《A Promise Marked by Fire》


 Prologue- Dreams

    It had always started the same. Opening my tired eyes only greeted by the same large antique door. Its metal bearings rusted to the wooden surface, hinges coated in thick red-orange rust. Appearing to not have moved over the years. Forever closed within the thick stone bricks that encased it. Reaching outward, I could feel the splintering lumber against my delicate skin. Moving my fingertips down the cracks of the door, everything just felt so familiar to me. Never knowing how or why I felt like this. The only thing that I was positive about was that beyond that door led to a world like no other. A world that made me never want to leave.


    Grasping the rusted steel handle, I braced myself against the door. Pressing my small body into the wood so the door would move. Little by little the pressure, I managed to place upon the surface and made it move. Until all it took was one good push for it to swing open fully, revealing a nearly endless stone hallway. Taking a step forward beyond the door I felt it. A faint gentle breeze grazing against my cheek. Lightly billowing my light brown locks in an attempt to coax me forward. Egging me into moving to find out If I was correct. That what I sought after was just at the end of this hall.


    So with a deep breath, I pushed onward. Following the stone corridors away from the door. Not once hearing if it had closed behind me or not. Focusing all of my being on moving toward what lies ahead. Looking over each detail within the stone bricks. Listening at all around me up until the only noise that could be heard was the tapping of the heels upon my feet. This simple path marked the way to what I sought the most. It was my guide, as it always had been. Taking Step after step, hearing tap after tap a secondary breeze warned of the halfway point. I was almost to the end.


    Taking a slight right where the hall turned and pressed my hand against the cool stone, Looking over at the next step into this end ever. Here was where the second to last entrance sat. A tunnel of ivy that had grown through the cracks in the walls. Replacing the musky scent of stone and mildew with that of fresh grass and living plants. Taking a deep breath I welcomed the scent of it all. My body trying to relax so the smell could flood my senses, filling my body with the sense of freedom that I desperately yearned for. Coaxing me onward with an unspoken promise of freedom and beauty. My steps began to quicken with this sudden burst of excitement that took over. Turning the individual leaves into misshapen blobs of green all around. Not a single stone stood out against the walls of green. All that mattered was reaching the end where a shimmering light would greet me with open arms.


    Gazing upon the golden rays should have brought joy, happiness, and any other emotion along with it. Sure, the warmth welcomed me to the land on the other side... but so did a feeling deep inside me. Was it worry? Fear? Feeling my feet came to a steady stop just at the top of the hill overlooking a vast open field covered in stunning crimson flowers. Taking several deep breaths in attempting to calm my racing heart, I felt myself start to smile. Briefly feeling like for once I had no care in the world. Not even caring that I was out of breath or even the fact my heart was ready to explode from the running. None of it mattered. Not when I had found what I had been trying to get to this whole time.


    "Lovelace" a soft gentle voice spoke in my head. Speaking calmly and clearly, as if I was meant to know what was lying before me. Resting no more than two feet away from where I stood the waves of crimson descended the hillside. Beautiful blood-red flowers that had resembled roses from a distance. Yet up close they harbored a more unique trait that no rose could hold. Embedded into each delicate petal was a magical embroidery giving the flower a lace-like appearance. Each flower appeared slightly different than the last. Whether it be the thickness of the main links or the amount of detail covering the petals. It didn''t matter, this was the only place I knew these flowers to bloom.


    Looking over the meadow I started to wonder about a few things. Some of which had been easy to brush off while others flashed about my mind. Lighting up bright red warning signs the more I dwelled on them. Like how quickly I had gotten the door open this time around. Or even how short the jog through the rivers of green had been. Something was changing within this world it seemed. Just I didn''t know what it was.


    In the end, I ended up thinking ''This had been too quick.'' Averting my once excited gaze away from the flowers I scanned the other areas that lie in front of me. To the west, I could make out the river banks that cut into the woods. Then the north where a silhouette of a distant mountain could be made out as darkness started to stain the vibrant blue sky. Darkening quicker and quicker, consuming the baby blue hue faster than average nightfall. Like a bolt of lightning in my mind, it struck me. It wasn''t the sky darkening...it was large thick black clouds of smoke that had snuffed out the day.Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    My eyes widened in shock, following the trail of smoke to its start. There under the train of smoke was where the town to the East had been. Massive red-orange flames rose over the rooftops. Feasting on the dried lumber of the town''s creation. Taking away the very foundation of it all, leaving ruin and ash in its destructive fury.


    "Oh no¡­" I managed to breathe. Not knowing how this had even happened. There had been no warnings, no screams of the people. It was all just an eerie silence that had taken shape. Taking a fearful step back I could only watch as everything went from bad to worse. Darkness overtaking the land as quickly as the flames snuffed out the town. Staining the earth beneath each building in a deep ashy grey before moving onto the meadow surrounding it. Everything before my eyes had begun to die. Flames rising and falling whilst it feasted upon the defenseless flowers.


    No sooner had the flowers been consumed the ground began to tremble. Effortlessly splitting the land to allow rivers of fire to feast upon the remaining plant life. The crimson flames climbing the hill swiftly and with ease at this point. Burning all in its wake, leaving me face to face with the heat it gave. Moving to step back a mighty roar shook the land then. The hillside shuttering under the force sending me to the ground in seconds. Bracing myself with the palms of my hands I couldn¡¯t do anything to stop this chaos looming over this once peaceful world. Peering upward I could see it, the monster that had caused it all. Flying over the flames was a large-scaled creature moving effortlessly with each mighty flap of its massive leathery wings.


    I wanted so much to cry out in fear, to run before I too met a similar fate. But an unknown force just held me there. My body felt stiff and unwilling to move to let me run. The joints locked in constant fear forcing me to suffer watching my happiness go up in flames with the world around me. Taking breath after breath, my lungs feeling to be on fire themselves. ¡®Move! You need to move !¡¯ I began to mentally scream seeing the prideful creature part it¡¯s massive jaws. The dark void of its mouth glowing red-orange moments before it fed the blaze below. Expelling its innermost flames to the ground below.


    ¡®Move!¡¯ I heard a secondary voice scream within my head. Pushing through the clouds of fear giving me the strength to get me up off the ground. Then it was as if something overtook me. Looking down at my no longer trembling hands, I felt like I knew how to stop this. A key to this land hidden deep within my being. Reaching out I closed my eyes to focus. Heat licking at my arms crawling over my flesh with ease. Building up energy from within that I¡¯ve never felt before. An inner blanket of strength and love that had been blocked off by a hidden container from within. Opening my eyes I rose my arm out towards the beast, my dark red flames covering it like a sleeve ready to dispel this chaos.


    Aiming at the beast, tears welled up in my eyes blurring them momentarily. Long enough however for a single muscular arm to force my arms to my body. Holding my back to their chest, absorbing the flames till I could produce no more. Words unable to form as my head turned to face my captor. Seeing nothing more than a shroud of darkness with a vibrant pair of silvery-blue eyes looking back at me. Feeling him move his free hand up my front, taking hold of my jaw to force me to look at the world I loved. His lips lightly brushing against my ear with each word he spoke out. "It''s all your fault, Ivora." no sooner had the words left his mouth my heart shattered. What had I done to cause such havoc onto this world? I only just got there and within minutes it had burned down before my eyes. Tears stung my eyes, the frustration, and truth showing like a beacon within them. A numbness overcoming me at the thought of the end drawing near.


    Closing my eyes for the last time A sharp pain ripping through my chest capturing my last breath within my lungs. Weakly opening my eyes, I could faintly make out the handle of a golden dagger sticking out of my chest. Blood staining the hilt from when it had been plunged into me. ¡°I...Have done...nothing.¡± I gasped letting out my last breath. The man behind me letting go after bidding me farewell. Forcing my dying body to stand on its own wobbling to and frow. ¡°I...I¡¯m not...Iv...Ivora¡± my lips moved letting go of what life my body had left. Letting it fall towards the flames, hitting rocks on its way down. Before the flames were able to take claim to its new source of nutrition I could hear it. A pain-filled wail from above before it all went dark.


    Sitting upright in a panic, my head smacking against the end table at my bedside. Sending waves of pain throughout my skull so I had to lay back down to soothe it. Placing my hand on the newly formed bump I took my first breath. Easing my nerves to start my day, hopefully, right. Opening my eyes I saw the side of my bed, one of my legs pressed up against it with the light blue sheet tangled around my ankle. There was no river of hungry flames desperately wanting to feast upon my fresh flesh. No large beast flying above me destroying everything I held dear. Just a simple bland white-walled room with blue trim. Looking upward at the ceiling like I did every morning it seemed, I waited to feel the footsteps outside my door vibrate the floorboards at my back. Just for the added confirmation that I was alive and like always...it had been a dream; a horrible nightmare that would never end.

 Hello and Goodbye

    Everything was in place for my upcoming trip; boxes had been loaded up into a truck and on their way to the airport; leaving behind a few items for me to use to pass the time. Simple things like a few notebooks, some pens, my tablet, and enough clothes to last a week. They were far from being large items, just things that could easily be stored either on my person or in the overhead compartment on the plane.  But that''s how I had wanted it, simple and easy to manage for the first week alone. For right now though it was just a means of trying to stay out of trouble. To avoid those that also lived within this home so none of my plans would be affected. So sitting up in the remains of my small closet-sized bedroom that I had grown accustomed to over the years, I leaned on a few pillows that rested against the wall. Running the stylize over the smooth glassy screen of my tablet drawing whatever came to mind to pass the time. Sitting within the plain white walls of my room, void of any form of personality that would express the body that had lived within them for the last sixteen years. Left to imagine what I would be able to see; envisioning the things I might do in my new home. All the while, I inwardly hummed in delight, glancing towards the folded up documents that rested beside me. The crisp white pages harboring the only proof I needed of this really happening. The proof that a new chapter in my life would be taking place after the twenty years of being imprisoned within my parents¡¯ home. Feeling the once tight shackles beginning to loosen their bindings with the passing time.


    ¡® One more hour,¡¯ I told myself as the corners of my mouth parted to allow a small smile to weasel it¡¯s way to the surface. Pushing up off the ground I dusted off by black leggings from any debris. Which wasn¡¯t likely seeing as I had finished cleaning the room hours prior to any minor bit of dust that may have been there. If I hadn''t, who knows what my mother would have done. Just thinking about it sent chills shooting up my spine. You could win the lottery or happen to win a prize and she''d find a means to make you suffer for it. The thing was, you never knew what you would get. It could be something as minor as a verbal lashing to as brutal as a beating. Though in my case she always picked a combination of both. First, a verbal lashing if there were witnesses, like my father or brothers, then followed up with the beating when alone.


    Nevertheless, I knew it was wrong to fear my mother in such away. To view her more as a prison guard than an actual parent, even if that was more accurate than not. The woman that birthed me was terrifying to me. A stranger with no light in her dark brown eyes when she smiled at me. For all I knew, she just had a hatred for me greater than the rest of the families.


    ''It''ll be alright, you''ll be out of reach soon'' I thought, slipping on a pair of flats to start getting ready to go out the door. Taking a few quiet steps over to the door, I knelt down beside my duffle bag. Making sure to shut down the power to my tablet before packing it inside, flipping its protective blue cover over to keep the screen safe. Scanning the bag carefully, I wanted to double-check to make sure I hadn¡¯t forgotten the charger. While doing so, I caught a glimpse of my cell phone''s screen glowing bright pink. There was an incoming call and I knew exactly who it was.


    Smiling brightly I took out the basic smartphone and answered. ¡° Hey, Bianca! How are you?¡± I asked, continuing my search for the charger.


    ¡°Ebony, my love, my darling best friend. I have some bad news! I¡¯m going to be a tad bit late arriving at your new place! Please don¡¯t hate me!¡± She cried into the phone rather quickly, making it nearly impossible to understand her. Though I had an idea of what she was trying to say, even if it was upsetting.


    "Wait, what do you mean you''re going to be late?!" I exclaimed, balancing the phone between my shoulder and my head while digging through the messily thrown together bag. My hand pushing past all the clothes to reach the bottom until I felt the different twist-tied wires at the bottom. A bad place for them I know, but at least I knew I had them. Which I guess was the only good news I was going to get currently.


    "I''m sorry Mon Amie!" the thick French accent of my closest, and the only friend replied in an upset tone. As trustworthy and dependable as she was Bianca needed to work on her timing. Always over planning and never making sure times didn''t overlap. Often forgetting agreements due to larger engagements, but is always coming through in the end. Probably the reason why I wasn¡¯t as concerned with the news.


    "I''ll be sure to make it to your place in about a week! I promise! I''ll even treat you to dinner when I do!" She exclaimed, trying desperately to prove she meant what she said. To prove to me that this was just a simple slip up on her part. Which nine times out of ten it was. I couldn¡¯t fathom the plans she had to move around to be able to help me with this move, to begin with. So I guess it was natural for things to overlap. Even if I needed her more than they did. This was a big deal for me. My first time out of this house, my first time out of the United States and my first time owning my own home at the young age of twenty-one. It was primetime here..but a little set back won¡¯t change that. Well, I hoped it didn¡¯t.


    With a soft sigh, I thought over her words carefully. Yes, she would be late, but she would make it up to me however she could. It was a cute gesture, to say the least. One I wasn''t going to hold her too. She didn''t need to buy me food as an apology. All she needed to do was show up in one piece so I wouldn¡¯t wonder if I had lost my best friend. Though knowing Bianca, she would be determined to bring items of things to show she was sorry. The last time this happened she bought me a cute peach summer dress that later my mom stole and gave it to the neighbor girl for her birthday. It was a horrible thing to have to explain and then try to keep Bianca from getting involved. In the end, it did get her to agree to not give me clothes as a thank you, no matter how much I needed them.


    ¡°Please don¡¯t be mad at me, Bunny. ¡° Bianca spoke softly, bringing me back from multiple thoughts rushing through my head.


    "Alright, I won¡¯t be mad. Just...please promise me you¡¯ll make it there in one piece.¡± I smiled softly, suppressing the sadness I felt. I would be without her for more than I would have liked. It felt like half of me was being ripped from the other, the fear no longer on me. I feared for her, prayed that she would stay safe so I could see her bright smiling face once more. ¡°Well, that and I need my cheap French guide to help show me around. " I teased, trying to mask how I felt. She didn¡¯t need more to worry about, I had given her a more serious task to handle anyway. My boxes had been stored with hers, so she would be bringing everything to the house when she landed. So hopefully my playful teasing would keep her from noticing.


    "Hey, I''m sexy, not cheap! It''s not like we''re having fun after the tour!" She exclaimed loudly, a hint of amusement clear in her voice. She didn¡¯t know a thing it seemed and honestly, I was relieved for it. As kind and sweet as Bianca was, her blondeness did overpower her at times.


    "You know I love you, my little Lottie. I''ll see you soon. "I told her, excited to see what her homeland could offer an outsider like me. I would be lying if I didn¡¯t also admit the excitement of being out of the United States for the first time startled me. There was just so much that could go wrong during the travel it was frightening, to say the least. But I was willing to push those thoughts back for the sake of being happy. Plus the house I would be going to...appears to be familiar, though I couldn''t put my finger on why it had.


    Hanging up the phone I took one last look around my childhood room. From the plain white walls down to the light pink carpeting, all of it is the background of many of my memories. All the good and all the bad. No matter what these colors I''ll remember over time as the white chamber that I had grown up within. My own sanctuary inside the home of my mother''s design. There was no changing that aspect of my life and I was okay with that if it meant finding my purpose in life. Trying new things and seeing what would leave an impression on me, that¡¯s what I wanted to do.


    Smiling to myself, I placed my cell phone into the pocket of the duffel bag where it would be safe. Running my fingers over the smooth metallic material one final time. This was the last step for me to take. The last of my possessions rested before me in this small bag and I didn¡¯t care. Picking up the tablet I flipped the case open to double-check the power to the device was off. I would need the battery for the trip if only to pass time. Closing the case once more I was finally ready to say goodbye. With this final item in place, I would be fully packed.  There will be no more signs of Ebony Marie Montague having been inside this room and it delighted me to know this. I would be no more than a distant memory for them to remember.


    However, it wasn¡¯t soon enough. No sooner had I moved to put the electronic away, had the loud, nasally shriek rang out from the other side of the bedroom door. Panic shot through my being, engulfing me in its constricting grasp. My muscles reacted in response, nearly throwing my tablet out of fear. Struggling to keep a firm grip, I felt the smooth surface slip from my fingers. The sound of it clattering to the ground, masked by the loud crack of the wooden door striking the plaster wall, the metal knob being run clean through. This was a horrible nightmare for me. Kneeling on the ground looking up at the woman that I feared most in the world standing in the doorway of my bedroom. Her dark brown eyes coldly staring down at me. Her thin frame and wide hips being what blocked my path out of this tiny room. This was none other than Carla Marie Montagu, My mother, and captor. The keeper of the shackles that had held me in place for so long. A woman of both beauty and attitude.


    ¡° "What do you think you''re doing?!  Are you just going to sit there and not do your chores?! Who do you think you are, The Queen of Sheeba?!¡± She snapped, tapping a single ruby nail against her tanned skin; she let her gaze drift from me towards my things. Clicking her tongue in disgust, hating the fact I had anything at all. I knew if she had her way I would have less than what I currently do. I was lucky father still saw me as his child even with the attempts of her saying otherwise. He truly was a beacon of hope within this damp dark void. If it wasn¡¯t for him, I probably would have ended up out on the streets as she had wanted.


    ¡°I...I got the cleaning done early so I had time to finish packing¡­¡± I attempted to explain with a knot in my throat. Gulping silently on a mass that felt squishy, like my tongue had swollen in my throat.


    ¡°Oh? Is that so?¡± She questioned, eyes colder than when she entered. The air in this small room grew thick as her anger grew. It was suffocating in here with her, her very being practically strangling the only breathable air so it too died at her hands. It was frightening in all senses of the word. This woman...no this monster knew exactly how to intimidate those weaker than her into doing what she wanted. This time I needed to remain strong, I had to last the last hour of this hell to gain my freedom. I couldn¡¯t let my life slip through my fingers.


    ¡°Y-Yes, it is. Y-you can even ask Wesley. H-He was in his room getting ready for soccer when I brought his jersey into him. ¡° I told her, looking away to pick up my tablet before she could attempt to shatter it. With the way she had started tapping her foot, I knew it would only be a matter of time for her to react physically. I¡¯d rather her strike me than making sure something I¡¯d need was destroyed. Getting to my feet I tried to hide the shaking, resorting to just watching her. She couldn¡¯t ruin anything if I got to it first, right? I just needed to be faster than the enraged cobra before me. Sure her hood was already extended and she was more than ready to spit her venom my way, all that was needed was a bit of luck. So hopefully luck was on my side today.


    Rearing her head back, my mother didn¡¯t dare look away. She was determined to find me wrong in this just so she could rip the last strand of hope from my grasp. Her lips parted and she bellowed out: ¡°Wes! Did Ebony finish her chores?!¡± her voice echoing down the narrow hall towards my brother¡¯s room. Where there was no answer at first. Her words fell on deaf ears at first. My luck seemed to not be there otherwise he would have answered. I was left to fight the beast alone, with no means to properly defend myself. Which only meant that I would lose this fight, this chance to live a life I could only have dreamed.This novel''s true home is a different platform. Support the author by finding it there.


    ¡®No, give him time! He will say something, I know it!¡¯ I mentally prayed, flinching back at the sound of heavy footsteps bounding up the stairs. Looking towards the banister outside my room I could see the familiar tuft of copper hair coming into view quickly. It was a tad bit messy, hanging partially in the teenager¡¯s green eyes, but that was how he liked it. Always claiming it made him sexier for the ladies. Not once minding the way he looked. It came with the territory I guess. He was an up and comer at sports, working his body well beyond its limits to do what he needed to win. That was just how Wesley was, a go-getter and strong competitor to boot. So seeing him give his own mother a knowing look, he bit into his granny smith apple, glancing down at the yellow and white jersey he had been wearing.


    ¡°Do you really need to ask? You know she did, if not I wouldn¡¯t have been ready for my game this morning.¡± Wesley answered, sounding more bored than threatened by his own mother''s tone of voice. Then he smiled, raising his half-eaten apple out at me in greeting. ¡°Oh, thanks for all those apples, sis, everyone was getting bored of those nasty oranges,¡± he added going on his way to his room. Wesley came through, just like he always did. That was one thing I never had to doubt, that Wesley and Blake had my back even when our mother made my life a living hell. Between the beatings and punishments, they were always there to see to it I was okay. My wonderful little brothers, the red-headed duo with hearts of gold and a mother of evil.


    ~Carla¡¯s POV~


    Rage was building within me, this putrid child thinking she had the upper hand. That she would be able to be happy when I can¡¯t be? If it wasn¡¯t for the money her father brought in I would have left this place long ago. But the money was good and my boys had their father. Crossing my arms under my chest, I needed to think of a means to make her suffer. To put that final nail in her coffin so maybe when she leaves she¡¯ll make this easier for me and take her own life. It wasn¡¯t much of a life anyway. She wasn¡¯t a pretty thing, her face on the thinner side, hips not as curvy as my own. The only thing she had going for her was her chest size and even that wasn¡¯t impressive thanks to the boys¡¯ shirts I made her wear. Even her hair was a mess a majority of the time. The long chestnut curls she had gotten from her father, once cute when she was young, deduced to nothing more than wavy spirals held back with a rubber band. This girl was pathetic and I was more than happy to say it was my doing. More than happy in fact, I relished in her pain.


