We saunter in to see the room in disarray, someone had obviously gone through my things. I reach to touch the Kwazuac neckpiece on my neck absentmindedly “Give me a minute.” I tell them. “Freku sa tilolo fis eku nas ti lalon.” I chant, making my room to fleetly arrange itself.“Woah. This is so cool, I love magic!” Athena squeals“Wowww.” Prince Ares says in awe“So, welcome to my solace.” I curtesy playfully“The room looks better.” They let out a chuckle. Athena plops herself on my bed "I absolutely love your room, so cute and small..."“Nah. You just love the owner of the room.” I say, sticking my tongue to her. She closes her eyes, relishing the moment. Obviously, Athena is my one weird princess.Prince Ares stands staring at the wall “What are these drawings Hermione?” He asks.I make to my feet, standing beside him. The drawing looks strange. “I really don't know Prince Ares, I haven't seen this, and it looks so new. I didn't make this...” I say“How about we start with the -Pri
“Hello Hermione!” “Hey Hermione!” “Hi Hermione!” Have I suddenly gone popular again? I left the house to escape nice grandmother and cousin, only to get to school to meet extremely nice students. I put my head to the floor, ignoring the stares and smiles. “Good morning, Hermione, my name is Isabelle and these are my sisters; Anastasia and Mara. We really like you and would want you to have these gifts.” A girl and her sisters approach me at my locker, with flowers, cards and cookies. Woah. Today isn't my birthday and I haven't received such luxury like in forever. I gulp “Hmmm, Thanks?” I say uncertainly, as they smile eagerly at me. “You're welcome, Hermione!” They chorus, walking away. I stare at their retreating squealing figures. What is going on? Just as I carefully arrange the gifts into my locker, and lifts my head. I see another girl approach me with a wrapped parcel “Hi Hermione, my name is Perpetual. I have a gift for you, and I hope we can be friends...” She says s
“Hi Athena, Hi Ares.” I say nervously, plopping my buttocks to sit with them at the school cafeteria. Nothing Mr. Toleofretus said in class, made sense to me. Even Eros and Glinda seem not to be in school. “Hi Hermione.” Ares and Athena reply impassively, still eating and not looking at my face. Whoops. “Look... I really have no clue about that picture, who took it or why? I would not do anything to taint your reputation or be boastful about being friends with you. Athena, Ares, I want you to know that I am not friends with you because you are of royal bloods. I still will be friends with you both if you weren't...” My voice comes out shakily Athena and Ares suddenly burst out laughing. My eyebrows furrow accusingly at them. “Oh goddess! Did you see her face?!” Athena laughs “Yeah, like whatttt!” Ares laughs harder. “Okayyy, what's funny?” I ask, raising my eyebrows. Here I was feeling bad and apologizing for a picture I had no pre-knowledge about, only for these two fellas to
Grandmother clears her throat again “Now Hermione, it is one thing to say Married and another to say Mated to someone… Yes, mated might mean after consummation of love when both mates are ready. But it can also mean the enforcing and altering of a mate bond.” “What are you trying to say grandmother?” I ask confusingly “I am trying to say that with extra powers, we can make the princes think that you both are their mates. For instance, Prince Helios for Ketura and Prince Ares for you. I am sure you have eyes for Prince Ares, don't you?” Grandmother winks “Why am I not surprised?!" I holler standing up abruptly. “By extra powers, I presume dark magic right!? “Please lower your voice Hermione, things aren't always what they seem it is. Nobody has to know.” Grandmother says softly “How dare she even suggest making our mate somebody else's. Kill her!” Ezli roars. My vision tinge red. I inhale deeply to calm down the bloodthirst urge. “Please Ezli, be calm, we need to find out how sh
Ketura and I finally arrives at the palace, after so many bickering about what and what not to bring. Heavens know that I am only tolerating this being for the sake of not being caught unaware, just to be updated on whatever she and grandmother have on her sleeve. But why would anyone in the universe bring her entire clothes for a three-day activity outside her home?? “You are so despicable Hermione, and I am only tolerating you because of your friendship with Prince Ares and Princess Athena...” Ketura hollers abruptly, dragging her bags of clothes ahead. “Tsk. The feeling is mutual.” I mutter, walking comfortably behind her with a backpack. “What did you just say?” Ketura seethes, turning to look at me. “State your name and purpose.” Four palace personnels, asks Ketura and I. “My name is Ketura Crofus, and I am here for the three-day banquet with the king.” Ketura says confidently “Ketura Crofus...” A man mumbles, clicking on a long tablet device in his hands. A portrait of Ke
