Lucian "What are you doing here?" I grasped her face between my hands immediately. She showed her flawless smile, making her dimple pop. "I'm here to see you. I miss you.""You should be nowhere near here. They might bomb my palace." I mildly reprimanded her. I couldn't deny that I didn't miss her. I sighed from holding eye contact with her puppy eyes, "Only for today." I kissed her forehead. "Yay," she squealed as she reached for my hand. "You look awesome. Like you came out of an action movie," she said in awe. "Ironman has nothing on you."We both swung our heads to Yuhan's thundering chuckle. "Didn't see you there," Belle said to Yuhan. "Of course you didn't. That's my specialty," Yuhan humbled us."I shouldn't have given you complete power of that ability," I said."Too late to take it," Yuhan shrugged. "How'd you sneak in here?" He directed his question to Isabelle.A question I would like to know as well. I gently turned my eyes to her. "Well," she began with a flutter of h
Isabelle The only thought that was running thorough my mind was "I hate this." Not much longer of rising early. Graduation is a few weeks away and I'm ready. I got ready in a flash, using minimal effort to find an outfit; I settled on something comfy but cute—tights and a tank top.I made sure to grab some snacks from the kitchen and stuffed them into my backpack quickly. "See you later," I said."We're dropping you off at school today. Did you forget it's your senior parade? You have to wear something cute!" My mom pushed me to the stairs and made me change. I settled on a little pink dress with fluffy pink slides. "Is this better?" I asked with thickness in my voice."Much!" She said with a smile and clasp of her hands. "Let's go," she told my dad who was trying to finish his donut. He grabbed my backpack and the truck keys before we all rushed out the door. "Have you been having too much fun?" My mom asked. "You've barely been home.""I'm fine mom," I reassured her. I took my ph
Isabelle"You've been so tired lately," Periwinkle observed. "What have you been doing?" "Nothing," I attempted to dismiss her with an eye roll."Is that what we're doing? We're going to lie? I'm just going to keep asking until you tell me," Jennifer urged."Nothing," I said again."Monday, you were okay. Tuesday you were half-okay. Yesterday? You were napping in between classes and in another world at lunch. Today? You fell asleep while I was talking to you!" "Maybe I'm just stressed." I argued as I repacked my belongings."You wish," Jennifer persisted. She squinted her eyes at me before dusting herself off and then reaching out to me. I took her hand and helped myself up.She begged, "Please tell me. You know you can."I scoffed as I beat the dirt from my skirt. "You wouldn't even believe the things I'd say.""Try me," she said with folded arms. When I didn't say anything, she took it upon herself to guess the problem. "Are you pregnant?" She asked."No," I dismissed the thought q
LucianI stepped foot onto the green grass only to see no one, but I heard voices coming from a faint distance and I smiled at the soft melody flowing through the bushes. "What are you scheming?" I asked as I thrashed through the bushes. Bella was with Jennifer in their secret spot by the tree, except they were more hidden today. "Oh my god! You have to stop doing that!" Bella shrieked. Jennifer cowed behind Bella but still sided with her, "Yeah! You almost gave us a heart attack."I chuckled, "Sorry." I looked them up and down while they gathered themselves from my sudden appearance. Jennifer released a deep breath while Bella took in a swift inhale. "What brings you here?" She smiled."I wonder," I playfully avoided the question. Before I could give Jennifer the eye, she excused herself. "You two lovebirds can have at it.""See you later," Bella giggled with a wave. I took a step forward and I felt our souls intertwine when our eyes met. "Do you know it's only Thursday?""Who cares
IsabelleI wiped the sleep from my eyes, with my feet fumbling around on the cold floor for my slippers until the pair slid perfectly onto my toes. I yawned and groaned while scratching my hair. The rocks flung to my window one after another. I could hear the loud bangs coming from the door downstairs.I moved the curtains to the side to see my friends. "What do you want?" I groaned."Are you seriously skipping the last few weeks of school? I won't let you," Jennifer yelled. "Open the door!""Ugh," I sighed as I slammed my window and bided my time carefully going down the stairs. I unlocked the door and they came in one after another. "Never been here before," Jason muttered as he followed behind Jen."Okay bed head, please go get dressed." Jennifer pressed. "No," I stifled a yawn with my hand. "I'm hungry."I walked to the kitchen and they followed. I rambled through the refrigerator setting my eyes on a few things to make breakfast. "I'd care for some," Jason said. I responded w
IsabelleGiant demons with their black wings spread valiantly and their weapons shown proudly in their hands as they battled in close combat with their angel counterparts. Black panthers scratched the ground before taking off to challenge the unicorns. The unicorns kicked off neighing and ran forward into battle. The archdemons and archangels traded blows with their weapons and sometimes bloody fists. The mages were in serious battle behind the frontlines. Hell hounds were seething with rage as they attacked the sphinxes. Triads of angels fought against spirits of hells. Seraphs, cherubs, thrones, and virtues battled Beelzebub, Astaroth, Agalia and Sanchita. Every time the angel threw out light, the demons ate it or dispurified it and threw it back with more force. And I almost didn't want to take my eyes off the battle; there was so much to watch—until I saw Noelle. Noelle was here?? Her opponent's ginger waves were contained by a ponytail. She donned her dusty, orange-tinged armo
