Prolog

We were born into the secret world of Pandora. A world that exists around humans, but was not often glimpsed by the human eye. Home to many different races to the unknown. We hide under the magic protection of Pandora, keeping our races a secret to humans. Long have we done so, and will continue to do so.
But a war is being stirred up between the HS and the AS. Faces are forced to choose sides. Many lives lost on both sides, and Earth becomes a battle ground.
Chapter 1
Nova

Astra and I were always running through the sprinklers and playing cops and robbers. I was always the robber when we played our games. Her white ping-tails always slapped me in the face when she spun around, but I didn’t mind I was only six.
“Children!” Our grandpa called us from his rocking chair. His going old white hair shined anytime light hit it. Our grandpa would always tell us stories about vampires and werewolves. The stories amazed me when I was young. Grandpa would tell us the stories with so much passion and emotion; I could imagine the ogre warriors and fairies marching towards the castle to slay the mighty beast. Grandfather often told us that we would be in our own story when we grew up and from that moment on I chose to believe him.
A loud noise in front of me brought me out of my flashback. “Nova, were you even listening?” Mr. Brunswick yelled at me.
“Yes Charlie, I was.”
“What was the last thing I said, Nova?” His voice squeaked anytime he got pissed, and let me say he was pissed.
“If I remember correctly the last thing you said besides, ‘what was the last thing I said,’ it would have to be,” I got from my seat and walk in front of my desk. I put my hands on my hips and knitted my brows together, just like what Mr. Brunswick does, and yelled, “Nova, were you even listening?”
I sat back down in my desk, “Yes Charlie, I was.”
I sweetly smiled at Charlie. He didn’t even bother to reply because he knew I had won this fight, but he threw dirty looks at some of the students behind me that were laughing. I turned around to see if Astra was one of the people who laughed, but before I could look Charlie coughed and glared at me. I turned back around and pouted, “You may begin.”
“Thank you Nova.” He turned back around and started the lesson about… something. I didn’t really pay attention; I stared out the window and watched birds fly by. I really wish I was out there. Maybe I can bite Charlie’s head off. I snickered softly and looked at the board. There were shapes all across the white board and numbers for their angles or something. I really wasn’t paying attention.
Finally the bell rang fifty-five minutes later and I pushed everything in my backpack and raced to the door. Before I took a step out, Charlie called me to his desk. “I’ll meet you at our next class,” I told Astra and skipped over towards his desk.”Yes Charlie.”
“Sit over there.”
“Yes sir.”
“Nova, you got to stop talking in class. I can’t keep letting you off the hook because of…. Who you are.”
“I now that sir and I don’t expect you too.”
“I like you Nova, I really do.”
“Aw, I like you too.”
He finally broke into a smile, “Get to class.” I jump out of my seat and ran towards the door.
“Bye Charlie,” I yelled over my shoulder. By this rate I will be late for class.
Ring. Ring. Ring
I ran around a corner and ran straight into someone. They were like a brick, a solid force. Causing me to drop my things.
“I’m so sorry. I wasn’t paying attention.” I started picking up my things. The person kneeled down next to me and helped pick up my papers. “Thanks,” I muttered.
“No problem.” His voice ran through my body. I slowly look up at met with the greenest eyes I have ever seen. I was staring at him and I didn’t realize it, and that I had my mouth open. He laughed and placed papers into my hands.
“Umm,” I didn’t know what to say so I rushed past him, bumping my shoulder into him. I looked back and sighed. I’m so stupid. I closed my mouth and rushed to my next class.
Chapter 2
Astra

Nova was acting like her usual self. Always spacing out. But I couldn’t really blame her for that. She had been through a lot. We both had. And the people here didn’t really help. Take that back, people like Mr. Brunswick helped us. But other people here didn’t care for us to much.
I was in biology, getting ready to dissect a rat. I had my apron tied on when Nova walked in. She sat next to me all pink faced. “So dear cousin, why are you all flustered?”
“I just ran into Alexzander.” Was all she said.
“Do I need to go all tiger on him?” I asked jokingly.
“No. I’m fine. He didn’t do anything wrong.”
“Good. Because I’d be more than willing to kick his prep ass.”
Nova just laughed and tied the on her apron.
So we began to work on the rat. Not letting the world around us interrupt our work.
I didn’t even notice when the kids around us got rowdy.
It was bound to happen sooner or later while dissecting rats.
One moment I looking at the stomach contents of our rat, and the next moment I feel something wet land against my shoulder.
I look at and a see the guts of a rat. I picked it up in my forefingers, and turned around. I saw Alexzander and Collin laughing hard. “So you preps thought it would be funny to mess with us.”
Collin stopped mildly. “Astra we would never do that. Where just trying to learn more about animals. You should know plenty about being an animal.”
His comment made me angry. I wanted nothing more than to turn into a tiger and rip out his throat. But that wouldn’t do. So I just flicked the guts at him. They landed right in his mouth. “You’re wrong about that. I don’t know much about animals. But I do know plenty about a-“Nova put a hand on my shoulder to stop me.
“Astra that person isn’t worth you wasting your breath over. They’re going to get the payback they deserve in due time.”
“True. They just better hope not to mess with me.”
For the rest of class we worked on our projects without any interruptions.
When the bell rang I couldn’t get out of that class any faster.
Chapter 3
Nova

Astra seemed like she couldn’t get out of the classroom fast enough, but I didn’t blame her though. Alexzander and Collin get on her nerves very easily; to me I think they are funny. Astra and I walked the hallways towards athletics, trying not to run into the preps.
Every single one of them rich and snotty. Of course most of them are in our athletics. Which I don’t understand because they can afford personal trainers at home. Astra and I have money from our dead grandfather, but we don’t buy name brand clothes or fake body parts. We could, but we aren’t those kinds of girls.
We like being an outcast, or at least I do. Most of our friends are outcast with us. Some are vampires, werewolves, fairies, and mummies pretty much any mythical creature you can name and that’s what makes us outcast. It’s hard sometimes, but it helps knowing you can kill everyone in the classroom if you want.
“So I was thinking we could go practice soccer today, after school,” I told Astra, “You know with soccer try-outs coming and everything.”
“Hm, that’s fine. I just wish I could take a nap beforehand.”
I softly snickered, “But you already fell asleep in fourth period.”
“I’m like a tiger, you can’t blame me if I use my energy in bursts.”
“Alright, but I you want to be out on the field by five.” I pushed open the door to the locker room, and went straight towards my locker. I had drawn in sharpie a unicorn on my locker thinking ‘fuck off’. I opened my locker and started changing. Since soccer try-outs were starting in a few days, we had to learn new kicks and positions on the field.
I put on my soccer jersey, number 13, and my short shorts the coaches make us where. I tied my hair and looked down at our school colors, blue and silver. The jerseys were completely blue with our number in silver on the front and our last names on the back. Astra and I already had a spot on the team. So that is why we had on jerseys and some didn’t. I still went to try-outs to scope out the competition and to help others who didn’t have a chance. Just to be nice and to get points from coach.
I quickly put on my sneakers and ran out to the field. Some of the guys were already out, including Collin and Alexzander, but I was the first girl.
“What’s up Coach,” I said running up to her.
“Nova.”
“So what is our warm-up today?”
“To run ten laps around the track.”
“But the guys are on it.”
“So?”
“Isn’t there a school-“I started to joke.
“Shut up and run, Nova.”
“Geesh, can’t catch a joke once in a while,” I yelled over my shoulder. I started for the track. In no time Astra caught up to me on my fifth lap.
“What lap are you on?” Astra asked.
“Fifth.”
“I’m on my fourth, let me catch up to you.” She ran ahead while I kept running my steady pace. I could have run faster, but I don’t want suspicion to rise. But Astra doesn’t worry as much as I do.
In no time Astra caught up to me and we ran our last couple of laps together. Every time I pass the coach; I would give her a high five or punch in the arm. She doesn’t mind much because when I finish my laps she just punches me really hard, for a human.
“Coach were done,” I said running up next to her.
“There are girls that are just now getting out of the changing room, just go sit on the benches.”
“Yes, mam.” I saluted her and walked off, but she stuck out her foot and tripped me. I almost fell on my face till Astra caught me. “That hurt coach,” I put my hand on my heart, “just remember this, because now, I won’t ever give you a hug on last day of school. Yeah, I went there.”
Astra and I walked away and sat on a bench. “Oh she’ll pay,” I muttered under my breath.
But because of AS’s strong sense of hearing, Astra heard me, “Don’t do something stupid.”
“When do I ever do that?”
“All the time.”
Chapter 4
Astra

In truth Nova should have been more worried about me. Of the two of us I was the one more likely to do something public.
So we sat here on the benches watching the girls flirt with the guys. It was pathetic the extent some of these girls went through to get noticed by the guys. If they would only be themselves, that would do the trick.
Then there were our fairy friends. Yes they did have wings, and yes they were naturally pretty. Very pretty.
And being pretty had its draw backs. I watched as our friend Lilly (who is a fairy), get surrounded on the field by the boys soccer team. I could see the scared look on her face as they talked to her.
“I don’t care what you do; just don’t get caught by the coaches.” Said Nova as I walked onto the field.
I pushed past the boys to Lilly. I grabbed her by the arm and spun her to face me. “You alright Lilly?”
“N-no. There scaring me.” She whispered to only where I could hear her.
“Alright. I’ll get you out of here.” I grabbed her wrist and dragged her behind me.
“We didn’t say she could leave.” A voice said from behind me.
“Stay close to me Lilly. These preps won’t dare mess with an Outcast.” I turned to that voice. And found Collin an Alexzander grinning at me. “You think it’s funny to mess with one of my friends?”
“Yeah, I do think so.” Said Alexzander.
I laughed slightly. “Of course you would think so. That’s why your brain is the size of a pea. You’re no better than a Neanderthal.”
“For you information we’re straight A students. You and your little Outcast can’t touch us. We run this school.” Said Collin.
“Whatever makes you happy. Just leave my friends alone.”
“No thanks. We quite enjoy making you angry.”
I smiled like a tiger, showing all my teeth. I felt my finger nails grow out and sharpen into ten very sharp points. “You haven’t seen me get angry. Yet.”
One of the soccer players stepped in front of me. I recognized him as the werewolf named Scott. “Astra trust me. You don’t want to mess with these guys. Please.”
“Fine. But only because you asked. But if these preps mess with any of my friends, I will personally make sure to rip out their throat.”
I stalked off with Lilly following behind me.
I sat down next to Nova. “I’m really proud of you. But I must say that I’m a little unsettled about what you threatened. I would have done the same thing though.” I looked out onto the field and caught Collin watching me. “Just remember to return your fingers back to normal.”

Chapter 5
Nova

I caught Astra and Collin staring at each other. I could tell there is something coming between them even if they can’t see it. I snickered and stood up. Last few first girls were finishing up on their last lap.
“Ok ladies, I have a surprise for you.” Coach started. She waited for everyone to surround her and lowered her voice, “Today we will be playing against the guys. We will separate into four groups. Each group will play against the boys four groups. One group that won the most for boy and girl will compete Monday. Remember stay fast, always pass, and kick in the goal if you have a chance.”
She let us go and we got in our four groups. Me, Lily and Morgan (a vampire), were in the front. In the back was Jordan (the werewolf), Kasey (the angel), and a nymph named Clover. Astra was the flirty goalie. We all had been friends since the first day of high school. Over the years we learned to trust each other and found out we all had our own powers.
Our first two games went by easily; we won both games. It wasn’t hard because they were just humans and Astra kept flashing guys when they tried to make a shot. I have to say it was working until the coach told her to stop.
By the end of our second game my whole team just decided to play in our sports bra. I watched as Alexzander and Collin’s team played their game. We were supposed to play them next. I watched as Alexzander ran up and down the fields, kicking in goals, and giving the girls flirty smiles. I have to say I was jealous, but that wouldn’t get in the way of winning. I loved to win.
When the guys won against the other team, my team got up on to the field. Collin walked in front of his team, “Who’s the team captain?”
Astra walked up to Collin and looked him into his eyes. He was at least a couple of inches taller than Astra. “I am, why do you ask?” And it made this sight much funnier.
Collin smirked at Astra and held her shoulder, “Good luck.”
“We,” she looked at me and my team mates, “don’t need yours or anyone else’s luck. We make our own luck.”
Collin turned around and huddled with his group while Astra came to ours. “These guys are different, some have powers like us. All I want to say is don’t hold on to the ball for too long, if you could pass it to Nova to make the goals, and don’t use anything we learned from the coaches.”
We all walked to our positions, mine was left front. Alexzander walked in front of me and shook his head. “Don’t think because you’re a girl I’ll be easy on you.”
“Don’t think you’re going to win because you’re a guy,” I fired back. The game started with the guys having the ball. Alexzander pushed past me and ran toward our goal. I trailed behind him enough to make it look like he was open, but close enough so I could get the ball when Collin passed it towards him.
Just like I said I saw Collin’s muscle twitch and he passed it towards Alexzander. I raced past him and kicked the ball to Lily. I stopped and watch Lily maneuver her way through all the guys and kicked the ball in to the goalie as he watched with surprise. Alexzander was standing next to me watching as well. His mouth was on the ground. I didn’t blame him though because my whole team practiced everyday at the park with college all stars. We learned a thing or two from them.
But by the end of the game the guys caught up to us. It seemed they had their own college moves as well. And at the end of the game they won by one point.
“Good game,” Alexzander came up to me with his hand out. I looked at awkwardly, but after awhile he dropped his hand.
“I don’t shake hands with people who beat me,” I smiled up at him and punched him in the arm, “See you later.”
Chapter 6
Astra

I saw the way Nova was speaking to Alexzander. She looked slightly annoyed. Like she was getting bored with what he was saying.
“That was a great game you played out there.” Said Collin. “But the only reason you made it that far was because you kept flashing the other team.”
“Of course it was. The coaches never said we couldn’t flash. Plus I was doing that for some fun, I was bored out there for most of the time.”
“Keep telling yourself that.”
I looked at Nova who was walking towards. “Just leave now. I need to go help the coaches get ready for try outs.”
“Your wish is my command.” He bowed deeply then left.
“Wow. Never did I think I would live to see day when Collin Crawford would bow to you. Does this call for a special party?”
“I don’t know. We’ll decide after we get done with soccer practice.”
“I thought you wanted to take a nap.”
“I do. But that doesn’t mean I’m going to get one. Not with tryouts coming up soon. And that stupid game we have to play tomorrow.” I kicked a ball hard across the field. Before speaking again. “And after this practice, we have to go to the park and practice for real.”
“That is so not alright.”
I shrugged my shoulders. “You’re the one that chose to volunteer for practice. Think of it this way. We only have a few hours left. Then we can go home and eat a gallon of ice cream. While we joke around with our friends. And not have to see these people here for two whole days.”
Her eyes brightened. “So we can have a party?” she asked hopefully.
I sighed dramatically. “I’m not going to call it a party. Just a few friends getting together and eating ice cream and spending the weekend together.”
Nova hugged me tightly. “Thank you. This is going to be so much fun.” She skipped on the field and began to instruct the girls.
I went over to my group. “Alright girls. I’m going to be your instructor until soccer tryouts start. I’m going to teach you a few of the things I know. And just maybe one or two of you will be on the team this year. You all know who I am, and I will not put up with any bull crap. If you think I’m going to go easy on you, then you’re wrong. If you think past work outs were hard. Then you’re going to be dead at the end of mine. If you have any problems with that you can go ahead and leave.”
Nobody answered me. They were all letting the words sink in. Then a girl I recognized as a member of our group spoke up. “If I have a clear shot to the goalie, but there’s a person in front of me that is closer, do I give the ball to them?”
“The coaches tell you to give it to the other player. But I tell you the decision is entirely up to you. You are the one that has to pass the ball. You’re the one that has all the pressure of the game on your shoulders. But if it was up to me, I would keep the ball.” I clapped my hands together. “Now I want you to start with 50 push up, then 50 squats, 50 sit ups, and go do ten laps and keep on doing it till everyone collapses.”

Chapter 7
Nova

I could hear Astra’s group groan from all the way from where I stood, and I knew Astra was going hard on them.
“Ladies gather up,” I waited awhile and watched as the girls moaned and slowly walked up, “Next time I tell up to gather up, I want you to run up with as much energy as you can, even if you just ran twenty miles and almost dyeing or you will have to run a mile.”
“I will be your friend if you don’t give me bull shit, but if you do I will make you work double as hard as everyone else. If you don’t listen to me in this short period of time, I will tell coaches not to pick you. Let’s get to work!”
After hours of sweating with my group, I was happy to leave for the weekend. Astra and I couldn’t get to our motorcycles faster. Astra got on her cherry red something. I never knew what motorcycles were riding, all I know is they looked really cool with my leather jacket. My jacket!
“Hey Astra I’ll meet you at home, I need to get my jacket.”
“Alright.”
I ran through the doors and up the stairs. Our whole school had trophies and jerseys everywhere; it is one of those schools that has an over abdicative principle. I ran through the halls, kicking open doors to piss off any teacher still here. I slowed down and skidded to a stop by my locker. My locker had a huge white tiger on it.
15, 25, 31.
I hurried up thinking about the pints of ice cream waiting for me at home. I grabbed my jacket and closed my locker. I jumped in surprise to see Alexzander standing on the other side of the locker.
“Shit! You scared me.”
“Sorry, I didn’t mean too.”
“Yeah, I bet that.” I started to walk away, but he grabbed my shoulder and turned me around.
“I didn’t just come here for you to scream in my face.”
“I’m sorry, it’s just I stayed after school sweating my ass off for an hour more then I needed too.”
“Why?”
“I’m helping some kids who will probably never get onto the soccer team. Wait, why are you still here?” I put on my jacket and we walked out of the school.
“My brother left before I came out of the changing room.”
We walked up to my motorcycle, “Do you need a ride?”
“You ride a Cruiser?”
“What’s a Cruiser?”
“This bike, it’s called a Cruiser.”
“Oh yeah. I knew that.” I nervously laughed and got onto the bike. “You getting on the bike?”
“You know how to ride this thing right.”
I hit him in the chest, “Of course I know how to ride this. I’ve had it for like two months now.”
“You are joking right?”
I kick started the bike, “If that makes you feel safer.” I drove out of the parking lot before he could refuse or get off. I was riding at least 90mph. He clung to me like I was the only thing that saved him from drowning. At a stop light I turned to look at him, “Where do you live?”
“Just keep going straight until you see a huge blue house.”
“You mean the blue house with a porch swing on the porch and a huge tree in the yard?”
“That’s the one.”
After a couple minutes of riding I finally pulled up next to his house. “Well here you are.”
“Hey Nova?”
“Yeah.”
“Thanks for the ride.”
“Anytime, anywhere.”
“Oh and just so you know, I always thought chicks that could ride bikes were sexy.”
I blushed a little, “Never call a girl sexy.”
“I’m sorry…. Again. I meant beautiful.”
Riding back to Astra’s and I’s two story, old style house, I was distracted by what happened in the past thirty minutes. I pulled up to our house and parked the bike in the garage, next to Astra’s bike. I slowly walked up the stairs and closed the door. “I’m home Astra!” I screamed to her.
“In here.”
I walked into the living room and sat next to Astra, “The weirdest most awesomeness thing happened.”

