When lunch finally rolled around, I was beyond ready. I also had a better idea how to find my way to the cafeteria today. Zoe and Peter were kissing at the bottom of one set of stairs as I made my way down. They stopped when I passed. I waved, embarrassed. "Hey guys. Didn't mean to interrupt." They pulled apart, though they took the other's hand. "Jackie. It's nice to see you. How's your second day been treating you?""Uh." I pulled at the end of my braid, twisting it around a finger. "What's this?" Zoe asked, indicating the wilted leaf in my hair. "It's peppermint." I touched it lightly. Zoe and Peter gave each other a strange look. I had the feeling they were communicating. Peter patted my shoulder. "What a great idea." He leaned in to smell it. "Yes, it is," Zoe said. "I think I'll wear some in my hair tomorrow, if that's okay.""Sure." Maybe I would start a new trend.They each took one of my arms. We went down the remaining steps and into the cafeteria like that. As soon as
Abby was waiting by the front door, just as we discussed. "Jack, you ready to go?"I bounced up and down on the balls of my feet. "Yep." I pushed open the front doors and stepped out, holding it open for Abby. Drake rushed past, knocking Abby over. I caught her before she landed on the ground. "Rude." I smacked him in the chest, sending him flying back. He tumbled into a group of students, knocking them over as he went, like the human version of bowling."Freak?" He held the back of his head. "Why'd you do that?" Drake's face was a mixture of shock and anger. Blood leaked from his eyebrow and he touched it tenderly. The salty and coppery aroma snuck up on me. My fangs fought to break free, the sharp tips grazing my bottom lip. I wanted him, his blood. I dove onto Drake and licked the blood. "Dude?" Drake grabbed my arms and pushed me back. He looked scared and a little fascinated. "What kind of crazy are you?' He glanced around at the other students and replaced his abhorrence with
That night I dreamed of the man I couldn't see again. He spoke of what it would be like to marry. How many children he wished to have, and where we would live once we were together. He spoke of Sharra, the creatures there, and about how I drank Abby's blood. I'd been humiliated by his words, but he kept talking anyway, explaining that what I'd done had been a survival instinct. He continued that I should be grateful I possessed such a predisposition. Otherwise I would be dead. I didn't want to agree, but a tiny part of my brain appreciated the support. Most strangely, he spoke of my wings and how exquisite they were. I hated to admit that while he talked the same part of my brain that appreciated his words also cherished them. And just like last time, right before I woke, he took me in his arms and kissed me. When my alarm went off, I wasn't as afraid of the man in my dream as I was the first time. I quickly got ready for school and went down to breakfast. Even though I'd drunk
I grew up around unicorns, trolls, elves, and vampires. They all talked often, sometimes annoyingly so. But that was in Sharra. A talking cat in the human realm was completely different, probably because humans were normal here, as were the animals. They weren't supposed to talk. And a mist-creature wasn't supposed to invade human bodies either. Gatsby jumped on the couch. I sat beside him, working to get a handle on myself. "What is it?" Gatsby curled his tail around his paws. His yellow eyes studied me carefully. "I know what happened to Abby yesterday."I was stunned. "You do?" My hand found my way over my mouth. "It's okay, Jasmine. You didn't do anything wrong."My bottom lip quivered. "I drank her blood." My voice was barely above a whisper. Gatsby placed a paw on my knee. "If you hadn't, the demura would've killed you."Tears dripped from my eyes. I knew he was right."Don't cry. You're getting blood tears all over your shirt."Crying tears of blood happened with me once in
Cam and I hung out for several more hours. After he left, I went upstairs to change into my PJ's. Gatsby said we would talk later. He needed a way to get in, so I opened the window. Before I had a chance to open a book, he jumped into my room. "The boy seems to be doing better. You really are a good friend, Jasmine." He hopped on my bed and curled into a ball. "Um, thanks." I fluffed some pillows and stuffed them behind my back. Gatsby appeared to have fallen asleep. I cleared my throat. "Are you going to tell me about the demura?"His eyes blinked open. "I suppose I should."I crossed my legs and sat forward. "I'm actually surprised your genie friend didn't tell you about them.""Why is that?" I suddenly felt a little sick. Had Laeddin brought the demura to Salem?"Well, because a demura is the essence of an evil genie." He blinked several times, waiting for that bit of news to sink in. My heart pounded in my throat. "How can a genie be evil? Aren't they required to obey those wh
Laeddin still hadn't returned when I woke the next morning. His bedroom door was open, his bed still made. I dressed in jeans and a teal t-shirt, put my hair in twin tails, and put on a pair of teal Converse. They were my mom's favorite shoes. I'd seen her closet and the sixteen pairs she kept in there. She never wore them anymore, but she still loved them. I tried a pair on once and immediately understood why. They were super comfortable. When Laeddin took me shopping at Bloomingdales, I knew I had to have a pair. For some reason wearing them made me feel closer to my mom. I missed her. And my dad too.When I got down to the kitchen, I opened the fridge thinking there probably wouldn't be any blood, but it was there - a full glass of the red stuff. I drank it and then picked up my backpack. How was I going to get to school?Finally I decided there was no helping it. I needed him."Laeddin," I called. He appeared immediately. "Jasmine," he said. He sounded tired. He looked haggard.