IsabelleI felt a cold sweep through my body, making the hairs on my spine rise up. As I contemplated turning around, my heart was racing. I twisted slightly, cautiously raising my eyes to see the awful thing staring at me. Despite everything telling me to flee, I was so overcome with fear that I couldn't move.Run! Get away! My legs won't move; why? I screamed, "Move, damn it! Move!" in a state of desperation. My legs eventually began to move on their own.Over my head, the cliff was engulfed by a gulf of wind. I kept sprinting til I had to stop to regain my breath. I finally threw a glance behind me to witness two creatures engaged in combat. One large, brawny creature possessed a sinuous, gray lizard tail. His preferred weapon was a war ax, which he used with great dexterity. His red war armor was ragged, and you could see the scales on his back, some of which were missing in a few places, as well as a few scars that were clearly visible. His damaged, f
LucianI vividly recalled her death many times a day in my head. Neither portrait nor photo could unease the despair and loss I felt every time the memory replayed. All that I can think of is I'm not fast enough. Not strict enough. The left side of my nose violently twitched. I inhaled swiftly—thinking it would calm me, but there isn't much that could stop it— and just as quickly exhaled. I only got like this when im anxious or furious. I get anxious and firefilled when that memory comes to mind. I'm a fucking king. I don't fear; I AM FEAR. "Sir," Yuhan quietly inserted."Not today," I sighed."Then when? You have to stop sulking someday. You have things to do now," Yuhan tried to coerce me. "I'm supposed to be mighty," I exclaimed. Yuhan nodded, "You are mighty, my king."I rolled at my eyes at the useless attempt of comfort. "Bullshit," I called him out. "How do I let some twisted fuck stick a damn spear through my wife?" I continued venting my frustrations before Yuhan could
* The beautiful end of Lucian & Isabelle *The wall was decorated with plaques and awards, grand achievements that could only belong to the cursive name inked on the honors. "I'm so proud of you," her mom hugged her with a few streaming tears running down her face. "Where are my grand babies?""They aren't babies mom," Bella scolded."Says who? They're my babies," her mom stood her ground.Ares and Artemis had their separate portraits hanging above the mantle, next to the family portrait. Lucian added, "They are waiting for us. We're running late.""Where's dad?" Bella was growing with worry."I'm right here," her dad's voice came from behind us followed by his short footsteps."Then let's go," Lucian ushered them inside the car. The drive was quick and the hostess led them to their table.The table was full with family and friends; Jennifer, Tina, Noelle, Jason, Tyler, & Rick along with her many family members and her two children."Congratulations, Bella," Jennifer hugged her. "T
Lucian and his wife had just welcomed their beautiful son into the world. Exhausted and overwhelmed, Lucian knew he had to take advantage of this special moment. He looked into his wife's eyes and quietly said, "I figure now is a good time as any." She looked back at him confused, until he pulled out a small box and opened it, revealing a sparkling diamond ring. His wife was too exhausted to be surprised, but she happily accepted his proposal. "Yes, a thousand times over." Lucian gave her a sweet kiss. Ares was sound asleep; he had been fed and changed and was quietly occupying his crib. "How are we going to ..?" She began to voice her worries but Lucian hushed her. "You're too pretty to be worried, love. Rest," She succumbed in bliss as she drifted off to sleep, still wearing the bedazzling ring on her finger. Lucian watched in awe as they slept; the way their noses curled and how they looked so innocent, he could tell Ares was borne from her. He was so in love with their little
IsabelleI was still shocked. I was stuck, gawking at the black and white images unfolding in my lap. I was still replaying the technician confirming my doubt."Are you okay?" Lucian asked."I'm two months," I said in shock."Lucian you're not even human. How can you have kids?" "You're mine," Lucian said plainly."That doesn't .. huh." I gave up and slouched into the seat with a sigh."You're going to be okay." Lucian cooed."How am I going to be pregnant in my freshman year of college?" I was going crazy. "It's all just happening too fast.""Calm down. I'm going to be there. For your every need," Lucian caressed my thigh. "It doesn't matter what it is, I will make it happen.""What about class?""I'll come with you and we can sit in my barrier. That way you won't be cramped and you two will be comfortable.""What about after school?" I asked."You worry too much," he kissed my temple. "Just move in.""What?" "You heard me. Move in. We're basically husband and wife already," Lucian
It was the last day of summer and I was saying goodbye to my friends. I hugged them all goodbye and promised to keep in touch. As I drove away, I looked back at them all standing there and knew that I would never forget the summer fun we had. I was ready to start the next chapter of my life, but I would never forget the memories I had shared with my friends. We had spent the last several weeks together, enjoying our last days of freedom before college. We had gone to the beach, watched movies, taken long drives, went to parties, and even had sleepovers. And that wasn’t everything! We had done a million things. But now it was time for us to part ways and pursue our own paths.I was excited to start college but sad to be leaving my friends. I had grown so much closer Jennifer, Jason, and Noelle over the summer. We had shared so many memories together, and I hated that I had to leave them behind. As I began packing for college, I found myself pulling out the photos from our senior trip.