The palace buzz with activities as girls and boys’ parades themselves in every nook and cranny of the palace. I clench onto Ares and Athena’s hands more tightly, never had I witness such a crowd before. Bonfires were lit in secluded places, the youths and teenagers all try to get along.“Oh Hermione! I have been searching all over for you…” Ketura says “Greetings your highness” she curtseys to Prince Ares and Princess Athena.Lies Ketura. You who winked happily at me, when I was told to go away.“Yeah, sure.” I say instead“Do you have a spot Hermione? You can join my friends and I, there is an empty room in the apartment allocated to us.” Ketura says“No thanks, I will just…” I was saying“She will just stay with me, right Hermione?” Athena cuts in“Yeah, sure. Thank you.” I smile at Athena“Okay, alright then.” Ketura says, leaving dejectedly“Ezli, why are you still sad? We will be staying with Athena and will soon get to meet the prince. The mate you’ve been whining so long for, s
I slowly follow behind, taking in the half naked bodies swirling to the rhythm of the song. I am so sure Ketura will love the liberty in this place. The smell of body sweats fills my nostrils, as I hasten my pace to catch up with Blacktooth and Dris. “Hey baby, come to daddy!” someone abruptly slaps my buttocks. I freeze in shock. This is so... I feel my fingers sparkle with fire, when Blacktooth suddenly hollers at the man, snatching my arm roughly “You keep your hands to yourself man! She is taken!” “Fine, Fine. I didn't know that man!” The said-man lifts his hands in surrender and turn towards the crowd, puffing a smoke from a white rolled thing. Why do they say ‘man’ all of the time? Weirdos. I'll just stay here to clear my head and then return sometime. We got to a door, Dris knocks and a loud voice boom from the other side of the door “Yessss?!” “It's Dris sir!” Dris says “Alright, come in.” The voice booms again. Dris opens the door, whispering to us "Stay here, let me
“Hey sexy, open that beautiful eyes of yours.” a voice says. My eye sight is still very much foggy as I can only make out the dark outline of a shoe. My jaw is soon pulled to see the face of a hefty man, with variety of designed inks on his arms and face. “Yesss... that's it, pretty.” He smiles, caressing my cheeks. “Why am I here? Where is Blacktooth? Where is Mr. Wicker? Let me go this instant.” I panic, trying to remove my hands from whatever was holding it behind. I frantically look to my surroundings; I am being held bound in a big room filled with female clothings. “Hold it pretty, Blacktooth is wherever he is. He has been settled and as for Mr. Wicker... He is just outside the door, with the others waiting for you. Besides I was only told to tame and make you corporate with the terms of the business…After that you can have your life back. But nonetheless, I just might have to taste you before the big men does. It is after all, still part of the taming.” He smirks, licking hi
It was first about doing what made my twin happy after the loss of our elder sister.That was it, I told myself repeatedly. No one knew about the mysterious girl in my dreams, save Athena.Athena did know about the frequent dreams, but what she didn't know, was that the said-girl who she had asked me to keep watch of, is a replica of this mysterious girl in my dreams. However, the only difference was the hair color. One had white, and the other; red.No wonder, when we finally became friends; I called her Red. It was for me, a subtle way of reminding myself that she isn't the one...When had I fallen so hard for the girl, I was to protect? When had I fallen so hard, for my female best friend?Call me selfish, cold even. After all, it is all that I have learnt from my master; Lord Osteri, these few moons. Allegra and Helios will have to compromise. For my heart and soul belongs to the girl of my dreams.Hermione Circe Crofus, is mine.
"Drekusa tiru fizua shinim Osteri voi tilan ku." His back against me, as he towers over Ares still-body on the marble. A dagger in his hand, darkness slowly calls me... My eyes flutter open; A hefty paled skinned demon steps out from the red portal. The demon smirks, casting his gaze from Principal Eldor, to Ares, and me. My breath hitches up in fear, I try to fight the darkness overwhelming me, it pulls me nonetheless into subconsciousness... as the demon fangs press into my neck. "This isn't wh..." Principal Eldor's angry voice fades away... _ "Hermione, wake up." A subtle tap wakes me from my slumber. "Her-mionee." The voice calls again. My eyes snaps open to see figures hovering me, the dim cloud behind them. "Are you okay Hermione? Where's Ares? What's that on your lips? Is that blood?" Voices throw questions at me, noises' jamming, bells ringing in my head... I make to sit up, but finds myself standing at the tree miles from them. "Woah. Hermione, how did you do that?"