Laeddin pulled me into a hug. "We need to talk."The scent of his blood lit my throat on fire. Not to mention the way his skin smelled and felt. And the way he looked in his jeans and button up shirt. He was beautiful in every way. I pushed him back. "I tried to talk to you several times this morning, but you wouldn't listen." I crossed my arms. "I know. But there is something about me, about my family you need to know." He sighed. "It has to do with the demura."I twisted some hair between my fingers. "Go on." I already knew thanks to Gatsby, but I'd give him a moment."You better sit down. It's kind of a long story." He led me over to the couch. When we were sitting, he began, "Many years ago - ""You mean two thousand years ago, don't you?" I crossed my arms and leaned back against the cushions. Laeddin's brows furrowed. "How do you know?""Well, old man, if you would've let me talk this morning, I would've told you that I know everything.""Everything?" He smirked. "Well, smar
The night air was cold, and the sky was so clear hundreds of thousands of stars were visible. "Isn't it beautiful?" I asked, making conversation. "Beyond comprehension." "Ri - " I glanced at him and realized he wasn't looking at the stars but at me. "Oh." My face burned with embarrassment. I was grateful for the darkness. His hands were clasped behind his back. He nudged my shoulder. I nudged him back. "So where are we going?" Laeddin asked.He was the most relaxed I'd seen him. The dark did that to people. It washed away worries and blanketed fears. "If anyone knows how to find the chayot leader, it's my grandfather, Professor Pops." I pointed at the large house coming into view. "You're going to reveal yourself to him? I thought you wanted to keep it a secret. Besides, are you sure he still lives here?" He pointed at the fancy sports cars and trucks with lift kits parked in the driveway. "He already knows. He is my English teacher at school. And he positively still lives here
That night, after all of the festivities were over and we said our goodbyes, Troy and I went back to the small house that used to be my mother's. Now that Sharra was no longer a threat, the chayot set up a meeting between several of the heads of different countries in the human realm and me. There, with the help of the chayot, we discussed relaxing the laws for supernaturals. Together we came to an agreement and I created a magical system with the help of Heathcliff and several other human scientists. After much discussion, I became aware of the KPID, a supernatural government agency known as the King's Paranormal Inquiries Division. The organization had been tracking supernaturals for hundreds of years, at first in the United Kingdom, but in the mid seventeen hundreds, they'd moved over to America as well. Given access to the KPID's super top secret information, I was able to update and strengthen the magic already in place as well as add some newer, more technical attributes with He
"Are you ready?" I asked. We were standing outside on my balcony. I took Troy's hand as my wings fluttered behind me. My engagement ring sparkled in the midday light and I couldn't help but admire it. Troy had asked Jesse and the gargoyles to create the ring for me. A thick platinum band with vines filigreed on either side leading to the center where sat a delicate jasmine flower made of diamonds and blue topaz."Are you sure you can do this?" Troy was teasing me, pretending to be nervous about me flying him around Sharra. "There's only one way to find out," I said, and leaped into the air. Troy whooped out a holler as he clung to my hands, his body dangling below."Don't drop him, Jasmine. It isn't every day you find someone crazy enough to fall for you," Abrea said beside me, her pixilette wings fluttering gracefully. "True." I laughed and the action felt really good."Jasmine? We need to leave for the wedding," my mom called from back in my room. I rolled my eyes and glanced at
Before I knew it, I was laughing as tears of joy leaked onto my cheeks. He set me on the ground and pushed my hair out of my face, then cupped it in his hands. "I love you vampire girl." "You do?" I believed him, but needed reassurance as my hands curled around his wrists. "More than I believed it was possible to love." He bent his head and gently touched his lips to mine, his eyes still open and on me. I kissed him back, as a gurgle of happiness shot through me. The sweet kiss turned hot and needy. I loved him and wanted him and didn't care who knew it. He pressed my mouth open, deepening our kiss as his arms went around my waist and he lifted me off the ground. "Hey you two?" It was my Mom. I froze and opened my eyes. Troy was watching me again. "Should we tell them?" he asked. I knew he was talking about our engagement. "Now's as good a time as any," I said as he set me on my feet. Troy took my hand and I turned to face the group. "We have an announcement," he said. The
"Do not do this," Christopher said, a look of complete disbelief on his injured face. "You have the power within you to destroy her. You know you do. So why?" I couldn't explain. But I hoped one day he and the rest would understand. If I failed, Laeddin could tell them the truth about the Unknowns, what they had planned. In the end my family would see I made the best choice. The only choice."Silence, Hunter. I'll deal with your insubordination later," Sharra said, sending a bolt of magic at Christopher. He was thrown back, landing against the other side of the cell before falling to the ground with a groan. Chris bared his fangs in anger and jumped to his feet, though slower than expected. "Hurt them and the deal is off," I seethed, facing her, my hands in fists at my sides. She gave me an innocent look. "I didn't do any permanent damage." She crossed her arms, sauntering toward me. "Now then, let's do this."I swallowed, forcing myself to remain calm. My plan would work. It had t