Chapter 8
Astra

Of course Nova would say that. She got happy about the simplest things. But I sensed something else behind this happiness. “What happened?”
“I just gave Alexzander Crawford a ride home, and he called me… beautiful.”
I busted out in a laugh right then and there. “You shouldn’t believe anything that asshole says. I almost had to fight off him and his brother earlier today. What makes you think he would actually be nice to you?”
“I-I don’t know. Let’s just forget about it.”
“Gladly. Now go take a shower, your ass stinks. Afterwards we can all eat ice cream together.”
Nova just sulked up the stairs. “You really need to be nice to your cousin.” Said Lilly.
“Yeah. I know that. But Alexzander and his brother are trying to make our life a living hell and it is getting a lot harder to control. Sometimes I want nothing more than to turn into a tiger and rip their throats out.”
“I can’t say that I understand. But I know for that violence is not the answer. If that were to be the case, than we would have nowhere to go.”
“Not true, every one of my friends here would have a safe place.”
“But that’s the thing. Only our friends. What about the other creatures out there that don’t have a safe place to go? Are you just going to let them die?”
I started to think about what Lilly had said. It was true. It wasn’t just about keeping my friends safe; it was about keeping every creature safe. “Of course not. I’m not that cruel. Wait, you got me off topic. Why do you always do that?”
“Do what?” She asked innocently.
I just sighed. “I see what you’re doing Lilly. Just for that, when our friends begin to arrive you can bring them to the living room. And make sure that they don’t break anything.”
I went to the kitchen and began pulling things out. I got chips, candy, pretzels, cookies, and ice cream, anything that was essential to having a good time with your friends.
I balanced everything in my arms, trying to navigate my way back to the living room. I heard something fall to the ground and brake. “I thought I told you not to break anything.”
“It’s not their fault they can’t be graceful like me.” Said Kasey bowing with her wings fully extended.
“Girl put those things away. I can’t stand all that angelic power.” Said Hailey. I should probably mention that Hailey is a Fire Demon. The total opposite of Kasey.
“Fine. But only because Astra won’t want to be cleaning up ashes later.” She retracted her wings. She looked up and saw me standing there. “Oh. Hey Astra. We were wondering when you were going to get her with the snacks.”
“Of course you were. Yall were obviously worried about the snacks. And I will not be cleaning up anyone’s ashes.” I set the food down on the coffee table. “If you all are hungry, then you need to eat now. I’m going to go upstairs and change. Try not to break anything else.”
I ran up stairs. And to my room. I quickly changed into a jogging uniform.
I opened a window and jumped out.

Chapter 9
Nova

I looked myself in the mirror. My black hair fell straight down my back and you could see purple and silver height lights at every angle. I stared at my violet eyes; they were unique, but not for animal shifters. Every animal shifter had violets eyes.
I opened my closet to find stuff had been thrown everywhere, I was never very neat. I pulled out yellow skinny jeans and a blue shirt. My shirt had huge red lips on it. Then I put on some red and white checkered high tops.
I walked down the stairs to find the living room completely wrecked. “Hey Nova,” Hailey walked up to me.
“Hey. Umm what happened?”
“Oh. We were just giving you living room a makeover.”
Lamps were on the ground and chairs were on the book shelf. Everything was misplaced. They didn’t even leave alone the 1st place soccer trophy. I started to pick up stuff when the doorbell rang. I dropped everything in my hands and bolted towards the door. I opened to door to find two people I least expected.
“Hey Alexzander…. Collin?”
“Hi. Is Astra here?”Collin asked in a hurry.
“I don’t know. You guys come in and I’ll go get her.”
I stepped back to let them in. I rushed up the stairs taking three at a time. I didn’t even knock, I just busted through the door.
“Hey Astra-“I stopped mid sentence and walked towards the window. I could see Astra running down the street. I sighed and ran back down the stairs.
I walked in the living room to find Collin and Alexzander bombarded by every girl in the house besides me. “Hey, girls stop it.” I pushed the away one at a time, “Sorry about that. I don’t know what went over them….. Astra isn’t here.”
“Oh, do you know when she will be back?” Collin asked.
“If it is really important, I could take you guys.”
Collin looked over at Alexzander who had an annoyed look on his face, “Yeah that would be great.”
I showed them down to the garage. Astra’s and I’s Mach7 Motorsports Falcon f7. I looked at the boys mouths drop open.
“No fucking way!” Alexzander ran to the car. “How do you have one of these?”
“Our grandpa was rich, rich.”
“So you decided to buy the best car in the world!”
“I just liked the style.” I jumped into the car with the boys in pursuit. They kept blinking their eyes to make sure they were seeing this correct. I opened the garage and pulled out.
In no time we were at the park and walking towards the soccer field. “So why do you need Astra so badly?”
Collin answered, “Oh, ummm, you know.”
“No, I don’t think I know.” We finally spotted Astra kicking the soccer ball in the goal with a swish. I stopped and watched as Collin carefully walked over towards her. I turned towards Alexzander to see him playing with his hands. “Are you O.K?”
“What? Oh yeah, I’m great.”
“Ok? Do you know why Collin wanted to see her?”
“Collin has his own twisted reasons.”
I smiled up to him, “Well, that’s reassuring.”

Chapter 10
Astra

I stayed focused on the center of the goal. I imagined a crowd cheering around me. Cheering me on towards the winning shot. I stepped back and kicked the ball. It went flying into the goal faster than a human’s eye could see.
Someone clapped behind me. I spun around to face them. “That was an amazing shot. I understand why the coach made you captain.” Said Collin.
“She wasn’t the one that made me captain. It was my team.” I retrieved my ball from the goal. “Hurry up and tell me what you want. I need to practice.”
“I saw the way that you were helping those girls at practice today. And I was thinking. This year the boys soccer team is losing some good players. And I was wondering if you would come help whip them into shape.”
I kicked the ball harder in response. “That’s a great reason to help. But I’m not going to do it. You don’t help me in any way. So I’m not going to help you. Especially after how you treated me and my friends today.” I said recalling what happened in biology, and in athletics. “I told you that payback was going to be a bitch.”
His confident smile fell. “Alright. If you do this for me…” He thought for a moment. “I’ll do anything for you.” Then it returned.
I thought about it for a moment. Whatever he was saying to me was a total lie. But the thought of him doing anything for me was alluring. “Fine. I’ll do it. But you have to bring them to the park. I’m not going to train them on school property.”
“Thank you. This means the world to me and them.” He stepped in to hug me, but I held up a hand to stop him.
“Just because I’m doing this for you doesn’t give you the right to touch me. I have a boyfriend. And he will rip your throat out if you touch me. If you’re willing to risk it go ahead. But I wouldn’t do it if I was you.” I was then concentrating on balancing the ball on my foot. It was really easy so I stopped.
“Alright then. Tomorrow were going to have a pool party to celebrate. You and Nova are invited. The party starts at noon.”
“I’ll think about it.” I kicked the ball into the air. It disappeared into the night sky.
He nodded his head. “I really do hope you show up tomorrow.” He walked off.
I motioned for Nova to come to me. “He just invited us to a party tomorrow. Do you think it’s safe to go?”
Nova jumped up and down in excitement. “Of course it’s going to be safe. You can bring Scott for extra protection.”
“He’s not going to like seeing a bunch of preps staring at my body.”
“Were going to be in a public place. He won’t compromise himself.”
“But that won’t mean he won’t start a fight. Remember what happened last time we tried to have a party? He nearly shifted that time.”
“But you’ll be there to stop him.” She pleaded with me.
“Fine. But were getting new bathing suits tomorrow.”
Nova practically squealed in delight. “Great. Do you want a ride home?”
“I’m good. I just want to be by myself right now. Plus there’s some things that I need to do.”
“See you soon.”
I highly doubted that. I didn’t plan on being back until the morning.

Chapter 11
Alexzander
Nova and I were watching Astra and my brother bicker. I turned to look at Nova spinning around; I noticed she does that when she has nothing to do. I grabbed her by the shoulders and spun towards me, “Can I ask you something?”
“Shoot.”
“Well there is this-“I stopped mid sentence and noticed Astra waving her over. She followed my stare and grimaced. She looked over at me and pouted.
“I’ll be right back. If you wait I can drive you and your brother home.” She turned around and sprinted towards her best friend… sister… cousin? I wasn’t really sure.
Collin walked up to me, smiling like an idiot. I knew the look though. “So, what happened?”
“I asked Astra to help coach our team.”
“And?”
“She said yes.” Collin started to smile like an idiot, again. I punched him in the arm and laid down. I tucked my arms under my neck and slowly closed my eyes. Nova’s face kept popping into my mind and no matter what I did, my mind betrayed me. It didn’t just betray, but tortured me with since the first time I met Nova.
It was my first day of school. I just finished 5th period, but I was having a hard time looking for my biology class. I walked through the halls and stomped up the stairs two at a time. The school numbering system was messed up because first it was A1 then A3 but skipped to A8. I finally gave up and started walking towards the front door, but a person caught my eye. I turned around to see a girl with black jeans and a zebra striped shirt on. She was mumbling on the lines of Charlie and stupid assignment. “Excuse me.” I nervously called out. She turned around and gasped. She had black hair and violet eyes.
She walked over to me and stared at me. A smile crept on to her face and she started to jump up and down.”I have never seen you around, I’m Nova.”
I laughed at all her energy,”Alexzander.”
“Are you new?”
“Yeah, how could you tell?”
“Everyone had the same look on their face on their first day of school.” She knit her eyebrows together and pushed out her lips.
“I did not look like that,” I laughed.
“Oh, yes you did. What classes are you suppose to be in?”
“Right now, I need to get to Mrs. Attaway’s biology class.”
“I am going in that class, follow me.” She skipped down the hallway, and turned around. “Are you coming?”
I ran to catch up to her and we stopped next to room A7. “I swear I passed this door five times and I never saw the sign.”
“It looks like every other door. Watch out, our teacher is a b-“What must have been Mrs. Attaway walked out.
“Nova get into the classroom.”
“I was showing a new student to the class. Mabye you should get a neon sign.”
“Haha, this won’t get on record, you’re lucky he is here.” She smiled at me and pushed me into the classroom.
“Alexzander!” Nova screamed in my ear.
I mumbled and opened my eyes, “Hello.”
“Are you coming?”
“Yeah.” I held my hand up and Nova pulled me up. Once I was up I didn’t let go of her hand or stare. It stayed that way till we heard and that cough broke us apart. I turned around and glared at my smirking brother.
“I’m cold and the car is locked, so if you can just unlock the door, you two can go back to your staring contest.”
Nova walked past me without looking at me and went to the car. I sighed and glared at my brother from behind him. So close.
Chapter 12
Collin
I enjoyed making Alexzander angry with me. It was always the highlight of my day. But this time I didn’t mean to. I was actually cold.
I didn’t see how Astra could be out here practicing. When the heat turned on in the car, I practically melted into a puddle.
Nova pulled out of the parking lot leaving behind Astra. “What about Astra? How is she going to get home?” I asked.
“She said that she had to do something. And she has her own ways of traveling.”
“Oh.” I sighed. I was really hoping to spend some time with Astra before we went home. “Thank you for taking us home.”
“My pleasure. I hope you can forgive the way Astra spoke to you. She’s just really protective of me.”
“What’s up with that any way?” Asked Alexzander.
“It’s been that way since our grandfather died. She doesn’t want anyone to get close to me. She’s afraid that if I do, they’ll hurt me.”
“That makes sense. Our dad is the same way. He thinks no girl is good enough for us. And doesn’t like us to have girlfriends.” Said Alexzander.
I just sat in the back listening to them to talk. I was enjoying their conversation. The way they talked to each other was amazing. It was like they understood each other completely, and had known each other for a long time.
I wish I knew a person like that. Someone I could be myself with. But my father wouldn’t allow it. Especially since he was the leader of the HS. And that made us royalty. He only wanted the best for us. And that even meant girlfriends. I was set on making Astra my girlfriend. And proving to my father that anyone would do.
“Thanks for the ride. We’ll see you tomorrow.” I just realized that we had arrived.
I got out of the car. Nova drove off leaving dust in her trail. “It’s a wonder I can even breath around that woman.”
“I know exactly what you mean.” I said the Alexzander. “I wonder what they’re going to do tomorrow before they come.”
“We can always follow them. They’ll never know we where there.”
“True. But for that were going to need a good night’s rest. Because if there’s one thing I do know about women, they can spend all day looking at nothing important.”
Chapter 13
Nova
I was exhausted by the time I got home and the house was a huge mess. I probably shouldn’t have left my destructive friends alone, but I want to spend time with the boys. No matter what Astra says, I won’t stop talking to them.
I crawled up the stairs and pushed open the door. I grabbed a pillow and blanket; I fell asleep on the floor next to my phone.
By the time I woke up next time it was 9am. I pushed myself off the floor and went into my bathroom. My hair was frizzy and afro looking. I straightened my hair and changed into black skinny jeans and a green tank-top.
I walked down stairs and found Astra sleeping on the couch. It looked like she didn’t even try walking up the stairs. I walked into our kitchen and looked through the fridge. I grabbed an apple and walked back into the living room and sat on Astra legs.
“Wake up Astra; I need a new bathing suit.”
“And I need sleep.”
“After you get us a new bathing suit.” I whined.
“Fine.” She tried to get up, “Get off of me.” I jumped off of her and ran towards my bathroom. I brushed my teeth and put a little bit of make up on. When I got out Astra was already ready and was standing by the door. “Car or motorcycles?”
“The car.”I grabbed the keys and ran out the door. Astra slowly followed me and hopped into the passenger seat. I put on my jacket and started the car. “I love that sound.”When the garage opened me and Astra flew out of it and raced towards the mall.
Thirty minutes later me and Astra were walking into the mall. We walked past tons of stores with bathing suit sales, but Astra and I knew what store we were going to. Hot Topic.
Astra and I looked through racks in till I found a perfect one and pushed Astra in a changing room. Minutes later Astra walked out with a midnight blue bikini.”Amazing.” A heard a few people whistle behind me and saw Astra blush a little. I walked back towards the racks. I found a white with neon green splatter paints and rushed towards the changing room.
An hour later we were driving back home with a trunk full of bags and a smile plastered on my face. I quickly changed into my bikini and put on my black shorts. I waited for Astra to come down the stairs and we walked towards the boy’s house. Cars filled the streets and I was happy that we walked in. I couldn’t stand still and was pretty much jumping up the stairs. Astra knocked on the door and Collin came into view.
I have to say, for someone who is a complete jackass, he had a great abs. “Hey Astra.” Collin smiled. I coughed and looked up at Collin. He hasn’t taken his eyes off of Astra yet, “Oh hey Nova.”
“Yeah whatever.” I pushed past him and looked at their house. It was HUGE, but there was hardly any room to move around, it was too packed. Everyone at school must have been here, and I knew most of them. I walked around saying hi to people and found Lilly and I walked toward her, but before I could some wrapped their arms around me and spun me around. “Well, hello.” I smiled.
“Hello to yourself.”
“Nice party Alexzander.”
“I wouldn’t call it my party. I did nothing and but watched Collin put this together.”
“Nice. I wouldn’t blame you though. It’s hard to put up streamers.”
“See, I’m happy not the only one who thinks that.” We laughed and walked outside. I sat at the side of the pool and watched Alexzander walk around and talk to everyone. Lilly sat next to me and looked at me. “So.”
“So what?”
“What is up with you and Alexzander?”
“There is nothing up with us.” I blushed.
“Sure. I saw you guys in the house. The way you guys were looking at each other.”
“Were we looking at each other in a weird way?”
“Yep.” She got up, “I’ll see you later.”
I watched her walk away and Alexzander sat next to me. “Hey.” He bumped my shoulder.
“Hey.” I bumped his shoulder back. Then he splashed me and got me all wet.
“I’m sorry. I just… and then… I didn’t-“I pushed him into the pool and started to laugh my ass off. He surfaced and spit out water, “You think that was funny?”
“Yeah.”
“Then is going to be hilarious.” He grabbed me by the waist and pulled me into the pool.
Chapter 14
Astra
I have to say. This is the first time I’ve seen this many preps together in one place, besides at school. I didn’t do well around so many people. And I wasn’t feeling that good. I was a prep phobic.
Just then someone wrapped their arms around me. I turned and saw that it was Scott. “Thank god for a familiar face. I was beginning to think I wouldn’t get to see you today in all these people.”
He kissed me lightly on the lips. “I can always leave if you want.”
I held onto his arm tightly. “I’m not letting you go. Especially with all these girls around. They’ll try to take you from me.”
“Like I would let them take me anywhere. But you missy,” He pulled me towards the pool. “Are going to go swimming with me.”
“Alright. Just let me take these clothes off.” Scott smiled at my response. He turned around, shielding me from unwanted eyes. In a few moments all I had on was my bathing suit. “I’m done.”
Scott turned around. His eyes went wide. “I’m glad you’re my girl.” Was all he said as he made his way to the pool.
Guy’s whistled as we passed them. One look from Scott shut them up. We stood at the edge of the pool. “What would I do without you?” I asked Scott.
“Probably turn into a bird and fly off.” Was his reply.
I jumped into the pool sending water in all directions. I made gills appear on my neck, and webbing between my fingers and toes. This way I could stay under water for as long as possible.
I swam away from Scott. Trying to avoid feet was kind of hard. But I did it. I found a small hole and I swam through it. It led down a small dark tunnel, into a cave.
I climbed up and laid there on the cold ground. I felt my body go back to normal.
As I looked around, I could tell that somebody came here often. There was a couch with a few pillows on it. A coffee table and a chair. It felt like a small home away from home.
I went to the couch and picked up a pillow. I held it to my nose and inhaled deeply. It smelt so familiar.
“I know the pillow smells good. But not as good as I do.” I spun around and saw Collin standing there.
“I wasn’t smelling the pillow. I was trying to suffocate myself.”
“Sure you were. I bet your doing that so you don’t have to go back to your boyfriend.”
“I would never do that to Scott.” I said defensively. I sat down on the chair, still keeping the pillow under my chin.
“Whatever you say.” He laid down on the couch, stretching out. “Why aren’t you at the party with everyone else?”
“I don’t like being around so many people.”
“Understandable.”
I shifted awkwardly in my seat. I wasn’t really sure what to do. If I should go, or if I should stay. “I’ve been thinking about you inviting me here. And I can’t think of a good reason. And don’t tell me because it was to celebrate me coaching your soccer team. You do that fine on your own.”
He looked up at me with his emerald green eyes. “The honest truth?” He asked. I nodded my head. “I finally realized how wrongly I’ve been treating you this year. This was supposed to be my way of saying sorry to you. And I was going to ask if you would give me another chance.”
I looked at him, then back at the water. Thinking that if I wanted to get away, there would be no way for him to stop me. “I don’t know.” Got up and set the pillow down on the ground next to him.
I looked up and saw him watching me. He leaned in and kissed me on the lips. I stayed there frozen. Not sure what to do. He pulled away. “I hope that makes you decide faster.”
I did the first thing I could think of. I made my fingers extend into claws, and then I slapped him. Racking my finger nails across his skin. “I hope that gives you my answer.”
Then I dove off into the water. I swam as fast as I could. I didn’t see people as I climbed out of the pool. I didn’t hear Scott yell for me as I ran off towards the woods. I didn’t hear Nova telling me to come back.
All I heard was my mind telling me that I needed to get away.
I felt my bones shift into something smaller. My skin began to melt away into feathers. My feet turned into talons and my mouth and nose into a beak.
Soon I was soaring over the clouds in the sky.

