"I could, but he wouldn't come. He's arrogant like that." I took a deep breath. "We have to do this." I stepped over a pinecone the size of Gabriel's head. "Stay on my shoulder," I told Ryden lightly. If a pinecone fell on her, she'd be squished."I will, Silindra. Everything is so big. I could live in one of those pinecones." To prove her point, a hairy spider as big as my fist crawled out of one. "Holy monster, I'm hiding in your hair," she said with a shudder. I let her do as she pleased. The spider would make the pixilette into an appetizer if it caught her. "I'll get rid of him," Gabriel said, shooing the spider away with the tip of his boot. There wasn't much growing under the canopy of trees, just a lot of dirt, pine needles, pinecones, and the occasional fern. It made sense. The sun was all but blocked from view. Shadows danced within the stilted silence. In the distance, I could hear the waves crashing, and something else. Moaning. "The song of the dead," Ryden whispered,
"To the body, no. But the mind - " Veb let his words trail off. "They are excellent at getting inside here." He pointed at his head. "They spin tales you can't help but believe until it's too late.""What do you mean?" I asked. "Plug your ears," I mumbled to Ryden so the elves wouldn't hear. "On it.""Three full moons ago, a couple of humans stumbled into the forest by accident. They owned a measure of magic, though they didn't know it, but it was enough that the trees within our forest opened to them. Within moments of entering, their minds were altered. The phantoms twisted their thoughts and made them believe they were on a boat, stranded at sea. For days they rowed until the female died.""Why didn't you meet them as they entered, the way you did with us?" Had they wanted the humans to suffer? Some of the magical creatures believed humans to be less than animals."They had magic, but it wasn't enough to alert us. The magic you and the others possess is much stronger, so when we
I grunted in answer. She'd described what I felt exactly, but I doubted she saw a human girl in her mind."The city looks like the end of a rainbow," Ryden added.I nodded, expanding my wings, making sure they were still in one piece. When I was satisfied, I relaxed a little. "Keep your wits about you, Ryden, my friend," I whispered."I will."Opulent grass gave way to crystal-paved streets and buildings, ranging in color from light red to sunny yellow, sapphire blue to the palest purple. The structures correlated with the roads. Sunny yellow streets contained businesses, homes, and gardens swathed in yellow. The purple streets correlated with purple buildings, blue with blue, green with green, and so on. Elves were everywhere, busily bustling about their lives. After several minutes I realized the elves wore clothing associated with street colors. Where all of the colors appeared overwhelming at first, their meaning quickly became apparent. It was a pecking order. Fascinating, I
The sound of roaring water came from somewhere within the building and grew louder the higher we went. When the guards, Ryden, and I reached the top, I understood the noise. A large waterfall raged, causing the mist to churn and swirl, making the air wet. It smelled of lilies. The droplets clung to my fur and slicked off my wings.Directly in front of us was a rounded landing dangling by six silver cords. Veb climbed on and beckoned me to follow. I stifled a sigh, knowing if the bottom fell out from under me, I could use my wings to escape. Still, I held the slick crystal rail encircling the landing, hoping to steady my nerves.Slowly, like molten lava, the landing moved, pulling us closer and closer to the waterfall. When it looked like the raging water would soak us, a circular piece of ceiling, just larger than the landing, appeared, diverting the water around us.At once, we were swallowed in darkness. I was thankful my eyes easily adjusted to the dark, but I knew Ryden wasn
"Silindra, it is me. I know I am usually melancholy. But you are in my home, in my garden, my most favorite place in all the world." Devoran smiled, and I noticed the tiny wrinkles feathering near his eyes. "Can I show you around?" he asked, rising.I nodded, feeling out of sorts, but stood as well. The sooner we finished with pleasantries, the sooner I could be on my way. "Good." He looked at Veb. "You are excused," he barked."Thank you, sire." Veb bowed and left.Once the water curtain resettled itself and Veb was gone, Devoran smiled. "I know why you've come."I wanted to respond, but the girl inside my mind tried to break free at that moment, pushing against my mind, and I found my consciousness floating like a cloud back to her time. It was apparent she missed a boy named Gabe. I found it interesting her love's name was the same as mine.***"Happy Halloween, Snow. I know you hate girlie stuff, so I only put a little bit of clear gloss on your lips, added just a few sparkles to
Elves were able to see back through time as well as forward in time. With all they could see, they cared little for the rest of the world. I guessed he saw something in Envy he wanted to use for himself. "I'm so glad. She seems to be doing better." "She is." He nodded. "When she woke from the sleeping potion, she possessed enough magic to heal herself, and now she's happy and thriving." The unicorn, acknowledging Devoran's words, shook her mane and pranced over to him, pushing her nose against his hand. He smiled, petting her between the eyes, below the small nub where her horn was growing back. "She is loyal to me to a fault." Devoran playfully shoved Envy away. "That loyalty could be the death of her."I shivered, understanding what he meant. It didn't matter if Devoran's desires were good or evil.Because Envy was loyal to him, she would do whatever he commanded. It was the same with the vampires loyal to Sharra.Beyond the unicorn's extraordinary beauty, she seemed kind. As
When I opened my eyes, it surprised me that I had, in fact, fallen asleep. My body hummed with invigoration. It also dazed me to realize I somehow saw the world differently. Was it the elves' eternal sight? There hadn't been any pain.I got to my feet, shaking out my wings, allowing the circulation to reach every tendon and vein. They felt good. I felt good.A large bumblebee flew in, lazily making its way to the wall on the right of my bed. It bumped into the door several times."Oh, you poor thing." I went over and cupped the bee between my hands, took it over to the window, and released it. The garden's aroma filled my nose. It still smelled like Gabriel's blood, and my knees went weak. I was hungry.Directly south of the bed was an opening. I peeked inside, happy to see it was the relieving room. I went in and took care of my necessities. When I returned to the bedroom, I noticed a mirror hanging on the wall next to the bed. It wasn't there a moment ago. "Where did you come from?"
"I do not know. It seems there is trouble between the trolls and the elves near Ellavera Pass. He's gone to make peace, return their harmony, rebuild an accord." Her tail swished as she spoke.The trolls and the elves were always at odds over one petty issue or another. "I appreciate your time." I scanned the gardens. "Have you seen the pixilette I arrived with? Ryden."She shook her head, making her long, beautiful mane flip back and forth."Where is she?" I wondered aloud, crossing my arms as some of my irritation returned."I could help you look for her if you like. The pixilette drank a lot of watermelon juice. She's probably sleeping it off, feeling woozy, hungover," Envy said."You're undoubtedly right," I said, smiling. Knowing Ryden, she overdid it and was snoring away somewhere in the trees. "Your assistance would be greatly appreciated." We moved toward the table where I'd last seen my friend. As I came closer, a silver decanter appeared along with a goblet."You must be thir
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