"Gracious goddess!" I pant, clasping my palm over my chest cautiously."Mate... Mate... Mate... Why did you leave him Hermione? You shouldn't have left!" Ezli whines unhappily on our return from the royal ball."What would you have had me do? Grandmother, Ketura, Glinda and practically everybody that I know are in the palace! What should I have done?!" "You should have just stayed a little longer with our mate... Besides nobody could have recognized you!" Ezli whines again"Now that's not a chance I am willing to take. Ketura, Glinda or even grandmother on a closer glance would have recognized me right away... But why do you keep saying mate Ezli? ...right there in the ballroom, it was you, you called that stranger our mate Ezli. But why? A person can't have two mates, or can they? Was my grandmother true when she said I was principal Eldor's second mate?" I ask intensely, my emotions all jumbling up."You need to breath Hermione, breath..." Ezli says soothingly. I take in a deep bre
" ...Awwn poor Hermione, all left bored and alone." Ketura mocks, on seeing me lie on the bed "We had so much fun at the palace! Can you believe, I even danced with the crowned Prince Helios?!" She squeals, earning a prideful look from Grandmother who stood beside her."The palace? Fun? I don't understand..." I ask, faking ignorance"Yes, Hermione. A Royal ball was organized specially at the palace for the youths, and that is because the crowned prince is of the opinion that his fated mate is from this kingdom." Ketura grins at me"Wow! and nobody deemed it fit to tell me?" I ask, playing alongGrandmother chuckles loudly "Why? For what use dear? The palace isn't looking for your kind.""Yeah, and you really missed out. Besides you already got yourself a mate and that is Eros Anathos. Whoops! but I have him wrapped around my finger..." She jeers making to leave, when she halt abruptly, taking a look at me. She whispers "And guess what little Cousin? We made love for the first time to
"Hey Glinda, what's up?" I whisper, tapping her as Mrs. Haggai takes us on the past doings of great witches and warlocks."Can you not talk to me, Hermione. I am trying to concentrate here!" Glinda seethes"Sorry, I just wanted to know if you're okay." I tell her apologetically"Tsk. Do I not look okay to you?" Glinda rolls her eyes"Sorry. It's just me checking up on you." I tell her, making to keep quiet afterwards"Check up on me? I guess you have been doing a lot of check up on the Princess. So why check up on me, it's not like you care!" She snorts"Woah. I care because you're my friend. Can't I ask how my friend is doing? I didn't even see or get to talk to you in the first period. Are you avoiding me Glinda?" I ask"Why will I? Can I even, because you are all up in my business every time!" She snaps loudly, earning an impassive glare from Mrs. Haggai"Is all well, Miss Lokenzi, or would you rather teach the class then?" She asks Glinda, who shakes her head abruptly "I'd rather
"Hey Hermione." Eros calls, catching up with my pace. It was just the two of us on the lonely road. Now Hermione, see what your love for strolling and peaceful moment has gotten you into."Were you stalking me Eros?" I teeth at him."No, I wasn't Hermione, but what would you have me do? I have been trying to get your attention all week, all to no avail." He tells me"So that was your clue to following me home?" My eyebrows furrow tightly. "I... I..." He stutters at lost for what to say."What do you want Eros?" I ask halting, my arms akimbo."I just wanted to know how you were doing Hermione." He answers, pocketing his hands"Okay, I am good. Now Shoo!" I say dismissing him and increasing my pace.He catches up with me again "I heard some things today, Hermione. I demand to know if they were true or not...""Demand? Mr. Eros Anathos, I owe no nothing!" I say, scrunching up my nose. Can he just go already!!?"Whether you like it or not, you and I are mates..." He was saying"A point o
Ketura just stands there, looking bored. As though she would give anything to be out of the house.“Hermione, why are you so mean on the poor Man. Don't you see how much he loves and care about you?" Grandmother says, suddenly looking all sincere and sad.Principal Eldor nods quickly in affirmation of what grandmother had just said.“But why me, grandmother? Why not Ketura?” I ask, my heart aching."Hey twit! Don't bring my name into this!" Ketura chips in loudly"Oh Hermione, how can you even say such a thing? Destiny varies, my dear. Besides he says you are the goddess second chance at mate for him, not Ketura.” Grandmother replies"Sure! and I keep telling you that he is not my mate, why can't you just let me be Grandmother?!" I holler firmly"Oh, young lady, do not raise your voice at me! What do you even know think you know? You are just a small child Hermione. Sixteen. You know nothing about mates, isn’t that why that boy you thought was mate with, rejected you?! Hermione, real
"Hermione, will you be coming? This time it is a must, I would tie your hands and your legs if I have too." Princess Athena says, popping abruptly from behind me.I laugh loudly "Come on Athena, how do you always get to know where I am?" I was thinking of skipping lunch with the prince and princess. For some weird reasons, I was just going to skip lunch with them and read under the oak tree.There are some things which have been bothering me since the royal ball. Ezli is intentionally not telling me. I do know that the mystery man and mate who kissed me in the pool is a prince; for the guards called him a prince.But who? Which of Ares' brothers?“Hermione, are you okay? You seem tired and worn out.” Princess Athena ask worriedly“I am okay Athena, I just didn't have enough sleep last night.” I answer with a playful smile.“Now tell me miss, how did you find me. How?” I ask Princess AthenaShe smirks “Tsk. You seem to be forgetting that before we became actual friends, you were alrea
“Her-mio-neee.” "Hermio-neee.” Blurry figures hover around me. I close my eyes again, the lighting, my head hurts so much. My eyes flicker open, my sight becoming bolder and clearer Ares. Athena. “Hey, are you okay?” Athena's hand come to wrap mine lovingly. “I am, thanks... But what happened?” My voice comes out croaky “You fainted Hermione, my questions must have made you weary. I am so sorry. Athena told me that you weren't feeling good before... How are you now? I am really sorry.” Prince Ares says apologetically “It is okay my prince, nothing to worry about.” I say calmly, before looking around. “Where am I? Where is this place” The room looks larger... and royal. It can't be... Can it? “Oh, we are at the palace. This is one of the spare rooms Hermione, we had to bring you here. The matrons in the school clinic weren't on duty and we couldn't risk giving you to any uncertified witch in school, since we weren't sure of what happened to you. The royal doctor just left to.
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
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