Once we’ve stepped through the portal I close it behind us and watch as a look of wonder comes over Valeria’s face. I just stare at her, committing the way she looks to memory. A few days ago this was all something she demonstrated detest for, but now she’s embracing everything, and as she does, it rejuvenates my love for magic and this beautiful magical world I’ve been born into. “This is Atlesper?” She asks in awe. I smile and nod as I look around the marketplace. Bodegas line the pristine limestone cobbled streets as people gather, converse and shop. Everything feels light and carefree. Everyone is happy and everything is bustling with activity. It’s been a long time since I’ve been here, but nothing seems to have changed. “What do you think?” I ask. “It’s beautiful,” she says with a wide smile as she looks around at all the tall buildings, “I feel like I’ve stepped into another time. Like I’m in some ancient kingdom, except everyone is wearing modern clothes.” “Not far off th
Walking through the streets we come past a merchant selling fragosika. This cactus fruit thrives on the Aegean islands and the island of Symi. I’ve had them before and found them very delicious as long as you don’t eat the skin. The merchant walks up to us cuts the prickly peach-coloured pear into segments and hands them to us. I pull out twenty euros from my pocket and hand them to him encouraging him to keep the change. “What is it?” Valeria asks as she sniffs the fruit. “It’s called fragosika, it’s a cousin to the dragon fruit only this is very sweet. Try it,” I encourage as I bite into the tasty fruit. Valeria gives it a tentative lick, and I try not to laugh. She bites into it and then smiles happily, “This is really good!” “Maybe we can take some home with us,” I suggest as we finish our fruit and continue our journey through the long winding streets, “Speaking of home…” “Uh oh, I don’t like that tone.” “It’s nothing bad, it’s just… well you have to go home eventually. You
Hot tears prick my eyes, and as I look down I can see the glow of my magic surrounding my hands. I can barely think. In my mind, I just keep seeing flashes of my home burning to ash. I can feel the heat of the flames against my skin as they light up the night sky and it makes the pain in my chest ache all the more. That’s when a jolt of electricity shoots through my face rocketing me back into the here and now. The sound of a beautiful Mexican accent that speaks to my soul, slowly travels to my ears and with each passing second it becomes clearer. I look up and see familiar honey-brown eyes staring at me with so much concern and compassion and seeing them makes me feel safe. “Just breathe for me Izzy, breathe with me, okay? Slow deep breaths through your nose and then out through your mouth,” the beautiful voice instructs. I follow the instructions and focus on my breathing as she gently brushes tears from my cheeks, “You’re okay, I’m right here with you,” she assures me as she reach
“Would you wait up?” I yell as I quickly catch up with Valeria, “You’re always rushing off ahead of me.” “Well, you should learn to keep up,” she teases. “You don’t even know where you’re going,” I point out. “Like it’s so hard to find my way to the giant castle in the middle of the city,” she says as she points to the large structure in the distance. “You didn’t even notice it until I pointed it out,” I remind her. She waves her hand dismissively. “And they aren’t just going to let anyone in. It’s a palace. They do have guards.” “You’re just making this sound more fun,” she grins mischievously. I grab her wrist and pull her to a stop, “We’ll have to use an alternate route.” “Fine, do the magic thing. I guess I won’t be crossing 'break into a palace' off my bucket list,” she huffs. “That was not on your list," I say dubiously. “Sure as hell is now.” I shake my head and then pull Valeria into another nearby alley and take her hands in mine. I close my eyes and pull on my magic
I can’t believe I’m going on my first date with Isolde. I feel like we’ve done things a bit backwards. First, we practically moved in together, then came the making out, and now comes our first date. Usually, it’s meant to go in reverse order, but I can’t say that I’m complaining. Never in my life did I believe I would be living with a supernatural, let alone dating one, but I can honestly say this is the happiest I’ve ever been, and maybe I’m crazy because I know it’s far too soon for this, but I think I’m falling in love with her. It’s too soon, right? She was my enemy a week ago, not that I ever had a reason to see her as one aside from very effective indoctrination. Then again, the term 'love at first sight' exists for a reason. All I know is that I’ve never been as happy as I am with Isolde. She’s stunning, intelligent, strong, and compassionate and even though we haven’t gone above foreplay I can safely say, the woman is packing major skills. I admit I am missing my family, eve
I look around at the familiar setting of the gorgeous outdoor t***s bar lit up by fairy lights that sits right on the waterfront in Barcelona. The sun is just starting to set here, casting a spectacular glow along the horizon and filling the sky with breathtaking shades of red as the large ball of orange disappears into the ocean. The colour red is so intense it looks like the sky is on fire. “Where are we?” Isolde asks. “You don’t know?” I ask in surprise. She shakes her head, “My magic just locked onto a location based on what was in your mind. Doesn’t mean I know where that location is.” “Ah. Well, we’re in Barcelona,” I smile at her, “I love coming to this t***s bar whenever I visit. The food here is to die for and they have live music,” I say with excitement as I pull her towards the entrance. We walk up to the hostess, who is a tall and very leggy brunette and if her dress were any tighter I’d see her ribcage. Her breasts are pushed up so high I fear she’ll choke on them, an
The bartender finally decides to intervene, and I watch as this cock sucker gets his ass kicked out, and the young woman sitting and watching anxiously is finally joined by her partner who is looking at the scene in confusion and alarm as he goes to comfort her. Meanwhile, I take slow breaths to calm myself down as Isolde peppers featherlight kisses against my cheek. I’m still mad she stopped me, but the kisses feel really good. “Ladies? Your table is ready, if you’ll just follow me,” the hostess announces as she comes over to us. “Come on, let’s go eat,” Isolde coaxes me, letting me go and taking my hand. I take another deep breath, gather our purses, walk to our table with her and take our seats. I attempt to pull my hand back, but Isolde tightens her hold. I raise a questioning eyebrow. “I don’t want you to be mad,” she says, brushing her thumb over my knuckles. “Well, I am. Why did you stop me? That asshole had it coming. He was mean to that woman, and he disrespected us,” I say
I’m just reaching over to kiss my beautiful woman when the waiter rudely interrupts. “Excuse me, here are your drinks from the bar,” he says as he places our drinks down, “Have you decided what you would like to order?” “Oh, we haven’t actually looked at the menu yet,” Isolde says apologetically. “Would you mind me ordering for us?” “Not at all,” Isolde smiles. I smile at the waiter, “We’ll have the chorizo, fried potatoes, pimiento & salsa roja for entrée and then for main we’ll have the paella, and for dessert, we’ll have the fried dulce de leche cheesecake with white chocolate ice cream,” I say politely as I hand him the menus, “Oh, and could I also get another bloody mary, only a virgin one this time?” “Right away,” the waiter smiles as he takes our menus and leaves. “That all sounded delicious,” Isolde says excitedly. “It is, I promise, and if you love it I guess it’ll always be easy to come back,” I smile at her. It doesn’t take long for the waiter to bring me my new dri