The party was over and I hugged just about everyone as they exited my home, thanking them for their support and their gifts and their time.“Honey, we’re going out tonight,” my mom and dad approached me, looking elegant and ethereal.“Wow,” I marveled at mom and dad. Mom wore a green dress that had an embroidered golden shoulder. Dad donned a black suit with a green tie to match; its diamond-shaped pattern fluctuated between green and golden yellow. “Y’all look good.”“Thanks honey. Number’s on the fridge if you need anything,” she gave me a quick peck to the cheek, careful not to ruin her makeup. They grabbed their keys and I watched their retreating figures step out of the door. All alone now. Oh well!I couldn't wait to get upstairs. I dashed to my room, hurriedly discarding my pants. I sighed as soon as they came off. "Nothing like freedom."I kicked the bathroom door in lightly with my foot, setting my bathroom abright when I hit the light switch. "First thing first," I blew a ki
I stood in line behind my classmates, watching and waiting as the line got shorter. The counselor called my name, "Isabelle Milani Smith." I proudly graced the stage with an unfading smile, ready to shake hands and pose with my diploma.The camera flashed and I walked back to my seat. It was just like we have practiced earlier this morning. I was glad everything went smooth. After a speech from Noelle and Mardrid, we were finally instructed to toss our caps into the air.***********"Honey, we're so proud of you," my mom planted many kisses to my cheek."Okay mom," I tried to get away. "You're embarrassing me.""I'm sorry," she sulked. "Do you like the party? I tried my best.""Yes, it's the best," I beamed. "I can't believe you surprised me." "Your dad will be here soon. He said he had something special for you," my mom shared."Is it a car?" I asked."No," she frowned, "but I'm sure you'll love it." My mom wandered off to the refreshment table, replacing food and refilling glasses
"Everyone say cheese," Mr. Spay clicked the camera, the flash capturing the smiles on our faces at the end of our senior trip. "I've had a wonderful year with this group. Throughout the fighting, teenage angst, hormonal decisions, and boy trouble, I still wouldn't change a thing. I know you all have a wonderful future ahead of you and I hope you enjoy life's journey there." We cheered for our principal as we boarded the bus with our baggage.I found the back of the bus, sliding next to Lucian. "Look," I took the photos of us out of my memory box and brought them up to the light. "Don't we look great together?" He smiled, giving me a simple yes. "Not big on words today," I teased. "I enjoyed the trip. It was over too quick." Lucian replied, "Time always flies when you're having fun," he gently caressed the love bite from the previous night on my thigh. I blushed in silence as he turned his head to the window to watch the scenery pass us by in a blink outside. "You know you haven't b
LucianThe council of angels convened to reprimand me for my past transgressions. I stood before them, impassive and unafraid, though I was slightly amused by their haughty expressions and sparkling wings. I could hear their naughty whispers, which seemed to be a combination of disapproval and bemusement. I was ready to accept whatever punishment they deemed fit. The triad of angels governed from behind the wooden podium bench in their assigned choirs, conversing and giving me the evil eye as I paid no attention to them, fancied by the stone golems they'd turned into guardians.The angels conferred amongst themselves for what seemed like an eternity before finally delivering their opening argument."You have been charged with many crimes, the major crime being that you defied God and led a war against him, endangering humans and breaking the heavenly rules. You are also charged with 100 counts of murder, 1 count of kidnapping, 20 counts of unsolicited visiting to the human world, & 5
I was lying in a hospital bed, my body feeling the numbness of the painkillers and the fatigue of the fight I had endured to get here. My head was throbbing in pain from the constant beeping of the machines surrounding me, I had lost count of the number of times it beeped, but it seemed to be a necessary part of my care. I felt a wave of emotions overcome me as my eyes tried to adjust to my surroundings. I could see my family and friends, all looking worried and scared, their faces a mixture of worry and hope. I wanted to tell them not to worry, that I was okay but my words were stuck in my throat, my voice suddenly feeling so far away. All I could do was lie still and try to relax, knowing that I was finally safe and that everything was going to be ok. I was hoping that one day soon I would finally be able to go home, dreaming that it would be over.My family cleared from my room momentarily as the doctors talked to them. A lone doctor entered, short and graceful in his stride, and p