Determination weighed my shoulders down as I traversed the inkiness. As I went, I called out in my mind, using the magic within me to speak with Silindra and Laeddin. At once, my mind was there, in Laeddin's realm, in his library full of books. He and Silindra were there, standing close, reading something aloud. "Laeddin," I said. Laeddin glanced at me, or rather, my mental presence. Silindra looked up as well. "Is it just me or am I seeing Jasmine?" Surprise flickered across her too lovely face. "I see her too - somehow." Laeddin reached out, but his fingers couldn't touch me. I was there, but not really there. "I'm going to Sharra," I said, and looked from Laeddin to Silindra. "The darkness will swallow the earth soon. There is no more time. I need your help now. Please find me." "We're coming, Jasmine," Laeddin said, and took Silindra's hand. Were they a couple now? There was no time to figure it out. Silindra said, "Watch out for my sister. She's tricky.""I will," I said, a
Now that we had nothing to fear, Lirle and I moved quickly and undeterred toward the stronghold. As we went, Lirle talked more about the dragon she liked as well as growing up in the dragon realm. Hearing her talk, I couldn't help but admire the Hollow. It was stark and vast and though it wasn't blooming with all manner of flowers like Sharra, it still held beauty. That night as we rested and ate under a canopy of trees, I was able to witness one of the wonders of her realm. Here, the forest stirred to life at night. Everything seemed to possess a bioluminescence. Trees whose leaves were pink during the day glowed a soft white, like millions of fireflies covered them. Animals I hadn't known were there, insects and little creatures that reminded me of spider monkeys, lit up as well. It was beautiful and a little terrifying. "Why does it do this?" I asked, mesmerized. Lirle took another bite of whatever she was eating. Her lips were luminescent blue like the spider monkeys and I force
He looked up and for the briefest moment, I thought he was staring right at me. No longer angry, but still unsure. Troy spoke: I love you, too, Jazz. He stopped speaking and adjusted his weight, sitting up straighter. They added: Someone is coming. He closed his eyes and pretended to be sleeping. His cell door cranked open and a female voice spoke. "I brought you a friend. Try not to kill each other." Christopher stumbled into the room before turning and flashing his fangs. "You touch me like that again and you won't live to tell anyone about it." His hands were behind his back and black magic held his wrists together. The person he spoke to laughed. It was Sharra.I focused on Troy. His eyes burned into Chris like he would kill him. To Troy, I begged: Please remember, Chris is on our side. He believes in our love too. When Sharra forced me to kiss him, Chris stopped me and freed me from her magic. He's changed and he can help.I hoped that was true. As much as I trusted Chris
"How nice to see you, Lirle." The voice came from a gray dragon with blood red eyes. His sharp and pointy teeth glistened like they held their own light. Huge talons clamped around Lirle from behind, holding her like a sharpened straight jacket. She gasped and struggled but couldn't move. Her captor's clutches were bigger than Lirle's body. The first dragon looked at me. "And you are Jasmine, heir to Sharra and an original vampire. But where are your wings?" He opened his mouth and I thought he intended to burn me to a crisp. Instead his tongue came out and he licked me. Tasting. "Strange," he said. "Gross." I wiped my cheek with the sleeve of my shirt. It occurred to me he was speaking like Abernathy did, with his mouth and not in my mind like Lirle. Perhaps speaking aloud was a skill that came with age. The first dragon pushed through the trees, causing them to snap and break. Then he pounded his tail on the ground several times in a rhythmic fashion while lifting his head. He ro
Lirle took to the air, her attention on the direction where the sound came from. Her whole body trembled. "You're frightened. What is it?" I asked, fighting my own nerves. Lirle's eyes bore into mine and her terror shone brightly as she said: We're too late. The Ondror's magic is upon us. Listen carefully. A dragon's magic comes from the soul. Our greatest weapon is using the weaknesses of our enemy against them by showing them what they fear most. She flew over to the stream before coming back to me and pointing with one claw. Lirle asked: Do you see the soul magic coming?I followed her gaze and squinted until I saw the blackness, traveling like a deadly mist through the trees, and heading right for us. "Can we outrun it?" She shook her head and said: No. It's everywhere. She spun in a circle and I followed her. Lirle was right. It was coming from every direction, like we had a homing beacon on us. She met my gaze and said: You see? Whatever happens, whatever you experience o