I passed the door and turned the corner to a more secluded wing where no one usually walked at this time of day. I leaned against the wall and watched the rain from outside the tiny window of the small corridor. I knew the tears would come soon after I had cast the charm and I wept silently.
I should have died with my parents.
Why did I live?
Was this God’s way of making me stronger? There were other ways.
Why did he have to take them away?
My motivation to live was dying.
I wrapped my arms around me and rubbed my arms. I could see there dead blank faces and remembered the coldness of their skin and the pain in my chest stabbed again.
“I hate you God…” I sobbed shaking my head.
I jumped to feel a touch on my shoulder. I turned to see Number Seven standing next to me. I hadn’t stood this close to him before and was speechless to see his eyes were even more breath-taking up close. The pain in my chest was magically gone. He just stared back at me. Did he remember my spell? I flinched as he reached up with both hands and pulled me toward him. He wrapped his arms around me and hugged me tight. I think the air in my lungs disappeared and I felt the butterflies kick up a notch. The last person to hug me was my mom and that was over a month ago. I had forgotten what it felt like.
“It’s okay. You can relax. I’m your friend.” He said quietly.
I took in a deep breath,
“I know.” I barely choked out.
I unfroze my arms and wrapped them around him. It was like the damn in my eyes had finally broken and I cried harder then I have ever cried before. He held me tight the whole time and did not let go. I started to believe he was a figment of my imagination. How could a twelve year old boy be this nice? Why would he care so much about me? I was so broken. But I held onto him as tight as he held onto me. Unbelievable it was like heaven in his arms.
He rubbed my back as I tried to calm myself but still suffered from the sobbing shudders. He released his hold and faced me rubbing my arms and gave a cute crooked smile.
“Are you real?” I asked wiping my puffy eyes.
He smiled,
“Yeah… Are you? I haven’t seen one like you in a long time.”
“One like me?”
He leaned in a little closer and whispered,
“A witch.”
I hesitated for a moment,
“You saw that? You remember?”
“It was kinda hard to miss.”
“How did you do that then? Are you a wizard?”
“No…”
“What are you?”
This time he stepped closer touching my arms,
“It doesn’t matter what I am. Can you do something for me?” he whispered.
“Ye-..Sh-... Sure.” I stuttered
“Please don’t cry … I know what you lost and I know what it feels like. But you are more powerful then you think.” He wrapped his arms around me and hugged me again, “You will find a home again. Don’t give up.” He breathed into my ear.
I wasn’t aware that the butterflies in my stomach could fly so fast. I had to repeat what he had just said in my head because my listening capabilities went out the window when he touched me again.
“Live… for me,” he whispered, “Promise me… so I can see you again.” He moved his head just so he made eye contact with me. I was frozen locked in his hold never wanting to move.
“You want to see me again?” I asked bewildered.
“Yeah I do…” he smiled, “I like you…Now promise me.” He finished firmly.
“Okay, I promise, only to see you again.” I whispered back nervously. I couldn’t keep my hands from shaking as they gripped the back of his shirt.
He looked at me intensely with his brilliant blue eyes and smiled,
“I’m nervous too,” he laughed.
I remembered to breathe,
“I don’t think you’re real.” I blurted out.
We laughed together nervously and giddily. He slowly pulled me closer and looked from my eyes to my lips. I swear my heart was going to explode and the butterflies in my stomach had gone into hyper speed. I prayed,
Please let this boy be real, let him be real. I swear with all my heart I’ll find him again.
I closed my eyes and felt his lips touch mine which were soft and warm. His hand found its way into my hair and twirled a lock of my hair in his fingers. I somehow felt the feeling come back into my arms and I pulled him closer. I had died and gone to heaven instead of hell. Then he pulled his lips from mine and kissed me again and again. I felt my spine and shoulders relax with each kiss. He smiled his glorious smile and I kissed him on the cheek returning the smile.
“Wow,” he said, “you have a beautiful smile.”
“Thank you. So do you.” I replied as I blushed.
“You should definitely smile more often.” He added.
“Seriously, how old are you? You act a lot older then twelve.” I said.
His expression became puzzled,
“You know I get that a lot. But really I’m only twelve, just like you.”
We laughed. He dropped his arms and held my hands in his.