Chapter 15
Nova

Alexzander and I were on the porch talking to each other. He hasn’t left my side since we had our water fight and I didn’t want him too. Then I saw Astra jump out of the pool and ran towards the woods. “Astra! Come back!” I screamed at her.
I saw Collin climbing out of the pool with scratches on his face and my cousin senses were ringing off in my head. I stormed off the porch and stormed towards Collin. “What the fuck did you do to her?”
“I did nothing! I just-“he mumbled the last part.
“You did what?” I seethed and I could feel Alexzander trying to pull me back, but I stayed strong.
“I kissed her.” He whispered.
“You kissed her?!” I screamed and felt every eye on me. I pushed past Collin and took off where I thought Astra would be. I heard Alexzander run after me, but I kept pushing, I knew Astra needed me now, even if she doesn’t know that. I saw a bird fly away with violet eyes. I almost changed. But heard someone break through the trees and stood next to me. “Are you Ok?”
I sighed and looked over at Alexzander, “No I am not. Your idiot brother kissed Astra and now she took off and I have no idea where she went.” I fell to the ground and looked down at the lake.
Alexzander sat next to me and wrapped his arms around me. I leaned into him and put my head on his shoulder. “Nova, everything will be Ok.”
“I know, but right now, it doesn’t feel like that.”
He pulled me into his lap and we sat there. We sat there in till the sun went down and even past then. I slowly started to fall asleep into his arms; I slowly felt my eyes go down. My breath evened out and I felt a light kiss on my fore head.
I woke up hours later in someone else’s room. My first thought was what a great song selection, and then everything rushed towards me in one giant wave. I jumped out of bed and had on huge pair a boxers and t-shirt. I quickly checked under the clothes and found my bathing suit underneath. I slowly opened the door and looked down the hallway. I clung to the walls like a ninja and crept down the stairs.
I heard a chuckle, “Hello Nova.”
I turned around and started to laugh my ass off. I walked up to Alexzander and grabbed my shoulder. “You scared the crap out of me!”
“Why were you scared?”
“I woke in an unknown place and wearing what I hope are your boxers.”
He started too laughed and started to push me down the stairs. I quickly ran down the stairs and rushed towards the kitchen. I stopped before I completely entered the kitchen.A tall man stood in my way. He turned around and had a shocked look on his face. “Well, hello. Who are you?”
“I’m Nova. I’m friends with Collin and Alexzander.” He looked down at Alexzander’s boxers and awkwardly smiled. I looked down and blushed. Alexzander ran in and stopped behind me. He looked between me and his dad; He walked behind me and hugged me around the waist. “Morning dad. Have you met Nova?”
“Yes. I have.” His dad grabbed some orange juice and sat down at a breakfast table.
“Come on Nova, let me bring you home.”
“I walked here.”
“I can drive you.” He pushed me out of the house and we walked towards his garage. We jumped into his jeep and drove out of his home.
“Your dad is-“
“A man whore.”
“I wasn’t going to say that.”
“No you wouldn’t, but you were thinking it.”
I punched him in the arm, “I was not,” I looked down at his clothes, “When do you want these back.” I pointed towards his boxers.
“You can keep them and remember me by them.”
“Oh thanks I always wanted some!”
He pulled into the driveway and looked at me. “Well bye.”
“Goodbye.”
“Wait Nova! Do you want to go out sometime?”
“Is Alexzander Crawford asking me out?”
“Yeah.” He blushed and looked away.
“Yes, I would love to go out sometime.” I wrote my number on his hand and kissed his cheek. “I’ll see you soon.”
Chapter 16
Astra
I lay here curled up in a ball in the tub. Letting the cold metal numb my body.
I had cried out my eyes when I got back home last night. I felt like such a bad person after Collin kissed me. I knew by now Scot had heard about it. And he was bound to be angry with me. I just didn’t like the thought.
Instead of trying to find Scott, I decided to go down to the soccer field at the park and kick the ball around for a while.
So I pulled myself out of the tub and went to my room.
I grabbed a backpack; I put in a change of clothes, and a pair of shoes. Then I went down to the kitchen and put some food in it. Not bothering to see what I put in it.
I went to the back porch and stood there. I was hoping today I wouldn’t run into anybody. I just wanted some time to think.
I heard someone walk through the front door. I heard Nova call my name.
Before she could find me, I was slipping through the back woods as a wolf.
I ran nonstop to the park. Once there I took out my ball and went to the field.
This was the one of the few places that I felt at home.
For a few hours I did nothing but kick the ball into the goal.
When I was slightly tired of that, I got a granola bar out of my backpack. I chewed it slowly. Not enjoying the flavor it offered.
I happened to look over at the parking lot and saw a jeep sitting there. And someone was sitting inside of it.
I grabbed my backpack and started for the woods.
I heard the doors of the Jeep open and close. Then I started to run.
I was well into the woods before I decided to stop. I climbed a tree and waited for the person to appear.
After a few minutes, the person came stomping through the grass.
I was slightly surprised to see that it was Alexzander.
He stood there looking around. For a moment his gaze fell on mine. “Astra I know you’re out there watching me. Come on.” He sat there on the ground.
For a while I watched him. Trying to make sure he wasn’t going to pull over anything on me.
Then I got down. “”I’m here. What do you want?”
“Nova called me when she couldn’t find you this morning.”
“I’ve been here the whole time. Now that you know that, you can go back and report it.”
“I kind of guessed that. Then she asked me if I did find you, to bring you back to my house.”
“I’m not going anywhere with you.”
“I know that. So that’s why I’m not going to make you.” He stood up looking at me. “I’m going to go back to the jeep. I’ll be here for another thirty minutes. If you decide to come, I’ll be there. If not, I’ll act like I didn’t even find you.”
I started to walk in the opposite direction. “If this makes you feel any better, Scott isn’t angry with you. He beat the crap out of Collin though.”
That stopped me in my tracks. “Is Scott at your house right now?” I asked suspiciously.
“Not that I know of.”
“Fine I’ll come. But if Collin comes near me. I’ll hurt him worse than Scott did.”
Alexzander smiled. “Alright. Lets go.”

Chapter 17
Nova
After Alexzander made me promise to sit down and stop pacing, I glared at Collin while he watched TV. I could tell he knew I was glaring at him, because he kept fidgeting under my gaze. He looked at me and back at the TV. “What were you thinking?” I blurted out.
“When?”
“When you kissed Astra,” I whined.
“Because…. I like her.”
“You like her?”
“Yes, yes I do.”
“Why didn’t you just tell her that? You could have saved us all this trouble and then I wouldn’t have to glare at you.”
“Fine. What do you want me to do?”
“I want you to tell her you are sorry.”
“Tell her sorry?”
“Yes! You have to! This wouldn’t be as big as a deal if you just told her!” I turned towards the TV and started to glare at it instead.
“Why are you giving me crap and what about you!”
“What are you talking about?”
“You and Alexzander.”
“What about us?”
“You guys-“he stopped when he heard the door open. I sprinted towards the door and collided with Astra.
“You scared the crap out of me,” I light punched her in the arm, “Don’t ever do that again.”
“I won’t.” She said sarcastically.
I turned toward Alexzander and jumped into his arms. “Thank you.” I softy whispered in his ear. I stepped out of his arms and looked over at Astra. She looked away from us and started to walk into the living room. I heard her mutter,” damn.” She turned around quickly, but I ran in front of her and pushed her back into the room.
“If you don’t move I will punch you in the boob.”
“And if you don’t talk to him, I won’t give back the bracelet you got from grandpa.” I whispered to her.
“You don’t know where it is”
“Oh, yes I do.” She looked into my eyes to see if I was lying, but she didn’t find any so she stomped into the room. I walked behind her and heard Alexzander follow me. I sat on a love seat where I could see both Collin and Astra; Alexzander sat by me and took my hand.
“So.” I looked up at Alexzander for help and intertwined our fingers together. Collin got up from his seat and sat next to Astra. “I’m-“He looked at me and Alexzander. I could tell he wanted us gone, but it took Alexzander a little bit longer to find out. I got up and pulled Alexzander up with me. “Come Alex, I need to show you something.”
“What is it?”
“The thing…. With the…. And the…. Just come on.” I pulled him out of the living room and we went up to his room.
Chapter 18
Astra
My anger was seething off of me. I’m pretty sure that Collin could feel it. I was half tempted to get up and leave. But I didn’t want people to be looking for me.
“I’m sorry for kissing you. It was inappropriate and unmannered. Will you please look into your heart and forgive me?”
My canines grew longer, and my nails sharpened. “There is no reason for you to be mocking me.”I said aggressively.
His eyes widened in shock. “I’m not mocking you. I’m trying to apologize.”
I laughed out loud. “I’m not going to accept.”
“Fine. If you won’t do this the easy way, then I’ll make you.” I looked him in the eye and saw that he was telling the truth. I also saw something else.
“What aren’t you telling me?” I asked skeptically.
“Nothing.”
“Fine. If you won’t tell me, I’ll go ask Nova.” I stood up and walked towards the stairs.
I stomped up each step noisily.
I heard Nova laughing behind a door, so I just walked in.
She was curled up in his lap laughing. They were watching the movie Mall Cop. They were at the part where Blart was in the air vent.
Alexzander looked up and saw me. “Hey, I didn’t hear you-“
“What isn’t Collin telling me?” I asked bluntly.
Nova looked up at me with an annoyed look in her eyes. “You’re being rude. We were watching a movie.”
“Just tell me what he said. Then you and Alexzander can go back to snuggling and making out.”
Nobody said anything. It was like one of those silent moments when nobody was talking.
I turned around and found Collin standing there. “I kissed you because I like you, and I want you to be with me instead of Scott.”
“If you think that’s going to make me think any better of you. Then you’re dead wrong.”
I pushed past him into the hallway. He grabbed my wrist. “Let. Me. Go. Now.” I growled deeply. He kept a hold of me. “If you don’t let me go I’ll rip your throat out with my teeth.” I said in a threatening voice. “If that doesn’t stop you, I’ll take your heart and squeeze it in my claws.”
I realized what I said and took off running.
I stopped at the bottom of the stair to steady my breathing. Then I went into the kitchen. I slowly retracted my fingers and canines.
I began going through the drawers looking for anything sharp or blunt.
Then I found a drawer full of sharp knives. I grabbed a handful of knives and admired them. “She’s in here.”
I heard someone say. Before they stepped into the kitchen I threw a knife at that direction. “Holly crap.” Collin looked into the kitchen. When he saw the knives his eyes went wide. “She has a ton of knives and is posed to use them.”
Nova stepped into the kitchen. I saw the look in her eyes. “Put the knifes down before you hurt someone.” She said in a really commanding tone.
“No. I’m not going to.” I threw a knife at her, but she easily dodged it.
I just started throwing knifes at anyone who came near me. When I ran out of knifes, I went for anything that would hurt if you got hit with it.
I turned my back for a moment, and then I was tackled to the ground. “Get off me you bitch.” I yelled at whoever was on top of me.
They yanked me up off the ground. “What the hell is your problem?” Collin yelled at me.
“You and the rest of these damned people.”
I saw the look on Nova’s face. It looked like she was ready to cry. “Is that what you really think of me?”
“Not you. Just everyone else here in this room. They needed to mind their own damned business.”
I struggled against Alexzander, but he held onto me even tighter. “I know what you’re talking about. And I’m not leaving.”
I bit down on Alexzander’s arm. His grip loosened on me slightly. Just enough for me to get away.
I stood nose to nose with Nova. “If you won’t leave, then I will.”

Chapter 19
Nova
I stared Astra in the eyes; pure hate flickered through her eyes like fire. “What do you mean by that?” I tried grabbing her arm, but she shook me off.
“I mean you have to choose me or them.” She pointed towards the boys, “If you stay away from them, then I will stay, but if you even look at them I will go.”
I gasped and took a couple steps back, “You’re making me choose?” I looked at Alexzander and back at Astra. She had to be kidding. “You’re joking right? I mean you wouldn’t actually make me choose.” I shook my head in disbelief. “You are not my sister.”
“Choose now!” she yelled at me. She stepped forward, “I am your sister. He will leave you, but I am your blood sister.”
“My sister wouldn’t make me choose.”
“God damn it Nova! Don’t be so stupid.”
“I’m the stupid one? Collin pretty much begged for your forgiveness. You can’t see that he puts up with you and your bull shit because he likes you!”
“I’m too much of a bitch for anyone to like.”
“Yes, that is true. That’s why Scot tried to kiss me!” At one second I was screaming at Astra and the next I was on the floor with a huge sting on my face. I grabbed my face and looked up at Astra. Her face was still pissed, but every second that passed by her face slowly melted into shock, like she just realized what she did.
I slowly got up and looked around at Alexzander. He and his brother were completely pale. I walked past them and ran for the door.
“Nova wait!”
I turned around to face Astra, “Don’t tell me to wait. I have ran after you for too long, now it is your turn to pace around and ask other people to look for me.” I started to walk out the door, but turned back around, “I don’t know who you are, but I really need my sister back.”
I sprinted across the lawn and into the trees. I ran for hours felling the sting on my face, tears running down my cheeks, and my heart crumble into pieces. Astra and I always had arguments and fights, but she had never hit me. Not even when we were younger. I always thought that we were the sisters that would let no one come between us. But I was mistaken.
I wasn’t sure where I was going, but I knew I wanted to get far away from her. I finally stopped in the middle of the forest and fell to the ground. I cried all night. I didn’t get up when I heard wolves and I didn’t get up when the sun came up. I stayed on the ground and watched as birds flew above me.
I finally stood up when I thought I heard my name. It was far away, but my hearing is better than most. I started to run again, but a thought stopped me in my tracks. I haven’t done it for years, but the thought was very appealing to me right now.
I felt my bones pop and reposition them. I could feel the fur growing out of my skin in layers and could tell my senses were heightened. I pawed the ground and took off in the direction I thought was correct.
My tiger form jumped over fallen trees and through bushes. I jumped out of the woods and changed back to my human form. I ran inside my house and jumped up the stairs. I packed a bag full of clothes and bathroom supplies. “Nova?” I turned around and smiled. I ran into Alexzander’s arms, but quickly backed away.
He looked at my bag and back at me. “Where you going?”
“Away from here.”
“For how long?”
“Until I can get my head straightened out.”
“Can I come with you?” he pleaded to me.
“You need to stay. You got to go to school and-“
“I am not letting you leave without me. So unless you want to stay here I’m coming with you.” I could he in his eyes that he was determined and telling the truth. “You’re going to run away with me?” I smiled.
“There is nowhere else I would be.”
Chapter 20
Astra
Time had moved slowly since Nova left. I hadn’t eaten or slept since that day. I mean it’s only been a week. But I was beginning to feel bad. Me and Nova weren’t meant to spend this much time apart. And I seriously regretted what I did.
Since then I hadn’t gone to school. I avoided everyone. Scott came over to the house every day. But I wouldn’t answer the door. Not after what Nova told me.
Finally I decided to apologize. Not because I wanted to, but because it was the right thing to do.
The first person I decided to apologize to was Collin.
But I wasn’t sure how. Then I remembered something, If you want to get into a man’s heart, you have to go through his stomach.
So I decided to make Collin a picnic. It held three foot long sandwiches, potato salad, two pies, a dozen chocolate covered strawberries, and a gallon of tea.
I packed the things into the car and took off to Collin’s house.
I pulled up to his house. Hesitating before I got out of the car.
I grabbed the food and went to the door.
I rang the door bell. It seemed like an eternity before anyone answered.
Who answered I wasn’t expecting. It was his father. “Well hello there. What can I do for you?” He asked in a pleasant tone.
“I’m looking for Collin. Do you know where he is?”
“He’s in the backyard practicing. Need me to show you?”
“No thanks. I know the way.”
He nodded his head. “Good day then. And let me say you have some beautiful eyes.” He turned and left.
I thought it was a little strange that he would mention my eyes. Oh well.
I made my way through his house into the backyard.
He was kicking a ball around.
I whistled loud and clear. He whipped his head around in confusion. When he saw me, an angry look spread across his face. But he walked towards me, so that was a plus.
“Did you come here to throw more knifes at me? Or insult me further?”
“No. I came to apologize. And to see if you would forgive me.” I said. “Also I brought lunch. I figured this would help.” I held up the food to show him.
For several moments he didn’t speak. Then a smile slowly spread across his face. “If you brought lunch, I guess that’s ok then.”
“So were good?”
“Yep. Where do you want to eat?” I asked.
“Right here in the grass is fine.” I nodded my head and sat down.
“So tell me, have you apologized to Nova yet?”
Wow. He knew how to get right to the point. “No. I came here to apologize first. And I have no clue on how to find her.” I took a strawberry and ate it.
“After we get done eating, I can call Alexzander.”
“Thank you.”
He nodded his head. He took a bite out of a sandwich. “Did you make all this?” he asked between bites.
“Yes.”
“It’s great.” He said smiling.
“My grandmother always said, ‘A way to a man’s heart, is through his stomach.’ And so far in my life, that has been proven to be true.

