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
“What if the foods were poisoned?” His voice interrupts my eating spree for the first time, a pinch of smile creasing on his lips. I gulp, letting the chicken lap fall off my mouth.“It... is...not, is it?” I stutter, leaning on the chair.“No, certainly not.” He smiles, making me dig into the food anxiously. So yummy!“You really shouldn't be too trusting, Hermione.” He says intently.I didn't know whether to throw up or something. Panic settles into my belly.“How do you know my name?” I ask shakily, fear is very eminent in my eyes.Can Ezli make poisons become non-effective? Will I die now? Who is this man? How does he know my name?Ezli stays calm and quiet.“I come from the same tribe as you are, a wizard myself. So, I am able to get your name by simply saying somethings and having a strand of your hair.” He says it so casuallyDread filled my bones “You had my hair?... Like you pulled a strand out of my hair?” I holler frantically“Yeah, Hermione. It is just a strand after all.”
Five domestic staffs stand in waiting, few feet from where their master and I sit with him the dining hall. I put some steak into my mouth, chewing it gently. Dead quietness fills the air. Does he perhaps live alone in this big house, save for his helps? Where is his family? I reach for the cup of water on the table, gulping it down, when I heard my name… My eyes pop open from the cup. He gives me that impassive look again, dropping his cutleries. “We need to talk.” He says, leaving the dining hall abruptly. Am I to just follow him like that? I stare at his retreating figure confusingly. The helps still standing, gestures to me to follow him. Arrggh. I roll my eyes, catching up his pace. He stands before a door, secludedly hidden somewhere in the mansion. He takes in a deep breath, bringing out a bunch of keys from his pocket. Slowly he pushes the door open “would you mind going in first?” His demeanor reads hope, as he fists tightly -his shaky hands. “Okay...” I answer quietl
"Pumpkin... Hermione, please... Please hear me out." He follows in hot pursuit "Do not call me that! Don't you even dare! ...You lost the right to call me that the moment you left me with grandmother and Ketura!" Everywhere suddenly feels so freezing, tiny white balls were falling from the sky. "Pumpkin please, we really need to get going. It is snowing." He says shakily, holding his arms tightly. I spread my arms towards the sky as the white looking cotton balls engulfs me. Snowing... So peaceful. I don't know how long we stayed quietly, but I soon start to feel subtle heat beside me as my teeth grit against each other. Mr. Christian Crofus had made a clothing of fire around us, allowing only the soft balls to hover around the fire. I still could see it. It makes me wonder if witchcraft isn't prohibited in this place, considering how he had shown me his dexterity in witchery. I take a peek around us; the entire landscape looks deserted. "I love snowing." I mutter "Yeah, I love
"Ask me anything Pumpkin, I am ready to answer all of your questions." The fire in the fireplace sparkles against his red hair, I pull the warm blanket closely, staring at him intently. "Why did you leave... me?" My voice came out in whisper "My hands were tied Hermione; I didn't mean to. That was the only way." He says I scoff, furrowing my eyebrows "Tsk. That was the only way. How?" I ask He mildly caresses his temple "Pumpkin, please I need you to be patient. I will answer all your questions, okay?" "Okay." I murmur half-heartedly. He leans closer from the small table, ruffling my hair "Hey!" I protest, smiling anyways "Now back to your question" He clears his throat "... There is a realm called the Kard realm, and another called the Thgirb realm. Where we are is the Earth realm and where we come from is the Thgirb realm." I find myself sitting up, concentratedly. "The Kard realm is a replica of our realm; witches, warlocks, werewolves, Lycans, fairies, goblins, elves and all
My dad makes the best cookies in the whole world, I am currently having my twenty -something cookie in a row. "Yummy dad, this is divine!" I murmur, savoring the taste.His eyes’ reads that of pride "Mercì Mademoiselle." He winks"Made-moi-selle? What does that mean? Is that a magic word?" I ask, still biting into the cookies in front of me"Nope." He crosses his arms "It is a french word for Miss, Mercì on the other hand means; Thank you.""Oh, the meaning is Thank you Miss?" I say"Yes. Thank you, Miss." He winks again"Tsk. Tell me dad, aren't you a playboy? You look and act like one." I let out a fat grin"No, nonsense!" He shakes his head in denial "How can your dad be a playboy? Impossi-can't dear." A sly smile plays on his lipsI chuckle loudly "You are notoriously a playboy dad! Tell me, how else would someone have a one-night stand with a stranger?"He burst into laughter "Hermione, you are one ridiculously-amazing child, mocking your father now huh? That one night gave me th
"Okay fine, but before my lip will be zipped... Who told you, that you are this person's second chance mate?" He asks"Uhm, Grandmother." I fake a smile"My mother? And how did she know this? Is she suddenly the person who is to feeling the mate bond for you?" His forehead creases slightly"Nope. She just keeps telling me umpteenthly that I am his second chance mate!" I say with a sly smile"That is so rare Hermione, we had only seen that in books. Well, it doesn't mean it does not exist... It's just rare, and the parties involved feels the mate pull for each other. Since you say you don't feel anything for this person, then cancelled! Next please!" He humors much to my joy.My laughter echoes in the room, so hard that my stomach began to hurt "Alright. The first was Eros Anathos, and the second, I met in the royal ball...""Did you just say Anathos? Wow, Anathos and Kora's son have grown that much? ...Anathos was my best friend back then in high school." My dad says"Wow, just wow."
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