“How do you know my real name?” I asked.
He tapped his head with his finger,
“You told me in here.”
It took me a moment to realize what he was implying. I couldn’t find the words to speak with.
“You look confused?” he whispered.
“Um… How did I? Did I transfer my thoughts? I-?”
“I think you did. I told you Miss LaBell, you’re more powerful then you think.”
I smiled to hear him say my last name. He smiled back.
“Please tell me your real name.” I whispered.
“My name is -.”
BAM! We both jumped to the sudden slam of a door from around the corner. All had been quiet except for the rain but we knew it was the activity room door.
“Go check the restroom! See if she’s okay!” echoed one of the counselors.
“Remember your promise!” Seven whispered quickly and kissed my hand. He turned and disappeared around the corner.

My heart plummeted and I felt my chest turn hallow again. I didn’t want him to leave; I didn’t want him to ever leave. He was a miracle, an unimaginable twelve year old who wanted to see me again. His words repeated in my head,
You will find a home again. Don’t give up. Live…for me. Promise me.
I could hear the footsteps of the counselor getting closer. I had to remember to breathe. I walked around the corner and almost ran into her.
“Oh! There you are!” The counselor said surprised, “Come on, its lunch time now.”
I handed back the restroom pass and walked with her to the cafeteria.

I fell into the lunch line and went through the motions but kept my eyes on the door waiting for Number Seven to file into the cafeteria with the rest of the kids. It wasn’t until five minutes after I was seated that he finally walked in with a counselor right behind him. Did he get in trouble? I watched him waiting to for his eyes to connect with mine. The counselor left him in line to get his food and he sat in his usual spot with the group of little kids he looked after surrounded by girls. Why wasn’t he looking for me? I felt a painful tug at my heart. I tried to eat but with each bite my stomach turned more and more.
“Ivy.” Seven’s voice was suddenly inside my head.
I looked up alert and found his eyes staring right at me. Was he transferring his thoughts too?
“Ivy…I will miss you…”
What was he talking about? I noticed he was holding a yellow piece of paper; the yellow piece of paper that you get when you had been adopted. I couldn’t breathe. No. Not now! Why did it have to be now?! A counselor tapped him on the shoulder and whispered something and Seven quickly hugged the small boy next to him and got up and left with the counselor. He was leaving now? But he couldn’t! My feelings quickly overruled my logical thinking and I stood up automatically and made my way to the door. The rules were that we weren’t allowed to get up once we sat down with our food until it was time to go. I could feel the shocked stares of several counselors that sat along the wall of the cafeteria but that did not stop me.
“Number Three?!” a counselor yelled.
I shoved the heavy door open out of the cafeteria and broke into a full on sprint down the hallway cutting corners until I made it to the point where I could see the front office. Through the windows I saw Number Seven smiling and standing with a young couple with there hands on Seven’s shoulders talking to the head of the orphanage. They must have been his new parents. The woman wore a nice dress with heels and pretty jewelry and the man wore a black suit and tie, they looked rich. Seven was so lucky! Why didn’t he tell me? Maybe that was why he made me promise? Because he knew he was leaving? I wasn’t sure.
I hugged the wall for support from crumbling to my knees and crying. I had a feeling that this kind of thing would keep happening to me. This being happiness or hope only lasting a few hours at a time and those times being very… very spread out. I wish I could’ve gotten his name! How would I find him again if I didn’t know his name!?
Seven!
He turned his head and found me peering out from the corner outside the office window. He smiled his crooked smile,
“Remember your promise…”
I nodded sadly.
“I will find you Ivy…” his voice echoed in my head.
A hand tapped his shoulder and his attention was redirected from me. I watched the head of the orphanage actually hug Number Seven and shook hands with the couple.
“There you are!” a voice boomed behind me making me jump.
“No!” the word escaped my mouth, “Seven…”
The counselor grabbed my arm and started to pull me away but I held onto the corner of the wall. At that moment the office door opened and Seven and his new parents walked out. Seven caught my eyes as a reached for him,
“Seven!”
“Ivy!” he shouted back.
I was yanked away around the corner and out of sight,
“I won’t forget my promise!” I yelled.
“It’ll be okay Ivy!” he yelled back.
The counselor yanked me again forcing me to turn and walk,
“Bye…” I whispered.