    Waiting till I heard my son¡¯s door close I bought my time. Watching little Ebony visibly relax thinking she was off the hook. The hell she was, she would never be out of harm''s reach. She just...did not know it yet. With the click of the door, I brought my hand up and swung, feeling the back of my hand make contact with her cheek. Tingling from the blow resonating through my arm, sparking a bit of excitement in my heart. It felt wonderful knowing I still had the upper hand. Ebony stumbling back clutching her cheek, the fear in her large brown eyes...perfect. She hadn¡¯t thought I¡¯d hit her like this. That her little brother would have saved her skin when there is no saving her. Raising my hand up once more, I wanted to see her tears fall. To get my last kicks in before really crushing her as she was forced to leave here empty-handed. To die where she lands with only the shirt on her back.


    Smirking, I lashed out weaving my fingers into her hair and pulling it tight. Yanking and twisting until she let out a scream of pain. I felt several strands grow limp within my grasp. With each forceful tug of my hand they were ripped from her scalp, each one sure to cause their own sparks of pain. Along with them came those beautiful echoing cries of pain that fed this sadistic want of mine. My want for my life to be only for me once more and not for a brat like her.


    ¡°You really think I¡¯d give a crap what your brother said?! Huh?! Think again, Ebony! ¡° I spat gripping her right arm tightly with my left hand, digging my nails into her skin. Her heartbeat was racing, chest heaving in and out showing me she was trying to hold in her tears. Trying to keep me from getting what I wanted from her. This was the last-ditch effort that I would give up and just let her wake away. But oh I wasn¡¯t done. No, no. I wanted to let it be known should she try to return, this would be her fate. That she was no longer welcome into this home, no matter what her father said. I am the Queen, this is my castle and no street rat would dare attempt to change that!


    Dragging her down the hall and down the stairs, her feet stumbled trying to maintain balance, jerking my arm about with each step. Oh, how I wished she would just fall, to go tumbling down these stairs and get hurt. If she did then maybe she¡¯d be too damaged afterward to do much of anything. Let alone maintaining her ¡®new, happy, life¡¯ would create strain for her should she be physically hurt as well. It was a fun thought, to say the least, but if she got too hurt her father would just baby her again. He would give her whatever she could possibly want as she healed, making me lose money in the process. She would get better and then we¡¯d be at this again. It would be a continuous cycle of her trying to escape, me getting in the way and her father breaking his back to fill her with ¡® the confidence needed to succeed.¡¯, Whatever that is.


    Either way, Ebony was going to be no more to me. So I best make do with the time I have and enjoy the look of pain within this pathetic girl¡¯s eyes. Dragging her cowering form towards the front of the house, my gaze briefly shifted towards the grandfather clock in the foyer. There was a half-hour left of torture for this girl. Within that half hour, there was no telling what all I would do.


    ~Ebony''s Pov~


    My legs ached, head throbbed, and my chest stung with each steady increase to the assault. The hair-pulling was one thing, the dragging, on the other hand, was too much. I didn''t understand what I had even done wrong. Why was it every time she saw me, she wanted to hurt me? Why...was I so hated?


    The pressure released from my scalp, a firm shove from my mother''s arm sent me into the counter. My hip struck the corner when I tried to catch myself. Pressing the palm of my hand into the tender area, I tried to keep my tears to a minimum. There would definitely be a bruise there in an hour or so, the stone countertop being the hardest thing, besides the floor, I''ve been thrown against. But this being a harsher pain.


    " Aww did you get hurt?" She mocked pressing her lips together trying to make her voice sound sweeter, to mask the evil in her heart. Her eyes gave her away, the mischievous and dark gaze sent chills down my spine. Watching her, I felt for the knob to the kitchen door. It would have been in arms reach of where I had ended up. It was my only way out with the living room and dining room at her back. She was closing the gap between us, her brown eyes flashing a soft blue as she stared me down.


    I didn''t spare a moment to gawk, turning the handle and quickly throwing the glass door open in one swoop. Ducking under her arms, I made my escape outside. Feet crunching against the cut lawn, a gentle breeze brushing against my tear-stained cheeks. She wouldn''t touch me out here, not with the neighbors able to see. Turning back to look at her seeing the sender woman easing the door closed, leaving me outside.


    I had kept running until my legs couldn''t carry me any longer. Everything I owned was back at the home of that demon, even the documents I needed to leave this country and enter France. I was officially at a loss with no place to go. Leaning against a shady tree I fought to catch my breath. I hated running, hated how it made my heart race to the point it felt like it was ready to burst. Forcing breath after breath into my lungs, the burning assured me this was reality. I was several blocks from my home and outside, not stuck in another fantasy.


    "Well now what?" I breathlessly asked myself, letting my head fall back against the rough trunk. "Come on, Ebony...you can''t just let her get away with this¡­"I tried to encourage myself into acting. I could go get a hold of my father at his job...But then I would need to wait another week or so for another plane out. By then my mother would have another plan to set me back. I could always go use a payphone and call Bianca. Though that would only help if I had my wallet or purse on me. Well, that...and a working payphone, if there even are any left. Sliding down the length of the tree, I sat down on an exposed root. There was nothing that could be done without returning home it seems. I didn¡¯t know our neighbors all too well to seek their help. They probably didn¡¯t know me either for that matter, I wasn¡¯t one to step out of the house if it wasn¡¯t for school. If I did my mother would usually chase me back inside.


    Heaving a heavy sigh I chose to look up at the clouds above. There would be about ten minutes before my ride to the airport would show up and here I was...with nothing. A sad pathetic twenty-year-old girl on the verge of adventure, sitting under a tree, crushed, thanks to a monster living in a suit of human flesh. Leaning forward I brought my knees to my chest, holding onto them tightly in hopes that some plan would come to me. That I would be able to pull something from out of thin air to make things work out in the end.


    ¡°You know, you can¡¯t get far without Identification.¡± A softer male voice spoke up growing louder the closer he got. Glancing towards the back road, which acted more like a driveway for the street than a road, I could see  Alexander, Wesley¡¯s twin, walking towards me. They looked almost exactly the same, minus Alex¡¯s slightly thinner body, lower muscle mass, and his more innocent appearance. He often stuck to basic clothes that were light and let his body breathe, just like now. Wearing a simple white t-shirt and form-fitting ripped jeans, he looked like the typical popular boy that would make anyone wonder who he would be interested in. Nevertheless, I was excited to see him. Hanging across his chest was the strap of my duffle bag and in his hands all my papers. Alex¡¯s deep brown eyes shimmering as he gave the tiniest of smiles.


    ¡°Alex...you...you¡¯re helping me?¡± I breathed feeling a large lump forming in my throat. Alex, my youngest brother was helping me. He normally stayed out of the beast¡¯s line of sight, but now here he was in all his glory. Granted he didn¡¯t look too proud of himself, the shakiness of his steps giving it away, he still came. Pushing up off the ground I didn¡¯t care how dirty my pants had gotten. Going to my brother, tears of joy threatening to fall from my eyes the longer I looked over him.


    ¡°Of course, You would do the same for me...I know you would.¡± He remarked, rubbing the back of his neck, looking away from me to peer down the road. ¡°Also...you know I hate that name, Sis...please can you just call me Blake?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll call you whatever, Al-...Um...Blake. ¡° I blushed helping him remove the heavy bag from his shoulder, then throwing it over my own, freeing up his arms for a tight sisterly embrace. Hugging my brothers didn¡¯t happen often, but when it did it was a special moment. Like a new stronger link had been added to our connection assuring us that we would always have each other. It wasn¡¯t till today that I saw how my actions towards them had mattered. All other times there was never a thank you or any sign of them being grateful for what I did. It was when Alex hugged me back, his chest heaving roughly trying to mask his own silent tears, did I see he would miss me. Not just him, Westley was going to miss me too. Alex¡¯s hands gripped the back of my shirt tightly, his arms shaking with the inevitable tears. Each little droplet getting matched by my own salty tears.


    ¡°Stay safe sis¡­¡± He murmured into my ear, starting to ease his grip on my clothes.


    ¡° I¡¯ll do my best, Blake. Just¡­ please promise me you¡¯ll call or write. Okay?¡± I requested forcing myself to step away from him. Holding onto him any longer was going to start getting to me, even more so than now. Brushing the tears from my eyes with my fingertips, I took the papers from him, holding them tightly to my chest.


    ¡°I promise. ¡° He agreed, smiling while glancing back toward the road. There waiting was the taxi that would take me to the airport. A tan-skinned man with black hair and green eyes stood there outside the yellow car, waiting for me. How he knew to be in this spot, I didn¡¯t know nor did I question it. Following Alex to the vehicle, he helped me get in. His smooth hand lightly pushing on the door, making sure it shut behind me, sealing my fate from thereon. Staring at him through the lightly tinted window, I gave him a small smile. Raising my hand up even to give a final wave as the driver took off, leaving me to watch the redhead slip from the view of the window.


    Easing back into the cracking leather seat, I ran my fingers through my ever-growing hair, I fought the sadness that crept into my heart. There was a newfound pain creeping its way into my heart. A pain created from leaving someone you care deeply for behind. In this case I left two important people behind in my life, Alex and Wesley. My baby brothers that still tried to help me even knowing what our mother would do if she had found out. Just knowing this was going to put them in danger, but this had been their choice to help me escape in the end. All I could do was be there when it was time for their turn to slip out of her grasp, to give them a sanctuary away from the monster within those walls.


    ''They will be okay. They¡¯re stronger than they look. '' I thought, gripping the strap of my bag tightly feeling the wave of sadness loosening its hold on me. Finally allowing me the chance to smile as a new door in my life opened. I was on my way to happiness and once I found it, I will be able to let my pain officially go. I could finally become someone I would be proud of and I couldn¡¯t wait.


    "The airport, please. I have a plane to catch. " I told the driver, giving him the warmest smile I could muster at that moment. Looking into the reflection of the rearview mirror, I could see him give a nod. His eyes looking ahead of him as we fell into silence. There was nothing more to say really. Soon I would be in France with Bianca and together we will form our own adventure in a country I¡¯ve been excited to see. Till then, I was content with gazing out the back passenger window, watching the town I had grown accustomed to slipping away. With each vibrant green tree that blurred past, my worries stayed behind. The weight gradually lifting from my shoulders, what remained was complete bliss. It was finally happening and I couldn¡¯t wait. With the biggest smile on my face I got my final look at the town sign, muttering under my breath; ¡®Goodbye past...Hello Future.¡¯

 Mint and Honey

    France was like a living fairy tale. With its hills of green as far as the eye could see and flowers appearing brighter under its stunning clear skies. The homes appeared much like the ones in old stories. A perfect blend of stone and wooden cottages that had been beautifully decorated with either dark wood trim or charming ecru color. All together paired with ivy that would climb the stones, giving the homes that fantasy appearance. It was a breath of fresh air for me. A little slice of heaven hidden within the chaos of the world kept a secret so that others may have a chance to experience its beauty.


    Sitting in the back seat of the cab that had driven me from the airport to Vinfort, a small town that seemed to be hidden well within the countryside of Brittany, France. It was a quaint little town from what I could tell, the people coming across as interesting to me though. It was hard to explain really, but it felt like I was seeing things out of the corner of my eyes that hadn¡¯t been there. Much like the shadows that you would swear you had seen move, only to see nothing had been there. I know I had done it quite a few times in my life, seeing things move out of the corners of my eyes. But this¡­ this was different. There were no shadows, no gimmicks, or even markings on the back passenger windows.


    Taking out my phone, I switched it to camera mode, wanting to get a picture of the bakery as we drove past. Angling the lens, praying the shot would be perfect and not blurry for once this trip. Taking one last look at the shop, my finger froze over the button unable to press it to take the shot. Right as I was about to take the photo a woman and son were walking out of the shop. Her face framed in warm caramel locks that joined into a low hanging braid at her back. Her body on the average side, not too much weight on her bones, but enough to say she was healthy. She had a light green shimmer about her when she entered the sunlight. Little sparkles that flaked off creating a dull light before melding with the son¡¯s even brighter lavender speckles. He smiled up at his mother, clutching her hand in his right hand and the goodies in his left. Everything about him was normal, to say the least. It hadn¡¯t been till he had glanced towards the moving car, just as I had gotten ready to take the photo, had his face contorted. The innocent look twisting, stretching into a jagged unrealistic appearance. His almond-shaped eyes now sharply pointed and painted black, tongue forked jutting out between his lips. Even his flesh had turned into a grotesque green, reminding me of slime.


    Jumping back in shock, my phone fell from my hand to the cab floor. My hand covering my hand trembling in shock. What had I just seen?! Twisting back quickly, I peered through the back window only to see a normal mother and son walking without a care in the world. There was no glowing lights and no mutant monster child holding onto the woman¡¯s hand.


    ¡°¨ºtes-vous d''accord?¡± The driver suddenly questioned, his warm chocolate brown eyes looking back at me through the mirror. My heart was beating a million miles a minute at that point. I must have been tired from the trip. That was the only way to explain what I had seen. Nervously looking back at him, I held onto myself in hopes of finding comfort in my own embrace.


    ¡°I-I¡¯m sorry...I-I don¡¯t know what you¡¯re asking.¡± I stammered hearing my own weakness in my voice.


    ¡°I asked, ¡®Are you alright, Miss¡¯? ¡° He reiterated, speaking broken English, his rich accent making it a tad bit difficult for me to understand. If it wasn¡¯t for my thoughts replaying his words, I probably wouldn¡¯t have understood him.


    ¡°Y-Yes, sir. Thank you. U-umm¡­ How much longer until we get there?¡± I managed to speak, feeling like nothing more than a foolish tourist that couldn¡¯t be bothered to learn the native language.


    ¡°About five to ten minutes. ¡° He answered focusing back on the road ahead of him, clearly done with driving an outsider like myself. Letting out a soft sigh, I leaned down searching for my phone. I would be home shortly, then maybe I could work on fitting in with everyone. I would need to learn the language first...but I was sure I could manage it. Well, I was hopeful about the idea of learning it. Till I knew it, I would have to rely on Bianca when she gets here.


    Picking up my phone, I brushed off any dirt it may have picked up. Carefully looking over the screen not even seeing a scratch on the screen. I almost had been certain that it would have some sort of mark on the screen, it did hit the door and my foot before making it to the ground. Touching the power button on the side the screen shown a blinding light, the camera still active. It had taken a picture before it had ultimately fallen. How? Couldn¡¯t tell you. I barely knew how myself. Curious, I swiped left to see what the photo had been of. ¡®N-No way!¡¯ I thought, distracted by the sight before me. On the screen, looking back at me had been a perfect shot of the bakery. Its low hanging roof and large bay windows full of baked goods were in full view. The short stubby man filling the nearest basket with large loaves of bread. However, the mother and son that had been in front were nowhere in sight. Only a faint shimmering light by the bakery door had been left in their place. Now I knew I needed to sleep.


    Resting at the top of a slight incline was the house I would be living in. It was a simple single floor cottage with a waist-high cobblestone wall enclosing the yard. The exterior of the house was breathtaking to behold, everything blending perfectly together. The soft cream-colored stone walls were framed in darker stone bricks that served as gripping for the traveling ivy. Pairing that with the wooden awning that had been covered in the rich dark green plant life, making the violet flowers resemble the Christmas lights that were strung through the netting to light up bushes. If it wasn¡¯t for the fact these flowers were attached to the vines I would have thought them to be nothing more than lights, or an artificial replica of real flowers.


    Smiling softly, I ran my hand along the top of the smooth iron of the front gate, gripping it tightly to push it open. My eyes had wandered over the yard on the other side of the wall, wanting to take in all I could before seeing what the inside would hold for me. Inside the perimeter of the wall were small shrubs that followed the length of the wall. The larger bushes that harbored hydrangeas resting against the edging of the porch and it¡¯s slightly cracked wooden steps. There had been several other little flowers residing in small flower beds and pots in the side yard, outlining a section of outdoor seating perfectly marked by the broken stone foundation under the metal furniture. It was the perfect place to enjoy some sun, as well as to really enjoy the beauty of the garden.


    I never got to enjoy the outside for long, mostly on the walks to and from school was where that enjoyment came from. Otherwise, I had been locked indoors and kept out of the sight of others. But now, maybe I could find some outdoor activities that could allow me the chance to enjoy the garden. Possibly something like I don''t know, painting?


    Gripping the strap of my bag, I was eager to see the secrets that the inside held. Maybe more mystical surprises that would further my idea of this place belonging inside a fairytale. Following the circular stone path up to the steps, I briefly admired the door and its shady glory. Taking my first step onto the porch a gentle breeze wafted past, sending the heavenly scent of fresh honey with it.


    It took but a moment for me to find my keys from within the depths of my pocket. Fishing them out using the angel wing keychain that Bianca had given me once she had made herself a copy for when she arrived. I had already missed her dearly during the trip here. So it was nice to have a trinket like this to wish on, to pray that my dearest and only friend, would make it back to me in one piece.


    Until she did, I was left to explore the house on my own, possibly the town should she take longer than a week. Shaking my head I pushed such thoughts out of my mind, not wanting to jinx it as I pushed open the heavy door. The wood felt far thicker than it had looked from far away. Inside a musky odder seemed to linger, fusing itself with the honey scent from moments before, creating a putrid aroma that made me gag. Covering my nose, I had to force myself to move beyond the doorway, even though I had begun to doubt the conditions of the inside.


    "Well...it could be worse." I sighed being welcomed by a dust-filled living room, complete with a fireplace and an antique rug that has seen better days. Back in the day, the old flowers may have looked really beautiful, but now they were nothing but horrifying. The layers of dust had dyed every cover and every curtain grey. Lucky for me the curtains had been eaten through by moths and other bugs to let more light in. It wasn''t much light so I couldn''t see the extent of the work needed, which I was grateful for.Stolen story; please report.


    The first room in its current messy state was unnerving. From what the documents had told me my relative that had lived here was my grandmother. Apparently, one that my father didn''t wish to recall when asked about her. As odd as it was, the information regarding her passing had stated she had perished months prior to this moment. So how the dirt and grime had gotten to this extent I couldn''t fathom. Looking for any signs of a light fixture, I only needed to follow the low hanging cobwebs towards a small chandelier hanging above an oval coffee table. My heart sank seeing the state of what would have been a stunning fixture. It had been reduced to nothing more than a Halloween decoration with the amount of dense webbing strung about its limbs without a care for how it would appear. With how it looked now and night only hours away, I feared to have to use it for lighting. If one of those webs caught fire this home would be gone.


    "Well...I won''t be taking a nap anytime soon¡­" I murmured, lugging myself and my bag further into the home. From how the walls and flooring went it was easy to find the hallway just by the archway alone. It was hand-carved resembling the vines out front acting as a marker towards the back of the home. I knew the wallpaper might need to be changed, possibly replaced. As nice as I found the smaller bits of floral, I had a feeling Bianca would want them gone. Finding a somewhat sturdy table that had rested at the edge of the hallway, a plug just underneath it, to place my cell phone and charger while I cleaned. I would need to start now if I wanted to get some form of sleep my first night here.


    Digging the black cord from the bottom of my bag, I did just that. Plugging in my phone, watching the little white battery in the corner spawn a lightning bolt within it. It was the confirmation I needed to get on my way. Continuing down the hallway to pick out my room. There had been five doors that lined the hallway, only two of them being different from the rest. The first door on the left had three intricate budding roses carved into the face of the door. It led down to the basement from what I recall. The next one being the door on the right which was the smallest of two bedrooms.


    ¡°I¡¯ll have to make Bianca take that one since she¡¯s late. ¡° I giggled knowing that Bianca would probably have a hard time fitting all her clothes within that room. If it was such a big deal there was an attic that was accessible through the door all the way at the end of the hall. The one with only two flowers carved into its surface. There was a set of stairs behind that door that led straight up to the large open space. So if need be we could always split it into space for her and a space for me.


    The third door in the hall was on the left side, which is the master bedroom with its own bathroom attached. That was the room I would promptly claim as my own. Space larger than what I was used to, that would be a nice change to start with.


    Gripping the imitation crystal knob in my hand, I readied myself for what I would see beyond this point. Before my room had been comparable to a walk-in closet, barely enough space to do much with the remaining space. Upon opening the door to my new room, it took all I had not to cry. There was a large window that overlooked the garden and the hillside up until it blended into the horizon. The large queen size bed resting to the fare right of the room, with a beautiful white four-post frame. It was the largest bed I had ever owned. The thrill of getting to finally have more space than I knew what to do with was getting to me. Tears poured from my eyes the longer I stared at my new room. The bag on my shoulder slipping from my grasp hitting the floor with a loud thud. Yes, the space was pretty dirty, just like the rest of the house. But I didn¡¯t care. This house and all inside it was mine and no nasty witch of a woman would change that this time. It was all I could ever want and the hard work needed to make it as stunning as before would be worth the lack of sleep.