Our backs caress the green grasses, the wind blowing softly. "I don't know what to say, Hermione. Did you even tell Dad, about Ezli's current state?... I still can't believe, that you kept all these in your heart. You were slowly wallowing in pain. Why didn't tell anyone? ...and still, you are preparing for the competition tomorrow!" Ares stutters, closing his eyes tightly."It's fine, I am fine. This is just another... I and Ezli will pull through." I whisper, closing my eyes too."... sometimes, I just feel like going somewhere far away, away from everything... The competition, summon in seven days’ time, Helios and I... Ezli... I just..." Instinctively I wipe the tears from the corners of my eyelids, I didn't know that I'd begun crying again... Everything hurts so bad. It feels like universe is resting on my shoulders.Ares snuggles closer, patting my hair "It all will turn out beautifully, Red." He whispers, having that look in his face. I knew he had a lot going on his mind "…I w
"Don't worry Hermione, we will just be outside the door. Nothing is going to happen. You shouldn't be nervous." Athena smiles, ushering me into Principal Eldor's office.I ignore Ares' intent gaze on my face, as I plaster a nervous smile to Athena "Thank you." I murmur, turning quickly, before the question in my mouth rolls off.How about Hwuakiti?I do notice their subtle hostility towards Glinda now and then, but I wouldn't be the one to ruin any relationship further. Since nobody is talking about the Queen's return from consulting Hwuakiti. I shouldn't say anything either....but Hwuakiti is to know that Glinda is using dark magic on Helios, or is she not?What did Hwuakiti tell the Queen? Why is nobody saying anything?Why am I even here? I turn to see Principal Eldor smiling mischievously at me.If only, Athena knew... Well, the person who knows about the principal's illicit interest in me, have absconded yet again, on another trip with her minions. Glinda, who I might have told,
“Fine! I am Fairy Circe! You got me, so what now?!” I groan, matching Athena’s gaze angrily. Swiftly she tackles me into the bed, I bring my hand up to protect me from a hit. instead, I hear a subtle chuckle, slowly transcending into a loud laughter.Okay. so, this is not the expression I was expecting. Soft kisses press on my cheeks abruptly “My sister-in-love.” Athena giggles happily“So, you are Helios’ mate?” Ares asks lowly“Yeah… kinda.” I murmur, not meeting his eyesYayyy!!” Long arms reach out for Athena and I, swinging us excitedly “Best news ever!!!” Ares says happily. Mixed delicious scents overwhelmed me “Too tight… can’t breathe.” I struggle to say“Oh, sorry.” They both hesitatingly let go off me. I try to catch my breath. Athena slowly extends her palms to Adonis, who seem like he has been having a hard time, processing what I just said.“Pay up!” Athena says with a smirkPay up? What’s that?? Ares tries to hide the small smile escaping from his lips, it slips anyway.
“How far is it?” Glinda grumbles to Ares, falling into my pace. I know she has been meaning to say something to me since we left the house.Helios and her had gotten a ride together, while the rest of us had snuggled up in Ares’ fly car, much to Athena’s detriment; who wanted some time alone with her mate, who's been talking excitedly with Ares about the training house.I, on the other hand have been having my best moments with just thinking about, how Helios looked away when I winked at him. Could he perhaps, be having some desires for me?“You should swipe off that smirk from your face, Hermione. You are not getting my man.” Glinda spits angrily“Oh. I am so scared, Glinda." I scoff, before looking at the birds that perched on a maple tree.“Stay away from Helios, Hermione. I am warning you. Do not look at him, do not as much do anything with him!” Glinda threatens, her eyes going darkMy eyes roll nonchalantly “Do what? Like kiss him under the full moon, outside the royal ball? The
"Everything is happening so fast. My brother's mate is now more relatable. I found my own mate here in this house, and now final exams is almost over ...Not to forget that we all would be going to your coven's meeting in seven days’ time. I am not even sure that we will be allowed into the main cult premises… royals or no royals privilege. My Dad is finally back from his endless meetings with the mortals... and Adonis is so..." Athena rambles on and on, sprawled on my bed.Issh. Your brother's mate huh? I make to knock her, but then my hand falls resigningly beside oblivious Athena.She doesn't know. No one does, save for Dad and I.Moreso, I wouldn't want her to use that another cue to leave to go see Adonis again… Don’t those two ever get tired of each other? Like she practically spends every moment of hers with my brother. Arggh… and it just has been quite a really long time since it was just us two.My brother just innocently came and stole my best friend. Well, he should thank th
"Your mate? Glinda, I presume...?" Dad's eyes narrow even fiercely"Mr. Crofus? You are Hermione's father? How comes no one told me about you?" Glinda finally finds her voice "Well, I am Glinda and it is so nice meeting you, Mr. Crofus" Glinda curtseys, extending her hand for a handshake. For a second, Glinda’s smile actually felt genuine."Hermione's Ex-best friend. It is nice to meet you too, Glinda." Dad shakes her hand firmly, before letting go. She almost falls."You mind joining us?" Dad says half-heartedly, before continuing with his meal"I really do not mind, sir. Thank you." Glinda finds a sit, beside Helios. She smiles happily.I watch her beneath my eyelashes. Is my dad charming or something? …Or could it be seeing a father figure after so long, that's affecting her this way?If only you had told me, Glinda... I would have been there for you regardless…“Eyes up Hermione, you are becoming soft towards our enemy.” Ezli seethes“Sorry. I just feel sympathy, that’s all.” I mu
"Would you want to go back to sleep, or would you want us to talk outside?" Helios suggested, and here we are outside the house with his blanket. I could fall asleep just by wallowing in his scent."Another full moon." I whisper, staring at it and the constellations in the sky"It's beautiful" He whispers "...why do I feel like we have been under the full moon before? But that was Glinda in the royal ball..." He mutters thoughtfullyMy heart twist painfully. It took me everything not to grab him by the shoulders and shout "Can't you see what's in front of you? I am your mate!"Instead, I calmly say "Glinda? Can you tell me about it?""She had always filled my dreams all these years... I had long been searching for my mate, when she walked into the ballroom that day. She smelt so heavenly from where she was standing, looking lost and enthralling. I make to my feet when she introduced herself as Glinda... It was a dream come true for me, I had finally my mate. I ask her for a dance, too