Chapter 21
Nova

I looked up from my book time to time to stare at Alexzander. We have been in this hotel for a week and it was the funniest I had since…. Since grandpa died. I missed Astra very badly, but what she did hurt me a lot. I looked up to see Alexzander staring at me, and our eyes locked. I smile pulled at my lips and I quickly looked back at my book. “Come on. We are going out. It is Saturday.” Alexzander said suddenly.
“And?”
“And we need to leave now.”
“But-“
“Now.”
‘Don’t I-“
“Now.” I smiled at his forcefulness and ran into the bedroom to change.
Hours later we were pulling up to the carnival. I could see the rides and games from all the way back of the parking lot. Blinking lights and kids laughing could be noticed from miles away. “The carnival?”
“You don’t like it, we could always-“I quickly pecked his lips to make his shut up.
“Just win me a stuffed unicorn.” I smiled up at him and ran through the entrance. Alexzander quickly caught up to me and spun me around.
“I can’t let you run off. As cute as you are someone could snatch you away from me.”
“What, you don’t trust me? I might not look like it, but I can seriously kick some ass.” I show him some moves, but I lost my balance and was inches from my horrible fall.
“Now, my little ninja, I can’t you go dying on me yet.” Heat slowly pulsed trough me cheeks and I turned away from him.
We walked up and down isle, rode roller coasters for hours, and ate like crazy. I was the first time I ever was out, without Astra by my side. I felt sad thinking about it, but when the bell rung above me, all my thoughts were gone. Alexzander looked over at me with a cocky grin plastered on his face that soon I was smiling as goofy and big as he was.
“What prize would you like? Remember you could get thing you see.”
“Could you get me that unicorn?”
“What color?”
“Blue.” The old man threw my unicorn in Alexzander’s hands and I jumped into his arms. He kissed me on top of my head and gave me my unicorn. “Here you go my little ninja.” I pulled the unicorn into my arms and looked up at Alex. “What are you naming him?”
“Little ninja, of course.”
We walked away from the shack with me on his back and the unicorn on my back. Everyone looked at us with a strange look, but smiled up at us as though they didn’t think we were strange. “I’ll be back.” I hoped off of his back.
“Where are you going?”
“Bathrooms.” I maneuvered my way through little kids, families, and annoying teenagers. Some whistle while I walked by, but I didn’t even give them my time of day. One of the boys from a group of emo looking adults and stopped in front of me.
“Hello sexy.”
“Leave me alone.” I tried walking past him, but he moved in front of me again.
“What lovely eyes you have.”
“Thanks. Now can you move?” He grabbed the back of my neck and twirled me around, “What are you doing!”
He lifted up my hair and peered at my neck. He traced a tattoo I had from since I was young and twirled me back around. “You are coming with me.” He gagged me and tied rope around my arms. Before he could tie my legs I kicked him in the knees and ran. I realized them just how many people were around. None. I turned around and morphed into a tiger. All the ties were broken and I snarled at him.
“A bloody tiger! The was not in the job description!” He slowly backed up, “Hello, pretty tiger. I am not going to-“
“Nova!” I heard Alexzander scream. I had a quick fight in my head and morphed back into my human form and laid on the ground. I heard Alexzander run up to me and stroke my cheek. He turned towards the man and punched him in the face before the dude could register what had happen. Alexzander picked me up bridal style, “Are you Ok, ninja?”
I smiled slightly, “Can we go back home?”
“Your wishes are my command.”
Chapter 22
Astra
We spent the whole day planning out this party. Down to the very last detail.
We were both exhausted by the time we got done. But we didn’t have time to rest, we had to get dressed.
“Damn. I didn’t bring any clothes.” I muttered.
“There’s some dresses in the spare if you want to borrow one.”
“Do I really look like the dress wearing type to you?” I asked sarcastically.
Collin shrugged. “Not really. But maybe if you found the right dress.”
“Show me to the room.”
Collin smiled. “Alright then. Follow me.”
We went upstairs and went to empty room. “The dresses are in the wardrobe, along with shoes, jewelry, and anything else you might need.”
“Thank you.”
“You’re welcome. I’ll be down stairs if you need me.”
He left me standing there.
I looked through the wardrobe. There were all different styles of dresses. Ball gowns, mini ball gowns, sun dresses, cocktail dresses, and a few others. Surprisingly they were all dresses I would wear.
Since we were just having a small party, it didn’t call for anything to extravagant.
Then I found a black strapless dress. It wasn’t to fancy, and not to plain.
I put it on and looked in the mirror. It fit me nicely, showing off my chest. The rest of it rippled down to my ankles. Then I grabbed a pair of simple black high heels.
I admired myself for a little while. Then I went down stairs.
Collin was waiting at the foot of the stairs. He looked up at me and smiled. “You look beautiful.”
“I would say the same to you. But handsome is a more appropriate word. Are they here yet?”
“Alexzander and Nova just arrived. Scott called and said he was on his way with everyone else.”
“Good. This is going to be one interesting night.” Collin nodded his head.
We went to the living room and there was Nova and Alexzander sitting on the couch. “You always did know how to through a party.”
“I know. And I figured this was the best way to apologize to you. But I’m not going to do it just yet.” She lifted her eyebrow in question. “I know, I’m just waiting for everyone to get here.”
“Whatever you say.” She said it with a little attitude.
For twenty minutes we sat there in silence. Nobody spoke.
I jumped slightly when the doorbell rang. “This party is going to be so much fun.” I got up and went to the door. I took a deep breath, put a smile on my face, and opened the door. “I’m so happy to see you all.”
I was met with cheers and hugs. My friends were happy to see me. “Everyone please go to the living room. I’ll be with you in a moment.”
They were all to happy to notice the look I was giving Scott. He apparently saw it because he walked right in.
I went to the kitchen and got drinks for everyone.
I passed them out. I clapped my hands together to get everyone’s attention. “I would like to thank everyone for coming today. And I would especially like to thank Collin for letting me use his house, and for helping put this all together. Without him I wouldn’t have been able to do any of this.” I walked over to Scott. “And he helped me to realize who and who not to trust.” I dumped my drink on top of Scott’s head. “That’s for not telling me you tried to kiss my cousin. Also, were done. So you can leave now.”
Everyone just stood there in complete silence. Obviously they weren’t expecting that. I wasn’t really expecting myself to have the guts to do that, but I did it anyway.
“I understand how you feel. And I’ll accept any punishment you can think of, but please give us another chance.” He pleaded with me.
“NO. You got what you deserved. And you’re lucky I’m not going to do anything worse to you. Now, go before I rip your throat out.”
He looked at me like he was about to cry. “I’ll do what you wish. But I’m going to try and win you back.”
With that he got up and left. “Now its time for me to apologize to Nova.” I turned to her. “Will you forgive me?”
“Are you going to dump a drink on my head?” She asked.
“No.”
She smiled at me. “Then I accept.”
“Great now we can get this party started.”

Chapter 23
Alexzander

After Nova and Astra hugged it out, the party really did start. I walked around greeting everyone, but my mind kept going back to the night before. It was strange. I swear I heard a tiger growl, but when I got there, there was no tiger. Nova was on the ground, but she didn’t look hurt and the guy looked like he saw…. Well a tiger.
“Hey Alexzander, how was your trip?”
I nervously laughed and put on a fake smile, “Fun, kind of strange.”
“Why? Because you guys had to sleep in the same bed?”
I blushed and looked away. I didn’t know guys even blushed, “No, not that. It was strange because, well because…. Nova was attacked.”
“Attacked? By who?”
“I think he works for our father.”
“Our father? Why would he want to hurt Nova?”
“I don’t know.” Astra walked up behind Collin. “Well, I’ll talk to you guys later.” I went to look for Nova. I walked around down stairs and looked up into my room. I looked out of my window and found her on the roof. I carefully opened my window and climbed outside. “Hey.” She mumbled.
“Hi. What are you doing out here? This party is for you and it is freezing out here.” I shrugged off the leather jacket and wrapped it around her arms. She started to laugh and turn to me, “One thing that was so cheesy,” she gave me back my jacket, “and two it is eighty-three degrees out here.”
“Hey, can’t blame a guy for trying.” I scooted closer to her and lifted her on my lap. “Why are you out here then?”
“Oh nothing. It is just; I can’t stop thinking about the attack.”
“Same here. It felt so, weird.”
“Yeah,” she leaned her head on my shoulders and looked up at the stars. “You want to know something, but you can’t tell a soul. Not even your brother.”
“I promise.”
“Well, I can do weird things.”
“I can too.”
“Really?” She got up from my lap and turned towards me, “Don’t freak out.” Her skin started to darken and fur grew everywhere. She slowly got on four feet and growled at me. Now what was in front of me was a tiger, a white tiger. I jumped back, but saw the tiger’s violet eyes. I walked over to her and held out my hand.
“Nova?” Nova was soon turned back to her human form and let her head drop. I closed the distance on us, “You…. You’re a tiger?”
“Well, not exactly. I can turn into other animals too.” I looked into her eyes. I could tell she wanted to tell me sooner, but mostly she was ashamed.
“Well, guess what I can do.”
“Are you a vampire?”
“No.” I laughed.
“Good, I don’t like vampires very much.” She looked up at me. I slowly shifted. I felt my hair grow longer and I was shorter. Nova gasped and touched my arm. “You look like me! How is that possible?”
“Well, I can look like other people too. I guess it’s the same way you turn into animals, but it is hard to explain.” She jumped into my arms and I spun her around. I lifted her over my shoulder and climbed through my window, “Come on, they are probably wondering where we are right about now.”
“I don’t wanna go.”
“I’m ignoring you.”
“Alexzander!” I felt her punching my back, but I just smirk and jumped down the stairs. I could feel her flying in the air then hitting my shoulder every time I hit a step. I softly put her down and turned towards Astra, “Found her.”
Chapter 24
Collin
The party was fun. I had to say that. I hadn’t been around that many outsiders before. But I had really enjoyed myself.
When people started to leave, I was kind of glad.
Nova and Astra were the last to leave. “Thank you for everything.” Astra said to me.
“It was the least I could do.”
“I guess I’ll see you at school Monday. I’ll return the dress and shoes to you then.”
“No need. You can keep them. Before you go, can I take you to dinner tomorrow?”
She walked down the sidewalk. “I don’t know. You tell me.” She got into her car and left.
When I got back into the house I went to find Alexzander.
He was sitting in the living room with his feet propped up on the coffee table. He heard me come in, and jumped up. “Man do I have something to tell you.”
“What is it?”
“Nova and Astra are shape shifters!”
I looked at him surprised. “Are they members of the HS?”
“No. For one their eyes aren’t like ours. Their eyes are violet. And do you know who violet eyes belong to?”
“The AS?” I asked.
“Exactly. They’re members of the AS.”
“Do they know about us?”
“Nova does, but I’m not sure about Astra.” I sighed deeply. Things had gone from good, to slightly complicated.
“Should we tell dad?”
“I don’t know. But I’m going to try to keep it a secret for as long as possible.”
I nodded my head. “Alright. I’m going to go find him.”
Alexzander nodded his head. “Just be careful, I don’t want to lose Nova.”
I left and went to find dad. I looked in his bedroom, but he wasn’t there. Then I went to his office.
I heard someone talking in his office. I stopped right outside the door. “-tattoo was right on the base of her neck. I would have had her, but one of your sons showed up. And I had to leave.”
“That was an unfortunate situation. But at least we know who one of the girls are. I want you to work on finding the other one. And then bring both to me.”
“Yes sir. But what do I do if one of your son’s are there?”
“You try again later.”
“Yes sir.”
When I was sure that they were done talking, I knocked on the door. “Come in.”
“I just wanted to thank you for letting me help Astra.”
“It was a pleasure to help you.” I nodded my head. I couldn’t look him in the eye. If I did, he would know that I knew. He noticed my distress and commented. “Is there something wrong Collin?”
“Yes. I’m suddenly not feeling very well.”
“Sorry son. Get some rest and you should feel fine in the morning.”
With that I turned and went to find Alexzander.


Chapter 25
Nova
I was thankful being back in my bed. I didn’t say I don’t like sleeping next to Alexzander, but I missed my conformable bed.
I felt a buzz under my pillow and quickly answered my phone. “Hello?” I could hear Alexzander on the other side talking way too fast for me to understand. I sat up and turned on my light, “Alexzander slow down I can’t understand you.”
“Me and Collin will be at your house in twenty minutes, wake up Astra.”
“Why?”
“Just please, we’ll explain everything when we get there.” I heard the phone go dead. I rushed out of my room and walked in Astra’s room. She was on her computer playing some game; I unplugged her earphones.
“Hey!” she screamed at me.
“Get changed Alexzander and Collin is coming in twenty minutes. I don’t know why they just said they were coming.”
“Do you think you know why they’re coming?”
I nervously backed towards the door, “Might be because I told Alexzander we are shape shifters.” I ran out the door, ran in mine, and locked the door.
“You did what?!”
“It’s cool though, because they are shifters too.”
“Well that makes everything just better.” I heard her sigh from the other side of the door, “What kind of shifters.”
I smiled and opened my door, “It’s so cool, Alexzander shifted into me! Well besides his eyes, they stayed the same.”
Astra’s smile brightened, “So Collin can do that too?”
“Yep.”
“So they could stalk us all day and the only way we know is by their eyes?”
“Yeah. I guess so.”
Exactly twenty minutes later me and Astra were in the living room waiting for them. The quiet bubble busted when we heard the door rang. Astra and I bolted towards the door pushing and shoving. She pushed me on the ground, looked in a mirror and opened the door.
“Hey.” She coolly said. She moved out of the way to let the boys in. Collin walked in first and pulled me up.
“Thanks.”
“What happen?” Collin asked.
“Oh, Someone pushed me,” I stuck my tongue out at Astra. Collin walked in the living room while Alexzander came in.
“Hey little ninja.” He picked me up and spun me around. Astra shot me a questioning look and followed Collin. I hugged Alexzander back and brushed hair out of his eyes, “Why are you here? Not in a rude way, but in a questioning way.”
He pulled me into the living room where Collin and Astra were on the door laughing. When they saw us they both got up from the floor and sat on the couch. It was my turn to give Astra a confused look, but she just shook her head and smiled. “So I need to tell you something Nova.” Alexzander said in a surprisingly strict tone.
“What?” He saw that I was nervous and tried to put a smile back on. He kissed me on my forehead and made me sit on his lap.
“Well remember the attack?”
“What attack?” I heard Astra ask. I totally forgot to tell her.
“I was attacked a carnival and that’s why we came home. It wasn’t a big deal, I took care of it.” I explained, but her worried eyes still stared at me. I broke our eye contact and turned my attention back to Alexzander, “What about it?”
“Well the guy who attacked you was hired by my dad.”
Chapter 26
Astra
I just nodded my head. “Does your dad know who we are?”
“He knows about Nova and what you are. But he doesn’t know who the other girls is.”
“And that other girl is me isn’t it?”
“We think so.”
I just nodded my head. “I’m not going to get angry, because if I do; things are not going to end well. Also because you came and told us. In my book if you go against your father to help your friends, then you’re a good guy.”
Collin smiled. “I’m glad you said that. I was worried that you would be angry with us.”
“I’m not angry. Is there anything else we should know about him?”
“He’s the leader of the HS society.”
“HS society?” Nova and I asked in union.
“The Human Shifters. That’s what we are, and that’s the society we belong to.”
“And why should that matter to us?” I asked.
Collin looked at me confused. “You don’t know about the Societies?”
“Nope.”
“So you know all about fairies, vampires, and werewolves? But you know nothing about the societies?”
“I said no.”
“That complicates things a little.”
“Were used to thing getting complicated.”
“Alright. We’ll tell you more about it on the plane. But for now you need to go pack.”
“What makes you think we’re going to go with you?”
“You both are in danger. Are you willing to risk your life to sit here and play in ignorance?” Said Alexzander.
“Alexzander you don’t need to talk to her like that. Just let me see if I can convince her.” Said Collin.
Collin pulled me to the side. “I know you have no reason to come with us. But we’ve learned not to mess with our father. When he wants someone, he gets them. Dead or alive.” I looked into his eyes and saw that he was telling the truth. I didn’t really want to believe him. But it looked like I didn’t have a choice.
“Fine. We’ll come with you. Just give us some time to pack a bag.”
I went to my room. And shut the door behind me. I grabbed a bag; I put in two pairs of skinny jeans, two pairs of short shorts, a sleeping outfit, four tank tops, hoodie, and the dress I wore at the party.
Then I went to the bathroom and grabbed a few toiletries. Then I went to that little spot under the sink and grabbed
When I got down stairs Alexzander, Collin, and Nova were ready to go. “We were thinking since they already know what Nova looks like, we need to hide you. And the easiest way to do that would be for you to shift.”
“Alright. What animal do you want?” I asked.
“How about a dog?” said Collin.
“How about a Puli.”
“No!” They said at the same time.
“Alright. Since I’m turning into a dog, I’m doing it fiercely.”
I closed my eyes and changed. “A German Sheppard. Not exactly what I would call a low profile. But it will do. Do you have a leash or a rope?” said Collin. I growled at him. “Fine then. But when we get to the airport you’ll need one.”
“How are we going to get there? They could be watching the house.”
“I’m going to change into Astra and lead them away. Then I’ll be there before the plane takes off.” Said Alexzander.
“Just promise me you’ll be alright.”
“I promise.” He kissed her on the lips. The next moment I was looking at myself.
I sniffed him and sighed. He couldn’t get that right at least.

Chapter 27
Nova

I sighed as I watched Alexzander walk away. Just him walking away can give me the shivers and make my knees go weak. Damn him.
“Do we need to go to Pets-Mart before we go?” I asked. I heard Astra growl behind me, “Oh shut up, you can’t get in there without one.”
After we got a collar, leash, and a dark pair of glasses, we were driving towards the airport. “Where are we going?”
“I don’t know, where do you want to go? You are the one in hiding.”
I thought about what Collin had said and a smile spread across my face. Collin nervously looked at me, but turned back to the road. “Can we go to Spain?”
“You want to go to Spain? Why?”
“I always thought t would be beautiful.”
“Can you even speak Spanish?”
“That’s why they made Spanish to English dictionaries.” I turned around and looked at Astra, “How about it, can we go to Spain?” She barked of joy and I couldn’t help, but laughing. I looked at Collin and smiled. “Why are you guys helping us? I mean we only truly known you guys a couple weeks ago.”
“Because,” he gave me a side glance and looked Astra for awhile, “We grew very fond of you guys.” I laughed and shook my head. “What, you don’t believe me?”
“Not that, I was just thinking. Since me and Alexzander left, I noticed you guys grew very fond of each other.” I saw noticed Collin blush and heard Astra growled a little. The rest of the car ride was silent, but I still wanted to laugh by the time we reached the airport. I saw Alexzander before we pulled up and I was jumping into his arms before Collin parked.
“I was worried about you.” I whispered in his ear.
“I could tell, but there was no need to worry ninja.” We pulled apart by the time Collin got all the bags out of the car.
“Don’t worry about me, it is not like the girls bags are heavy or anything.” I laughed and helped Collin pull the rest of the bags out and put the glasses on Collin.”There, you’re the blind man.”
“Why me?” he whined.
“It was your idea.”
We got our tickets and we was sitting and waiting for the plane to arrive. Astra was laying by my side and I couldn’t wait to get on the plane. I was still shaken up by the attack and now that I knew the boy’s father hired him, just shook me up more. I grabbed Alexzander’s hand and smiled up at him.
Astra started to bark and the hairs on the back of her back stood up. Collin and Alexzander were on their feet and looked around. I could tell they both found what they were looking for and grabbed our bags. Alexzander pulled me on my feet and we started to walk to the entrance of the plane. I tried looking behind, but I saw no threat. We all walked onto the plane and found a seat that had all three seats open. Of course, I had to sit in the middle. Both the boys watched as everyone they came on to the plane and it wasn’t till the doors were closed and the plane was off the ground that they started to relax, but I was tensed up. I hate planes, always have and always will.
“Could you put your,” the plane attendant looked down at Astra, “dog on the ground?” Astra started to growl, but I put her down as I was told. The attendant looked at the boys and she flipped her hair back, “I am Jenny, tell me if you need anything,” she grabbed Collin’s shoulder, “I mean anything.” I grabbed Alexzander’s hand and glared at Jenny. I heard Alexzander chuckle and he kissed me on my forehead, “You don’t need to be protective.” He whispered in my ear. I looked at Jenny’s chest, “Oh yes I do.” I looked at Collin who was ignoring Jenny and listening to music. “Hey Collin, why is your dad after
me?” I asked after Jenny was gone and Astra laid her head on my lap.“You guys are the rightful owner of the AS’s throne.”
“Throne?”
“Yeah, the tattoo on your neck says you guys are on the line of the throne and since your parents are gone and your grandpa is too-“
“We own the thrones. But why is that bad?”
“Because HS and AS don’t like each other…. Don’t ask me why, I have no clue.”
“So what? We run in till me and Astra can get our throne.”
“So far, that is the plan.”
“How old do we have to be to get the throne?”
“Eighteen.”
I looked over at Alexzander, “Damn.”
Chapter 28
Astra
I sat here listening to their conversation. So we had to be eighteen to claim the throne. That itself was bound to be fun. Then I started to think what it would be like if I was queen. The thought just made me laugh. Me queen? Yeah right. I wasn’t fit to be a queen. To the people around me it might seem like I am. But I’m not. I’m just protective. Whenever it’s time to claim the throne I’m going to give it to Nova. Now she would make a great queen. Kind and compassionate, but fierce when need be. And I would be the one to protect her. Well not just me, maybe Alexzander to. If he last that long.
I looked up at Collin. He smiled at me. “Poor girl. I wish they had an extra seat for her to sit in.”
“I don’t think Jenny would be to happy servicing a… her.” Said Nova. I just huffed.
“No need to talk about her like that. Jenny would just have to put up with it.” Said Collin. “If I could I would give her my seat. I’d hate to be laying on that floor.”
“I can see if they have anything left in first class. That way everyone can be comtherable.” Said Alexzander.
I bobbed my head up and down in agreement. Since there was no other way for me to speak.
“While he’s gone I need to ask you a question.” Said Nova. “If we ever do come to power, what is going to happen to you and Alexzander?”
He looked down sadly. “I wouldn’t be able to say. It would be about how they perceive us. They don’t like the HS. Much less the leader’s sons. Just being an HS would land us in prison. And being his son would probably mean death.” He paused for a moment. “But if one of you becomes queen, you can stop that from happening.”
“How come you know so much about all of this?” That’s what I wanted to know.
“Our father wanted one of us to take the throne. But I highly doubt that is going to happen now.”
“I’m sorry about that.”
“No need to worry. It’s a pleasure to help you.” Nova nodded her head and yawned.
“I come back victorious. They have a private cabin available in first class, And I got it for us. Now get Astra and we can head back there.”
I pulled myself off the ground.
“Astra be a good girl and wait for me.” I felt Collin grip the leash. “Ok, now follow them.”
I did as told and pulled Collin along.
The hair on the back of my neck stood up. Then I got this weird feeling. Like we were being watched. I hurried up and pulled Collin along into the room.
I shifted back once the door was closed. “Were not the only ones on the plane.” I said.
“No HS are on the plane. Who could it be then?”
“I don’t know. But I can go and look.”
“It’s not safe out there. It can be anyone of the passengers.”
“It would be better to know now, then when one of us gets kidnapped.” I said bluntly. “Also there’s no way you can stop me.”
For a moment everyone was quiet. “She does have a point. I say she should do it.” I was surprised to hear Nova say that.
“I second that.” Said Alexzander.
We all turned to Collin. “If you’re not back in ten minutes we’re coming to get you.”
I nodded. “Turn around.” Collin cocked an eyebrow. “I don’t like people watching me when I shift into snakes.”
They did as I said.
I shifted quickly and went under the door.
I slithered under the seats until I got that feeling from before. I looked up and saw a male with brown hair, a lean build, and red eyes.
He looked down at me and smiled. A demon. This was more than I bargained for. Slithered under the seat away from him.
The next thing I know I’m being picked up and put in someone’s pocket.
I turn into a chinchilla, I tried climbing out, but a hand held me firmly there.
I felt them walking. Then a door opening and closing.
“What the hell are you doing here?” I heard Nova say.
I was lifted out of the pocket and set on the ground. I quickly shifted back and turned to the person. I was surprised to see who was standing there. “What the hell Scott?” Was all I said.