    ¡°W-Well Ebony, you made it. ¡° I breathed brushing the tears away with the palm of my hand. Going over to the window, smiling when the lock clicked letting me open it nice and wide to let in some of that sweet country air. ¡° There is no turning back, only going forward. ¡°


    Leaving the window open I went about the rest of the house, opening the windows each room had to let in some air. For the long hours of light left I would be cleaning up all that I could. Only when complete exhaustion took away my ability to move will I stop. Who knows before I know it, Bianca might walk through the front door, completing this perfect escape with me. For now, I had dirt, grime, and spiders galore to vanquish before I could even think of the next wish that weighed on my heart.


    Out in the Garden.


    She''s here! She''s Here! With the scent of Mint and Honey on the air, the sign had been given. The next of many attempts have finally now shown herself within the town of Vinfort. It had been a long while since the previous mortal had been within the home. More than ten years to say the least. However, it was always easy to coax the next one out of hiding. The poor pathetic toys never knowing what it is they were meant for before losing it all.


    Just knowing that the girl had entered the home brought excitement into the dark depths hidden under the porch. Hearing her moving through the house, opening window after window, stepping on several squeaky floorboards as she went. A solid black mass had stirred awake after a long rest, it¡¯s body trembling with the thoughts of torturing the girl. It¡¯s bright red eyes opened wide with the next gust of wind. It could smell her, no, it could taste her on the air. The targets energy-rich and ever ripening. Soon it would be ready for the plucking and it couldn¡¯t wait.


    It''s scaled belly shifting, swaying from side to side as it made its way out of the shadows, slithering over the warm stepping stones. It¡¯s body darting quickly over the smooth surface so not to be seen. It knew the yard well by now, having spent more time than it had ever wanted to within the cobblestone walls. It chose to hide among the dirt and twigs each time the newcomer stepped outside with something to toss into the trash.


    Raising its head, It got a better look at the girl. Her long brown hair had been tied up in a messy bun. Her body was difficult to tell what type it was. It couldn¡¯t see if she was thick, thin, or even curvy thanks to the baggy shirt hiding any figure she may have had. The only clear depiction was she had long slender legs that allowed her to take longer strides in and out of the house. As well as the fact her brown eyes watered each time she coughed. The pillows of dust taking to the air whenever she tossed the messy covers out onto the porch. She wasn¡¯t getting a break it seemed. With each dust-ridden covering came more coughing. Each cough made the slippery thing pray she would get sick right there only to grow disgruntled when she returned to what she had been doing. The door shutting tightly behind her.


    "How bland. How bland. This one will have to be dealt with quickly." It muttered going quickly towards the left side of the home. Traveling through the growing shadows, it kept itself close to the ground. Using edges and bushes for the extra cover should it need to. There were moments through its sneaking the light illuminated the black scales pressing against its slender form. Light refracting off its surface, bending and twisting with the motions of its body It was careful with its motions, inching closer and closer towards the base of the kitchen window.


    Pressing itself against the side of the house, it took a moment to rest. It needed to plan, to wait till the coast was clear. It wouldn¡¯t have been a big deal had the girl inside spotted it, no it was never a problem. The problem was the waiting rats with wings that mistook it for a simple garter snake. There had been countless times where they had given it away, Forcing it to act far too early and needing to wait longer to reach the inside.


    Watching the final bird flutter away, it coiled its body into the deep green ivy that stretched upward and around the window frame. It was the perfect place to gain access to the home. As well as the easiest means to enter without being seen. Taking a few quick glances around the open area, it then took off up the vine. Climbing swiftly, weaving in and out between the tangled mess of foliage. Barely even noticing the leaves that brushed against its dark glistening scales. It''s bone-chilling eyes on the prize, darting through the window, crashing to the tile floor below.


    ''Now to hide.'' It thought, feeling the vibrations of the girl''s monstrous footsteps warning the creature of her impending entry into the very room he was in. Needing to think quickly it chose an easy access point at that moment.  Moving along the base of the counters, blending in almost seamlessly against the dark marble tiling. It planned on using the different shades of grey and black to its advantage, just like it had countless times prior. Pressing the tip of its nose against the cracks of the cabinet doors, It grew desperate. Peering off towards the living room, it could see her. She was removing the cobwebs from the ceiling with the old curtains. The current one in her hands, loaded with the pesky buggers. Which meant only two things, she would use the kitchen door to go beat them out or the front. Either way, it needed to hurry.


    Continuing to nudge the cabinet doors, the one under the sink swayed with ease. It was far from the perfect hiding place, but it would have to do. Squeezing its body through the crack, it found a spot hidden in the back to lie in wait. Hidden from her sight, yet able to see her even with the wooden door before its eyes. The creature¡¯s bright crimson eyes glowing in anticipation for what was to come. Watching the shadow as it passed in front of the cracked door, it let out a peal of soft laughter. She was left with no clue of what was in her home, lurking from the shadows and it was enjoying it. Now left with only one task left to do, Wait. Once night fell and her body gave out, it would strike. Until then its blood-colored eyes mockingly watched her. Its mind chanting over and over; ¡® Bathe in the blood of the gates key...forever the sky will remain stained green.¡¯

 Hello Gorgeous

    It was hard to miss the plumes of thick black smoke from my spot on the hillside. It was easy to find this time compared to the last. The clouds were much thicker, more devastating in appearance compared to before. They swallowed up every inch of blue in the sky, snuffing it out like the flame of a candle. There was no time to admire the beauty of the hillside either this time around. It felt like some had hit the fast forward button on the remote. The quick succession of events was disorienting, throwing me off the flow of things. Entering through the door might as well have been a vague memory. The trip through the cold stone passageway, a blur of grey and green as I made my way out. The only event that seemed to be happening correctly was the town burning. Sure there were minor differences, but this part felt slower.


    ¡®The Dragon would be next¡­¡¯ I thought, feeling my heart race in my chest. Panic was setting in earlier than it should have. Reaching up I gripped my chest curiously wondering why I was feeling this. The bad part hasn¡¯t happened yet. The crimson roses that lined the hillside hadn¡¯t even been set on fire yet. The parts that had made this dream a nightmare for me hadn¡¯t even shown itself. So...why was I feeling like this?


    ¡°Stupid Girl. Stupid Girl.¡± A raspy female voice spoke before letting out an eerily soft laugh. It was the laugh of someone plotting, too menacing to be normal. Yet it was calm enough it could have been mistaken as a laugh from Hannibal Lector himself.


    ¡°Who¡¯s there?¡± I found myself calling out, looking around me for signs of another being. There was nothing around me that could have produced that voice. Spinning in circles just trying to see what could be laughing, it was getting closer. The sky darkened with the press of a button. Everything had begun speeding out of control. The darkness choking out the light, the dragon soaring over the hillside spitting fire as it went. Even the crimson flowers lighting up faster than dried leaves. All the while that voice kept speaking, mocking me.


    ¡°You can¡¯t stop it. You could never stop it,¡± it spoke from behind me.


    ¡°Weak. Weak. Weak.¡± it then laughed at my right. My skin crawling, not knowing what to do. Its voice was ringing in my ears, piercing into my brain where it played on repeat. Even multiplied by the hundreds creating new voices that spoke all at once. Gripping my head in pain, I had a hard time hearing the cloaked figure speaking behind me. The pain in my head only being off tilted by the blade that had been plunged into my chest. The cool steel ripping and tearing the delicate flesh, freeing the crimson river from inside me. My chest was tightening, heart struggling to pump blood to the rest of my body. My lungs were unable to expand fully thanks to the blade. I couldn¡¯t tell you what felt worse, the knife wound of the feeling of being choked out by steel. Either way, I didn¡¯t like this.


    Stumbling forward, my hands gripped the blood-soaked blade not even caring that the fleshy part of my hands was getting sliced up in the process. I was fighting to push the blade back out the way it came. I wanted to breathe, I needed to breathe. Weezing, I pushed on the blade, crying in pain. The steal only twisting, pressing against my ribs further lodging itself into my body. The blinding pain soon met with the final strike of a boot against my back, starting my fall into the flames.


    ¡®Can¡¯t Win! Can¡¯t Win!¡¯


    ¡®Die! Die! Die!¡¯ The voice kept screeching into my ears. All thoughts that were mine getting blocked out by the screams, the wishes of my suffering. Falling headfirst I could see it all. The flames that had been waiting to consume me and the end of my life. Among those flames was something different than all the other times. Either I hadn¡¯t noticed it before or this was new. Resting at the edge of the flames was a sleek black serpent. It¡¯s ruby eyes staring me down during my descent. Stretching its body out, the narrow head rose high enough for its body to recoil back. It was wobbling to and fro, eyes glowing brighter the higher the flames went. I couldn¡¯t move out of the way, it¡¯s body expanding to take up more and more of the space in front of me. There was nowhere left to go. It¡¯s thickened body sprung out, jaws opening wide following aloud hiss. Two sharp fangs protruded out of the plus pink inner mouth, large droplets of venom seeping from the points.


    ¡°No!¡± I screamed, my body lurching forward. My heart was beating like a drum. It had been a dream, nothing more than a dream. Yet it had felt so real...just like all the other times. I wanted so much to just cry, What was happening to me? I couldn¡¯t recall having fallen asleep, after cleaning the house the day before. My only clue of being asleep had been that dark oak door. I didn¡¯t even remember sitting down on the ugly floral couch in the living room, much less closing my eyes.


    ¡°It¡¯s just a dream...Just a dream.¡± I breathed, attempting to soothe this racing heart of mine. Taking several deep breaths, I could still smell the lemon disinfectant spray and orange-scented floor cleaner that had been used to clean every reachable surface. It filled this once disgusting home with a newfound sense of life. That, and it made the house smell like a tea lovers paradise. Which I was happy with. I always enjoyed the different scents within coffee shops anyway. So this was rather enjoyable for me.


    My body ached with each motion. Sleeping on an old sofa wasn¡¯t the wisest of choices on my part. Then again neither was laying so that only my feet were outstretched, leaving my body to lean at an odd angle against the plush backing in search of comfort. Either way, it was too late to be concerned about how I had slept. I¡¯m up and in need of a morning drink before going back to work on the house. With a loud yawn I ran my hand through the tangled mess I called hair. Moving from the living room to the kitchen, passing under the archway into a much cleaner world than what I had seen before. The dark granite countertops no longer caked in layers of dust, finally able to reflect the sun¡¯s light off its surface.  It was nice to be back in a clean home, definitely making it easier to find everything now. Well...and it made me more willing to use the items within the home.


    "That''s odd¡­" I muttered noticing that the white mug I had hung up in a silver hook, under the cabinet, had been moved. Resting close to the sink on the window sill. Eyeing it carefully, I picked it up looking over every inch of it. There didn''t seem to be any wires or fishing line on it. Even then I don''t think fishing line or wire would be strong enough to remove it from the hook without damaging the cup. With a shrug I rinsed it out, placing it on the drying rack so I could get what I needed for instant coffee. It wasn''t the best wake up drink in the world, but it''s what I had until I could get a coffee maker later. There are just some things I wouldn''t trust after seeing the grime that had grown on its surface.


    Taking the small metal tin from the cabinet I placed that down on the counter as well. All that was left was to make the water. Turning on my heel I fished out a rose teapot from the curio cabinet that sat opposite the counters beside the archway. Admiring the aqua tinted glass panes as I carefully closed the large piece of intricate furniture. Smiling to myself seeing how the bright red stain glass roses reflected the light against my skin. Tinting it so it resembled a watered-down red as you¡¯d find from water paints. A simple, yet soothing color to the eyes. One that I had grown a custom to seeing on the pieces of artwork once hanging on the walls in my father¡¯s study. I could almost picture the image of a beautiful brunette sitting within a pure white gazebo, bordered by light pink morning glories and the different colored rose bushes in the background.


    ¡°I wonder if Father still has that painting.¡± I murmured going over to the sink. Filling the coffee pot, I kept thinking about that painting. The gentle brushstrokes that showed more emotion and care than any of the other paintings that had taken its place. It was just something about those stunning green eyes of the woman that made my heart swell. Even now my heart grew warmer at the thought of it. I may not understand why but I didn¡¯t care.


    Waiting for the water to boil, I went back to the sink for my mug. Looking over the drying rack, I couldn¡¯t seem to find it. One would think finding a solid white mug would be easy. Especially since it was the only item in the barren rack. Scratching my head, I knew I had left it here, so where had it gone? Gazing over the countertop, I tried to find it figuring I would have moved it closer to the stove had I moved it, to begin with. Even going as far as checking the circular dining table that sat beside the bay window with a view of the garden. It wasn¡¯t there, either.


    Tapping my chin in thought, I jumped when the teapot let out an ear-piercing whistle. It made my eardrums ring and my head pound. Groaning in discomfort, I quickly turned off the stove and used a potholder to move it to a colder burner. As much as I hated lukewarm coffee, I hated that whistling noise more. It was a headache waiting to happen. Possibly worse than a one given to you by the grinding of worn breaks on an old car.


    ¡®Now...Where the hell did that mug go?¡¯ I thought, trying to retrace my steps from the point I put it down till now, Hoping I could figure out where it had gone. Walking about the kitchen in circles for this one item was maddening. How could I lose something I had just had? Looking again beside the stove I cursed under my breath. Now the tin with my instant coffee was missing. Both items I needed to make my morning beverage was gone and I had no idea where they had gone. It was mind-boggling. I know I had put them both down, granted in different spots, but I had known where they were. How had making a simple cup of coffee turn into a game of hide-and-seek?


    ¡°You¡¯ve got to be kidding me?!¡± I exclaimed loudly, hitting my hand against the counter. I was far too confused and aggravated to be calm now. Taking out a different white mug with a thick navy blue band, I would have to settle for tea. It wasn¡¯t my first choice, but I wasn¡¯t going to waste any more time trying to find those misplaced things. There was still so much that needed to be done and I couldn¡¯t waste another moment. Dropping the tea bag into the mug I added the water. The gentle wisps of steam rising from the ceramic glass, the clear liquid stained amber thanks to the teabag. In a few moments, the tea would be ready and I could finally move onto exploring the house further. Digging up other interesting trinkets that had been left to be unearthed.


    It was exciting to envision what could be up in those boxes, or even hidden in the depths of the basement. Who knows what could be found and if it would be something one of a kind. Picking up my glass I took a deep breath, inhaling the rich aroma of the herbal tea inside. Letting the pleasant scent ease my aggravation for the time being. Taking a sip already feeling the warm liquid travel down my throat to my stomach. Giggling softly at this newfound warmth I hated to admit how helpful this was. Gripping the mug tighter in my hands, I went to the table, sitting down to enjoy this moment after that mess. It may not have been my coffee but it was going to do the trick either way. It just so happens I love the more robust taste of the coffee over the light earthy taste that tea had.


    Closing my eyes, I took a small sip. Taking a moment to contemplate my next course of action. With an ever-growing list of things to do, I needed to plan out where to go from here. Should I start with the attic first? Or move on to the basement? Both areas have yet to be seen and both would be a problem and a half to deal with. Especially if they were in a worse state than the main floor of the home. I could only imagine what they both looked like after so long. No one ever spends time in an attic or basement so the amount of gunk that would be coating what could be in them¡­


    "Ugh!" I gagged just picturing it. Covering my mouth to keep from spitting up my drink, I forced myself to swallow. "Let¡¯s not do that again¡­" I sighed, placing my cup down, getting up to rinse out my mouth. I could almost taste the chalky grit in my mouth from just picturing the room. So much so even the naturally strong taste of the tea wasn''t masking it.  Turning on the water I cupped my hands under the water. Carefully bringing it to my lips, I sloshed the cool liquid around my mouth and spit it out. It helped remove some of the repulsive taste, though it was still mostly there.


    Taking another mouthful of water into my mouth, I tried to get some of the remnants out. Standing upright I patted my mouth dry with some paper towels, looking out the window as I did. As I stared an odd blurry blotch in the reflection caught my attention. It was small in shape and appeared to be resting on a wooden surface. The longer I looked the more details came into view.  Turning on my heels quickly I peered into the living room where the object would be. Sure enough...my mug and the jar of instant coffee was resting on the coffee table in the living room.


    "No way," I said in disbelief. Entering the living room I knelt by the table, eyeing the two eyes in amazement. How they had gotten there, I couldn''t even begin to explain. Picking up the mug I searched for any signs of it having been tampered with. Like a wire, possibly a marking or two on their smooth surfaces that could point me in the right direction. It was a long shot in my search. But I just couldn''t accept what I was seeing. How on earth had they gotten there? I distinctly remember putting them down in the kitchen, not out here on the coffee table.


    Turning the objects over in the palm, there were no signs of any tampering. No wires, no strings, and definitely no physical explanation on how they had ended up there. It was mind-boggling, to say the least. Maybe...I had put them there and forgot about it? That was a possibility. Either way, it was too late to make coffee now. I needed to finish cleaning, only then I could officially start planning the rest of my life.


    Holding the jar and mug in my hands, I made sure to put them away this time. As foolish as it was, I double-checked them after a few minutes. They were still there and hadn''t moved an inch from what I could tell. After cleaning up my mess from the tea, I left the kitchen. I didn''t want to risk losing my mind at the thought of objects moving once again. Believing it once was foolish enough. Believing it twice? I''d have to be clinically insane. Luckily, I had the perfect distraction in mind to keep me from replaying this questionable event. Picking up my phone from the end table in the hall, I scrolled through the apps quickly. My feet carried me down the hall passed bedroom doors to the end. I had found the app I was looking for, just as my hand gripped the doorknob. There wasn¡¯t a thought in my mind as I pressed the deep purple icon on the screen. Pandora opened up and the randomized Celtic music station began to play, filling the empty home with a calming rustic melody.


    It had only taken seconds for the air about the home to change. It felt airy like a huge weight had been lifted off my shoulders. I could finally breathe and not feel the strain of what was on my mind. More importantly, it made me want to write. To sit outside in the garden taking in the sun¡¯s warm embrace and just let my mind spin a tale that flowed with the song.


    ¡®I had gotten a lot done yesterday¡­¡¯ I thought, unable to suppress this urge of mine. What good was having a beautiful home if I couldn¡¯t enjoy it from time to time? It wasn¡¯t so much the procrastination that had changed my mind, but the soothing sound of the flute that played alongside an upbeat violin. I just wanted some time to relax. Maybe later I would start cleaning one of the other rooms. Right now, however, I had an itch that needed to be scratched. Retrieving my tablet, a notebook, and some pens from my room, I went out into the garden. But not before switching over Pandora over the tablet. Placing my phone back down on the table in the hall in passing. Leaving through the kitchen door, I shut the screen door behind me. Finding a spot to sit beside a blooming hydrangea bush. The little bit of shade it created would help me see the pages without being blinded by the sun. Well, that and it would make it a lot easier to see the tablet screen when it came time to change songs.


    Crossing my legs, I closed my eyes to let the music create the story it wished to tell. My notebook resting in my lap, pen in hand, I took a few little notes that came to mind. I could almost see it, a mother and child just living for each other. The mother, strong and kind, trying to protect the young girl from the dangers of the world. All the while teaching her what she needed to survive. Flashes of colors passed over my thoughts. Many different shades of red and blue, each one appearing as different sets of eyes. Clustering together they steadily filled the open space, choking out the tale I was trying to weave. With each new pair of eyes, the story fractured and broke apart. I could feel the pen in my hand scratch out what had been written down, replacing it with something else until that too would be scratched out. The air around me began to grow thicker feeling oddly cold against my skin. This whirlwind of colors, people, and events were spiraling out of control within my mind, constricting around my very being so I was forced to open my eyes. If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    The area before me was empty, void of anything other than the grass and the flowers that lined my home. In my lap rested the pages I had been attempting to write and rewrite over and over again. Every word blackened out to the point it was unrecognizable, all that could be read through the mess was a single color. The word was so simple and yet framed in the vast darkness like a warning.


    "Blue?" I managed to breathe, though my panic didn''t seem to leave me, however. My arms were shaking, body nervously turning trying to see what could have caused this happening. Pressing my right hand against the ground I stood up. Taking a moment to survey my surroundings, to listen for something that had not been there.  As I did I had noticed one major change. The music had stopped playing. Searching around my feet for the tablet, I began to wonder where it had gone. It was right beside me only minutes before, it shouldn''t have moved.


    I could feel the confusion growing, how could something with no means to move just up and vanish. First the mug and coffee and now my tablet. What more was going to be moved out from under my face?


    "Stupid girl...Stupid girl." A soft raspy voice spoke up. It sounded amused, enjoying how fractured my brain and emotions were getting. My eyes desperately scanning for the voice, stepping back towards the house.


    "W-who''s there?" I called out still foolishly praying that this was just a sick joke. That any second now Bianca would show up from around the corner and yell, ''Gotcha''. Inching closer to the screen door, I silently listened. Hoping there would be a muffled laugh or even something tangible I could grab hold of, to prove this was real.


    "Behind...You. " the voice hissed in my ear. I could feel it''s hot breath graze my skin, chills creeping up my spine. I could feel it standing there, waiting for me to turn around. But...I couldn''t bring myself to move. Terror had tethered my body to the ground. No matter how much I wanted to run away I couldn''t. Whatever this voice had me too scared to do anything. My heart rapidly beating in my chest, refusing to slow down for even a moment.