The tears came quickly stinging my eyes. The counselor was crushing my arm in her bony grip. She put me into an empty room with a tiny iron gated window that was too far up to look out of. This had to be where they put kids that misbehaved but I was the only one in there. I sat in the corner and cried and watched the daylight transition to night.

Instead of being tortured by the nightmares I lied awake and thought about Number Seven and how perfect our kisses were. I’m thankful I even got one kiss. The very thought of him lifted the pain but still I cried, sad that he was gone and I had no idea when I’d see him again. At least I would see him again. I wondered how he fit into the magical world. He was able to deflect my charm and transfer his thoughts, but he said he wasn’t a wizard. The only other breed that could possibly do those things was a vampire, but how could he mature that fast? But he couldn’t have been a vampire either because he wasn’t cold to the touch and he had a heartbeat! And his lips were very warm. I gave up on my twenty questions and cleared my head and thought of nothing but our kiss. How it felt, how he felt, and how he smiled. I drifted in and out of dreams of Number Seven until late morning when the counselors finally let me out.
Number Seven was right about me finding a new home; I just didn’t realize how soon was soon. Two weeks passed and an older couple had taken an interest in me and decided I was right for them. Their names were Gary and Suzette Williamson and I liked them because I could feel a peaceful aura around them. They offered a life for me and space to heal with open arms. I was excited to start a new life and I would keep my promise to Number Seven. I would live and not give up so I could see him again.

I didn’t know it would take six years….

1
Poison

On the outside I looked like the average, skinny, pale, black haired twelve year old girl, but on the inside I was a witch. My name is Ivy LaBell and I had magical parents who taught me well. At home with them was where I was happiest. School was hard for me; hard for me to control my temper and when I lost it I also lost control of my powers. My parents were the ones who came to my rescue and dissolved the memories of those who witnessed or who were victims of my outbursts. At the end of my sixth grade year they finally taught me the difficult spell of dissolving memories and it turned out to be very easy for me. Knowing I could do that also helped me gain control of my outbursts to where they hardly ever happened. Once six months went by without an outburst my parents took me down town to a nice Italian restaurant to celebrate.
It was a Friday night and the restaurant was at its busiest. We had waited about an hour to get our table and I was starving. My mom was very excited as we waited for our server about the idea of going on vacation somewhere secluded so they could teach me more power spells now that I had controlled my outbursts. I was really looking forward to it. We lived in a big city and I didn’t recognize anyone in the restaurant and none of our friends were magical either. I always tried to guess who could be magical, if they were dressed weird or in dark clothes they could easily be a vampire or witch, or even a dark witch. I scanned the faces in the restaurant to see if my senses would tell me anything. As I reached the faces about three tables away I felt severe discomfort like they were brooding about something. An old lady at the table caught me staring and made me jump,
“You okay honey?” my mom asked.
“Yeah… it’s just that table over there. Don’t look!” I said before they turned their heads that direction, “They don’t look very happy.”
I didn’t want my parents to feel the discomfort I felt. My mom rubbed my back,
“Its okay… just shake it off. Try not to tune into other people’s emotions so much.” My mom said. I instantly relaxed; my mom had very intense healing hands.
Finally the server brought our water and took our food orders. My parents continued talking about how they wanted me to meet their good friends who had a boy my age, the dad was a vampire and the mom was a witch both very powerful. Although they weren’t sure what their boy’s breed was yet. They reminded me it was very rare for a vampire to mate with a witch and not kill her. I thought it was really cool, she was probably very powerful. I was interested and secretly hoped the boy was cute because there weren’t very many cute boys at school, especially magical ones.
I took a sip of my water; it tasted a bit funny like it had a grassy taste to it. I set the glass down and felt the brooding discomfort again and my stomach turned just a little. I looked over at the dark table again and that older lady was staring at me with what seemed like hatred. Who was she? Did she know us? There were four others sitting with her and a kid that looked my age. I couldn’t see his face but he had long greasy black hair. I could feel her eyes penetrating into my forehead. What was her problem? My parents set down their waters with an odd expression.
“Tastes weird huh? Kinda grassy.” I commented.
My mom nodded and put her hand on her stomach. My dad patted his chest and coughed.