Chapter 29
Nova
I stood there gawking at Scott, not in a he is hot was, but in a why the fuck you here way. Collin stood between Scott and Astra, and Alexzander pushed me behind him. How did we not see him getting on the plane? “Why are you here?” I blurted out.
“I came to help.”
“Help us with what?”
“Well I saw Astra leaving the house, but I knew it wasn’t her because of the eyes,” He looked at Astra, “and then I saw Nova, Collin, and Astra the dog walk out. I knew you guys were in trouble because of the bags, so here I am.”
“Why would you think we need your help?”
“Because I’m a werewolf.” He said like it is the most obvious thing.
“And?”
“And I could tell you there are two demons on the plane.” He sat down and started to sip a drink Jenny brought us. I looked at Astra to see if she agreed.
“I only noticed one.” Astra finally spoke up.
“The dude and what’s her face…. Jenny, she’s also one.”
“I knew there was something off about her.” All four of us sat down, away from Scott, to soak in the information we just heard. “What do we do?”
“Wait it out?” Alexzander suggested.
“True, they could be on the plane because they want to see Spain.”
“Or to eat us,” I mumbled. We all sat in silence, well most of us. Scott kept talking about how he just saved the day and how to repay him, but I wasn’t listening. I never noticed how Scott annoying was; I knew he was an asshole, but not annoying. “Could you shut up?” I finally asked Scott. I heard Collin snicker and Scott’s face turned a deep red. I laid back and closed my eyes, but an annoying voice woke me up.
“Do you need anything else?” Jenny asked. I noticed everyone tense up besides Astra. She was always the brave one.
“No thanks.” Astra responded.
“Not even some more refreshments?”
“I said no thank you.”
Jenny huffed and walked out of our suit. Astra and Collin started talking, but I wasn’t really paying attention, all I wanted was to sleep. I leaned on Alexzander, but started to punch his shoulder.
“Owe, what are you doing?”
“Your shoulder has too many muscles. I am just trying to punch them away.”
“Are you saying I need to get fat?”
“Maybe not fat…. But you definitely need to get more comfortable.”
“I think that is the meanest thing someone has said about my weight.”
“Hey, I am just trying to help.” I laid back on his shoulders and fell asleep. I was woken up by Astra shaking me, “Wake me up in five minutes.”
“Nova wake up now!” she slapped me and I woke up completely.
“What the fuck?!”
“Alexzander and Collin left twenty minutes ago and they aren’t back yet.”
“Where did they go?” I started to panic.
“They went to get us something to eat.”
“Where is Scott?”
“He’s sleeping.” I put on Alexzander’s leather jacket because I forgot mine and me and Astra ran out of our suit. We passed passengers who looked up at us with lust, but one glare from Astra and they put their head back down. I walked into the plane’s kitchen to find Jenny and what I am guessing was the other demon had Alexzander and Collin in a corner.
Astra walked in and stopped next to me, she was just as shocked as I was. She turned into a wolf and attacked Jenny. I turned into a tiger, my specialty, and attacked the man. He was struggling under the weight of a tiger, but pushed me off. He got up, brushed himself off, and started towards me. Alexzander jumped on the dude’s back and they went on to the floor in punches and kicks. I bit or scratched anytime I could, but I don’t think I helped much.
The guy through off Alexzander and I attacked him from behind. I bit into his shoulder and ripped chunks out of him in till he was a pile of flesh, blood, and bones. I turned back into a human and fell on the floor crying.
Alexzander picked me up bridal style and carried back to my suit. People must have thought something happened because I was crying like crazy and blood all over me. Alexzander set me on the couch and rocked me till I stopped crying. “Are you Ok?” Alexzander whispered to me. I shook my head no, “This was the first person I ever killed, and it felt horrible. I saw the horror in his eyes and everything.”
“It was self-defense.” He kissed me on my forehead and stroked my hair back. I started to fall asleep in his arms. “Goodnight Nova.”
Chapter 30
Astra
That fight had taken a lot out of me. Both physically and mentally.
I limped back to the room. Right before I killed the female demon, she had scratched my leg with her claws. And they sank deep down into my calf. It hurt like hell, but I could still walk on it.
I made it back to the room before collapsing. Nova was asleep on the couch, and Alexzander was close to following her.
I collapsed against the wall. I sank to the ground clutching my calf.
I took my shirt off and tore it into pieces. Then I began to wrap my leg. I took my time wrapping it tightly. Making sure it was well bandaged.
The boys came in and collapsed on the ground next to me. Collin took my hand in his. I saw the look Scott was giving him, and I started to laugh. “No need to look at him like that.” I said to Scott. “If you want to look at anyone rudely, you should be looking at me like that. I’m the one that wanted food.”
“And you nearly got everyone killed. That’s a great way to end a plane ride. At least we’ll be landing soon.” Said Scott.
I sighed. “I’m going to go look for some aspirin. Then I’m going to pass out from the pain. When I wake up I want to be in a nice hotel, and you too won’t be fighting.”
I found the bag that had the bathroom supplies. I grabbed the aspirin, down four of them, and shifted back into a German Sheppard.
And I promptly fell asleep.
I dreamed I was back at our house. And grandfather was still alive.
He was sitting in his favorite chair, he beckoned me closer. So I went. “Child sit on the ground. We need to talk.”
I sat down. “What is it grandfather?”
“I’ve been watching you. I want you to know that I’m proud of you and your decisions. But you need to know that I did not die by natural causes. I was murdered. In order for the throne to be reclaimed, you need to find that person.”
I nodded my head. “I’ll do it for you. But how come you never told us we we’re royalty?”
“I was afraid that the people who killed your parents would find you and do the same. And I wasn’t willing to risk you.”
“I still love you.”
“I love you to. Tell Nova I’m sorry, and I love her.”
I nodded my head. “I guess this will be the last time I see you.” I said with tears in my eyes.
“For a while it will. Be, but I will always be close to.” I looked at him and saw the tears in his eyes. “And don’t forget the gifts I gave to Nova and you. I’ll be closer to you then.”
I looked at him for the last time, and walked through the front door.
When I woke up I was in a nice bed.
Nobody was around so I decided to take a shower.
I stripped out of my clothes. And I just jumped into the cold shower.
The cold water felt good against my skin. It washed away the blood from the fight.
After a while I got out. I looked for my clothes, but couldn’t find them. So I just put on a robe and left the room.

Chapter 31
Nova

After we got to our hotel, I told the guys I wanted to walk around and think things out. They made me promise to keep my phone on and stay out of trouble, but I knew Alexzander shifted and was following me; I could feel him watching me. I slowed down and looked up at the building and walked in. It was a café. I walked in the line and ordered two mochas and a muffin. I noticed Alexzander walk in, but he wasn’t himself. He had short blonde hair and a smaller build, but I knew he was Alexzander because he had bright emerald eyes and couldn’t stop glancing at me.
“Hello Alexzander,” I said without looking behind me when and walked in line.
“How did you know it was me?”
“Because you still have your green eyes and you followed me for miles.”
“I’ll be back.” He walked into the bathroom and walked back out looking like his regular self. He caught the eyes of many girls, but he only had eyes for me. Thankfully. But I didn’t blame the girls; he has dark brown hair and his bad boy style to him. It could make any girl weak at her knees miles away. He walked up to me and hugged me around the waist. I saw a lot of girls glaring at me, and I glared right back.
“Nova?” the person behind the counter called my name. I grabbed my food and gave Alexzander his mocha.
“How did you know?”
“You might not realize this, but I did watch back at school. Wait what about school?”
“There are probably hundreds out creatures after you and you are worried about school?”
“Just because I might be queen doesn’t mean I don’t want an education. I definitely certain nobody wants a stupid queen.”
“You not stupid ninja. Your average.”
I hit him in his chest, “Thanks, that is a really ego booster.”
“Hey, you said I needed to gain weight.”
“No I didn’t! I said you need to be more comfortable, difference.” We walked out of the café and walked back to the hotel. “I can’t believe I’m in Spain. So, you know they are going to come find us right? Where are we going next?”
“That depends.”
“On what?”
“If we get information or not.” We walked into our hotel, it looked like a five star hotel, but I guess in Spain, everything looked like a five star hotel. I walked into our room on the 36th floor. Before I didn’t really pay any attention to it, but now I really looked at it my mouth couldn’t stay closed. Everything was shiny and new and I couldn’t keep my eyes open without my eyes watering.
“Nova,” Astra ran up to me, “Do you still have that pocket watch grandpa gave you?”
“Of course I do.”
“Can you go get it?”
I ran into my room and pulled out my silver pocket watch. Usually they are golden, but my grandpa said it was special and different about it, like me. I often look at it when I get sad and could feel grandpa around me. I gave Astra my watch and she examined it.
“Why do you need it?”
“I talked to grandpa and he told me that he was murdered and so was our parents. He told me that we need to kill the person who killed him before you can take the throne. He also told me that he is sorry and loves you.” I sat down and buried my head and my hands. I felt the tears build in my eyes and I slowly looked at Astra. Her eyes looked at me with sorrow, so I wiped the tears away and tried to put on a smile.
“So why does that mean, you need to see my gift?”
“Because he mentioned something about our gifts. He also told me he is watching us.” I sat down next Astra ad picked up my gift. I studied it carefully. There was always this chip in the watch that always bothered me. I my finger nail in the little chip and pried it open. A note floated out when I finally got it open.
Dear Nova,
I wanted everything for you and Astra, but I know my time is short. I want you to know that even when I am gone there will always be someone there for you two. When you find this, it means you two are in danger. Go find Henry Giles, he is and always will be the person I trust to take care of you two, and find where the place where the two planets touch. When you really need me, just remember how you felt when you and Astra played in the sprinklers. Stay safe.
Grandpa
I shoved the note in my pocket and dashed the tears away, “Nova?” Alexzander softly said. I got up and walked towards the window, “We need to go where the two planets touch.”
“You mean in the stories?” Astra whispered.
“I think so.”
“What stories?” Collin asked.
“The stories grandpa told us when we were younger. It was always placed where the two planets touched.” I ran into the room and locked the door. I slid down the door and let the tears fall.
“Should we go after her?” I heard Collin ask through the doors.
“Let her be, she will come out when she is ready.” I barely heard Astra. I closed my eyes and thought back to earlier times, when grandpa was still alive and I thought changing into animals was normal. When all I needed to worry about was not to get caught eating cookies.
Chapter 32
Astra
“So you saw your grandfather?” Said Collin. “How do you think that happened?”
I shrugged my shoulders. “I did see him and speak to him. I honestly have no idea how it happened. But I will be sure to find his killer and kill them. Even if it means that I have to die.”
He nodded his head. “I’m going to go scope out the hotel. You should stay here.” His eyes fell to my robe. And I blushed slightly. “I’ll see you soon.”
After he was gone I looked around the room for my clothes, but I still couldn’t find anything.
Then I went to the closet and found a hanger with a clothes bag on it.
I grabbed it and opened it.
I was looking at a leather outfit. The whole works pants, a corset top, a belt, and a pair of black heels.
I could only wonder who picked this outfit out.
Since it was the only thing I could find, I changed into it.
It took me a few minutes to get the corset strung properly. Once done, I looked in the mirror. I looked absolutely amazing. The leather fit my every curve. The corset showed off my stomach, and a good amount of my chest.
Who ever picked this out obviously wasn’t thinking of keeping a low profile. But they did have good taste in clothes.
I left the bedroom. Everyone but Collin was back in the room. When Alexzander saw me he whistled. “Damn girl. You look good.”
Nova punched him. “Stop looking at my cousin like that.”
“Sure thing little ninja.” He kissed her. He snuck another look at me. And Nova punched him again. “I’m just kidding.”
Scott had a big grin on his face. “I sure picked out a good outfit. I should have hid your clothes sooner.”
“I’m going to pretend like you didn’t say that. I would really appreciate it you would give me my clothes. When Collin gets back we need to talk about how to find Henry Giles.”

“There just happens to be a guy I know that lives here in Madrid. He might know where to start looking for Henry Giles. We can go see him when Collin gets back.” Said Alexzander.
A few minutes later Collin walked in the door with coffee. Four in one hand and one in the other hand. Collin cocked an eyebrow when he saw my outfit. “I thought we were supposed to be keeping a low profile.”
“That’s what I said to myself. But someone here hid my clothes.” I motioned to Scott. “I’m just saying but it had the dress in it that you let me borrow.”
“I want those clothes back now. If that dressed is damaged, you won’t live to see the next full moon.” Collin threatened.
“Dude no harm.” Collin went to a cabinet and pulled out my bag. “See. Everything is in here.” He tossed my bag onto the couch. “One of those for me?”
“One is for everyone else. But not you.”
Scott’s jaw twitched. “That’s alright. I’ll just go and get my own coffee.” He left the room slamming the door behind him.
“You don’t need to be mean to Scott.”
“I do need to be mean to him. That dog needs to learn to not mess with my girl.”
“Is that what I am now?” I asked him.
“If only you want to be.”
I kissed him on the lips. “Does that answer your question?”
He didn’t reply, he just kissed me harder. I totally did not think about the rest of the people in the room.

Chapter 33
Nova

When Astra and Collin started to kiss me and Alexzander looked at each other. We both were trying to keep from laughing, but we couldn’t hold it in. We both ran out of the room laughing, but I didn’t think they noticed, they were too much in their own little world to notice anything. Alexzander and I were laughing on the ground outside the door. We both knew this was going to happen, but it was so sudden.
Alexzander kissed me lightly on my lips, “Come on let’s give them privacy.” He got up and pulled me up with him.
“Ok, but can we go get something to eat?”
“Didn’t you just have a muffin?”
“Yeah, but…. Can’t a girl want something to eat without questions?” Alexzander just laughed and pulled me down the hallway by the waist. We got outside and the sun was just going down. “Did you really like what Astra was wearing?” I pouted.
“Is Nova jealous?”
“No, but I can wonder if he thinks my cousin looks good.”
“I thought she looked good,’ he pulled me closer me, “but you would look better.”
“Good, that’s what I want to hear from your mouth.” I stuck my tongue out at him and ran down the street. I turned corners and stopped in front of a park gate. Alexzander came running up next to me, “Damn you have too much energy for a weakling like you.”
“And you have hardly any for someone who has a lot of muscles.” I jumped on his back and he walked around the park for awhile and when the sun finally gone down we started to walk back to the hotel. I grabbed his hand and swung it back and forth. I felt a tingle run down my back and I turned around. Two guys were walking behind us with their heads down. Alexzander must have saw them to because we started to walk fast.
Alexzander pushed me up against the wall and put his hands on my hips. The guys stopped and looked through a glass window. “Just play along, when I tell you to, run,” He whispered in my ear.
I giggled like I was drunk and brought his head near my mouth, “I am not leaving without you. I can protect myself.” I grew out my canines to prove a point.
He kissed me hard and murmured against my lips, “Can’t you just do what I say?”
“Not if that means I leave so you could take all the danger.” I kissed him on the cheek and smiled, “Love you.” I pushed him off and ran towards the guys. I quickly turned into a tiger and jumped on one of the guys backs. I bit into the guy’s neck; I could feel the other guy trying to pull me off, but Alexzander knocked him off his feet. I felt the guy under my tiger weight shift and I was standing face to face with a wolf. I knew he was a werewolf because he had light blue eyes.
The werewolf was quickly losing blood from his neck, but he still stood and growled at me. The wolf jumped, but another wolf slammed into him before the first wolf got to me. I shifted into a human and looked at the stuff I was sitting in. Coffee. That meant the second wolf must be…. “Scott!” I screamed. I was quickly distracted by Alexzander’s fight. I turned into a huge bear and roared at the fight. Both guys stopped and I swiped the dude in the face with my grizzly paw. I turned back into human and ran to Alexzander. Scott came up to us with a cockily smile, “You owe me.”
“I owe you nothing. You’re the dumbass who jumped at the wolf.”
“How about a kiss?” I stomped on his foot and stormed away. When I got in the suit Collin and Astra both jumped to their feet, “What happened to you, you look horrible!” Astra came up to me.
“Oh thanks, you don’t look bad yourself.”
“Where is Alexzander?” Collin asked.
“He should be walking in-“Alexzander came in and sat next to be. “Sorry I was mad.”
“You should be, it is ok,” he kissed me on my forehead and Scott walked in. Scott nose was completely bloody and he had a black eye. Astra and I started to laugh and after awhile Collin and Alexzander joined.
“Y-You look bloody!” I laughed out loud. Scott flipped me off and walked into the bathroom. My day just got a whole lot better.
Chapter 34
Astra
“It’s obviously not safe here. Since you both just got attacked again. I say we should head out tonight.”
“But I’m so tired.” Whined Nova.
“You shouldn’t have gotten into a fight. You should have stayed here and rested.”
“I wasn’t about to stay with you and Collin making out.”
I could feel the blood rush to my face. “Not the point. This was bound to happen again, and is going to keep happening till it gets put to a stop.”
“Actually the hotel is protected by a magic. And if a creature comes in here seeking to harm someone else, they get zapped out.” Collin spoke from the back ground.
“That’s not helping.”
“Sorry.”
“But he made a point on why we should stay. And this hotel really is nice.” Nova put in.
“Remember we’re in Spain. And you’ve always wanted to come here and see the sights. Do you think you’re going to do that sitting here in a hotel room?”
She pursued her lips. “That’s true. But I’m not going to leave.”
“Alright then. We’ll stay here. But I do plan on going out and partying.”
“How are you going to do that? You have no party clothes with you.” Said Nova.
“I have the dress Collin let me have.”
“If I remember correctly, that dress was used when you dumped Scott. Would that really be appropriate to party in with your boyfriend?” She had pointed out something I hadn’t thought of.
“I don’t see a problem taking her to get a dress. It can be my first present to her.”
I looked at Collin and saw the sincerity in his eyes. I would have to find a way to make this up to him later. “How are we going to find a dress shop that’s near here, and is still open?”
“I believe the hotel has a dress shop. I know a lady who works there; she was friends with our mother. She’ll help.”
“Thank you.”
“Anything for you. We should try to get to the store before she leaves.” He stood up.
We got to the store in a matter of minutes. When I went for the door, it was locked. We waited for a few minutes. Then I saw a pretty brunette.
She came to the door. “It’s been such a long time Collin. I’m so happy to see you.” She hugged him.
“Same to you Karin.”
“What can I do for you?”
“Well my girlfriend here needs a dress so we can go party. And I was wondering if you could hook us up.”
She looked at me then to him. “I’m happy for you. But does your father know you have a girlfriend?”
“Not exactly. I’ll explain when we get inside.”
“Alright then. Leys find this pretty lady a dress then.”
When we entered the dress shop, my jaw dropped to the ground. As far as the eye could see were dresses of every shape and size. Some glittery and others not. Some were over the top, and others were as simple as could be.
I slowly looked through the dresses. I picked out the dresses that I liked and put them on a table.
After a while I had a pile of dresses that were way taller than me. “Do you think this enough dresses?”
Collin smiled. “Can you put these on my tab?”
“No need honey. These dresses will be my gift to you. I’ll have them taken to your room. In the mean time find one and put it on.”
I grabbed a black dress and went to the changing room.
The dress was form fitting. It stopped right above my thigh, had a deep v-neck but had a lace under thing, and the sleeves were loose.
I went back to where Collin was. “Wow. I love that dress.”
“Of course, I’m to one that picked it out.”
“Now you two you tell me what kind of trouble you’re in.”
I sighed deeply. “His dad wants to kidnap me and my cousin.”
She nodded her head. “That does not surprise me. That man is ruthless.”
“I should also mention I’m a member of the AS. And one of the heirs to the throne. That’s the reason why he wants us.”
“That makes much more sense. Have you talked to Henry Giles yet?”
“No. We’re in the process of finding him. But it’s not going so well.” Said Collin.
“It’s not surprising. He has heavy enchantments protecting him. But I know where he is.”
“Thank you Karin. You’re a life saver.”
She smiled kindly. “Not very much. I’ll send the address up with the dresses. Now you two go out and have some fun.”
“Will do.” We both said at the same time.
Then we left the hotel and went to look for a place to party.