    Closing my eyes was all I could manage to do. Opening and closing my fists whilst I mentally fought for my movement back. I had to do something. I couldn''t let this unknown...thing scare me anymore. This was my house, my home, and my fresh start. I couldn''t let it mess with my head like it was. After all, up till now, I hadn''t seen who it was messing with me. So it could just as easily be my mind playing tricks on me due to my new living situation.


    The temporary paralysis steadily lifted, giving me the ability to raise my arms to my head. Pressing my fingers to my temples, I mentally drained from the events already. Telling myself there is nothing there over and over again wasn''t helping. Not with the feeling of eyes on me or the pressure within the space at my back.


    ''Just Breathe, Ebony. Breathe.'' I instructed myself, squatting in front of the screen door. I had kept my back towards the direction the voice had come from, hoping that if I ignored it it would leave.


    ''It won''t work. You can''t hide from me. '' it boomed within my head. My hands swiftly gripped my head in surprise. It wasn''t me, it couldn''t be me.


    ''I''ll get you.''


    ''You''ll never get away.'' Tears poured from my eyes. My thoughts getting pushed aside so all I heard was this thing''s voice. It''s maniacal laughter overshadowing even my muffled sobs so I couldn''t hear them. All that it allowed was it. Remaining crouched by the screen door, I felt foolish for remaining where I was. Possibly appearing childish to those who have ventured past the house and saw me crying over nothing. Could it be the years of emotional and mental abuse had finally broken me? That possibly a change in scenery had made my condition worse?


    I wanted answers to all my questions. On top of that, I wanted this mental torture to stop. This was supposed to be my fresh start so how was this happening when I''ve been alone since my arrival?


    ''You are foolish, aren''t you?'' it mocked, releasing yet another laugh. It''s voice being thrown to the wind, creating a stereo effect.  The laughter echoing around my trembling form. I felt closed in, surrounded from all sides. Was I... going to die?


    ''Lookup.'' The airbrushed against my ears. I could sense where it was currently standing. Though that was only half my problem. Just knowing where it was wasn''t going to help me this time. If facing my mother taught me anything, it would be the same fact that it won''t stop here. I had royally messed up expressing my fear as I had. My actions only fuelled this voice further and I knew that. Yet, here I am unable to remove myself from the situation before it could escalate further.


    ''Open your eyes! '' it exclaimed loudly forcing a startled whimper from my lips. I didn''t want to open my eyes. There was no telling what this thing was or wanted, I just couldn''t take any more of this torment. Going against my better judgment I opened my eyes and nervously peered through the screen door. Kneeling on the other side, sneering out at me, was a pale face with bright ruby red eyes. They were sunken in, cheekbone protruding from the leather tightened skin. Staring into them in horror I relived my nightmare from this morning. That large serpent with the same eyes gorging itself on my bleeding corpse with ease. It''s body thickening as all its muscles forced me further and further into its massive tube-like body.


    These eyes...these terrifying orbs of crimson were that of nightmares. More specifically, my nightmares. It moved closer to the screen, face seeping between the nearly microscopic holes. Pushing through, creating little blobs of milky flesh. It fed out of the screen like playdough noodles. Clumping together at the ends and rebuilding itself all the while refusing to break my gaze. It inched closer and closer until it was a mere two inches away from my face.


    The world around us blended into a blob of color. As the world slipped away from my line of sight my lungs struggled to let air in. What was this thing?! What did it want from me? Why...why was it targeting me? I wanted to run, to forget about this creature and this day. If only I could hit the reset button on my life and get a free do-over, I would trade anything for such a chance.


    Flinching back, I fell back on my hands this thing too close for comfort. I didn''t even know how it happened, or how I had gotten out of its reach. Hovering over me was a set of jagged claws that looked like it could have effortlessly sliced through my skin and bone. Gulping, I tried not to think about it, not the unbelievable reflexes I had within that moment. I just needed to get away, to find some means to prove I''m perfectly fine and this thing isn''t real.


    Taking a final look around the yard I just needed to get out to the wall. I should be safe then. Something inside told me it was true, that this creature couldn''t reach that far. As fool-hearty as it was, I didn''t care. Pushing up off the ground I scrambled backward before attempting to put my back towards it. My nails scratching against the dirt, I got to my feet and sprinted towards the wall. The air around me changed the further away I got. It was warmer, kinder, more welcoming.


    There was no telling how long this sense of comfort would last. The wall was growing closer with each step, the different shaped stones starting to stand out among the grey coloring. Reaching out, I pressed the palms of my hands into the rough surface, finally feeling out of that thing''s reach. Standing with my back to the house, I needed to not only catch my breath but think. My lungs burned with each strained breath.


    "Think Ebony...think. " I whispered to myself. Easing my body down to sit against the exposed portion of the wall, resting beside some light pink roses. Looking forward I couldn''t see that creature anymore. From this distance, it was hard to tell if it had even been there from the start. "Red eyes¡­Blue...Blue...Blue...what could be going on? " I sighed pulling my knees to my chest. Holding onto them tightly, I watched the area beside the screen door. Whatever that thing was...it wasn''t friendly. But the main question was could it physically hurt me? If not, had I done something to mess with my brain?


    It was well into the afternoon but the time I got the courage to move. Whatever that thing was didn''t seem to show signs of returning. That didn''t change the fact I was terrified of the idea of it waiting. It could be hiding anywhere in wait, watching with those bloody eyes. Staring me down from the shadows just waiting to pounce again.


    Picturing it made my skin crawl. I hated being such a coward at times like this. If I was only like Bianca or the twins I would have been already living my life instead of cowering. Letting out a meek whimper I gripped my head tightly shaking my head. This was so stressful! All I wanted was to live in peace and now my brain is failing me. I was a lost cause.


    "Keep frowning like that and You''ll get wrinkles." A male voice chuckled from above me. Tilting my head back I couldn''t think the day could get any worse. Looking down at me had to be the most stunning pair of silver-blue eyes I¡¯ve ever seen. Correction, the ONLY pair of eyes uniquely colored like this. Their owner was a simply gorgeous young man with a charming smirk plastered on his face. He had what I could only explain as the stereotypical hot guy appearance. The well shapen chin with a strong jawline, a few cute dimples that he tried to hide. No other feature stood out like his eyes. The way the light bounced off them made them look to be glowing.


    I didn¡¯t need to be a scientist to know I was enchanted by them. My heart racing within my chest as I searched for answers within them. This stranger gave me mixed feelings. As attractive as he was, I was more curious as to who he was than getting with him. I wanted to know his story, to learn what he had done to get this far in his life. Hopefully, along the way, I could try to figure out why I felt like I already knew him. It was no more than a gut feeling currently, but I just knew that there had to be a reason for this feeling. Eyes so unique and rare wouldn¡¯t be a trait easily forgotten.


    "Can''t say I''m used to the silence, but  I do enjoy a cute girl drooling over me." He mused leaning over the wall further. Heat rose in my face from his comment. I was far from drooling over him, no matter how good looking he was. Especially not in that solid white v-cut top that hugged his toned torso perfectly. Or the way his partially messy dirty blonde locks were swept to the left, barely covering his eye.


    "I-I¡¯m not drooling¡­" I remarked pushing up off the ground, brushing the dirt off my pants. " W-why are you W-why are you lurking around my yard anyway? You¡¯re trying to plan a break-in, are you?¡± Eyeing him carefully, I looked for any signs of my guesses being right. Crossing my arms under my chest I waited for the response. His eyes looking over me and then the home behind be. I could see the corners of his mouth start to curl upward in a smile. His lips parting and a loud laugh burst from his chest. His laughter was contagious. Covering my mouth I tried to hide my laugh behind my hand.


    ¡°No one would dare try to steal from this house. ¡° He remarked shooting me another charming grin, his hands pressing against the stone. Pushing upward, he just the wall landing with a gentle thud. It was only when he stood before me I noticed how tall he was. He had to have been no more than six-foot-one. I tilted my head up to look at his face, my nervousness making me hold onto my arms tighter. Heat consumed every inch of my face the longer we looked at each other.


    ¡°I had heard music playing by the gate and no one around. So I checked the side yard for someone.¡± He explained drawing my attention towards an item in his arms. My Tablet rested within his grasp. It appeared to be undamaged and the screen blank. Though that didn¡¯t tell me how it had gotten out to the front gate. It¡¯s not like it could sprout legs and run there on its own.


    ¡°M-My tablet...Um...Thanks. I was wondering where that had gone.¡± I glanced away from him, my hands brushing against his as I accepted my electronic device from him.


    ¡®His hands...are smooth.¡¯ I mentally noted, pressing the tablet into my chest. This was a pretty awkward situation. First, the ghost thing, and now my vanishing tablet had been found by this gorgeous stranger. Reaching up, I twirled a few stray strands of my hair around my finger. What should I say to him? It¡¯s not like I was experienced in talking to the opposite gender. This being something well beyond my knowledge.


    ¡°I¡¯m Lawson Lowell. ¡° He then spoke up, shaking me from my thoughts. His hand reaching out to me. ¡° You¡¯re new here, I wouldn¡¯t mind showing you around.¡± Tilting my head to the side I released my hair to shake his hand. His skin warm against mine and grip firm. Did all guys have elevated heat in their hands? I know my brothers didn¡¯t so could it be just a trait of French men? I mean, they already had that seductive accent that made every word that made every word seem romantic. Even the physical traits that most sought in a partner. So it could be possible that they were warmer than others, right?


    ¡°T-Thank you...but my friend should be arriving to show me around,¡± I answered letting go of his hand to gently bite the side of my finger in thought. It was just growing more and more difficult to wrap my mind around why someone would be this kind to me. Was it simply out of the goodness in their hearts? Or was it possible...to mask what lies beyond the eyes?


    ¡°O-Oh! Right...my name...I¡¯m E-Ebony...Ebony Montague.¡± I added having forgotten it in the first place. I was on a roll with normality points. First, being found in the bush of my yard, then accusing him of being a thief and now this. As my father always said, ''You''re batting a thousand on this one.'' How could I make this any worse?


    ¡°Ebony, huh? That¡¯s a cute name. Especially for someone so...innocent.¡± Lawson remarked, lightly brushing some hair from my eyes. His fingers gliding over my cheek leaving a trail of heat in its wake.   He didn''t look away from me, giving me a chance to see a glimpse at what he could be hiding.


    Peering into his eyes I took note of not only my appearance within them. I was a mess, dirt on my hands and pants, hair no longer appearing to be brushed. Looking hard enough I could even make out a few leaves that had found their way into the mess atop my head. Blushing, I had to focus on what I wanted to see.  Just a simple glimpse of what''s going on within his head. Possibly a notion that the man before meant no harm to me, or even seek a friendship with him.


    The search felt awkward, the conversation growing dull for a moment. Both of us looking at the other, expecting something to be said. However, I had to admit If drawing eyes taught me anything, it was the major emotions. I may not have been the best at handling such things, but I could point them out. From what I could gather in those pools of blue, Mr. Lawson Lowell harbored an odd gleam within his eyes. One that I could only explain to be curiosity, if not a sense of knowing. Was there something he wished to know? Could that be what brought him to my home? Or was it something else that brought him here? Possibly something that could explain that odd creature as well¡­


    "It''s going to rain." He spoke, shaking me from my thoughts. Averting my gaze towards the sky above I didn''t see a single cloud in the sky. So how would he know it would rain? Even on the horizon, there were no signs of storm clouds.


    "I don''t see any clouds," I replied, blushing as he laughed again. His eyes glowing in amusement.


    "The air smells like fresh watermelon. It''s the first indicator for rain." He explained leaning in and winking playfully. "Unless that''s you, Miss. Montague."


    "I...I...You wish that was the case! You may be charming, Mr. Lowell, but not enough to make me lust for you within seconds!" I blurted out without truly thinking over my words. My face felt like it was on fire. This stranger frustrates and flusters me far too easily. It was as if he knew just what to say, how to say it, and what the outcome would be before it happens. This serpent of a man was attempting to play with his food.


    "So you find me Charming AND you''re listing after me? My my, Miss Montague how forward of you " He was a silver-tongued snake. His forked tongue flicking about the air with every reaction I gave. He was making it hard for me not to push him away.


    "Thank you for returning my tablet, Mr. Lowell. But it''s time for you to go!" I exclaimed pointing past him back the way he entered the yard. He eyed me carefully, that same crooked smile back on his face.


    "Very well. I''ll see you again...Ebony. Try not to lose anything else, okay?" He chuckled climbing back over the wall, his feet making contact with the sidewalk on the other side. I watched him stuff his hands into his pockets, stealing another glance my way. Smirking I waved good-bye in my fool hearty attempt to come across as unwanting of someone like him. But who was I kidding, if Bianca was here she would probably have jumped at the chance to be with him. Two equally beautiful people getting together and forming their steamy romance.


    "A...steamy romance huh?" I breathed, watching Lawson disappear. Was it possible...that maybe he was brought to me for a reason? Could he be the start of my romance in life? Laughing to myself, I shook my head. Even if he was, I wanted to build my version of ''Ebony Montague'' and not live the life of Ebony Montague the doormat. Till then, having friends was all I would need.


    After that, I retreated inside with this feeling that I had forgotten something. The surprise visit from such a strange person had thrown me for a loop. Maybe it was a good thing, who knows? I spent the remaining time working on my tablet in the living room. Whatever worries or concerns I had seeming to have washed away with Lawson''s arrival. I may not know his reasons or what had brought him to me...but one thing I did know was that he could be one hell of a weatherman. Peering out the living room window briefly I could smell it. That sweet watermelon scent he had spoken of and with it came the loud crack of thunder. It had begun raining.

 The Fear Within

    It had been four days since the incident that led to my meeting Lawson and things have only gotten worse. I had tried desperately to keep things to myself. I had even resorted to staying inside as much as possible. Things have gotten out of hand before I had even time to cope with the second day. Lawson had been a ray of sunshine in a time of darkness and with that ray gone...the darkness plays. It dances through the rooms with the grace of a ballerina, damaging only my mind in it''s passing.


    I had wanted so much for it all to just go away. My heart can''t take much more of what was going on. Between the objects in my home changing places, the voices in my head, and those horrific crimson eyes appearing out of nowhere, I was in a constant state of fear. I wasn''t safe anywhere within the home. No door kept them at bay and no amount of purification made a difference. They kept returning even angrier than the last time.


    It had me right where it wanted me, sitting in the corner of my bedroom trembling in fear. I don''t remember when the last time I had slept had been. The days and nights blending into one cycle for me. My only hint at the time of day was the light that had shown through the window. The brighter it got meant it had been mid-afternoon. The darker it went only meaning it was night. It also meant the time where the eyes were most active, as we''re the more violent attempts. Lucky for me, it was mid-afternoon and I had set myself up so my bed rested between myself and the doorway. It had been my only solace during this time of desperation. I felt lost, scared, and extremely confused as to what was going on. No matter how much I had thought over everything, nothing became clear. Instead, I began to lose fragments of time thanks to sleep deprivation.


    Even now as I sat with my knees pressed against my chest I didn''t have the slightest clue. All that I knew at this moment...was that there was something in this house and it was far from friendly. Raising my hand I had fearfully begun scratching at my flesh. Digging my nails into the fleshy part of my cheek until it bled. I desperately wished everything to go away as a small river of crimson made its way down my cheek. I barely felt the stinging pain of the fresh wound. My eyes, instead, were wildly searching my room for any signs of the beast that tormented me. Moving slowly over every surface for the slightest signs of movement. Following the trim around the base of the wall, past the closet door, and onward. There was nothing visible and yet...I felt them. Those eyes. Those bright crimson eyes burrowing into me. No matter where I was I could feel them lurking around every corner. Hiding in every shadow. Just staring me down like a lion waiting for the kill.


    Looking around frantically, I tried to find the next spot it would appear from. In the closet? Behind the white satin curtains? No, that''s silly, I would have seen them. Even with very few places for it to hide, it was too simple a thought. It would be hiding someplace I wouldn''t expect, somewhere that I would have overlooked. Maybe...under the dresser?


    I wracked my mind over the possibilities, my mind remaining unchanged in the end. No matter what idea or location presented itself on the list, it didn''t matter. All I kept allowing myself to do was repeat; '' I know you''re here. I know you''re here¡­'' over and over again in my head. The fear and trepidation eating away at the very fabric of my mind. Little by little, it munched away at the sanity I once had, leaving me unable to do much of anything without breaking down.


    Letting out a soft sigh, I had made the mistake of getting too relaxed. For a split second, I had let my guard down, allowing the strings of sleep to pull at my eyes. They began to droop causing my vision to blur. It was during that moment of weakness I heard it. All signs of exhaustion slipping away in seconds. My eyes darted towards the bedroom door watching it creak open. The gap that had been made wasn''t of significant size. It was just wide enough to fit something the thickness of a broom handle through. Turning my head in its direction, whatever had moved the door had my full undivided attention.


    Time felt to have stopped.  All sound, aside from my beating heart, slipped away. The quick-paced thumping builds up like a drum roll. Seconds felt like minutes and then hours. The drumming growing louder and louder, my anticipation growing. It was there! It had to be there! Nothing else could have moved that door with such ease. Easing my grip off my legs, I shifted forward.  Moving nice and slow so I would be crouching, waiting for it to come. My eyes widened as they strained to see anything, anything at all.


    Then...saw it. Slipping out through the opening of the door was a slim black shiny tail. Its scales are just barely noticeable against the dark oak trim. It didn''t appear to be moving too quickly either. It just slithered its body through the gap, slipping out of sight. Going just fast enough to remain unseen. That is... if I hadn''t been focusing on the door. The moment realization struck my heart rate quickened. Pounding loudly within my chest, breathing life into my bones. It was real! I wasn¡¯t crazy!


    "There! I saw it! I saw it!" The words rushing past my lips before the danger could cross my mind. Scrambling to get upright, I only cared about catching it. Capturing it so that way I could break myself free from this torment. So, I charged the door. Blood rushed to my lower extremities, making my numb feet carry me. Stumbling about like a newborn deer with each motion, I kept moving no matter what. I couldn''t let it get away. No, not after all it had done.  A sharp stinging traveling along my legs with each frantic step. My flesh felt to have been consumed by pins and needles by the time I slid to a stop. Clasping the lip of the door frame tightly I ripped open the door the rest of the way with my free hand. Peering out into the darkened dusty hall. Taking a deep breath after a deep breath I took a moment to inspect up and down the hall for any sign of the thing. Looking along the floor like I had before for those dark scales. But...Alas...there was nothing.


    ¡°N-N-No¡­¡± I breathed as tears filled my eyes. Nothing had been along the ground or standing there to block my path to salvation. The hallway remained empty, void of any living creature. How could this be? Have...I truly lost it? I have only been within these walls for five days...no three days? Maybe...seven? Clasping my head, tears burned my eyes as desperation struck once more. Pulling at my hair roughly till I felt the sharp pains that shot through my nerves. It wasn¡¯t a dream, the pain was real. Which only meant one thing... I was losing my mind! I couldn''t even keep track of the days let alone follow this thing to see what it was! Was my mother right? Was I just meant to suffer my life? First, the prison in which she raised me and now this home. Was this my fate? To go insane?


    "No. No. No, I''m fine... I''m fine... I''ll be fine. It''s just a trick of the light. " I told myself, trying hard to sound encouraging. Releasing my matted hair, my arms pulling closer to my body. Holding myself in a tight embrace where  I began to scratch at my arms. Vigorously racking my nails over my skin,  oblivious to the damages I was causing in my distressed state. Scratch after scratch my nails ripped up chunks of flesh in their wake. Opening up miniature rivers of blood that moved slower than molasses from the ever-worsening cuts. With the trembling of my hands and voice, I couldn¡¯t believe such a lie. My mind was lost, broken into thousands of shards. Counting the thumping in my ears instead of listening to the voices inside. The pleas to calm down were pushed aside. The wales that carried encouraging thoughts smashed under the weight of the chaos. The pounding and darkness were all that grew in strength. Was there no way for me to encourage myself that things will be okay? Would these voices push me further into madness?


    ¡®Give in¡­¡¯


    ¡®Death is your only escape¡­¡¯


    ¡®Welcome...the despair¡­¡¯


    ¡®End it¡­¡¯


    ¡®...Survive¡­¡¯


    Prying my fingertips away from my arms I roughly rubbed my eyes. Blood coated my eyelids and temples in a blotchy mess. The voices had gotten out of hand, pushing for the outcome they wanted. All except one. Survive one voice repeatedly prayed, pushing its wish through the suggestions of the others. A ray of hope in the darkness or was it just my inner strength finally revealing itself? Nevertheless, this voice was the only ounce of hope I had right now.  Wincing I gripped my arm beginning to feel the repercussions of the damages I¡¯ve caused.  Gazing down at the crimson patches on my flesh I had no idea it had gotten this bad.  The burning that came from the wounds paired with the smell of copper made me sick. It had come to harming myself to solidify what had been happening. I would need to seek help to fix what I had done.


    "Pathetic Girl. Can¡¯t just die easily can you? " A woman''s voice spoke up. Beside me, the bedroom door slammed shut. A scream of terror erupts from my mouth. Instinctively moving away from the door, I further into the narrow space with the owner of the voice. Spinning around in the hall I sought to find the owner of the voice.