“You guys okay?” I asked them both.
My mom shook her head but didn’t speak and my dad continued to cough.
“Dad?”
I reached out and rubbed my dad’s back firmly. I tried to send out healing energy from my hand but it felt blocked by something cold. My mom began to cough too. Several minutes passed and they didn’t stop. Many people had stopped eating and were staring at us, my face filled with heat knowing we were the center of attention. This wasn’t normal. Something was horribly wrong.
“Guys? What’s wrong?!” I asked anxious now.
My dad’s face was turning red and beads of sweat were dewing on his brow. I had absolutely no idea what to do. My mom began to cough just as hard as my dad was. This was not good. I stood up holding onto my coughing dad.
“Dad?!”
I picked up his water and took several gulps. I slammed it down annoyed,
“There’s nothing wrong with it! Why am I not coughing?!”
I looked around panicky and noticed the mean looking woman staring at me with a bewildered expression. I automatically returned an ominous glare. My dad fell forward thrusting his chair out from under him and onto his knees.
“DAD!! Somebody do something!!” I yelled as I knelt beside him.
“An ambulance is on its way!” Someone yelled.
Dad feebly fell on his side choking unbearably and my mom fell to her knees while still coughing. She put a hand on my dad’s neck and I realized she was trying to heal him. I looked at her nervously. She met my eyes with tears running down her cheeks and shook her head.
“Mom?” my voice broke; “Mom?” tears were clouding my vision.
She lay on her side and held my dad’s hand and grabbed onto mine. Tears were streaming down my face,
“No no!! Wait the ambulance is coming!!! You’ll be okay!! Just breathe!!” I yelled.
My mom’s face was filled with a combination of sadness and horror. My dad’s cheeks were wet with tears from the sting of coughing. He suddenly coughed one loud cough and blood splattered out onto the tile floor.
“DAD!!!! AH! What do I do?!” I screamed.
He gripped my hand that held my mom’s, terrified, and coughed one last cough and did not take in another breath.
“NO NO NO!!!” I screamed.
My mom’s coughing was muffled by her sobbing.
“WAIT! THE AMBULANCE IS COMING, WAIT DAD!!!” I screamed. I could hear gasps throughout the restaurant.
My mom suddenly sprayed blood out of her mouth painfully.
“MOM NO!!!” I shrieked.
I knelt forward and put my hands on her throat and chest,
“I’ll heal you, you’ll be okay!!” I yelled.
She tried to say my name through her coughs but could not.
“It’s okay mom! It’s okay!!” I blubbered.
As I concentrated with my hands on my choking mother I couldn’t help but notice the color drain from my dad’s face. I didn’t care who saw or who noticed. I had to heal her. My hands began to glow gold just slightly. My mom coughed one last cough and let out a drawn out breath closing her eyes. She didn’t breathe back in. My heart instantly shattered with shock and pain.
“NO NO MOM NO NO NO!!!!!” I shrieked, “GOD NOOOOO!!!! MOM, DAD?! COME BACK!!! COME BACK!! PLEASE GOD NOOO!!!!!”
I hugged her and grabbed onto my dad’s arm and rocked back and forth. I was falling into a dark hole. This was not supposed to happen! What would I be without them? Where would I go? I didn’t know life without them! Why didn’t I die too?!
I remember someone trying to pull me away from their bodies but I wouldn’t let go. There were red and blue flashing lights, lots of eyes staring at me, and that nasty woman leaving with her odd looking family. A clip board was forced into my hands as I stood lost in a dark abyss unaware of the reality going on around me. My eyes were locked onto my parent’s faces, waiting for their eyes to open again; for them to smile at me again. But instead the color did not return to their faces. I watch as the men zipped up the black body bags with my lifeless parents inside. It felt as if a thousand knives had pierced the very center of my soul. No child should ever see their parents die. I fell to my knees on the black concrete road. I cried and screamed until my throat felt like sandpaper and tasted like blood.
With no other family members left to my name, I was placed in an orphanage. Two days later I was told my parents were poisoned by a very rare herb that had been mixed into our waters. Yes, our waters. Funny thing was I did not die. They had taken some blood samples from me and told me I was immune. I felt that God did not have a sense of humor. I felt that he was cruel and unjust and I was infuriated with him.