Chapter 35
Alexzander

I watched Nova mope around the room. Her straight hair was put up so I could just make out the tattoo on her neck. It was the symbol for infinity; it was simple and black. It also had a tiny crown on top of the sign, symbolizing that they are, will, or once be the heirs to the throne.
Scott walked out his bedroom with a blue button up shirt and black jeans. “I’m going out,” He announced and walked out of the suit. Nova just groaned and looked at me.
“You can go too. You shouldn’t be here because I am here.” She flopped on to the couch.
“I want to be anywhere you are, even if everyone is out exploring Spain.”
“I know that you don’t have to rub it in my face,” she rolled off the couch and crawled to the door, “Need fresh air.”
I ran towards her and picked her up, “You can’t leave.”
“What if I shifted into a dog or something, can we go then?” she looked up at me with puppy eyes.
“I don’t know. I don’t want you in danger.”
“Pleassssssssssse!”
“Fine.” Her whole face lit up and she ran into the bedroom. Minutes later she walked out with white skinny jeans, a white tank top, my leather jacket, and leather boots.
“Just in case,” she grabbed my hand and skipped out of the room. Nova was jumping up and down so much, that her happy mood caught on to me and I couldn’t help, but to smile at her. When we walked out of the hotel Nova pulled me down streets and around corners.
“I thought you were going to turn into a dog?”
She turned around and smiled at me, “I wanted some ice-cream and I thought why get some ice-cream as a dog?”
“So you could be safe?”
“We were already attacked once today, can’t they give us a brake?” I shook my head and kissed her lightly.
“If I were them I would be doing everything possible to get my hands on you.” I wrapped my arm around her.
“The difference is, I would be running towards you and not run away.” She kissed me on my cheek and ran into the ice-cream shop. I walked next to her in line and wrapped my arms around protectively. I could see guys at the corner of my eyes watching Nova, so I kissed her on the side on her head.
Once we got outside with our ice cream, it started rain. Nova ran out on the street and spun around, “It’s raining!” I laughed and jumped out in the rain as well. I ran towards Nova and picked her up. I spun her around and ran into puddles. “My ice cream!” she laughed.
“Let me help that with you,” I shoved her ice cream in her face and ran. Nova ran past me in tiger form and stopped in front of me. She quickly shifted back into a human and jumped me. We fell in a puddle. Nova shoved ice-cream in my face, “There,” She said.
I rolled on top of her and kissed everywhere on her face, leaving smudges of ice-cream. She pushed hair that was on my face and tucked it behind my ear. Nova softly kissed me and ran her finger through my hair. I smiled down at her and whispered in her ear, “We probably should go before someone gets back at the suit.”
She stubbornly shook her head and kissed me again, but this time I didn’t hold back. I grabbed the back of her head and deepened the kiss. I don’t know how long we were out in the rain, but a car horn distracted us and we both quickly got up and out of the way. I looked over at Nova and smiled colicky. I wrapped my arms from behind her, “Come on lets go back.”
“Ok,” she kissed on my cheek and jumped on my back, “We got to do this again.”
“Anything you say little ninja.”

Chapter 36
Collin
Soon after leaving the hotel we found a club.
Astra jumped up and down. “We are going in there.” She pointed to the club.
“Do you even speak Spanish?”
“Claro que si.” Of course I do
“No need to be a smart ass.”
“Puedo decir muchas cosas acerca de usted.” I can say many things about you. She muttered.
“I heard that.”
“Sure you did.”
Then a song by Shakira- Hips don’t lie.
Ladies up in here tonight
No fighting
(We got refugees up in here)
No fighting
No fighting
Shakira, Shakira

I never really knew that she could dance like this
She make a man want to speak Spanish
Como se llama? Bonita, mi casa, su casa
(Shakira, Shakira)

Oh baby when you talk like that
You make a woman go mad
So be wise and keep on
Reading the signs of my body

And I’m on tonight
You know my hips don’t lie
And I’m starting to feel it’s right
All the attraction, the tension
Don’t you see baby, this is perfection

Hey girl, I can see you body moving
And it’s driving me crazy
And I didn’t have the slightest idea
Until I saw you dancing

And when you walk up on the dance floor
Nobody cannot ignore the way you move your body, girl
And everything’s so unexpected, the way you right and left it
So you can keep on shaking it

I never really knew that she could dance like this
She makes a man want to speak Spanish
Como se llama (si), bonita (si), mi casa (si, Shakira Shakira), su casa
Shakira, Shakira

Oh baby when you talk like that
You make a woman go mad
So be wise and keep on
Reading the signs of my body

And I'm on tonight
You know my hips don't lie
And I am starting to feel you boy
Come on lets go, real slow
Don't you see baby asi es perfecto

Oh I know I am on tonight my hips don't lie
And I am starting to feel it's right
All the attraction, the tension
Don't you see baby, this is perfection
Shakira, Shakira

Oh boy, I can see your body moving
Half animal, half man
I don't, don't really know what I'm doing
But you seem to have a plan
My will and self restraint
Have come to fail now, fail now
See, I am doing what I can, but I can't so you know
That's a bit too hard to explain

Baila en la calle de noche
Baila en la calle de día

Baila en la calle de noche
Baila en la calle de día

I never really knew that she could dance like this
She makes a man want to speak Spanish
Como se llama (si), bonita (si), mi casa (si, Shakira Shakira), su casa
Shakira, Shakira

Oh baby when you talk like that
You know you got me hypnotized
So be wise and keep on
Reading the signs of my body

Senorita, feel the conga, let me see you move like you come from Colombia

Mira en Barranquilla se baila así, say it!
Mira en Barranquilla se baila así

Yeah
She's so sexy every man's fantasy a refugee like me back with the Fugees from a 3rd world country
I go back like when 'pac carried crates for Humpty Humpty
I need a whole club dizzy
Why the CIA wanna watch us?
Colombians and Haitians
I ain't guilty, it's a musical transaction
No more do we snatch ropes
Refugees run the seas 'cause we own our own boats

I'm on tonight, my hips don't lie
And I'm starting to feel you boy
Come on let's go, real slow
Baby, like this is perfecto

Oh, you know I am on tonight and my hips don't lie
And I am starting to feel it's right
The attraction, the tension
Baby, like this is perfection

No fighting
No fighting
And the whole time the song is going Astra is dancing on me. Drawing the eye of some of the guys around us.
When the song finally ended. Some guy walked up to her. “Bailar conmigo?”
“No, gracias. Tengo un compañero.”
The guy nodded and left. “What did he want?”
“To dance with me.”’
“You’re mine.” I said possessively. I pulled her close and kissed her.
I ran my fingers through her hair. Feeling the soft silkiness. “Do you bleach out your hair white? Or is it like that naturally?”
“It’s natural.”
Another song came on and she dragged me to the dance floor. We stayed and danced till she couldn’t dance anymore. Then we went over to the bar. “¿Qué te gustaría beber?”
Astra looked at me. “What do you want to drink?”
“Water.”
“Un agua. Y un agua con limón.”
The bartender left. “You could have gotten an alcoholic beverage. But you chose not to. Why is that?”
“My mother was killed by a drunk driver.”
“I’m so sorry.”
I shrugged. “It gives me a reason not to drink.”
The bartender brought our drinks back. I sipped my water.
I saw Astra stiffen and look behind me.
“Well isn’t it nice to meet you here.” I turned and saw Scott. “It took me a little while to find you. But I did it.”
“We didn’t invite you. So why you here?”
He held his hands up in a defensive position. “No need for the verbal attacks. I just thought you would like to know there’s a bunch of pixies looking for you.”
Astra groaned. “That’s just great. At least I got to dance.”
“Alright then. I’ll be on my way. See you back at the Hotel.” Scott turned and left.
“I’m going to turn into a bird and fly away.”
“Alright then. I’ll meet you back at the hotel.”

Chapter 37
Nova
I walked into our suit with Alexzander’s arm wrapped from behind me. I was on his feet, so all I had to do was lean back and enjoy the view.
The lights were completely off and that probably should have set alarms off in my head, but I wasn’t in the mood to think. I turned on the lights and Astra and Collin were sitting on the couch. “Holy shit! You scared the crap out of me!” I accused them.
“Where have you guys been?” Astra calmly tried to ask.
“In the streets.”
“Why?”
“I wanted to go sightseeing, but that didn’t work out well.” I started to blush and looked down.
“Did you guys get into another fight?”
“No.” I got off Alexzander’s feet and walked towards the kitchen. I could hear Astra yelling at Alexzander, but I was thirsty. I pulled a bottle of water from the fridge and ran into a body.
“Hey sweet thang.” Scott smiled. Not a kind one, more like you will be mine smile. Which won’t happen.
“What do you want?”
“Nothing. Just wanted to say hi.” I rolled my eyes and pushed past him. I sat on the couch next to Collin and watched Astra and Alexzander fight. “What did I miss?” I whispered to Collin.
“Astra is accusing Alexzander of being a bad protector.”
I laughed out loud and leaned into Collin, “Want to play monopoly?”
“Hell yeah!” We laughed and ran out the room, but before I could, “Nova!” Astra yelled at me. I stubbornly turn around and looked at Astra.
“Yes?”
“Come here.” I started to walk towards her and sat next to Alexzander.
“Save me the dog, Collin” I yelled over my shoulder. He gave me thumbs up and walked out the room. For an hour Astra was lecturing us about safety and what not. She knows I can’t pay attention long, but I tried my best. By the time she got to the rules of leaving, I was half asleep on Alexzander, which got me another thirty minutes of why not to fall asleep when someone is talking.
By the time she finished I didn’t feel like playing anymore. “Goodnight,” I screamed and walked into my room. I plopped onto the bed without changing my clothes and crawled under the sheets. Even though I wanted to sleep, my body tingled and my lips burned. My eyes finally started to drift shut, when I heard my door creak and my bed shifted. Alexzander slid under the sheets and threw his arm over me.
“Did I say you could me in here?” I turned over and looked in his eyes.
His face twisted up in shock and regret, “I thought…. Maybe…. You know-“
“I was joking,” I cut him off. I moved closer to him and started playing with his hair, “What happens if we never catch the person, who killed my family? What if I never become queen, Astra doesn’t become my personal escort, and we never got our education?”
Alexzander stroked my cheek and rubbed my bottom lip, “If that happens you could be my maid.”
I laughed and punched him in his arm, “I’m serious! What if that does happen, where would I live?”
“With me.”
“Where would I work?”
“You wouldn’t need to work.”
“I have to work. I have too much energy to do nothing.”
“I can think of a lot of things that waste energy and you could do.”
I punched him in the arm again and laugh, “You’re not helping!” I rolled back over and pouted. Alexzander pulled me in his arms, where my back was pressed against his chest. “You know you love me.”
“Maybe,” I mumbled.
“What did you say?”
“Maybe.”
“Maybe? You love me maybe?” He rolled me on my back and started to tickle my sides. I laughed and tried to squirm out of his arms, but he was too strong. “Do you love me?” he asked, while still tickling me.
“Yes,” I laughed and tried squirming out of his arms again.
“I am sorry, what did you say? I couldn’t hear you over the laughing.”
“I love you!” he stopped tickling me and looked at me. I felt his heart beat quicken and so did mine.
“Really?” he whispered softly. He leaned in closer to me, we were so close our foreheads were touching.
I couldn’t speak so I just nodded my head. I leaned up just a little and softly spoke, “I love you, Alexzander Crawford.”
“I love you too, little ninja.” He softly kissed me and laid back down. He wrapped me in his arms and I heard his breathing go shallow. I turned over and stared at Alexzander. All the worry was gone and he was slightly smiling in his sleep. “Sweet dreams.”
Chapter 38
Astra
When I saw Alexzander sneak into Nova’s room, I wanted to laugh. I yawned greatly. “Thank you for the fun today.”
“Your welcome. It would have been a lot better if those pixies didn’t show up.”
I nodded. “That’s true. I’m going to take a shower, and then go to bed. You’re welcome to come in after I’m done.”
“I’ll take you up on that offer.”
I grabbed my night clothes, and toiletry’s bag
When I was in the shower, I thought about all that was wrong with this situation.
Ever since Scott showed up, things have been able to find us. I don’t know if I should be thinking that. I mean I’ve known Scott for a while. And he didn’t seem like the type to do this. He might have done something since he learned me and Collin were together. And he was always really protective of me. There’s still no reason for him not to feel that way. I would just have to ask him tomorrow.
I got out of the shower got dressed. Then I began to brush me hair. After that I did my teeth.
When I got to the room, Collin was passed out on the bed. He looked so sweet and innocent. But I had this feeling underneath he had this really protective instinct. I had the feeling that he was as protective as I was. And I thought that was really….
Once I got done staring at Collin I crawled into bed next to him. Soon I was asleep in his arms.
That night I slept peaceful. I didn’t dream at all.
When I woke up in the morning I was totally refreshed.
Collin was gone. I was kind of sad that he was. But at the same time I was happy that he was gone. It gave me time to think.
Not that I wanted to think. When I got to thinking, things happened. Usually bad things. That’s why I hardly ever thought by myself.
I quickly changed into a pair of shorts and a tank top.
I stepped out of the room and the first thing I heard was. “That’s my waffle! Give it back.” Then what sounded like somebody being tackled to the ground.
I went to the small dining room and found everyone eating. I turned into a Humming bird, then flew to the fruit. “A bird got in. Who left the window open?” Asked Alexzander.
“Nova did! To be punished she should have to catch it and release it.” Said Collin.
I just flew to the chandelier and laughed to myself. Obviously they didn’t notice me when I was standing behind them.
All of a sudden they started to throw grapes at me. I dodged most of them, but one got me in the head. I fell to the table with thud. I decided to play along .
I stilled my breathing. “Oh my god. We killed it!” Nova panicked.
I wanted to laugh but I didn’t. I felt someone pick me up. “I can still hear the heart beat. I just think it’s not knocked out. I can give it mouth to mouth,” said Collin.
“You can go ahead and do that. I’m going to laugh my ass off when you get bird flu.”
“I’m not going to get the bird flu.”
I felt his lips on mine. I turned back into a human. I kissed him back, “Got you.”