    "W-who are you?! " I cried out swearing that the hall had been empty only moments ago. My mind continuously fighting me on what it had been seeing. One moment there was nothing around me. The next...I wasn''t alone. Standing nearest to the door was a tall lanky woman with pale waxy skin that weakly hung from her skeleton frame. Clothes, tattered and torn hardly fitting her dirt-caked flesh. This...this woman looked to have been to hell and back. If I had to guess she was only a fraction of what she had been in a previous life. What possibly was once a beauty in the past, was now a walking corpse that plaques my home.  Slowly the woman''s amused smile turned into a distorted grin. The corners of her mouth quivering as sharp jagged teeth replaced the human-like ones she had. Her body wobbling from side to side with her first step forward. The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement.


    My breath wedged deep in my throat at the sight of this grotesque stranger. Closer and closer she came. Her arms hanging weakly at her sides until she was aware I couldn''t move. The pure sight of her having left me paralyzed in fear. It didn¡¯t add up, how was she there? WHY  was she here? All the questions I wanted to cry out were silenced well before the words could even form. Gripping my arms tighter I could see the excitement behind the woman¡¯s motions. Her once limp elbows began to snap back and forth, bending inhumanly, imitating a skipping motion without the skipping. The bones grinding against each other within the flesh suit she adorned. This woman was going to kill me!


    ''M-move...move!'' I mentally shrieked, seeing how much closer she had gotten within such a short time. I wanted to move, no I NEEDED to move. If I didn''t whatever the hell this thing was would get me. Who even knows what it planned to do. Crying out over and over in my head, I tried to get my body into motion. She had gotten much closer now, almost at arm''s length to me. ''I... Don''t want...to die.''


    My quivering lips parted and a cool breath entered my burning lungs, calming the broken nerves inside. It felt refreshing to feel like something inside me was trying to help calm this chaos. Granting me the chance I needed to run, to break out of the petrified trance this thing had placed me in. I didn''t know how or why, but I wasn''t going to question it.  Lifting my gaze to meet the woman¡¯s'' I witnessed her figure taking its final step closer to close the gap between us. Standing no taller than myself, staring back at me with a hunter like gaze.


    "C-crimson eyes." I breathed as the realization hit me. This woman had been the cause of this! Not only had she frightened me on the first morning here but she had also been what had been speaking to me. Whispering warnings and threats into my ears at all hours of the day. Trying at every waking moment to break me. To force me to break under the mental turmoil that she was causing. The turmoil that very well has plunged me into depths of my darkness. Flinching back, a gust of air shot through the space my face had been. Her nails raking through space between. ¡®She missed!¡¯ I mentally gasped, looking over myself and then her quickly. She swung again, her eyes glowing brighter with the aggravation of yet another miss.


    Time felt to have stopped, my right foot pivoting under a third swing. Turning away from her. her nails grazed my cheek slicing opening a small cut in its wake. Breathing grew easier with every breath I took. The air chills my lungs, soothing them, getting me ready to run. The voice speaking once more as I took my chances and ran. Each step growing in strength the further away I got from the creature. All the while being encouraged to keep moving by the repeated words. Rushing from my previous place in the hall, I made my way towards the front door. My bare feet padded against the ground, behind me, the eyes of the creature burrowing into my spine.


    ''Almost there.'' I briefly thought, breaking into the living room counting the steps until I would reach the front door. All I needed to do was cross through that door to find the help I needed. Possibly even get a priest in here to perform an exorcism on the creature to make the home livable once more. That was probably going to be the first thing I did. The sooner this thing was out of my home the better!


    "I''ve let you live long enough, little girl." The specter hissed appearing at my left side instantaneously. Gasping in shock, I didn¡¯t understand. I hadn¡¯t even heard it move so how did it get so close so quickly? Its speed had to be far greater than I had imagined having closed such a gap in a short time. Looking towards it, I stumbled trying to keep from getting hit. My right ankle painfully twists, rolling as a result. I fell to the ground forced to crawl the rest of the way to the door. My hands gripping the floorboards praying I made it before the creature struck once more. Tears pouring from my eyes, the fear rearing its head once more. It''s low cackle overhead sent chills down my spine. Movement was turning into more of a chore with each passing moment. But...I needed to get out. I wasn¡¯t ready to die...I had so much I wanted to do, so much to see. Reaching up, the palm of my hand patted the face of the door until I found what I had been yearning for. Gripping the cold metal knob and using it to pull myself up to my feet. Turning it, the subtle click of the latch lighting a flame of hope within the depths of my soul. Just like back at home, I would be free. There would be no specters, nor abuse...no mothers. Nothing would be beyond this point to hold me back from the life I wanted to have. With a mighty yank, the door swung open. My eyes burn from the blinding light before me. Grimacing, I rubbed them with the backs of my hands. The blood that had caked the backs of them, smearing over my skin.


    ¡°hehe...Knock...Knock.¡± The mocking voice of the specter laughed. The light going out before my hands could even lower fully.


    ¡°N-No! No! I was free!¡± I screamed in horror. With the vanishing of the light, my escape had been barred. The doorway was blocked by an unknown wall of stone and my body...back in the hall where it all had started. I hadn¡¯t moved an inch since I had first been struck by its claws. The blood splatters on the floor all the same. Even the patches that would have been on the floor where I had fallen were gone. How? How was it that I hadn¡¯t moved? Why...had the voice stopped? Had it given up on me too?


    Among the Shadows:


    " You can''t escape me, foolish girl. You¡¯re far too weak for that" the creature spoke moving the specters lips simultaneously, her crimson eyes glowing in anticipation. Had had Ebony right where she wanted her, damaged and distressed. So distressed she could almost hear the inner gates of her mind rattling. The being inside trying to save the girl however it could.  Letting the ghostly figure step forward once more, it''s nails bared, lashing out at the petrified girl. The thick scent of blood filled the air in greater amounts. Her claws, ripping open the sleeves of her shirt, blood seeping through the fabric and painting the walls a beautiful ruby. Following after was a pain-filled cry that brought life to the air. Forcing her to step back letting droplets of blood splash against the ground, this weak insignificant girl was done. Just as the creature had wanted, a sitting duck ripe for the kill.


    ''Time to end this.'' The creature inwardly laughed. Letting its body start growing in size, its scales expanding, stretching out as the growth process began. It¡¯s eyes watching poor little Ebony try her attempt at escaping once more. The girl limped as she ran, trailing blood along the wall as she went. The ghostly woman was sent forward once more to distract from the scene. All the while the creature would inflate like a long cylinder birthday balloon, starting to fill the newly emptied hall. The specter was expecting to tear the girl into ribbons with its nails. Swinging once, then twice the hits expected to draw more blood. The woman instead shrieking in pain at the contact of blood and flesh. Her white skin, boiling against the bleach white bone. The apparition is growing unstable, leaving the creature no choice but to act. Watching no longer an option with its target rushing for the door once more.


    Sprouting limbs of its own, its upper body quickly beginning to take shape. Arms sprouting out of the womanly torso. Followed by raven hair that covered its face and a serpentine tail being in the place of its legs. Nothing about this serpentine creature said if it were truly a snake or something else. However, the sharpened scales and extra spines traveling down the body made it hard to tell the type of creature that had taken up refuge within the home. Sitting upright on the tail the slithering serpent propelled herself towards the girl. Her massive black tail swaying from side to side moving her around the old wooden surface with ease.


    The specter howled in agony, trying over and over again to stop the girl. Its claws phasing through the flesh leaving no marks. The remaining flesh on its body, bubbling, burning up the more it attempted to harm the girl. Charred flesh infected the home. The specter struggles to maintain its natural grotesque form to hold control over the girl. However, Ebony was becoming harder and harder to fool. The girl pushing back in a fit of panic, her blood burning her attacker without her even noticing. Her body lurching towards the kitchen, aiming for the secondary exit.


    Seeing this the creature released a low, exasperated hiss as she moved. Her tail smearing the blood as she went. Masking any trail that her apparition could have created during the chase. Running her fingers through her hair, catching a glimpse of herself within a moderately sized mirror hanging on the wall. A woman from the waist up was what the reflection briefly showed. A beautiful woman with crimson eyes that harbored hatred for this place and hatred for the very prey she had been chasing. Her sharp teeth replaced the perfect pearly whites that would have been there. Bringing her fingertips to her luscious pink lips, she giggled. Eyes wild from the thrill of the hunt. The excitement in leaving a pool of blood in her wake once more enticing her onward.


    Upon entering the kitchen she had been expecting to see the girl cowering or looking for a weapon to use against her as many had before her. Though, she was hoping to find her unable to even open the door due to the fear she had experienced. Not that it made much of a difference in the end. She just loved how pronounced the horror showed in her victims¡¯ eyes when cornered like a mouse. Instead, she came face to face with her fears. Looking through the screen door her eyes were met with enraged silver eyes looking back at her. Standing in the garden where their owner resided, his arms protectively coiled around Ebony''s wounded form. Those darkening orbs narrowing, hatred growing the longer their gaze remained connected.


    The creature knew of him, his name on the tip of her tongue. Nevertheless, seeing him being on the grounds filled the serpent''s mouth with venom. Every fiber of her being trembling with rage. The pain he had caused pressing her to retreat for the time being. Turning back the way she came, she decreased her size to hide properly. Slithering back into the shadows to attack another time. For now, she needed to wait. To buy her time to attack once more. She had to admit though, she enjoyed being right almost as much as the killing. With him being there it proved that this girl was the one going to take Ivora¡¯s place. So when the time was right...she would see to it he got to watch her die again.

 Silk and Flames

    Lawson''s PoV


    The scent of blood traveled along with the cool breeze, guiding me towards what I could only assume was the scene of an attack. An attack on who; I had no clue. It''s not like I was a low ranked mongrel that knew scents like the back of my hand. No, I''m something far greater than any hound could dream to be. Something a low ranked beast should fear.


    Closing my eyes briefly, I welcomed the metallic trail¡¯s guidance. Traveling a path I had taken a lot these last few days. The scent getting stronger the farther I want. Soon enough I had grown oblivious to the scenery around me. Counting my steps, the shadows, and the blocks of cement in the sidewalk, I could feel a heavyweight pulling at my chest. My heart had begun to descend with each step. This blood trail led me closer and closer to HER house. The quaint little cottage resting atop the hillside that overlooks the town. Its owner being none other than Ebony. The strange girl that had been on my mind since the day I had met her.


    ''That can''t be possible...'' I had so many questions as to what could have caused this. More importantly, who would have wanted to harm such an innocent thing. Mulling over thought after thought gave birth to worry. Biting the inside of my cheek I had to hurry. The scent had suddenly turned fresher, resting heavier on the air. Whatever wounds she had sustained had worsened it seemed. It was the only possible option in this case. Nevertheless, I took longer strides needing to quell this feeling inside.


    I pushed my body into overdrive, my feet lightly hitting the ground. My eyes locked on the destination before me. Winding up the hillside, avoiding the main road so as not to draw more attention towards the area. Bushes and grass barely graving my legs as I went. My blood boiling with rage when the taste of copper finally danced upon my tongue. The proof I needed appearing along with it. It had been Ebony''s blood alright. There was a sweet smell of strawberry that had nearly been drowned out by the smell of copper. Intentionally masked to keep people from knowing who''s it had been. Shame they weren''t expecting someone like me to catch on. Especially since no one has yet had the pleasure to meet the newcomer as I had. Which meant, there was more to her being here than I had originally anticipated. Making Ebony a more important being than anyone could ever imagine.


    ''Please, wait for me.'' I prayed to see the stone wall drawing closer. Looking over the outside of her home, I didn''t see any damages or signs of a break-in. But the feeling of danger hung on the air enough to make my skin crawl. Whoever had attacked her would surely be inside then. L Sniffing the air I tried to pinpoint where in the home she would be. Hopefully, I could find a window and just get to her that way. Even if I needed to flatten a wall or two, I would get her out.


    "She''s on the move, "I muttered following the trail with my eyes. Her scent had been the strongest by the main entryway. That is until it took a sharp turn to the left. Well her right I suppose. Close at her heels, I could make out an ashy dirty scent of another being within the home. One such scent, I''m almost certain I''ve smelt before.


    Another warning growl rumbled from deep within my chest. Threatening to burst should I wait any longer. My heart wanting to release a mighty roar to scare off her attacker. But that''s not what I wanted. As twisted and horrible an admission it was, I had to be careful. Even if it were to be scared off it could return at a later date. What I needed was to get to her. To see the damage done with my own eyes and only then enter the home to try and smoke out the being.


    I had begun moving the closer she had gotten to the side entrance. Reaching the stone wall surrounding her home in a few strides. Peering over, I could not only see her, but I could see the horror within her dark brown eyes. Her arms were caked in thick layers of blood and dust. The claw marks nearly removing her arm from her body. Deep gashes splitting the skin to the point you could almost see bone.


    "Ebony¡­" I had to force myself to say. Reminding myself who I was seeing. Despite the secondary face within my mind playing tricks on me. Her own similar pained look nearly blocking out reality.


    Placing my hands on the wall I effortlessly propelled myself over. Scraping the fleshy parts of my palms while doing so. A soft thud under my feet assured me I had missed the edge of the flower bed when landing. Not looking back I went to her. Seeing her lips moving a mile a minute without a single word being uttered.  Hearing her heart pounding loudly in her chest.  The distress she was in enough to give those in town reason to lock her up should she be seen like this.


    "S-snake. Ghost.Claws. B-blood. The laughing. The eyes...Those crimson eyes. " Ebony¡¯s broken speech was hard to understand at first. Mostly due to the fact it was more like a cluster of single words spilling from her lips than sentences. Nevertheless, I took hold of her and I did what I thought right. Drawing her into my chest, I stood there with her. Holding her protectively against me, running my fingers through her messy brown hair. Feeling her chest release a single breath. Breaking the tidal wall that had kept her tears in. Breath after breath bringing forth more tears and more fearful trembles.


    "It''s alright. You''re not alone, I''m here. " I whispered into her ear. My eyes following the trail of blood into the house. Clusters of crimson gathering on the ground, staining the floorboards. Taking slow, deep breaths I held myself back. The anger building, a newfound hunger threatening to break me the moment I caught a glimpse of the cause. A set of familiar crimson orbs looked back at me. My blood now a raging boil in my veins. I couldn¡¯t give chase, not with her here. Tightening my hold, I chose to rest my head against Ebony¡¯s. Changing my focus to the sobbing girl in my arms I was tying my own hands. Fighting something like that would only do more damage and Ebony needed to be pieced together before then. Otherwise...the key to the puzzle would be lost to us all.


    It felt like hours had passed before the first sign of things calming down. The air once full of dense pressure had started to lift. Air becoming breathable now that the tension was gone. That didn''t mean everything had been repaired, however. Ebony was still a matter to be dealt with. Having witnessed a creature she had not yet seen before, who knows what could be going through her mind. Let alone the unbelievable torture she had endured till now.


    Shifting on my feet, I looked down at her. I felt many things looking into those rich chocolate eyes. Pain, pity, and regret for having not stopped this attack sooner. To step into the fray before she became an attraction for the world and all of its creatures to ogle. To further torture and mock with their misunderstandings of the situation. To eventually increase the speed at which she''d descend into madness at this chaos. Slowly lifting my hand, I slid my thumb over her cheek. Removing the salty tears that stained her face. Wanting to soothe her, to ensure this never happened again. Ebony is a young mortal girl cursed with a heart not quite ready for what the world had to offer her. Not including an alternate reality, she would be thrust into without preparation. So many people were in need of her aide if they wished to become whole once more. After centuries of being trapped in a world that was not theirs, it''s time for their torture to finally end. Just like it was time to awaken the unknown for Ebony.


    Running my hand down her spine I felt her body start to relax. The muscles gently quivering only when she took a breath. Even through the sopping tear-stained shirt plastered to my skin, it was clear the number of tears that left her eyes had lessened as well. However, that was only minor compared to what still needed to be done. The blood on her arm was still a vibrant red, still very fresh in the air.


    "Let''s get you taken care of," I spoke as calmly as I could. Fighting an internal battle as I prioritized what needed to be done. But this growing need to baby screamed loudly from the depths of my soul. Taking that want and mutating it into a dream. A dream that had cost me many sleepless nights the more it repeatedly danced about my mind. Mentally seeing her eyes so vibrant and blue. The shape of her body each time she moved. Biting down on the inside of my cheek till my own blood spilled. Forcing such thoughts back so I could focus on Ebony and not who I wished to see after so long.


    My fingers trailed over the delicate flesh of her arm, I examined the extent of the damages. Giving me a moment to process and anticipate the amount of energy needed to treat her. Just the slightest touch brought heartbreaking whimpers past her pale lips. Every muscle in her body crippling under the pain.


    "D-don''t touch¡­" she sniffled, barely able to pull herself away. Shaking my head, I tightened my grip on her enough to hold her still. I didn¡¯t say anything as I persisted in treating her. There was a warmth emanating from her wounds from what I could tell. Carefully lifting her arm so I could get a better look, I was left in awe. Too small for her mortal eyes to see, little embers resided deep within her wounds working hard to begin melding the deepest portion closed.


    ¡®But how?¡¯ I wondered, leaning closer to get a better look. Ebony didn¡¯t seem too fond of this though. Her arm tensing and trying to rip itself free from my hold. Shifting my gaze from the embers to her, I finally gave in. Loosening my grip, I was just glad she still had a will to fight. Even if it was against me.


    "If I can''t touch, then I''ll have to heal you another way. "I warned. Her beautiful brown eyes looking about until eventually meeting my gaze. Looking deep within them I could see my own eyes. Along with the baby blue serpentine eyes was a look of worry. Hidden behind that worry were regret and an abundance of self-hatred. Ebony''s body stiffened the longer she stared into my eyes. I hadn''t done anything to cause it, leaving me to assume it had been the shifting of my eyes. The once silver-blue orbs were now like that of a serpent or reptile. Which wouldn''t take a rocket scientist to connect the eyes of my own with what had attacked her. The similarities between the two sets were uncanny really. Except my eyes weren''t harboring the lust for blood. Nor did they hold an evil within them, an evil that caused such actions in the end. However, the stillness of her body made it easier for me to treat her arm. Breaking eye contact, I let my eyes drift down to focus on the thick jagged gashes. The blood had begun to stop pouring from the wounds. Meaning the amount of my own magic needed to heal her should differ greatly.


    Running an open palm from her hand up her arm, the texture of her skin varied. The skin prior to the wound was smooth against my own rough skin. A sensation that could only be compared to the finest silk in France. A smoothness often enjoyed as one''s sheets on their wedding day. Following the arm upwards the further my hand traveled. Up till I placed my palm down over the rough and damaged skin. Gripping it firmly my forearm burst into a sudden array of vibrant blue flames. Brilliant blues that range from soothing dark sapphire to an off blue-white. The transparent colors traveled the length of Ebony''s arms flames licked at her flesh. Each new wave of transparent blue rising past the last. Coating her delicate skin in a soothing warmth like no other. Blending with the crimson embers from within the wound, the magnificent blue-shifted to give way to the life of healing. The process of regeneration taking effect almost instantly. Her skin being rebuilt from the flesh that remained.


    Ebony''s PoV


    His arm had burst into flames! There was no way this could actually be happening. I must be dreaming, right? Right?! This was just a dream, just a very bad dream. One that showed no means for me to wake up from. No pit to jump into to jolt the body awake. Not even a means to truly force harm myself enough for my body to deem me able to wake up. Even if I wanted to search for a means to awaken, Lawson''s hand had been firmly grasping my arm. His flames traveling all the way up my arm, covering it in a majestic blue. Thin intricate slivers of fire rose and fell against my skin. The feeling of warmth and comfort they gave off was easily able to calm my racing heart just by the sight of them. Steadily climbing higher up my arm until it ended three inches from my shoulder. Illuminating my flesh in this mystical enchanting light. Dancing freely before my eyes blending the intricate blue into a faint red ring of warmth. Merging together with more flames I had failed to notice till now. Was he that strong where he could harness two types of fire? Or was it that I simply was oblivious till now?Unauthorized usage: this narrative is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings.


    "T-this...isn''t a dream? Is it?" I barely croaked out. My voice sounding very shaky when it reached my own ears. The fear and confusion really seemed to have gotten the better of me this time. Forcing my physical and mental being to a point I even questioned my own sanity. Getting attacked by a horrifying ghost and now witnessing someone use magical flames to treat my wounds. As enchanting as the sight of the different blue and red flames were, it was unheard-of either way. Making this event even harder to view as real. Watching the flames I could make out the gradually shrinking wound. The effect of the flames forcing it to grow smaller and smaller until the gashes were nothing more than faint white scars. If it wasn''t for the fact that I was witnessing it, this whole endeavor wouldn''t have felt as real.


    The flames subsided once their job was done. Slowly withdrawing themselves back towards their master. Moving back down my skin growing smaller and smaller the further it went. Filling my eyes with more confusion and surprise than I was used to. Light wispy smoke that rose from my skin was the only indication that the fire had really been there in the first place. However, hidden within them was something unimaginable. Lawson''s arm had sprouted different sized silver scales. Each one glistening under the light of the setting sun. Reflecting the light off the surface, giving the appearance of having been coated in a thin layer of oil. Miniature rainbows trailed over his arm no matter how I looked. With the sun going down the silver was growing more abundant. As was the gashes that mirrored mine momentarily, inevitably burning up in the embers of his skin.


