Since Martial Law had been put into effect, I hadn't been able to go shopping. It would have been nice to buy a new dress and wear it to the dance, but I would be fine. At least we were having the dance. In Salem, for one night only, martial law didn't affect us.I checked the time. Troy would be by in two hours. We were going to dinner first - at his house. Professor Pops had hired someone to cook for us. After that we would take a limo to the dance. Peter and Zoe planned to meet us there. When the dance was over, we'd been given special permission to take Professor Pops' boat out but not far and only until sunrise. Then we would be escorted off the water. Overall it sounded like a blast and I was really looking forward to it. "If I only had a dress," I said to my reflection in the bathroom mirror. "I might be able to help with that." I jumped, grabbing hold of the sink before spinning around. My best friend fluttered in. "Abrea," I gasped."Hey traitor." Her arms were crossed,
We walked in and Pops looked up from the knife. He held the hilt in one hand and had the tip against one of his fingers. It wasn't a huge sword in length, but it was thick."Have a seat." Troy took the one closest to the window and I took the one closest to the door. "What'd you find?" Troy asked, leaning forward, picking up the knife. "It's old. Dated back to the Crusades."Pops handed over the knife when Troy held out his hand. "The craftsmanship is exquisite," Pops continued. "Not many in that time possessed skill required to make something like this.""Was this someone you knew?" Troy handed Pops back the blade."There is one who could have made it, but he's long gone. Sharra put him to rest." I started at the sound of her name. "What's his name?" I asked. "Arthur Pendragon." Professor Pops took the short sword from Troy and placed it in the top drawer of his desk. My body began to shake. "What's wrong?" Troy asked. Professor Pops clasped his hands together. "Jasmine?" "W
I found Laeddin on the upper deck, staring out at the churning water. "Sorry about that," I said, coming to stand beside him. It wasn't that I was sorry about kissing Troy. Only sorry Laeddin had to see it. He shrugged, running a hand through his thick hair. "It isn't your fault. I didn't think; I just came." He shoved his hands in the pockets of his jeans. Laeddin was wearing the same clothes he left in more than a week ago. He looked haggard, his face scruffy, and his dark hair mussed.I touched his arm. "What's going on?"Urgency returned to his face. "I found something. An artifact. A crown actually. Made of elven magic and the branches of their sacred komoni tree.""Ko-mon-e?""Right. It's a tree that can only be found in their realm and there is only one." He didn't look at me but continued to watch the ocean. "What's so special about this tree?" As the yacht tilted and swayed, I watched him, wondering what it would've been like if we just met without the whole genie and master
I was flying again, and I carefully settled into the dream. Vision. Whatever it was. This time I knew I was inside Sharra's mind so I kept quiet, hoping she wouldn't notice I was there. "It's easy to tell when you're with me, vampire." She clucked her tongue. "Now I just need to get a hold of your body." She laughed into the cool night air. "The dragon you were with was a surprise. I wasn't prepared for him. But no matter."I didn't respond, hoping to get a glimpse of where she was and scanned our surroundings. The terrain was familiar. Not Sharra but Salem. She circled Professor Pops' yacht. Troy leaned against the railing, staring out at the agitated water. Sadness caused me to wonder what he was thinking. I wanted it to be me, but there wasn't a point. How could I be with someone who didn't believe I should exist? Sure, I was stretching. Troy seemed to sense Sharra even if he couldn't see her. "Get out of here." His features were confident as though he believed he could physica
Laeddin went out to speak with the uniformed men sitting in the green truck. They didn't say much except there was some "suspicious activity" in the area and advising us to "stay inside unless leaving was absolutely necessary". That was all the information they gave us. I told Laeddin the truth about seeing the kids in the Harmony Grove Cemetery and I explained about Sharra. "What are we going to do?" I asked when he didn't say anything. "You said she spoke and sprinkled red powder over the spots where they'd been?" Laeddin finally asked. "Yes." I thought about what I'd seen and remembered another bit of information. "Also, before they disappeared, she blew yellow smoke in their faces.""That sounds like something Sharra would do. She's always had a thing for the dramatic." He pulled a water bottle from the refrigerator and drank. Laeddin walked up the stairs. I didn't know where he was going but I followed. When we reached his bedroom Laeddin opened the door and went inside. "When
I woke to the sounds of hooting and hollering and stomping feet and whistling. It was like a stadium full of spectators at a football game. I kept my eyes closed, trying to figure out what was happening without giving away the fact that I was aware. "Laeddin, so nice of you to come." My heart raced and my mouth went dry. Laeddin was here. Sharra said he would come, and he did."Release Jasmine now, Sharra," Laeddin said. "Of course, genie. I will. Just as soon as you give me what I want." "And what is that?" "Your power, of course," Sharra said matter-of-factly. The room went wild again."Why would you want it? You have great power already. I can feel it." Laeddin whispered. "Awwww, did you hear that?" Sharra glanced around at the Akuma who laughed and jeered. She went on, "While that may be true, I don't have enough. With your powers I'll be unstoppable." Laeddin had incredible power. I knew that. And so much more. As quickly as it came, the fuzziness in my brain cleared up. A
Five days ago I made my second wish. It was that Sharra would use her magical dagger on herself instead of Laeddin. She had to obey and Laeddin and I escaped her lair. That's the thing about the genie's magic, it's more powerful than the most powerful vampire ever and that's why Sharra wanted it. We returned to my home in the human realm and hoped she was dead. It didn't take long to know that hope was in vain. My wish didn't even destroy the Akuma. The days continued getting darker. Akuma kept coming. On top of that was something else. A pestilence had fallen over all realms. To most creatures, they appeared to be nothing more than large grasshoppers, but with my eyes - original vampire eyes - I saw the truth.Not only were the bugs eating their way through all the world's crops, they were eating their way through all creatures as well. When bitten, regardless of gender or species, they became Akuma. Sharra's lackeys. The chayot got involved and tried to smite the pestil
The creature stood so the top of his head nearly reached the ceiling. He opened his eyes. They were the same color as the flower petals. "Who dares awaken me from my slumber?"Strapped to his back were two swords. He was covered from head to toe in a uniform that reminded me of a ninja. The only part of him showing was his eyes. Even his head was covered in a thick black hood. Remembering my upbringing, I cleared my throat. "Good sir, my name is Jasmine." I gave him a small curtsey. If my mom could see me now, I thought. "I've come to claim the piece of crown you guard," I went on.His eyes started to glow. "That is not possible, Jasmine. If you try to take it, I'll be forced to destroy you." Crap! I glanced back at Laeddin. He shook his head, took hold of my hand, and we were suddenly back at my house. "Why?" I pulled out of his grasp. "What if he moves it? Or worse, actually destroys it?""He won't. He can't," Laeddin said, shaking his head. "Are you sure?" I was so angry I wa