Chapter 39
Nova

I jumped out of my seat and started to laugh. I pushed Collin and Astra off the counter, “Don’t start doing that, I don’t want to lose my appetite.” I grabbed my bowl of lucky charms and walked into the kitchen to find Scott over burnt eggs. “You know eggs are usually yellow, not black,” I pick up a piece of egg, stuff it in my mouth, and spit it back out on the plate.
“I was going to eat that you know.”
“It wasn’t that great, so it would be a waste of chewing.”
“He was never was a good cook anyways, he would of starved without me.” Astra walked in. She looked at the eggs and scrunched her nose, “I never liked eggs.”
“Don’t make me throw a grape at you.”
“Ok, let’s not fight,” Alexzander walked in and kissed me on top of my head. I shivered and tilted my head, so everyone doesn’t see me blush. “Oh Astra, by the way a girl was at the door, Karin, I think. Well she put some dresses on the front table and left a note.”
I rushed towards the front room with Astra behind me. “Why didn’t you tell me you got dresses?”
Collin walked into the room and wrapped his arm around her shoulder, “I got them for a present.”
I picked up a navy blue dress. It was strap-less and had a glossy ribbon which was tied in the back and stopped knee high. I held the dress up to me, “I am stealing this dress.” I dropped on to the couch and Alexzander plopped onto my stomach. “Owe. You’re hurting my tummy.”
“Come on, we need to go find Henry Giles.”
“We know where he lives?”
“He lives in Cartagena, Spain.” Collin put in.
“So I don’t have to go on a plane?”
“No.”
Minutes later I was walking out with a floppy hat on and huge sun glasses. Alexzander laughed when he saw me, but I guess I would have laughed too. I stood next to Astra who had one of the dresses on. I remember it from earlier; it was a dark red with thin straps. It showed off her chest and fell just past her knees. It was tight near the top, but flowed out as it neared the bottom. I looked down at my old t-shirt, shorts, and converses.
I pushed past Astra and sat down in the jeep. I probably should have been wondering where we got it from, but I felt so under dressed I didn’t care. It seemed everyone was wearing something fancy, even Scott.
I sat next to Alexzander and Scott in the back and Collin and Astra in the front. Alexzander sensed my distress because he grabbed my hand and kissed each of my knuckles. I tried to smile, but it came out more of a grimace. I leaned on to Alexzander and felt his shoulder slightly rise and fall; I quickly fell asleep listening to Spanish music.
I was on a table when I awoke; my arms were tied down and I couldn’t shift. I struggled and called out in to the dark room, but no one responded, but a low chuckle. In the corner a dark figure slowly walked out and stopped before I could see his face. In my mind I could hear music playing creepy music and I quickly tried to shake it out, but it grew louder. “Who are you?” I called to the figure. All I know it could be a potted plant on a robot.
“That is the wrong question to be asking now.” His voice was smooth and silky, but had this edge towards it. He sounded familiar, but I could match his voice to a face.
“Why am I here?”
“Stop searching and just come to me,” he walked out of the shadows and I gasped in horror, “If you surrender now than I won’t have to harm anyone.”
“You think I am afraid.” The boy’s father walked up to me and gripped my chin. He grinned down at me, showing his perfect set of white teeth and dimples.
“I can see why one of my sons found you interesting. He definitely picked a…. special one, this time.” I spat at his eye and tried to shake his hand off my chin. He looked at me with flashes of anger crossing his face. He lifted his hand and left a red hand print on the side on my face; the sting spread through my face, but I didn’t cry out in pain. Instead I looked back at him and tried wiggling my way out of the ropes hold. Every tug and pull burned my skin, but I couldn’t stop. I went desperate and found my foolish attempts humoring the boy’s father.
He looked down at his watch and walked behind me, “Well this was fun, but it is time for you to go. We should do this another time.” I felt a wooden board hit my head and I passed out. I woke up in the jeep with a headache, a lump on my head, a red mark on my face, and a new reason I couldn’t wait to get my hands around his neck.
Chapter 40
Astra

The thrill of me driving the jeep was amazing. It was like another form of being free. When we got out of the car, I was slightly disappointed.
It was so nice to drive. “I’m so going to buy one of these when all of this is over.”
Everyone else was stretching. “And you would be the one to get us here in two hours.” Said Collin.
“I can always drive us back.”
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean it like that. You were great.” He kissed me.
“Apology accepted.”
“The paper said to look around the dock.”
“Alright then. Collin and I will go together. Alexzander and Nova. Then Scott is by himself. We’ll meet back here in thirty minutes.”
We walked around for a little bit. Not really finding anything. “You know, this isn’t easy.” I said.
“Nobody ever said it was going to be.”
I shrugged. As I looked out to the water I saw a series of boats. All sorts of boats sail boats, catamarans, yachts, and other types of boats. I saw a nice looking catamaran. It wasn’t normal looking, it looked very high tech. And it drew me to it.
I walked closer to the edge. Not even aware that I was about to walk off the edge until Collin pulled me back. “You didn’t hear me calling you huh?”
“No. I think I might know where Henry Giles is.” I pointed out to the water.
“I’m not letting you go by yourself. We don’t know if he’s dangerous or not.”
“My grandfather wouldn’t send us to a person he didn’t trust. Plus, it doesn’t look like that boat is going to be coming back anytime soon.”
Collin closed his eyes and sighed. “Alright. You go. If you’re not back in ten minutes I’m calling in the Calvary.”
I kissed him on the lips. Then I jumped into the water.
I had turned into a seal before I hit the water. I swam to the boat. Then I turned into a bird into a bird and flew up onto the deck. I then turned back into a human.
“Turn around and put your hands on your head.” Said a male voice. I did as he said. “If you try shifting, I will kill you.” He was a man of my height, and a muscular build.
“I’m not going to hurt anyone. I’m looking for Henry Giles.”
The man didn’t relax his stance. “Turn around and lift your hair.” I did as he said. “Come with me.”
With that he left. I was slightly confused. It was as if he was expecting us.
He stopped at a door. “When you go in, wait to be spoken to.” Was all he said.
I went in and did as he said. I was surprised to be in a small office. A man was on the phone. “Yes I know what happened yesterday. And it’s time for me to go. Give my best to everyone.”
He turned to me. “It certainly has been a long time since I last saw you. And you have grown up quite a bit.”
I studied the man closely. He did seem awfully familiar. In the back of my mind I knew I knew him. But it didn’t seem to click. I must have had a grim look on my face because Henry laughed. “I’m sorry but I don’t remember.”
He nodded. “That’s understandable. It has been a few years since I last saw you. I believe it was at your grandfather’s funeral.”
Then it dawned on me. “You were the guy that had all that security around him.”
“Yes. I’m sorry that we haven’t kept in touch. But it was honestly for the best.”
“So you know what we’re here for?”
“I do. But I believe it would be best to get the rest of your group. Then I’ll tell you the things you want to know.”
I totally forgot about everyone else. “Sure thing.”

Chapter 41
Alexzander
Nova kept tripping over herself and fumbling over things. I was worried, but every time I tried to help she would just push me away and say everything is all right. “Nova, what’s wrong?”
“Nothing.” She walked ahead of me and grabbed her head. She tripped a little again, but acted like nothing happened. I grabbed her elbow and spun her towards me. A huge red mark was across her face and a bump was beginning to grow on her head.
“What happened?” I tried touching her, but she flinched so I backed off. “Who did this to you, Nova?” I tried asking again, but she shook her head and lost her balance. I picked her up off her feet and carried her back where we were supposed to meet everyone. She struggled at first, but once we got there she was knocked out cold.
“What happened to her?” Astra ran up to me and looked down at Nova.
“I don’t know. She didn’t tell me and passed out.”
“Well, bring her inside,” A male voice broke the silence. I turned towards him; he has short gray hair and a short beard. He was tan and muscular and if he wasn’t something years older I would have been jealous. Astra took Nova out of my arms and walked up the boats stairs. I followed behind them feeling over protective and needing to get by her side. “I’m Henry, Henry Giles.” I shook his hand.
“I am Alexzander Crawford.”
“Crawford? You mean as the HS’s royal family, Crawford?”
“Yes.” I started to shake slightly as I felt Henry studding me. He softly smile and motioned me to come in. Collin and Scott were already in the office with some kind of juice in their hands. Another guy came in a little shorter than me, but I wouldn’t mess with him. I sat next to Scott; Henry watched all of us from behind his desk. “Well, tell me how you got here.” Henry said.
“Let me see where to start.” Astra walked in. We talked about the first time Nova got attacked to how we got here. Henry listened and asked question from now and then. He took notes and typed on his computer as well. Sometime in the middle of it, I couldn’t handle it anymore and went to look for Nova.
The boat was huge and it took me at least thirty to find her room. She was still sleeping, but the red mark has gone down dramatically. I laid down next to her and pushed back the hair on her face. She was smiling in her sleep and reached out to grab me. She wrapped one of her arms around my waist and put her head on my chest. I didn’t want to wake her up, but we needed her out there. “Nova wake up,” I softly said.
She opened her eyes a little and shook her head no. She cuddled closer to me and her smile brightened. “I don’t want to.” She mumbled in my chest.
I sighed and picked her up. I carried her though the hallways and stopped before we went into the room. I set her on her feet and kissed the top of her head. “Everybody is in here.” I pulled her in with me and we sat on the couch again. Nobody noticed that we walked in, but I don’t even think they noticed I left.
“Happy to see you awake.” Henry turned toward Nova.
“I’m happy to be awake,” She smoothly said back.
“If you don’t mind, could you tell us what happened? Alexzander told us how you had a bump on your head and passed out, but I want to hear if from your angle.”
Nova slightly shook herself and told us her dream. I felt my anger grow with every word she said. I wasn’t angry with her, but my father. I could sense Collin and I were thinking the same thing. Payback.
Chapter 42
Collin
I was too angry for words. I was trying so hard not to punch a wall. I felt a hand on my shoulder. I opened my eyes and saw Astra standing there. “You don’t need to worry about us. Your father can’t hurt us now.”
“But that’s the thing. When you sleep you won’t be safe. He’ll be able to get you at anytime then.”
“We just won’t sleep then.”
Nova laughed. “Remember that one time we stayed up for four days drinking Monsters and Red Bull?”
“Totally. We were so hyper. I’m kind of surprised that we didn’t kneel over and die of a heart attack.”
I just shook my head and sighed. “We’ll have to figure something out.”
Henry coughed drawing our attention. “Your grandfather wanted me to help you. And in order for me to do that you’re going to need to trust me.”
“What exactly is it that you want them to do.” I said.
“Before your grandfather died he came to me. He told me that he someone was trying to kill him. But he didn’t know who. And he asked if this person were to kill him, I would take care of you. And I’ve been thinking of a way for me to do that. Since I’m in this world, my power is limited. But I finally thought of something. I want them to come back to my home.”
I just looked at him. “Where exactly is your home.”
“Mi casa es el mundo subterráneo.”
Astra gasped. “Are you the Lucero del Alba?”
“Yes Astra. That’s exactly who I am.”
“Who is he?” said Alexzander.
“The Morning Star.”
“Who is that?” I asked.
“He’s been called by many names. But the most commonly known is the Devil.”
For several minutes everything was quiet. “Why would our grandfather send us to you?” Said Nova.
“Years ago he did me a great favor, and it is finally time for me to repay him.”
“How do we know we can trust you?” I asked.
“I consider the girls family. And to be considered part of my family is a great honor. So they can trust me. But you on the other hand should be running now.”
“I’m not going to leave unless Astra tells me to.”
“Collin I wouldn’t start to get on his bad side. If he wanted you dead right now, he could do it. Just let me talk to him.”
I nodded. “Fine.” I was honestly really scared right now. Not for myself. But For Astra. If this really was the Devil, he could do terrible things.
She walked away. They started speaking some foreign language. I could tell something wasn’t going well because Astra kept looking back at me. It made my heart fall right out of my chest. The thought of being away from her was terrible.
Finally she came back. “He said for you and your brother to be able to come with us, someone would…” she trailed off.
“Just tell me.”
She took a deep breath. “Someone would have to stay behind with him in the underworld.”

Chapter 43
Nova

I stared at Astra than back at the devil. “How do you expect us to choose?” I questioned. I looked between everyone and back at Henry.
“I don’t know, but it is your choice.” I wanted to shift and claw his eyeballs off. He was staring at me and a creepy smile spread across his face. You wouldn’t want to do that now. I heard his voice in my head. I shook my head and glared at him.
“I’ll do it.” Alexzander said from behind me.
“Oh, no you won’t,” I quickly turned towards him, “I won’t let you. If Alexzander stays, I stay.”
“If Nova stays, I stay.” Astra said.
“If Astra stays, than I am going.” Collin injected. We all jumped up and argued. We all wouldn’t let the other person go and we didn’t get anywhere.
“I could go.” Scott stood up. Everyone looked at each other and Astra’s face looked shocked and Collin smiled. Everyone nodded their head, but I felt bad; I couldn’t let anyone go.
“If Scott stays with you, how are you going to help us?” I turned towards Henry. He shrugged his shoulders and crossed his arms.
“I can’t tell you, unless one of you comes down with me.” Scott stepped forward. He had his chin up and his chest out, but he was slightly shaking. I would be afraid to go as well. “Are you sure?”
Scott looked at all of us and smiled slightly, “Yes.” Collin walked up to him and patted him on the back. Astra and Alexzander just shook his hand. When I walked up to Scott I hugged him tightly and whispered thank you. I felt like I owed him for saving my life and offering to go to the underworld.
I stepped back into Alexzander’s arms and kept my head pressed into his chest. I heard a huge whoosh and the room went quiet. When I finally looked back up Scott and Henry were both gone. I let a tear slip down my cheek.
“What is wrong?” Alexzander whispered.
“I feel horrible.”
“Why?” Astra asked, “he’s gone, I’m kind of thankful.”
“Don’t you feel at least a little bad? I mean he did risk his life to go down there instead of one of us. I knew he is annoying, but-“I cut off and shook my head. The room was awkwardly silent until Henry came back.
“What’s going to happen to him?” Collin asked.
“Oh nothing, he is just going to b my slave for awhile.” Henry causally said. I looked up at Astra and she just shook her head at me.
“So, how are you going to help us?” I asked.
“For one I know about that dream stuff. In my world, he can’t harm you from there. He can still get in your dreams, but if he harms you it won’t affect you.”
“Great.” I muttered.
Henry shot me daggers and continued, “You can also train down there become stronger and maybe I can teach you a thing or two.”
“When are we going?” Astra asked.
Henry looked down at his multimillion watch, “Right about now.” I felt my body falling through the air. It was completely black and I couldn’t hear anything, but the wind passing through my ears. Images of my past flashed before my eyes, but everything was fuzzy. I could hear my grandpa in the back ground and pots and pans, but his face was blocked. Different images past by me as well. I couldn’t take it anymore, I could feel the tears slipping down my face and my body fell into arms. I quickly wiped my tears and looked up at Alexzander, “Thanks,” I mumbled.
He smiled down at me. I looked up to see Astra fallout from the sky or ground, whatever you call it, and landed in Collin’s arms. I shifted out of Alexzander’s arms and tried to walk. My legs were still asleep and I kind of tripped, but someone pulled me up.
I looked up to find a teenage girl. She was white as a ghost and her hair was as black as the night. She righted me and stuck out her hand, “Hello, I am Ebony.”
Chapter 44
Astra
I looked at this girl Ebony; I had a feeling about her. And it didn’t feel good. “What do you want?”
She cocked her head at me. “I don’t understand.”
“I’ll say it again. What. Do. You. Want?” I said the last half of the sentence slowly.
“My father sent me to bring you back to his home.”
“How do we know we can trust you?!” I asked
She smiled. “You don’t. But I suggest you come with me because it’s almost feeding time. I’ll give you a few minutes to decide.”
Everybody went into a circle. “What do you think we should?” I asked anybody.
“I think we should go.” Said Alexzander.
“I second that.” Said Collin.
I looked at Collin. His pupils were slightly smaller. And the more I looked at him, the more I got a bad feeling. Alexzander’s were the same way. “Nova what do you think?”
“I honestly don’t know. This place is kind of giving me the creeps.”
I turned back to Ebony. “We’ll go with you.”
She smiled. “I suggest you follow behind me. There are many creature out there that would enjoy the opportunity to eat you.”
“One moment.” I turned to Nova. “If we’re going to do what she says, we’re going to need to shift. Any ideas?”
“Me tiger. You wolf.”
I nodded. “Collin when I shift I want you to get on my back and hold on.”
“Are you sure you can hold me?”
“I’ve carried things a hundred times heavier than you.” I was quiet serious.
“Alright then.”
I shifted into my wolf. I felt Collin get on. His weight was nothing compared to some of the things I had carried.
Ebony started running, then Nova and I did the same.
Hell was what I expected it to be, but then what it expected it wouldn’t be.
There were fires all around. But the air was as cold as ice. There were ghost pleading for us to let them through the gates. Noises of creatures that all but time had forgotten.
We traveled along a river. I saw strange creatures that looked like turtles, but they had impression on their heads that held water. I would have to ask about them later.
Then we came to some tall gates. People, ghost, zombies, demons, any sort of creature you could imagine was at the gates trying to get in. “This is where you will be tested. If you are worthy of passing through the gates, then you may. If not, then my father will be seeing you in the Hall of Judgment.”
She casually walked through the crowd and through the gates.
Just then a howl erupted through the gates. A sound so horrible it made my bones rattle. And All the creatures that were at the gates disappeared.
“Whatever that was, it can’t be good.” I said.
Then the earth started to rumble. And a huge beast loomed off in the distance.


Chapter 45
Nova

“Is anyone else feeling that?” I questioned nervously.
“Feeling what?” Collin asked.
“That sudden air of warmth and it stinks.” I grabbed Alexzander’s hand nervously. I huge growl erupted behind us, and all four of us looked up to see three huge black noses. I wanted to scream, but all the sounds got jumbled up in my throat and all that came out was a whimper.
Hello, travelers. Three voices trickled into my mind. A looked around to the others and could see the confusion on their faces. I guess they heard it too.
“Hello, I am Nova.” I stepped forward, but I could feel Alexzander try to pull me back. I snatched my hand away from him and took another step forward. The three dog heads lowered, so we were eye level. I could tell the dogs were Rottweiler. They had the black coat and brown eyebrows. If their teeth weren’t in my face, I would find them very adorable.
Why are you here? Have you come for a soul, if so you can’t get one.
“We aren’t here for one of the souls. We want to go see the devil, I mean Henry.”
Henry, our master. We can’t let you pass, unless you are a soul or prove yourself.
“How do we do that?”

Nova’s Past
I felt my body doing the whole body falling thing again. I felt light weight, but this time I knew to close my eyes. After minutes of falling I finally hit the ground. I really wished Alexzander was here. Wait. I looked around and nobody was with me. I paced back and forth and screamed for everyone, but I couldn’t hear anyone back.
“Stop shouting,” a low, but loud voice said, “You are going to bust my ears.” I turned around to find a dark man stand somewhere in the trees. He had long black hair that reached his shoulders and very tan skin. His eyes were just black. “Who are you?”
“I am Cerberus, but in my human form. I find it scares less people.”
“Aren’t you supposed to have tree heads?”
“Two of my heads are with your friends. They can conjure up bodies, like I am doing now.” Cerberus walked up to me and wrapped his arm around my shoulders.
“You should be happy Alexzander isn’t here because he would rip your head off.”
“That is why we could stay in here forever if you want.”
“You were much sweeter in dog form.”I grabbed his wrist and twisted his arm off of me.
“Yeah, I get that a lot.” I shoved him away and started walking through the woods.
“Where are we anyways?”
“It’s your memory, how am I supposed to know?”
“What do you mean my memory? I am reliving a memory, cool!” I heard a scream ripple through the woods and I took off. I ran towards the scream and I stopped short of a lake. A group of blonde girls stood between me and the younger me.
“Do you remember this?” I walked out of the bushes and ran towards the group. I tried to push the girls, but nothing happened, my arms kept going through them. I heard my cry from the other side of them and I walked through the group. Everyone was laughing at the young me, my ex best friend and my ex crush. “What happened here?” Cerberus stood next to me.
“I was about fifteen and I went to a sleep over. I was dared to strip and walk out in the lake. No one was allowed to be there. Rosie, the tallest one here, spread the word and all my old best friends and old crush showed up. I was very embarrassed, and didn’t show my face for a week. I don’t know why I did it; I guess I loved to fit in.”
“What would you have changed from this memory if you could?”
“I would have never gone to the sleepover and never had to deal with the embarrassment.” I felt my whole head feel heavy and everything went black.
Chapter 46
Astra’s Past
The world had gone black. But just for a moment.
The next thing I know I’m back at my house. In the living room to be more exact.
“That was strange. I need to hurry up and leave before something happens.” I walked to the front door.
“There is no need for that.” Said a voice from behind me.
“And why would that be?” I said turning around? I was surprised to find a man with long black hair and a nice tan. He seemed kind of off.
“Because this is just a memory.”
“Let me guess. I’m not going to be able to get out of this until I go through the whole thing, and I learn something important.
The man nodded. “That is correct.”
“Alright then. Show the way then.”
He drifted off down the hallway. “I am going to warn you. Whatever you chose to change in this memory could change the way you look at the world. And it could change your future. Before you get too caught up in everything, remember what you experience here is only a memory. It will not physically affect you back in the real world. But it may cause you to look at things differently.”
“I would like to see that happen.”
I walked around the corner into the kitchen.
There I was with grandfather. I recognized this memory. It was the day he died.
“Why won’t you let me go?” I yelled at him.
“I am not letting you go because it is dangerous.”
“That’s not fair. We’ve been planning this for weeks.”
“It does not matter. What I say goes.” He sipped his coffee.
“I. Hate. You.” Was all I said before storming out of the house.
Everything paused at that moment. The look on grandfather’s face made me want to cry.
It was that same day a few hours later when we got the call that grandfather had died.
“Now that you have seen this, would you change it? If so, how? If not, why?”
I thought about it. “The only thing I would change about this would be what I said to him. I’m not going to say why. Because I think what was said was meant to happen. And without that, we wouldn’t be here now. And Things would be different.”