    "What are you? " I needed to know. If this was really happening to me, I needed to understand. No, I wanted to understand. Why was he different than me? What was that thing that attacked me? Most importantly I needed to know why I was feeling like a target. Why was my hope for a fresh start ending up as a twisted horror story?


    Lawson''s serpentine eyes held sadness deep within them. His head tilting downward to better meet my gaze. Nothing was said, yet his eyes at least told me he was thinking. Trying to form the words that would either answer me or break me. I may not have known which would be said, though I prayed it would be words to help me. No amount of praying could explain this drastic change, however. Not even the way his hand stroked my arm could help. No amount of warmth he gave off was going to stop this worry from eating away at me.


    As much as I told myself this it still managed to make my heart race. His touch brought out a longing from within my very soul. A longing to feel what it was like to be loved, to have someone to love in return. Someone that would be proud to call me theirs with no regrets. Yet the question that needed answering first was if I was truly ready for such a test of faith. To put my heart on the line for a man I knew nothing about. The same man that had gone out of his way to help me in my time of need. Placing my hand over his, forcing it to stop at my elbow. With my hand against his, I stared into his brilliant silver-blue eyes, anticipating what would be said.


    " Ebony, I''m a dragon. What has been tormenting you is also someone like myself. No, I had no idea it had been hiding out inside your home. Nor did I aid in the events that led up to now. However, I do hope her actions won''t ruin our chances of getting closer. Can you ever forgive me? " Lawson finally spoke leaving himself in a moment of vulnerability. This once confident, charming man seemed almost defeated from his words alone. His own fears and worries shining brightly at this moment, giving him an almost humanly appearance. Slowly he was returning to normal before my eyes. The serpentine appearance in his eyes shifting back to the eyes that I had seen only days ago. Nothing about them appearing as scary as they once had been. His words, however, playing about my mind on repeat. Emanating downwards into the depths of my heart where my answer would reside, causing me to tighten my grip on his hand. Granting me a chance to feel as each and every scale receded into his flesh. Little slits left behind from when they pierced their skin, every single one able to be felt out with my thumb. Our hands now skin on skin. Flesh against flesh. Little sparks getting shared between them with each motion of his thumb on my arm. My choices growing clearer with each soothing touch.


    "There isn''t anything to forgive. It isn''t you. They could never be you. " I whispered not too concerned with him being able to hear me or not. He was extremely different than me in every which way. That didn¡¯t change the fact he was the one who had the strength to help me. To keep me from losing myself and now to help me learn about the creature that was lurking about my home. Lawson was my best chance to revive my dream of a happy life. Even with the dangers that were hiding around each corner.


    "Lawson¡­I do have lots of questions I wish to ask," I admitted watching his face come to life before my eyes. A faint spark of light gave it away. It had illuminated his eyes quick, telling me that he was taking this as a sign of good faith. Or hoping that this was a sign of good faith. A fresh start to a situation that would possibly get worse as time went on. Though, I hoped he wouldn¡¯t turn down my right to an explanation. Judging by the smile that tugged at his lips, I was foolish for worrying. His charming smile threatening to break his stubbled jawline. All signs of the sadness he had harbored appearing to have been flushed from his being. Drifting away like it hadn¡¯t been there in the first place.


    "I''ll answer every question and tell you everything you wish to know. But first, we need to get you inside. You¡¯ll want to sit to hear what I have to say." He replied with his crooked smile, tilting his head to the side cutely. Like he had known that this simple action would bring heat to my face. My hand releasing his in an attempt to quickly cover my face. It¡¯s hard to explain the feeling of a smile that didn¡¯t quite feel like my own. The way it sat on my face, pulling at the corners of my lips. It just felt odd. It was an abnormal sensation that I couldn¡¯t place. It was only comparable to a facial mask that had been left on too long, or that feeling someone gets when something about them is out of place. A smile that had been copied from one face and pasted onto another.


    "J-just...don''t promise to help me and then not stop that thing. I-I don¡¯t want to get hurt again." I murmured through my fingers, hoping that I was putting my faith in the right person this time around. Though, the sound of his light laughter on the air sent shivers up my spine. His arm moving around my shoulders bringing me closer to him, so he could help me walk with ease into the house. The words; ¡®I wouldn¡¯t dream of it.¡¯ slipping past his lips when the door opened to welcome us back into the lion¡¯s den.


    In the living room:


    Lawson had remained within the home just as he had promised. Helping me move about the house with ease. Making sure my body didn''t have too much of a negative effect from the blood loss. Even going out of his way to help clean up the blood that stained the wooden floor. All signs of the ghost were gone to the naked eye. Signs of a strange oddity having been inside the home were left in plain sight. Where the blood had pooled on the floor there were drag marks going through it. The thick crimson liquid parting, spreading further down the hall than it should have gone. The trail going from a thick band shrinking down into a fine line before ultimately stopping. Along the path, wedged deep into a broken board, was a blackened scale that had been ripped out of its owner. Blood grazing the razor-sharp edge, indicating how long it had been stuck there.


    Shaking my head I really didn¡¯t want to deal with the creature large enough to leave a scale as large as a silver dollar. From the books I¡¯ve read and judging by what Lawson had said prior if this was a dragon I would stand no chance against it. Dragons were large serpentine creatures often larger than buildings and able to set anything they wished ablaze. Burning up the world that feared them until nothing more than ash remained. If that was the case, how was it hiding inside with not a sign being left behind?


    Looking over at Lawson, I saw him kneeling down scrubbing on his hands and knees trying as he may to get as much blood up off the floor as he could.  His silver-blue eyes looking over the blood as he worked. It didn¡¯t take a genius to see he was formulating his plan. Watching how his muscular arms reached outward then getting pulled back towards him. Gripping the scrub brush tightly in his large manly hands he just seemed so...so¡­


    ¡¯Damn it, Ebony! Stop! ¡® I mentally scolded myself needing to focus. Lawson was a dragon that probably had more women than he needed fawning over him. His looks alone were all the evidence to prove he was the perfect male specimen. Just right now, I couldn¡¯t get what I had seen him do out of my mind. Those flames, the scales, even the way his eyes had changed. All of it just had my head spinning. The constant wondering about why he cared enough to help me circulating amongst my other thoughts. As well as why he would promise to help a human like me.


    ¡°Enjoying the show?¡± Lawson spoke up, his eyes not even needing to look away from what he was doing to see I had been staring. The inability to look away far too real with this one. A man with looks and secrets, that¡¯s the man Lawson was. Turning away from him, I moved further down the hall. Looking over the floor simply praying he wouldn¡¯t ask questions regarding my own actions. It was hard enough just to talk to him without fumbling over my words.


    ¡°Lawson, you said what was here was one of you. Right? ¡° I asked nervously. Kneeling down I got a better look at the floor. Running my fingertips through the thick liquid spotting something. Picking it up, feeling out the edges of a much smaller black scale. The little oblong disk no bigger than the eraser on a pencil. Letting it lay flat in my palm, I couldn¡¯t fathom how this could have shrunk in the whole two feet from the first one.


    ¡°Yes and no,¡± Lawson spoke up now joining me at the end of the trail. His hand carefully taking the largest scale from my hand. Taking a moment to examine it himself, the emotions in his eyes changing so quickly I couldn¡¯t pinpoint what it was he was feeling. ¡° We are both dragons, yes. However, what left this is a different race of dragon than I am. This is the scale of a Lindworm. A snake-like breed known to be vicious and bloodthirsty.  Just being a human who¡¯s survived one attack is a feat all its own. ¡° Playing with the dark scale in his hand, Lawson wasn¡¯t going to put this lightly it seemed. Speaking clearly, no matter how foolish it sounded, the thought of a creature like that in my home nearly made my heart stop.


    ¡°B-but You¡¯re not one of them?¡± I found myself asking, swallowing a growing knot that had wedged itself in my throat.


    ¡°No, I¡¯m not. You see I am a Dragon. We often follow the western views of what a dragon is. Four to six legs, large leathery wings, usually portrayed as the beast guarding the princess in stories. ¡° He chuckled, returning the scale to my hand. Shifting in place, I was growing anxious. With all this new information my head started pounding. The edges of my vision growing blurry from the stinging pain. Pressing my fingertips into my temple, moving them in circular motions I fought to suppress the pain.


    ¡° But you said that you¡¯re both dragons. How can this creature be a form of dragon and you simply be recognized as ¡® a dragon¡¯?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s more along the lines of physical differences. A Lindworm is a subclass of dragon that has a serpent-like body with only two limbs. There are other kinds as well. Each one more different from the last.¡± There was going to be a lot of information ?shared it seemed. Lawson is more informative than any fantasy or mythological book the library could hold. Possibly more informative than the Dungeons and Dragons sites on the world wide web. Sadly it was about as easy to understand as it too.


    The pounding in my ears making it hard to focus on the words that left his mouth. I could make out what was being said despite this inconvenience. However, not all the words were easy to understand. There were dragons with multiple limbs and some that lacked all limbs. Each type has its own name, specialties and even some are unable to change into humans. The ones who couldn''t change normally ended up with a human companion that was bonded to them. Creating a connection between the two of them that resided on a more spiritual level.


    "W-wait, you lost me. What was that called again?"I questioned feeling my mind shutting down. This was too much for one day. With stress added on top of it, I was just glad I was able to make it to the couch before my legs gave out. Falling back onto the musky old green fabric, I grimaced at the feel of it. Hard like a rock, rough to the touch, even the smell was more repulsive than I had noticed before. It was a disheartening realization, to be honest. All that it meant was my wallet would grow thinner with the new purchase of seating.


    Either way, I could wait for that. It''s not like it was too bad. Putting my arm over my eyes I just needed a moment. Blocking out the light to ease the pounding so I could think everything through. Letting the idea of dragons being real dance around in my thoughts.


    As I sat there, lost in thought I could barely feel the warmth that surrounded me. Gently easing my strained body against something firm that had found its way at my side. Moving my head in an attempt to get comfortable, I could make out a quick thumping noise in my ear. Thump-thump. Thump-thump. Over and over again it sounded. Creating its own little rhythm just for me. Closing my eyes completely, I just listened. Letting the gentle beating soothe me to my core.


    "Rest well, Little Ebony." Lawson''s voice spoke out just as the darkness began to consume me. Welcoming the chance to sleep, I smiled. Letting my handgrip the fabric that lay under my head.


    "Night...Little Dragon. "

 Sacrifice

    It couldn''t have been happening, not now. With everything currently going on in my life I don''t think I could handle any additional surprises. Ever since the first night within these walls I had begun to notice it within my dreams, small little changes here and there; altering the dream in the most minute ways. The first night had been something as simple as the time of day had changed from dusk to the dead of night. The thick smokey clouds, hard to notice against the night''s sky if not for the shimmering stars getting snuffed out by its presence. However the oddest thing that night happened to be the storm clouds that snuck into the fray. Bolts of lightning littered the sky with flashes of white, illuminating the silver beast flapping his mighty wings; continuing its onslaught.


    This change had made the whole dream from then on harbor more terror than ever before. My heart would tighten with the different emotions that overwhelmed me. Fear, sadness, and heartache overshadowed the dangerous blend. However, it was only the start it seemed. With the changes in images and feelings, I prayed it was the last of it. That no more changes would come and if it did that hopefully, it might be a good dream. One with a happy ending and no death.


    Nothing could compare to what my dream would hold this time. Upon opening my eyes that night, there was not a single sign of what had been my norm. No dark rustic wooden door with the rusted metal. Nor the same stone hallway that had protectively surrounded me; guiding me towards the very garden I had grown accustomed to over the years. To see the green archway of ivy once again before peering out at the crimson roses made of lace that blanketed the valley. Not even the dragon that had haunted my dreams the last couple of nights could be seen no matter which direction I looked.


    In fact, what greeted my restless mind on this conflicting night was the thick darkness that engulfed all around. An empty space that held nothing for as far as the eye could see; coating my thoughts in a heavy layer of shadows to suck the hope from the depths of my soul during this time of confusion. Feasting upon what fire I had left within my heart, trying to snuff out the remaining light in this uncaring world. Using the coldness that terror created to suppress the strength inside, leaving me to tremble in fear at the thought of what could be sitting within the darkness, waiting for their moment to strike. Remaining hidden well beyond my line of sight. Watching me from a spot where there was no light, no noise, and worst of all; no means for me to see them coming.


    Terror gave birth to dread. Making me feel like I was no more than a wandering soul waiting to get sent to either the joys of heaven or the depths of hell. An ant lost from my colony just waiting for someone to come along and end it. Wondering deep within an endless abyss where the only exit may very well be my own death. That thought was horrifying, having left me trembling whilst gripping the hem of my baggy nightshirt till my knuckles turn white. I needed to find a way out of this vast emptiness, to find the door that led to something I knew. To hopefully find my light within the darkness.


    "Hello?!" I desperately called out, Releasing my shirt to cup my hands around my mouth. Listening for a response back from an unknown source. I know it was foolish to expect a response from the darkness. Seeking help from within my own head felt silly, to say the least. Just for some reason in my panicked state I just acted without a second thought. Calling out again and again into the void, my own voice getting swallowed by this bleak empty world I had come to be in. Trying nonstop to seek assistance to no avail to find someone that had to know why it was so dark. That I prayed would know why my dream has turned into an empty nightmare.


    Lowering my hands, I grew apprehensive the longer I stayed here. This hasn''t happened before. Never in my life had this dream changed so drastically overnight. Had the events of the day created this dreamless world? Did the horror that I had faced create this special nightmare of mine? Scanning the ever-growing darkness, I was desperate to find something, anything that could tell me what I was seeing. Spinning in circles, looking around at the vast space trying as hard as I could to spot something within the darkness. Nothing was to my right, nothing to the left. Not a single sign of anything from what I could tell. Not even the tiniest speck of light to mark the way towards my freedom. I could tell my situation was growing dire thanks to the loud pounding in my chest that grew with intensity the more panicked I became. An ever-quickening, thu-thump thu-thump echoing throughout the darkness around me. My heartbeat growing louder and louder until it was all I could hear. All around me it began to sound, thu-thump thu-thump. Blocking out any other possible thought from being heard, My own heartbeat ringing out from the void like an echoing brass drum. The nonstop indication that yes this was in my mind and I was very much alone. That this vast emptiness, the panic that shook me to my core, even the heartbeat I was hearing; it was all just a fabrication created by my own thoughts and fears. But what I wanted to know was why. Why was I trapped here and what had happened to create such a space? More importantly, What was the point of this drastic change in my dream?


    Lost in my own worries, I had not thought for a moment the risks that came with bellowing out in search of help. The dangers of what could be lurking just out of reach just slipped my mind. Blocked out by every new thought that dared plagued me, erasing the previous notion with the continuous jumping from question to question, thought to thought not giving me a moment to collect a fragment of any of them. Making me have to try and suppress my panic long enough to think over what my choices would be.


    Gripping my arms tightly I tried to remove these distractions so I could hopefully focus. Taking one last look around in one final attempt to find something, I moved forward. Knowing what I needed to do, hopefully, I just needed my feet to willingly carry me into the depths of the shadows, blinding myself further. Slowly I took each step, feeling what felt like a cold stone under my bare feet as I moved. The sharp sting of ice against the fleshy part of my soul brought a sharp gasp from my lips. It grew colder the more I pressed on. Holding myself tighter just to bear this frigid air, exhaling a painful amount of hot air in the process. ¡®So...cold..¡¯ I thought I needed to keep moving just to stay warm, to block out the pain that traveled through the bottoms of my feet. Shivering I rubbed my bare arms, staring into the darkness for light. It was a futile effort, I knew it, But I just couldn¡¯t give up. The more I breathed the more I felt it. A heat that was growing in the pit of my stomach, expanding the deeper I went into the void. It was the only thing encouraging me to keep going. This new internal heat pack grew warmer and warmer, soothing me from the inside out. Like the first glass of hot chocolate on a winter''s night. Just this warmth seemed to last a whole lot longer than the seconds of heat from a warm drink.


    Easing my grip on my arms I took the moment to relax the already strained muscles in my fingers, moving them to ease the stiffness and discomfort. Distracted for only a moment, looking down towards where I pictured my hands to be, I never saw it coming. In the depths of the shadows it came. A mighty roar split the silence, shaking the ground with amazing force.  Starting out as minor trembles growing all the more violent until they were effortlessly knocking me off my feet.


    "S-stop! Stop!" I shrieked trying to steady myself. Reaching out into the nothingness for something solid to grasp onto. Squeezing my eyes shut anticipating the vibrations to send me to the ground. Oh, I prayed that¡¯s all it would take to send me down. But there was a hard slap against my back, a gust of air from yet another loud cry from this creature surely; forcing my knees to buckle from the impact. Frantically my mind tried to will anything into existence to help me, to keep me stable before I began the descent into the never-ending abyss below.


    Falling forward my hands made contact with a smooth cold object that had struck them. Firmly grasping it I used it to regain my balance. Opening my eyes I couldn''t believe what I was seeing, the light had returned around me, illuminating about three feet around me allowing me a chance to see what was there. Glancing down at my hands I could see they had rested were thick silver tendrils sticking out of the ground in braided bunches. Stunning vine-like pieces that even had little intricate leaves running along the side up to a larger structure attached to it. Keeping a firm grasp on the makeshift railing, I moved closer to see what they were attached to. Wanting a better look at the first object to be found within this world. A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.


    A wave of relief washed over me when I came face to face with what was there. A rather large oval mirror melding into the tendrils turning from simple vines to an array of roses carved into an old piece of handiwork. Staring at them in awe I could make out the little red roses trailing up the silver frame, traveling all the way up to the top where three circular stones resting within their own budding flowers at the top. To the left was a little ocean blue gem, weaved into the side of the center bud, a deep forest green. The final one was a bright red that appeared to be more open than the others. Several small petals flimsy to the eye yet held their place around the bit of red.


    Looking straight ahead at the reflective part of the mirror, I saw myself. A slender wavy-haired brunette, so pale that I had a ghost-like appearance. Eyes a dull brown, only a faint light within them to show that I wasn''t quite emotionally dead yet. The years of torture and abuse from my mother had given me a meek appearance. Neck not even attempting to hold my head high, my body instinctively moving to cover what it could with its arms; arms that held my body in such a way to shy away from those that may look.


    Looking over this reflection of myself I felt more guilt and pain than ever before. I was the reason this reflection of mine looked the way it had. If I had been stronger I wouldn''t need to hide from the world. I could possibly be more attractive, maybe even bolder and adventurous. Seeing the sadness behind a faint smile, My heart broke. This fragile young Girl was not who I wanted to be...but how could I fix someone so broken? Reaching my hand out I brushed the tips of my fingers over the shimmering surface of the mirror. Our fingers brushing against each other''s in unison, gazing into the other''s eyes, I could see it. That small flicker of hope nearly snuffed out by life, still remaining lit.


    Staring at it more I sought out a clue deep in her blue eyes. Blinking I stopped focusing for just a moment. My eyes are brown...then why are hers blue? Looking back over her face I gasped softly. Shock and confusion were all I felt taking that step back just to see the full sight of the girl before me. Her hair had straightened out, eyes stronger than before. Holding within them a power that made me envious of the grown woman before me. Her body was more befitting of the strength she held, more curvious and beautiful. A woman that would have even the highest quality of man wrapped around her finger. A man like Lawson would be among those panning for her attention.


    This was no longer my own reflection I was peering at. No, it couldn¡¯t have been mine. But if it wasn¡¯t mine...could it be hers? The woman I have been mistaken for in my dreams a woman far stronger than I could have hoped to be. The woman they claimed to be Ivora. Gripping my left arm tightly I thought it over, not looking away from the smiling woman. I knew very little of who this woman was, only what my dreams would allow. A beauty that had been blamed by the cloaked figure for the fires and the dragon¡¯s attack upon the town. Whether or not it was true I had no clue. But to get to see her for myself eased my mind oddly enough. Maybe my dreams held some merit behind why it had always been on repeat until now. The tightness of my hand on my arm was gone, my fingers absentmindedly brushing the tears from my eyes when the moment of relief washed over me. This reflection showed me what those in my dreams saw. In this world, I was seen as Ivora, not Ebony. Not once seen for who I truly was. A timid young adult, broken from the inside out. Lost in her own world and thought to be nothing by her own family.


    ¡°Ivora¡­¡± I whispered her name, all the while admiring the strong woman before my eyes. Her own smile meeting my own in acknowledgment; letting me know my assumption was correct. Ivora was who was before me, staring back holding my attention using this enchanting mirror as a means to do so. It was amazing really, to think I could see a different person when using a mirror. But deep down I still knew this was a dream. That when I woke up this mirror would be gone and I would only have my own sad reflection to see.


    ¡°Shhh.¡± I heard a tender womanly voice breathe. Ivora now holds a finger over her lips, a faint red glow crawling up her arm towards her face. The crimson aura framed her features allowing her physical form to fade before my eyes. Her flawless skin growing more and more transparent, looking no more than an overlay on a computer file. Behind her colors began to take shape, the dragon''s roar shaking the stone corridors of the tunnel. Chunks of stone being knocked loose from their places in the ceiling clattering to the ground. The once damp halls were full of life, voices urging each other to quicken their pace over the stone. Humans, dragons, fairies, even what appeared to be centaurs were among the gathering of fifty or so beings squeezed into this small space.


    "Lady Ivora! We need to hurry, they are working their way up the hillside!" A young green-haired girl, no older than twelve, exclaimed gripping a woven staff of silver and wood in her hands. The orb at the top glowing white to light up the area in which they ran. Ivora taking up the end of the rushing crowd. Her white dress torn down on the right side, arms burned from her wrist to her shoulder.


    "I know, Roe. Please hurry to the door and get everyone through! I will meet you there!" Ivora''s voice belted out trying to be heard over yet another warning cry from the attacking beast outside. Even with the order, the child trembled in place, tears pouring from her eyes. Ivora going towards her pulled the fearful girl into a tight embrace of her own. Nuzzling into the top of her head as she did. "Guide them to safety, Rosemary...I will find you through the door. "


    "W-when?" Rosemary whispered gripping the older girl in desperation, the action showing how much the older girl meant to her. The way her voice trembled, how her knuckles drew white the tighter she gripped her. But even then Ivora kept herself composed. Giving a final squeeze she looked upward at the group waiting to go through the door. Only one of them needed to go through that door to get them to safety and she knew she needed to keep this girl protected as well.


    "Shara, take her to the door, and don''t let her turn back!" Ivora called to a proud Centaurian woman with tightly braided brown hair atop her head. Using her magic, Ivora forced the sobbing child into the woman''s grasp. Watching as a single tanned arm scooped up the wailing form, charging the door with the others following in suit. Leaving Ivora alone halfway down the tunnel to hear a sobbing Rosemary calling out to her. Trying to understand the choices that were made.


    "Rosemary...stay strong¡­" Ivora heaved a weary sigh. Fighting to keep herself from rushing those screams. Turning on her heel, the scene grew blurry. Each step she took leading her back the way she came. Until the image faded out of sight and a new one took its place. The red glow around her ghostly figure grew brighter, canceling out all the black with the frame. The fire covered everything, including a now blood-soaked dress loosely coiled around Ivora''s waist. A golden dagger plunged deep into her chest, twisted to allow the most internal damage. Coughing loudly, blood sprayed from her paling lips. Her body was dying, the wound too great for her to return from.


    "Rosemary...Shara...protect them...never return...until this ends¡­" Ivora gasped, forcing all her energy into her right hand. This was her last will for those she cared about most in the world. The people she thought of as her friends, companions...and even her family in some cases. Raising her blood-soaked hand she closed her eyes releasing her own crimson flame into the sky. The large orb exploded once it struck the sky. A thin layer of magic rippled over the land, reaching the door deep within the tunnel sealing it shut from within the realm.


    Hearing the loud clanking noise of the heavy steel lock, I was broken out of this trance. Rubbing my eyes I didn''t know what I was just shown. But whatever it was told me she knew she was going to die at the end of the tunnel. Even that Ivora let her body be burned up if it meant sealing the doorway. But what I failed to understand was why she just walked to her death? Why not fight it like the strong woman she came off as instead of giving into the danger?


    Seeking more answers I looked back at the mirror to see it empty of Ivora''s face. Looking back at me was my own reflection filled to the brim with questions left unanswered. Reaching out I touched the cool glass once more, feeling it vibrating. Voices shouting steadily growing louder and louder from within it. That''s when a light show sparked to life within this dark void. Brilliant bursts of gold and sapphire gifting a means to see all the while growing with the voices.


    Looking around at the colors, I tried to catch what was being said. Listening intently to the two voices that were now screaming at each other within my mind. It was unreal, this feeling of comfort and confusion that I held. Seeing the colors and hearing the voices speaking in a language I did not know, it was hard for me to place names. That''s even if these were people I knew.


    "I''m Ebony''s best friend! Tu es celui qui n''a pas le droit d''¨ºtre ici, stupide l¨¦zard!" a high-class french female''s voice shouted over the male voice. I will admit I had no idea what all she said. But it was the way she said it that made it clear who the woman''s voice belonged to. A wide smile pulled at my lips until it took over my face. Rushing towards the brightest of the golden lights, I didn''t mind the darkness. Not when the one person I cared for the most was in reach.


    Following the flashes of gold, the coldness in this place vanished. Sprouting out of the stone were patches of grass, even small violet flowers that created their own light. What was once bleak and empty was filling with life. Even my heartfelt lighter just hearing my friend''s voice shouting overhead. My feet carried me into a white light that hadn''t been there before. My body instantly grew warm as it washed over my cold being. Filling me with a sense of familiarity and love. Closing my eyes I felt at ease almost weightless. But there was no more fear within me. There wasn''t going to be. After all, even I knew when I opened my eyes again, there was going to be a new light within my home.


    "Bianca¡­"

 Lottie

    It was difficult waking up with so much shouting, more so because I didn''t know what was being shouted over me. Both parties that were arguing spoke fluent French, something I knew nothing of. In hindsight, I hadn''t thought it through when moving here. It was just that the idea of moving away from my troubles was the motivation I had needed to take this chance. It was a stupid thing to do, but it was still better than remaining within a home I wasn¡¯t wanted. However, I had hoped it would have prepared me for something as ridiculous as this. Easing myself up into a sitting position I noticed that Lawson had been standing to the right of me. His pale skin tinted red around his eyes while he argued on. The light flush made his eyes come across darker in comparison. Standing across from him, by the front door, had been nonother than my ball of sunshine, Bianca. Her long dirty blonde hair was straightened and held in place by a black beret. Her voice growing louder in octaves to try and drown his voice out.


    I had been left in the dark as to what had started such a ruckus. Making me wish I had taken that extra time to learn the language of the land so I could understand this better. But from what I could see, it was more so the clashing of two strong, dominant personalities that had sparked a war within my living room. Two lovely beings that sought to be heard by the other through the stubbornness that they both shared.


    ¡°Tu ne devrais m¨ºme pas ¨ºtre l¨¤! Que comptez-vous vous serpent?!¡± Bianca¡¯s loud majestic voice exclaimed, demanding answers from Lawson by how it looked. Taking a step towards him, jabbing a light pink nail into his chest as she spoke. Her hazel eyes not yet noticing I had woken up from the shouting, nor the fact I was viewing this altercation between the two of them. I knew I had to get between them, to silence the yelling so that no authorities would be called for a noise complaint. The last thing I wanted was to be known as the new girl that causes trouble so this needed to stop. It''s just that seeing the 5¡¯8 blonde standing so firmly in place, her physical appearance impeccable, made me jealous. Jealous of how she could be so unmoving and still rock the tight leather pants and skin-tight halter that showed off who she was. Letting the world know she was there and nothing was going to stop her. I wanted to be like that. To know who I was meant to be and let it shine like the brightest light in the room.


    Shaking my head I had to focus. Missing what Lawson had retaliated with I quickly got myself up and over to them. Grazing my hand over his bicep in passing sending chills shooting through my arm. There was a low growling in his voice, rage far too clear in his eyes. Was this fight really this bad? His once stunning silver-blue eyes were stained red the longer he stared at Bianca. Leaving me shaking when I managed to shouldered my way between them. Knees trembling, hands nervously reaching out to push on his chest. His body acting similar to that of stone, hard and unmoving. Requiring more effort on my part to gain his attention. Stepping closer to him I threw my much weaker body into him, feeling his thick arms instinctively catch me. His tense body gradually relaxed the longer I stayed there with him. Resting against him, making sure he was all too aware I had been there. My hand gripping at his shirt tightly feeling his warm hand gently stroking my back. I closed my eyes tightly as aching pain filled my chest, lungs feeling like they were on fire just waiting to see the outcome of my choice this time. Fearful of how this would settle itself.


    ¡°Regardez-vous ¨¤ moiti¨¦, je n''accepterai pas votre manque de respect ¡­¡± His voice rumbled in his chest, the tone feeling oddly threatening compared to how he usually spoke. With a click of Bianca¡¯s tongue, I could finally release the breath I had been holding. Both of them calming down and the air in the room changing altogether. Granted it was still thick and tense, but they were trying to bring it back to a calm one.


    Giving a nervous smile I could finally move without the fear of them getting into a more violent argument. As well as letting the worries of needing to explain this to the police drift away. Looking between the two of them I met both their eyes using the silence to wrap my mind around what I had seen. Then it occurred to me, Bianca had been standing in my doorway and I practically hugged Lawson in front of her. Giving a nervous laugh I looked at her seeing her eyes watching me, a smile forming on her more defined face. Her arms opening wide and pulling me into a warm greeting. Instinctively hugging her back I was just glad she was here finally. That I wouldn¡¯t have to be here alone anymore.


    ¡°I leave you alone for one-day, charmente, and you bring a boy home.¡± She teased surrounding herself in a whole new feeling of playfulness. Holding me tightly against herself laughing while I struggled to find a means to explain myself. To tell her that this hadn¡¯t been planned and Lawson was only a friend.


    ¡°Bianca, I-¡±


    ¡°No no, I see how it is. I¡¯ve been replaced. Ah, my heart, it breaks.¡± She giggled, releasing me from her grasp. Leaving me as red as a tomato standing before her in my messy clothes from the day before. Hair probably more like a rat¡¯s nest from being jolted awake in such away. Rubbing my arm I still felt like I should explain even if her teasing made it hard.


    ¡°Seems more like you¡¯re making her uncomfortable than calming her down...Don¡¯t you think?¡± Lawson spoke up now standing closer to my back than before. The heat coming off of his chest was oddly frightening and relaxing, more so frightening when I remembered what he had told me he was. That the man behind me was an all-powerful dragon in a human body. Hidden among the world of humans so as not to get harmed. Which made almost no sense to me. After all, aren¡¯t dragon¡¯s the strongest beings in the world? Or was that just some mythical fabrication I had read somewhere?


    ¡®Focus, Ebony! You don¡¯t want them fighting again!¡¯ I thought quickly before glancing up at Lawson with a shaky smile. ¡° Lawson, this is Bianca Laurent, my best friend. She¡¯s going to be living here with me while I adjust to my new home. ¡° I informed him, turning my attention to Bianca as soon as those words left my mouth. Taking hold of her hands I needed her to understand he was not a threat to me. Later I can tell her about the mess I had found myself in the night before. Possibly when Lawson was gone...long gone.


    ¡°Bianca, this is Lawson Lowell. He lives here in town...and has already helped me out a lot...So please can you not fight with him? For me?¡± She didn¡¯t seem all too thrilled with the request. Her mouth twisting as if she had just bitten into a lemon. Her eyes glancing over me and then at the man standing there. That¡¯s when they thinned glaring at him not answering me like I had hoped she would. ¡°Lottie...Please. I don¡¯t want much¡­¡± I asked again. This time using her middle name against her, knowing far too well that she loved being called by it. It sounded so much cuter than her first name.


    ¡°Not fair Bunny...Using that against me..¡± She pouted, puffing out her lower lip. Her eyes softening nonetheless and her warm smile once again adorning her perfect face. ¡° Bein, I¡¯ll play nice. But only for you.¡±


    I don¡¯t know what came over me but I nearly knocked her over in a moment of joy. Throwing my arms around her shoulders, hugging her tightly. Getting her to agree had meant the world to me at that moment. My best friend was willing to overlook everything just so I could have a chance to make a new friend. Yes, I knew she would want to watch over me to see to it I would be safe. But I didn¡¯t care, things were looking up and I could finally make the choices that would best suit me. Freedom of choice was finally mine for the taking and I loved it.


    ~Bianca¡¯s POV~


    I was far from happy with what I had shown up to. This was supposed to be the chance of a lifetime for Ebony, not a chance to have a stranger in her home. Holding her in his arms like he owned her had made me angry. No, I am very much straight, just this was MY Ebony in his arms. The shy girl that I had come to love over the years. She was the sister I never got to have and the key to the joy within so many, even if she didn¡¯t know it. So when Lawson excused himself from the home I was glad to see him go. That face of his, albeit perfect, ticked me off and brought out something inside me that wasn¡¯t too nice. Something I didn¡¯t want Ebony ever seeing.


    Sitting down at the round dining table in the kitchen, I lightly tapped my foot against the air trying to piece together what I had missed while Ebony freshened up. The silly brunette worried about how she looked even within her home. Yes, her hair had been a little messy, but it was more of the gentle messiness that came with wavy locks of hair like hers. She really had nothing to worry about in that aspect of things, even if it was cute seeing her so nervous. It just showed more of the gentleness that is Ebony.The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.


    Releasing a soft sigh I listened to the running water through the thin walls. Closing my eyes to hopefully relax after my trip here. If Ebony knew how tedious it was to get her things here, she probably would lose herself as a result. Well, it wasn¡¯t that bad I guess. Just...troublesome. The boxes had required more attention than anticipated and that nosey man snooping into my business raised red flag after red flag in my mind. His messy brown hair and light green eyes are what I remembered most about him. That and a single scar about two inches long that traveled diagonally along his left hand. He had stood about Lawson¡¯s height, roughly 6¡¯1 to 6¡¯3, not as thick as him on a muscular standpoint but he had enough to be intimidating.


    ¡® Where are you heading to miss? ¡® He kept asking despite me ignoring him as I double-checked the boxes that were being loaded into the car. Well, it was more like a jeep if anything, but the number of boxes wasn¡¯t many so the size didn¡¯t matter too much. That didn''t change the fact I stood out of the way of the actual workers that had been doing the lifting for me. It was truly amazing how far a simple bat of the eyes and pucker of the lips could get you. These two men eagerly lifted the boxes I was ¡®too weak¡¯ to manage on my own. The duo was more than willing to aid the damsel in distress in hopes of gaining my number, or a night of enjoyment. But this guy...no he had something else in mind. I had no idea where he had come from, still don¡¯t have a clue, but he must have done something. Something that would break all the rules no doubt to sneak up on me like this. Even with that in mind, it wasn¡¯t going to change what I felt. My heart and mind for once working together to warn me of this potential threat. Making it well known, even now, this man was not to be messed with.


    ¡®Taking things to my brother.¡¯ I had lied, dismissing him for what felt like the third time within the half-hour I had been there. Even then he seemed not to want to listen, shifting closer his large hand touching my left shoulder squeezing it briefly. His eyes emotionlessly staring down at me as if that alone would freeze me in place. When, in fact, all it did was make me fear for my own life. I wasn¡¯t used to people like this, so dark so closed off. Those eyes lacked the light that others had and could act at a moment''s notice should he be pushed enough. Had that been why he had such a thick scar? Had he killed someone for not answering him or simply disregarding his existence? Either way, I needed to get away from him and fast. Gripping my bag I tossed it into the car, slamming the passenger door shut. Turning around to move around to the right side of the vehicle I froze finding him in my face. His hand gripping my upper arm so tightly his fingers dug into my flesh, paralyzing me. He had moved faster than I could have guessed, taking only seconds to pin me against the car as he had. Pushing into my lower body with his hip holding me firmly in place against the cold vehicle.


    ¡®Hey man, let her go!¡¯ One of the men loading the car had exclaimed trying his best at playing the hero. He had no clue what this man was capable of. Hell, I had no clue either but I wasn¡¯t about to fight one of the big dogs without knowing what I was facing. The human males made mistake after mistake trying to pull him off. His grip on me got tighter and his anger growing. His eyes locked on mine, staining red as the rage began to boil over. He was more than willing to hurt them and I couldn¡¯t stop him. The heat he gave off, threatening to burn my flesh with each passing moment. Forcing me to do something I never wanted to do, not in front of humans.


    ¡®P-Please...don¡¯t hurt them. They don¡¯t know any better.¡¯ I begged, feeling a painful layer of hardened flesh cover my abdomen and waist. It wasn¡¯t much, but it eased the heat off of me enough where it wouldn¡¯t blister. He would feel the change either way thanks to his own body being on mine. However, I prayed he was too distracted by the men to act on my change. He let out a low warning growl the more the men struggled to remove him. They grabbed and pulled, yet he was firmly placed, cemented into the ground if you will. It wasn¡¯t until there was a small click had we both looked towards the men. The smaller of the two seemed to have enough. Taking out a small silver handgun and pointed it right at the man. The barrel, dark and empty just like the man¡¯s eyes. This man had a death wish that was going to be filled thanks to his choice.


    Without a sound, the stranger partially turned his torso allowing his right hand to produce massive crimson flames tipped with an icy blue. Lashing out at them in a fit of rage, he launched the multicolored flames from his arm. Large beach ball-sized fireballs hurling through the air at the two men. The heat from the blaze enough to melt the metal of the gun to the one''s hand. While setting the second one on fire by hitting him square in the chest instead of clipping him. Both letting out loud cries of pain, only one dying on the spot from his wounds. The other passed out once the pain had become too much.


    With no further distractions, the man turned his attention back to me, confirming my worries within those distressing moments. He was one of them...a dragon. But not just any dragon, one from beyond the door. They were meant to be locked away centuries ago, unable to pass into this world, and yet...here he was. How he got there, I had an idea. But I needed to get out of here before I got hurt. His flames were far hotter than any of the other dragons I had come across over the years. The heat coming off of him managed to burn my arm even through my protective plating. Left in silence, I fought the urge to cry as my realization captivated my mind. We were in danger, a greater danger than I had thought.


    ¡® Scared? Well, you ought to be. The game is only just beginning...little fae. Best keep the Queen safe...otherwise Solaris will be mine.¡¯ he chuckled making sure he left a mark on me before he left. It may not have been a permanent physical marking, but the mental imprint was something that I wouldn¡¯t forget. His head drew closer, breath grazing my cheek where he left a soft kiss. Assuring me this was the start of a larger plan. That he would get to the door and would use the hidden key to get what he wished. Which meant only one thing, I needed to hurry and get Ebony. Should I fail...we all will die.


    He had left me frozen in fear beside the car. A burn on one arm and a promise that couldn¡¯t be ignored. Time was running out for us and it scared me. Heaving a heavy sigh, tears poured from my eyes. Waiting until he was out of my sight, I didn¡¯t dare leave just yet. Taking out my cell phone nervously, hands trembling while I tried to gather myself. Looking over the two men that wouldn¡¯t have been hurt if I hadn¡¯t gotten them to help me. I knew the one wouldn¡¯t be alive after that, but I could at least save the second. Calling for help I made sure to leave out what had happened. Just leaving an anonymous message for the dispatcher to do with as they will. Waiting ten extra minutes after that I chose to leave the scene. Getting into the car I needed to clean myself up before meeting with Ebony. Hopefully getting a plan in mind before anything else happens.


    That¡¯s what I had hoped, it wasn¡¯t what I had gotten. Getting here and seeing her relying on such a man...it was far from the ideal sight I had wished for. Things were just getting harder to manage since that man had shown himself. More and more issues are coming to light before my eyes. In the middle of them, was an unknowing Ebony. Trapped in the center of it all with both good and evil on either side of her. But...which side did that leave me? Let alone which side did it leave Lawson?


    ¡°Lottie? Is everything okay?¡± Ebony¡¯s voice broke through my thoughts causing my eyes to flutter open. Looking over at my best friend I could see she chose to dress comfortably again. Baggy sweat pants and a tank top seemed to be her go too. As much as I would have loved to see her dress more like the young woman she was, I didn¡¯t have the heart to make her change at the moment. Giving her my best convincing smile, I leaned forward resting my head on my interlaced fingers. Trying to just act like nothing was wrong in my world.


    ¡°Of course Bunny! Now, how about we start fixing up this place, make it scream ¡®Ebony¡¯. ¡° I giggled amused by her blushing face paired with an innocent smile. She was just so adorable. ¡° Painting will have to wait, we can start planning and getting your things put away. What do you say?¡±


    ¡°W-well...I would like to eat first¡­¡± She responded, once more touching her arm; a habit she had for as long as I knew her. It was just the typical reaction she had when she didn¡¯t know what to do with her hands. Kinda like a child nuzzling into their favorite blanket growing up or holding onto a stuffed animal. Seeing as Ebony never had any of those things, she found comfort in small actions. Holding her arm being one such comfort, another is the constant need to tuck her hair behind her ear. A little habit I started to catch myself doing at times. More so when flirting with some cute faces, but something I picked up nonetheless.


    ¡°Alright, let¡¯s go eat, and then we''ll turn this place into Palais d''¨¦b¨¨ne!¡± Getting up I grabbed my bag from by the door, ready to show her around and hopefully get some ideas while we¡¯re at it. The sooner this place gets cleaned and refurbished maybe then Ebony might look more at home instead of trapped in the ways of her old life. Then she might not need Mr. Lawson Lowell for comfort and can find someone well-deserving of her. Maybe she''d find someone just as kind if not strong. Possibly really sexy that was devoted to her well being.


    In my opinion, anyone would be better for her than Lawson. I don''t trust him as far as I could throw him. Which was why I knew I needed to keep Ebony close. Should she fall for Mr. Lowell...she could be in added danger. Especially if he found out about her potential relationship with the man. So grabbing my purse from the back of my seat, I played it off like all was well as we left the house. Masking my actions so it came across as nothing was on my mind plaquing the good mood and excitement of this adventure. Then hopefully I could find the time to talk to Ebony about why she was given this home. Why her being here would bring all kinds out of the cracks.

 A Pot of Surprises

    ~Ebony''s Pov~


    Breakfast seemed to have gone by fast. Bianca having led the way to a small local eatery not too far from the house. It wasn''t too extravagant, just a simple family-owned shop with a means to eat either inside the building among the smell of fresh baked goods or outside if one wished. To me, the little ivy-covered shop felt more like a coffee shop that had been conjoined to a bakery. The smells were just overwhelming as the fresh-roasted coffee mixed with the cinnamon buns that were added to the case.


    We had chosen a table outside under the floral covered awning, remaining there well after eating our orders. The stress of what I knew was getting to me. I needed to tell her, to let her know the truth behind why Lawson was in my home when she got there. Even if it is no big deal to keep it as my own secret, I wouldn''t want my best friend to find out I had kept it from her. Especially something as major as I had been attacked the day before and needed the aid of a stranger to avoid getting hurt again. Yes, we didn''t get what had attacked out of the house...But who knows with Bianca there was the chance it would get bored and leave. The more I thought everything over, the more fearful I became. What if she doesn''t believe me? What if she just laughs and tells me, I¡¯m imagining things? Or worse...what if she gets hurt? Then what will I do? I don''t want to lose my only friend over my own insecurities.


    ¡°Ebony!¡± Bianca¡¯s voice exclaimed, forcing my eyes to raise from the white table cloth to meet her gaze. Looking into her light green eyes I could see the emotions they held. The worry she held dancing alongside the comfort she was ready to give.


    ¡°S-sorry...I guess I have a lot on my mind.¡± I breathed pulling at the loose grey cotton of my sweatpants, trying to fight the need to hide. I shouldn¡¯t want to hide with Bianca here with me, never has this happened before. Something about being in her homeland after the events of yesterday scared me. Worries of other creatures appearing before me ready to take a bite plagued my mind. Each good thought attempted to turn dark with the new information I held. However, what didn¡¯t change was the fact Bianca was there, sitting before me ready to help if I would let her. Just like she always was.


    ¡°Ebony, you can talk to me...you know that¡± Bianca spoke softly, reaching her hand out to gently touch my shoulder. A wave of warmth emanating off of her, seeping into my skin just like Lawson¡¯s touch had done.


    ¡°W-well...I need you to keep an open mind. O-okay?¡± I began to say, swallowing hard on my nerves all the while.


    ¡°Bunny, you know me by now. I¡¯m the Reine de l¡¯ouverture d¡¯esprit.¡± She laughed, letting her hand slip away from me to prepare herself for what I would say.


    ¡°First off...You know I don¡¯t know what you said..¡±


    ¡°Ah, right I forgot that you don¡¯t know French. I said I¡¯m the Queen of being open-minded.¡± She reiterated for me, making this slightly easier for me to tell her. With all joking done I pushed the fear of her knowing down, proceeding to tell her the events of the night before. Watching her facial expressions carefully for any change in her emotions. Though, somewhere deep inside my heart, I knew it wouldn¡¯t change how she saw me. I would still be her ¡®Bunny¡¯ and she would forever be my ¡®Lottie¡¯. This would just become something we would need to work together on handling. After all, it would be new for her too, right?


    When I finished explaining what had happened, I waited in silence feeling the full weight of my nerves resting on my shoulders. Holding my hands in my lap, taking slow deep breaths so as not to go into a full-blown panic attack. There wasn¡¯t a single detail left out of my explanation. I had spoken of the dreams with her once before, but this is the first time they had begun to change. It scared me just like that creature had. But it wasn¡¯t until the attack that the idea of my life being in danger had crossed my mind. So telling her about the creature living in the home was the final nail that would either break this arrangement and leave me alone or would solidify the notion I was losing my mind.


    ¡°So...You know about Dragons thanks to Lawson and this thing hiding in the house?¡± Bianca spoke after sometime, her tone a lot calmer than I had anticipated. I had expected her to freak out, to claim I was going crazy, something that wasn¡¯t this. She seemed to be in thought, playing with a single strand of her hair. Whilst here I sat nervously fiddling with my clothes fearing the judgment that didn¡¯t come.


    ¡°Y-yeah...I mean I don¡¯t know much, but I know what I saw..¡± I stammered, looking down at my hands, catching myself scratching at my own skin. My nails dug into the now reddened flesh leaving behind thin tracks.


    ¡°Well...there¡¯s no easing you into it then...is there?¡± Her words had confused me, drawing my scratching to a stop. Had she known about these creatures from the beginning? Was this worrying for nothing? Lifting my head to look at her, her eyes couldn''t meet mine. A guilty action from someone in the wrong, that''s for sure.


    "Ease me...into it? You knew about this?"


    "Oui...I knew, however, I didn''t expect you to be harmed. Please believe me on that. " She begged running her fingers through her golden locks. I couldn''t believe this, she knew. She knew and didn''t tell me at all! Why? Was I untrustworthy to know or was she trying to protect me from this fact?


    "I trust you...but...why wouldn¡¯t you tell me? I told you about my dreams...you knew that I wouldn''t have reacted too badly. " I questioned just wanting to know why she chose to hide it. I mean I don''t think I''m a bad person. Nor do I feel that I would spread such information around for the hell of it. You would need people to want to talk to you for that to happen and all I have is her...and Lawson. Other than them I am alone, who would I go crying wolf to? Not to mention the fact I had spent so many long nights feeling like an outcast, a defective being that had no place. Now here I am, sitting in a french cafe, learning that my best friend had knowingly left me to suffer in the dark. I didn¡¯t want to blame her for any of this, but it was hard not to. Not when she could have eased this burden years ago instead of now.


    "I didn''t want to overwhelm you, Bunny. It''s a lot to take in and even more to understand." She spoke clearly picking and choosing her words carefully, not wanting to cause too much of a scene. Even in a nearly empty shop, a big enough scene could gain attention and cause problems.


    Reaching out once more, Bianca took hold of my hands. Raising them off my lap so I couldn''t fiddle as she spoke. Her smile was sad in my eyes, the guilt eating at her more than I had known.


    "C-can...you help me understand? I want to know more...I-I mean, it''s okay if you don''t want to help me¡­" I breathed, gripping her hands with what energy I could muster. I felt so childish asking such a thing. Feeling almost like a child wanting to hear their favorite story again after my parents had read it for the seventh time. The addiction to the abnormality that hid within reality had hooked me from the get-go. This was the fairytale I wanted to be a part of, to learn what creatures may lurk in the world, hidden in plain sight. No matter the danger the main character always pulled through, that¡¯s the story I wanted to be a part of.


    "Of course, my little Bunny. However, in exchange for this information, I would like to get a few things to redo your house. " Bianca spoke, her perfect lips curling into a playful smile, lifting the seriousness from the air significantly.


    "Does it bother you that much having a rustic looking home?" I responded, a small smile playing at the corner of my lips.


    "Yes! You''re not an old maid, Ebony! You need warm inviting colors, splashes of dark undertones to make it just pop!" She went on to explain excitedly, her hands tightly clasping each other before her chest in excitement. It sounded nice to change things up to best suit me. It''s just that¡­ I didn''t know where to begin. Making the place into something that represents who I am as a person was difficult. Especially since I had no idea what type of person I was. That was the whole point of moving out of my parents¡¯ house, to find out more about myself, to become the person I always wanted to be. However, it was easier said than done.


    "Fine, you''re right. It needs to be changed, but changed into what? I don''t exactly know the first thing about decorating, Lottie¡­"


    "True, your bland and boring white room was rather...what''s the word.." she hummed, tapping her chin in thought. Leaning on my elbow I giggled softly to myself, enjoying the fact she was confusing herself with the switching of words and phrases.


    "I think you''re looking for a psych ward or mental hospital feel. " No sooner had I said that I felt a pain behind my right eye. A strange sting that made it twitch in response. Reaching up I gently rubbed my eye trying to make it stop. ''How odd¡­'' I thought, feeling only the remnants of the pain remain. The initial pain felt like a shot, but now it felt like needles were repeatedly getting poked into the back of my eye. Each poke appeared to move slightly in some way, whether it is a slight curve to the right or a twist to the left as it moved. It was driving me nuts with how consistent it was.


    ¡°Yes, well...no. Not that I¡¯m saying you¡¯re from a psych ward¡­¡± Bianca remarked, stumbling over her own words. ¡°Anyway! Let¡¯s go shopping! We need to find out what makes you, you.¡± On that note, we left the shop. I was ready to see where this little shopping trip would take us. Maybe I could catch a glimpse of these ¡®other creatures¡¯ Bianca said existed. There were many possibilities and I was willing to see them all. Well...more wanting than willing to see them all. It was only a matter of time before something other than Lawson and that creature showed themselves. Maybe something that would have an answer to my dreams?


    Shopping with Bianca was harder than I remembered. She was constantly on the go, jumping from store to store, stand to stand. Just more in her element now than I was, I guess. I don¡¯t even recall how we had managed to find this strip of shops in town after we had left, what I deemed to be a cafe. Now we were meandering around a more modern country style shopping center where the roads were a pleasant dusty grey, resting against layers of green and cream. Flowers were outside each store, some ranging from window boxes to large potted plants bigger than a small child. Beyond the layers of green were the different sized shops, most of which had a similar stone exterior to my home. Just these buildings had a more welcoming appearance to them. While mine fit its own little fairytale layout in the yard, these were eye-catching so it was known what was there. Like this one particular little crafts shop that sold items from pens and pencils to fabrics and stuffing. Its large front window was framed in beautiful grey stone that contrasted the little bits of cream-colored wood at its walls. Next to that was a slightly larger hardware store with darker grey, almost black, bricks that gave off a rustic blacksmith feel to the outside. It even had what looked to be an extremely old anvil resting against the right side of the door frame. The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.


    Though I have to say my favorite sight so far was the florists¡¯ shop across from the clothes store that Bianca had been looking at. Yes, this store was pretty too with its warm chestnut wooden walls and dark stone from the base of the windowsill down to the ground, where it framed the structure. But it was nothing compared to the wonder that was the florist. At first, I couldn¡¯t tell if it was a building of glass, unable to really see the framing from beyond the vines that clung around the archway entry and fencing that went about four feet around the front of the place. So I went closer to it out of curiousness. Something about this place I liked, just couldn¡¯t put my finger on why. Was it because it was similar to my home? Sure it had that similar mysterious beauty feel to it, but this was far better kept than the garden at home.


    ¡®Maybe I should take up gardening..¡¯ I thought gently pushing the hip-high steel gate open so I could get a closer look. It was like being transported into a new world beyond that gate. Little water fixtures created a light babbling sound from the left where I could faintly make out little fish swimming around a small cobblestone pond. There were lots and lots of potted flowers in large wooden basins, each holding different types of flowers. I even recall seeing one with a few wooden rods in it so morning glory vines could travel up them to get closer to the sun.


    Pressing closer to the door, I honestly enjoyed this place. Running my hand over the wooden railing going up the three steps, I got a better look at the building. It had similar deep grey stones as my home, just large bay windows to allow the most light inside. The wood that framed the door was oak, painted a cute pastel blue to match the wood holding the glass door together. Stuck to the window panels were hand made light catchers in the shape of butterflies. Whoever owned this shop was far more talented than the outside would give them credit for.


    ¡°Bonjour! Welcome to Delphine¡¯s Flowers. ¡° a cheerful male voice greeted from within the shop once I had the door open. Looking over at him, I was almost ashamed to say if he hadn¡¯t spoken I wouldn¡¯t have noticed him arranging a large sunflower bouquet at the counter. He stood at a modest 5¡¯10, with shoulder-length brown hair, held back in a low ponytail. His body seemed to be well-sculpted, though not as obvious as Lawson¡¯s had been. Yes, this man had thick arms indicating he worked out, but he didn¡¯t feel intimidating in the slightest. Where Lawson kinda had that intense air about him at times.


    I felt bad comparing the two of them like items in a shop. It was just easier sometimes when you¡¯re not used to seeing nice looking men talking to you. Plus I¡¯m not too good with people so hearing his velvety voice in my ears, brought a bright red blush to my face. Letting the door ease shut behind me, I kept looking at the bouquets that lined the displays so as not to draw attention my way.


    On the shelves rested smaller flower pots with new budding flowers for people to plant at home and let¡¯s be truthful, I was tempted to get some for the inside of my home. Maybe they would help lighten up the place and make it feel more at home for me. I mean, if just crossing over the property line to reach the shop made me feel this good, who¡¯s to say it wouldn¡¯t do the same for my home? That was definitely a possibility.  Plus, Bianca was right, I needed to add bits of myself into the home so I could be more comfortable. So maybe this was a step in the right direction?


    ¡°Like the roses?¡± The male questioned, catching me looking over some that had yet to bloom.


    ¡°O-Oh...um yeah...I was thinking of maybe getting some...something to put in the house.¡± I answered glancing over at him, finding he had moved from the counter to beside me within the moments of me entering to the point I started to stare.


    ¡°Well, roses are a good choice, though they might not be the best for first-time planters. Might I suggest some Sweet peas or Daylilies?¡± He smiled warmly, motioning towards some blooming flowers down the wall. They were nice and colorful, the sweet peas. Even the daylilies were a nice vibrant yellow. But compared to this man, they didn¡¯t seem as nice.


    ¡®It¡¯s bad enough Lawson made me start this mess, don¡¯t start it with this guy too¡­¡¯ I thought lightly rubbing my arm trying to make it seem like I was in thought. ¡°Hmmm as nice as they are...I-I seem more drawn to the roses¡­¡± I answered him, looking away from the flowers a moment to take in how some of the medium-sized plants looked. Letting out a soft hum, I moved away from him when seeing a light shade of red catch my attention. Near the counter rested a group of ceramic pots that held different types of roses. Some tiny looking to be growing in little bunches was in one pot and besides that was the one that caught my attention. Beautiful crimson roses with long stems and petals that curled slightly at the tips. These roses were unique in my eyes, leaving me lost in the sight of them. Reaching out I cupped one of the larger flowers looking closer. My heart began to race when I saw what I was looking at, this stunning plant had lace-like textures about the petals. Allowing me to almost see through them it wasn¡¯t for the different layers overlapping the other.


    ¡°L-Lovelace?¡± I whispered to myself, kneeling down to see if my eyes were playing tricks on me. My thumb gently running over the surface of the petals. I could feel the indentations for each intricate design the flowers held. It was not my imagination, these lovely flowers were indeed them.


    ¡°Ah, good choice, those roses can make a nice tea if brewed properly. Just came in yesterday too.¡± He spoke up still in the spot I had left him, I guess making sure I didn¡¯t damage his flowers.


    ¡°I-I would like to buy these...i-if that¡¯s okay.¡± I breathed, releasing the flower so as not to reveal my shaking. This was incredible, the flowers in my dreams were sitting in a flower pot before my eyes. He may not see them the same way, but this made my heart do flips. I was not crazy, these beautiful, amazing flowers were real and I wanted to have them in my house.


    ¡°Well, normally I would be against someone so new with plants taking them¡­¡± He hummed moving around to the other side of the counter. My eyes caught his movement, drawing my attention away from the roses. ¡°But I guess I¡¯ll make this an exception.¡± he finalized with a heart-melting smile, one that could put Lawson¡¯s crooked bad boy smirk to shame.


    ~The Florist¡¯s Pov~


    ¡°T-Thank you! I-I¡¯ll do my best to tend to them!¡± Her soft shy voice spoke loudly, the joy behind her words hard to miss. This young woman was infatuated with these flowers, it was easy to see. It even harder to want to say no to her. These flowers had been meant to be sold to the tea shop down the way, special ordered by my Aunt just to be the only one to supply them. However, I¡¯m certain she would understand when I explain to her why they were gone. Leaning on the marble countertop, I chuckled watching this woman fiddle with her bag to get her payment. The way her brown eyes sparkled was what made me agree. They were so full of life and love at that moment, it made my own heart swell. She was pretty cute, even dressed in such a relaxed state. If only I could dress like that even when working. But Aunt Delphine would be upset catching me like that. ¡®Dressing your best will bring in customers!¡¯ She would declare when even I knew she used me to draw in more female customers. Though this girl...this woman made me smile without trying. Let alone even knowing she did.


    Standing upright, I accepted her card once she had found it, seeing the name ¡® Ebony M. Montague¡¯ printed in silver on its surface. My fingers lightly brushing against hers, a faint amount of heat rising into my cheeks. This was a first, a customer causing me to blush from a simple touch. No, I¡¯m not cocky in this aspect. I don¡¯t flirt for fun, nor do I enjoy tricking the female patrons as my Aunt wants me to. If I had my way I would just grow the plants and not worry about that extra mess. Though life throws a curveball every once in a while it seems, placing a new face in your life causes it to grow brighter or darker. Ebony by far being the brightest face I¡¯ve ever seen enter my life.


    ¡°If you need help, feel free to call. I¡¯m Julien Travers.¡± I introduced, handing her the card back. Taking but a moment to add my name and cell number to the bottom of the receipt before giving that to her too. Her pale skin seemed redder than when she entered, eyes shimmering under the hanging stained glass lights. She was a natural beauty that didn¡¯t flaunt her worth. A delicate flower, far greater than what the surface showed.


    ¡°J-Julien...I¡¯m Ebony Montague, I¡¯ll try not to bother you too much,¡± she stated, her trembling voice a bit much for me. The cuteness of her shy nature, hard to resist. My own blush intensifying, feeling like a torch had set my skin on fire.


    ¡°No worries! Bother away, I won¡¯t mind!¡± I laughed nervously, scratching the back of my head. This was awkward enough without me acting like a goof. Standing there, with a pretty girl nervously rubbing her arm. Me, an overgrown tan-skinned man, laughing like I had said the world¡¯s worst dad joke.


    ¡°H-Here let me carry this out for you.¡± Coughing loudly, I bent down picking up the pot for her, not about to make her carry it down the stairs.


    ¡°Y-You don¡¯t have to.¡± She spoke reaching out to take the pot from my arms. I turned slightly, keeping it out of her reach. Her hand lightly brushing against my arm in response. I smiled, balancing the pot in one arm, I kept her from taking it. She was not going to be carrying this down the stairs. If she was to fall, I would feel horrible about it.


    ¡°No, I insist. A young lady shouldn¡¯t have to carry heavy items out to her car. ¡° I insisted, hiding my actual fear within my words. I already embarrassed myself once with the laugh. I didn¡¯t need to embarrass myself by telling her I feared her breaking her lovely features on the cement sidewalk. ¡®Yes Julien, be even cornier. That will TOTALLY get you the girl.¡¯ I thought quickly leaving through the front door. Keeping my back to her as I walked, so my face couldn¡¯t be seen. I had given her my number, made a fool of myself, and now talking to myself mentally. I.Am.An.Idiot.


    ~Ebony¡¯s Pov~


    Julien Travers, florist, and all-around good guy. That¡¯s who he was in my eyes. His laugh enough to make me want to laugh, but the air about things felt...Awkward. Like we both sucked at dealing with people and didn¡¯t know what to say. Holding the receipt in my hand I ran my thumb over the name in thought. He may not know what I saw in these flowers, but I could use the help in fixing up the garden. Maybe that would be something he would be willing to do. Following behind him I just played with that idea for a little bit. Of course, it would take time for me to ask him anything. I just met him, maybe I could talk to Bianca about this later.


    Walking with him towards where Bianca had parked the car, I made some space in the back seat for the pot to rest. Cracking the window a little so the hot air in the car didn¡¯t cause the flowers to wilt. Yes, I am going to treat this plant like a pet. If it kept them alive I would do it. It¡¯s not like it¡¯s every day I find a flower I¡¯ve only ever seen in my dreams.


    Closing the door, I let out a nervous laugh seeing Julian still standing there, glancing off to the side awkwardly. His hand scratching the back of his head, eyes trying to avoid mine. This big guy had been no more strange than me it seemed.


    ¡°T-Thank you for carrying the roses. I-I should go find my friend.¡± I said, holding my left elbow in front of me. Running my fingers over my somewhat dry skin in hopes to keep the thoughts away.


    ¡°Y-Yeah, no problem. Give me a call if you need anything, Okay? I hope to see your smile again, Ebony.¡± He spoke quickly, his eyes widening when he heard what he had said. My own face turned as red as the flowers I had just bought. How do you respond to something like that? A smile? A nod? A ¡®Yeah you too¡¯? I was at a loss. Standing before him like an idiot I laughed softly with nothing else to do.


    ¡°I uh better go. Have a good day.¡± He excused himself, leaving rather quickly. He gave a nervous wave then walked away, his hands getting jammed into his pockets once his back was to me.


    ¡°Thanks again, Julien!¡± I called knowing I needed to say something, anything, at this point. It would be rude to not say thank you for the flowers and carrying them to the car. He didn¡¯t have to do any of that, not for me anyway.


    Leaning against the car I took this time alone to calm myself. Taking slow deep breaths, I worked on slowing my nerves so that this unexpected turn of events hadn''t completely turned me off of today. I just needed to think of the positives, like how I may have made a new friend. The thought of a new hobby was always something to be proud of. A very...kind-hearted new companion, who was willing to help should I only ask for it.


    Running my hands through my hair, I released an exasperated sigh, needing to work on managing my thoughts better. Nevertheless, I still needed to get back to Bianca. Pushing off the car, I triple checked to see that the doors were locked before continuing my shopping trip with my best friend. It continued on from that point much as I anticipated. Bianca suggesting different colors and items, me, not so keen on those items. In the end, I had a few different colored paints, a few new items, and a happy Little Lottie. Which only meant my questions were due to be answered once we returned home. To that, I couldn''t wait.