Chapter 47
Alexzander’s Past

My feet landed and slowly my vision started to come in to focus. I was standing in the middle of a street, but I didn’t notice where I was, but who wasn’t with me. “Nova!” I called to no one, but the only answer I got was a huge gust of wind and Ebony standing in front of me. “Where is she?” I stormed up to Ebony. I could tell she twitched at my anger, but she slightly smirked.
“Probably with Past.”
“Where are they?”
“They are in Nova’s Past or going into her present vision. I don’t really know, time is different in visions.”
“Get me to her.”
She didn’t bother answering me; instead she walked past me and bounced up the stairs. I didn’t notice it before, but I was standing in front of my house. It looked newer though. I followed after Ebony and walked into the living room. The house was exactly how it was before…. Mom died. She loved old fashion and my dad loved making her happy.
The room was a tan color and the floor was covered with dark wood. “Mommy, can you get me some medicine?” a little boy asked. He was about five with hair as black as midnight and eyes as green as the forest. He was pale and had dark rings under his eyes. It was the younger me.
“Let me check the bathroom.” I dark haired lady came walking out of the kitchen. Her hair was in a tight bun and she wore an old-fashion dress. A white apron was tied around her waist and the brightest smile was on her face. My mom walked through me and up to the young me. She placed her petite hand on my pale forehead. “You feel warm, Alexzander.”
My mom rushed into the bathroom, to come back out with a panic look on her face. She ran up the stairs and came back down with her black coat on, “I am going to the store, I’ll be right back.” She stopped midstride and rushed back over to me. She kissed my forehead and smiled down at me, “I will be right back. Try to get some rest.” She ran out the door without saying goodbye.
“Are you Ok?” Ebony placed her hand on my arm. “What just happened?”
“My mom went to get medicine for me. While coming back she got hit by a drunk driver.” I shook off Ebony’s hand and wiped my eyes. “If it wasn’t for me, my mom would still be alive,” I chocked on the words.
“What would you change in this memory if you could?”
“I would have made her stay by my side.” I felt a gust of wind and my vision blurred, until I couldn’t see the younger me anymore.
Chapter 48
Collin’s Past
When Astra fell to the ground I tried to go after her, but I did the same thing.
When I opened my eyes again, I was back at my house. During the party a few days ago.
I was slightly confused about this. That was until I realized that nobody could see or hear me.
“That’s just great, stuck in a memory where people can’t see or hear me.” I said sarcastically.
“I am willing to bet that you know why you’re here?”
I turned and saw a man standing there. “Of course I do.”
“So you know what needs to be done?”
“Yes.”
I left to outside. Then made my way to the secrete door that led to my secrete place underground.
I watched myself as me and Astra talked. Now I could see the sheer panic that was on her face. I would say I had no clue on what I was doing. But that would be a total lie. I knew exactly what I was doing. And a ping of regret coursed through me.
A voice brought me back. “Do you regret doing this?”
I thought about it for a good while. Then I came up with an answer. “Part of me will always regret it. I mean the things that I caused to happen, I feel awful for. But at the same time I don’t regret it. If I hadn’t done what I did. Alexzander and Nova probably wouldn’t have gotten together. I wouldn’t have gotten to be with Astra. And my father would have gotten to them. At least this way they have a fighting chance. In answer to your question. No I don’t regret doing this.”
The person smiled. “Your decision is wise. Let’s just see how it affects you now.” He waved his hand in the air.
My vision blurred, going black once again.

Chapter 49
Nova’s Present Vision

I felt light weight again and I fell on a cemented floor, face first. “You really got to learn how to land on your feet.” Past said while helping me up. I would have punched him if I didn’t get a creepy feeling run down my back. And it only happens when I’m at school. I slowly turned around to find kids walking through me, kids kissing in the hallway, and the group of blondes, I wish I could wring their necks.
“Why are we here?”
“You know how you wanted to see what happened if you weren’t embarrassed at the lake.”
“I never said I wanted to see what happened.”
He sighed in frustration, “You said you would of changed the embarrassment, so we are here at the present to see what would happen to you if that never happened.”
“I don’t see how that proves me worthy to pass the gates.” Cerberus didn’t answer me; instead he grabbed my hand and pulled me down the hallway. I noticed a new girl standing with the blondes and stopped abruptly. I smacked Cerberus’s hand away and walked back. “Who is that?”
A very tan girl stepped out and glared at everyone around her. “That is you.”
“What?!” I stepped in front of the other me. I had the same hair, but as I said earlier she was so tan and just didn’t look like me at all. The only way I knew it really was me because of the eyes. “What happened to me?”
“You never went to the slumber party, so you never became enemies with,” he looked at the girls behind the other me, “those things.”
“So I became a slut.” I looked down at my clothes and back at the other me. She/I had a mini skirt on that I thought should be called underwear and had a teal tube top. At least she had converses on, but still? I looked down at my clothes. I was wearing black skinny jeans, a t-shirt, my red vans, and Alexzander’s leather jacket. I was happy I had it on because it was the only thing keeping me sane. “Can we leave?”
“Not yet.” I pushed past Cerberus and ran down the hallways. I stopped in my tracks to see Alexzander kissing Hailey. He had trapped Hailey between his arms, but it didn’t look like Hailey was going to go anywhere. Hailey wore Alexzander’s jacket and suddenly I had a feeling of despair wash over me. “This is just a vision, this is just a vision.” I kept repeating it over and over. Cerberus walked up to me and gave my shoulder a light squeeze for reassurance. “How did that happen?”
“Well Hailey always liked Alexzander, even now. But she knew you guys only had eyes for each other. But in here, you’re a slut and don’t feel very much.”
“Oh thank you, that makes me feel so much better.”
“I wasn’t finished.”
“Please go on.”
“Well, Alexzander tried to ask you out, a bunch of times. But since you don’t have any feelings….”
“Hailey has him.” I shook my head and took a deep breath. “Can we go to the next vision.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes,” I looked back at Alexzander, “I want to leave now.”
Chapter 50
Astra’s Present Vision
I slipped into another vision. This time I was in my bedroom. “Is this another memory?”
“No. It is the present. The decision of your past.”
“That’s great. I wonder what’s going to happen now.” I said sarcastically.
I heard laughing down stairs, and followed the voices.
I was absolutely surprised to see that grandfather was alive. I desperately wanted to run to him. If I tried to do that, I would most likely fall on my face. And that would not be a good thing.
“Now girls. There is something that I need to tell you…” Nova and I leaned forward. “Obviously you know that you know you’re members of the AS. But what you don’t know is that you’re Royalty. And one of you is meant to be the heir to the throne. And I have to choose who will succeed.”
This me smiled widely. “That’s like the best thing ever.”
“Being queen is not all fun and games. You have many responsibilities, and people to take care of.”
“Have you decided who is going to get the throne?”
Grandfather shrugged. “I’m not sure yet. Before I decide, I need to tell you something. And what you say will tell me who to pick.” He sighed deeply. “To become queen, you need to get married.”
Obviously this me was stunned. I was even stunned. If this was true, things were going to be interesting in the real world.
“You have to be kidding me. That is a load of bull shit. I can’t believe you expect us to get married at this age. Do you know that most marriages these days end in divorce?” Said Nova.
I was kind of surprised at what Nova said. Usually I would be the one that said things like that.
“I know that. But that is why I am giving you until your eighteenth birthday to find a husband. If either of you don’t have a husband by then, I will be forced to choose one for you.”
For some really odd reason, I wanted to laugh.
“Does our husband have to be a member of the AS?” I asked.
“No. It can be anybody you want.”
I saw the look on my face. And I knew that she already had a person in mind.

Chapter 51
Alexzander’s Present Vision

Ebony was sitting on my bed and looking around. Her bangs kept hiding her face, so I couldn’t tell what she was thinking. I coughed, but she didn’t even hear me. I coughed louder to get her attention and finally she looked at me. “What?”
“Are we in my present vision?”
She sighed dramatically and stood up, “Yes we are in your present vision.” I ran down the stairs and heard my mother’s voice coming from the kitchen. I snuck into the kitchen and hid in the shadows. Ebony came after me and laughed when she saw me crouching. “They can’t see you idiot.”
“I know that,” I nervously laughed and stood. My mom was sitting at the dining room table with her hands crossed in her lap. Me and Alexzander were sitting across from her.
“So, I was thinking,” my mother started, “One of you will be our king in a year and that means you will have to find a wife.” She stopped to let what she said process in the other me mind. “I was thinking that, if you want, that you could date the AS’s soon to be queens” AS’s queens to be? Nova and Astra? She couldn’t be talking about them? Who else would she be talking about? I crept closer, “Their grandfather and I made this arrangement before he…. past away. They should be here-“She was cut off by the door bell ringing. My mother ran towards the door. We heard two voices and she came back with Astra and Nova following her.
My vision blurred and then came back, but I was in the school’s hallway. I looked around to see Nova standing by her locker with her head in her hands. The door opened and I and a really tall lady walked into school. Every eye looked at us, including Nova’s. She was paler than usual. Her violet eyes lost their color by a little bit and there were dark rings under her eyes. Her eyes watched me and the girl walked past her. The other me looked at Nova with pity, but turned back around to laugh at whatever the girl said.
I walked towards me, trying to get my attention. I punched myself and kicked me, but it kept going through. I couldn’t stand seeing Nova in pain and knowing that I was doing that. A bright light kept shining in my eye and when I finally got a good look, it was a ring. An engagement ring. On my hand and the tall blonde, but none on Nova. “What the fuck.”
Ebony looked between the other me and Nova and shook her head. “Your mom turned into a bitch.”
“What are you talking about?”
“Well after you and Astra were engaged-“
“Wait, what? Why not me and Nova?”
“Your mother had a sick personality. Any ways, I guess your dad and mom wanted power and lots of it. So instead of the arrange marriage to HS and AS, they decided they wanted to take it. They called off the marriage and got you those things for you.” She pointed to the blonde by my side.
“What are they?”
“Fallen angels.”
“So I am going to marry a fallen angel.”
Chapter 52
Collin’s Present Vision
I found myself looking into a mirror. The walls around me were dark and clouded. Kind of strange if you ask me.
That was until I realized that they weren’t walls. They were souls of the dead. I guessed I had passed.
I went around the castle looking for everyone else. I heard a ton of cheering coming from outside. So I followed it. A mini crowd was formed. It sounded like someone was fighting. I went to what was going on. I walked right through things, and realized that I was still in a vision. Any way. The people fighting were Astra and I. It looked like we were both really good. Evenly matched. The way she swung that sword through the air made shivers run down my spine.
Astra landed a blow to my arm. Causing me to drop my sword. She rushed to me and tackled me to the ground. Throwing punches like a mad man. Obviously I tried to get away from her, but this me was having trouble getting away. “Uncle.” Was all I said.
Astra kissed me then got up, and helped me up. “That was a good fight. Maybe you’ll actually beat me one day.”
“Maybe. But having that extra strength isn’t fair.”
“If you want to be like that, the next fight I’ll tie both of my hands together. See if you can beat me then.”
“No doubt you’ll still beat me. I’ll just have to train harder.”
She kissed me really hard on the lips. “Let’s go see Henry and see what he wants us to do now.”
My vision shifted to a new scene. This time we were in what seemed to be a throne room.
“I have seen your future dear boy.” Said a crackly old voice.
“Was it good?”
“It all depends on how you look at things.”
“Please tell me. I have to know.”
The voice laughed. “The one you love the most will be taken from you.”

Chapter 53
Nova’s Future Vision

I fell on my hands and knees. I heard a deep laugher come behind me and I had a hard time not to turn around and back slap him. I pushed off the floor and looked around. I was in a hospital room. It had grey walls and grey flooring. “Why are we here?” I wiped the wetness from under my eyes and turned towards Cerberus.
“We are here for your final vision.”
“Will it be worse than the last one?”
“I can’t tell you that.”
“So that is a yes?”
“N-N Yes.” Cerberus pulled back the curtains. I was lying in the hospital bed, breathing heavy. It didn’t look like I was hurt, but I gained a lot of weight. I was about in my late twenty. My cheeks were sucked in and so were under my eyes. I looked worst than in high school, and paler.
“Nova?” A doctor walked in. His face was emotionless, but his eyes were full of pity and worry. He slowly walked up to me and grabbed my hand. Right about then I noticed no one was in the room with us. I was completely alone besides the doctor.
“Where is he?” My voice was leaking with worry.
“I am so sorry.”
“Where is he!?” I said louder and more furious.
“I couldn’t save him.”
The other me broke. Tears rimmed the bottom of my eyes and my bottom lip started to quiver. “What do you mean? H-H-He is dead?” I grabbed my stomach and screamed.
“I am sorry. He wouldn’t start breathing and his heart wouldn’t start. I tried, me and my team tried so hard, but he just didn’t want to. I am so sorry.” The older me start to shake and threw the covers off of her. She slowly got on to her feet and walked past the doctor. “Nova, you are not stable. You need to get back into the bed.”
I just pushed past him and walked out. I walked down the hallway on unsteady feet. Many nurses came next to me and tried to turn me around, but I was stubborn. I pushed all of them away and made my way down the hallway. When I was almost at the elevator my leg started to shake. I fell to the ground on my side. Many people came by my side, but I wasn’t budging. “Help! Doctor, someone help her!”
The real me ran towards her side and tried to shake her awake. My hands kept going through her, but the older me opened her eyes and slightly smiled up at me. She wasn’t looking through me, but truly at me. Her shaky hand come towards me and softly touched my cheek. I didn’t notice, but I was crying.
I felt her hand wipe away the tears and her eyes gently closed. “Cerberus, what is happening?” I tried shaking myself, or making her eyes open again.
“Don’t worry, she is just sleeping. Giving birth is hard work.”
“But what happened?”
“You know what happened.”
“But why isn’t anyone in the room with me? I mean, I just had my baby right?”
“Well you lost them all. You slowly pushed them away in till, they left.” I vision went blurry with tears and I couldn’t seem to breath. “Can we leave now?”
“Did you learn your lesson?”
“That I became a huge bitch?”
“No, that embarrassment shapes us who we are.” Cerberus wrapped his arms around me and I put my head on his shoulders. I felt my body go light weight and my eye sight go black.
Chapter 54
Astra’s Present Vision
We had gone a few years into the future. Cerberus and I looked around. We were standing by a lake and seats were at the shore. A pew stood off to the side of where we were standing. A ton of flower petals covered the ground.
Slowly people started to take their seats. After what seemed like forever, the wedding march started. Everybody rose and turned towards the opposite end of the bank.
I entered wearing a wedding dress. It had a tight fitting corset top, and then flared out at the bottom in all directions. My hair had been swept up into a bun; two little pixies were on the side of my face.
Grandfather held onto my arm, and was beaming with happiness. We passed tons of people from that I knew from school. They all looked happy for me.
Then I saw Nova sitting in the front row. She looked absolutely angry. And I knew the reason why she was like that.
The view shifted slightly to where we were facing the priest. I was surprised to see Collin and Alexzander standing in the best man section. Then the person that was standing in the groom spot shocked me even more. It was Scott.
The smile on his face was pure happiness. A look I had often seen. And it made me sad to think that we where no longer together. But he had brought it upon himself. Then I started thinking. If I had changed that one part of my past, then that kiss between Nova and Scott never happened. And we were still together. That would mean the kiss between Collin and I never happened, and we never got together.
I had really loved Scott once upon a time. Now that I looked back on it, we had grown apart. The things that I loved about him were still there. But my feelings for them had been turned down. I guess this whole time I had just been looking for a way to get out of our relationship. When an opportunity finally came up, I jumped on it. Not wanting to let it slip through my fingers. All though things the things that happened after it were bad in a number of ways, some good had come out of it. I had found another person to love. And I knew he would truly love me back. And I would love him back for the rest of time.
“What did you learn from this?”
“Things that happen happen for a reason. Good or Bad.”
“You pass.”

Chapter 55
Alexzander’s Future Vision

The walls around me were made of stone and the floor was cold as ice. No one was in the room, but I had a feeling that this is where I was supposed to be and I didn’t like it. There were chains on the walls and six chairs facing the chains in the middle of the room. Ebony placed a hand on my shoulder, “Are you ready to see this?”
“If it gets me out of these visions, then I am all for it.” As I said that me, Collin, our wives, and our parents walked in. We were all dressed in expensive clothing. The men in dark coal looking tuxes and the women in dresses and gold. We all looked amazing, but when the door opened and Nova and Astra got pushed in, we looked nothing compared to them.
Astra had a touching the floor black dress. It was tight around her chest and had only one thick strap. It folded and slide all the way down to the ground and in the middle above her waist was an arrangement of silver beads. It was so simple, but it matched her body and styles that she made it look wonderful. I heard Collin slightly gasped when he saw her. The older me still hasn’t notice that the women have been pushed into the room.
Nova’s dress was a dark purple that matched her eyes. It was tight and showed all her curves to her upper thigh. It was cover in silver diamonds and sparkled to catch any guys’ eyes. It flowed from her thigh to the ground and trailed a little in the back. I couldn’t stop watching her and I felt my heart rate fly to the roof. When the older me saw her my eyes went wide am my mouth opened a little. Collin and I’s wives had to snap their fingers in front of our face to make us stop gaping at the girls.
I was too distracted by the dresses that I didn’t see the way their eyes was full of worry and they were chained together. A couple of guards walked in and lifted the girls onto the wall and chained them so their bodies dangled in front of us. My parents stood up and walked in front of the girls. “What do you have to say for yourselves?” my dad’s voice boomed and bounced off the walls. I saw the girls cringe, but their faces remained emotionless. “Well?”
Astra spit on his face, which deserved a slap to her face. Astra didn’t bother to cry but, Nova did. “You son of a bitch, don’t you dare touch her.” Her eyes started to dim and all the color was gone from her and Astra’s eyes. They looked more grey than purple now.
“Oh, look who’s talking?” He walked up to Nova and stroked her cheek before slapping her as well, “Don’t fucking talk to me that way because you are the one chained on the walls not me!” He smirked when Nova dropped her head and he walked back to his chair.
“Go to hell” Astra mumbled, but it sounded clear as day. My mother walked up to her with a dagger in her hand.
“What did you say?” She pressed the dagger to Astra’s face. Not hard enough to do damage, but hard enough to make her point.
“Is said Go. To. Hell.” Astra spat at her and started to kick her feet. She kicked the dagger out of my mother’s hands and it landed inches from my wife’s face.
“You bitch!” my wife screamed.
“You have to be one to know one.” Nova snapped at her. My wife and Nova started to have a scream fight and the older me had to hold my wife back. Nova rolled her eyes and snickered at her.
“Stop fighting the both of you!” my father boomed. He stood in front of the girls, “Where is it?”
“Where is what?” Nova asked innocently.
“You know what. The source of your power.”
“Oh that!” Nova chuckled and shook her head, “Why would I tell you that?”
“Maybe to save your life?”
“Even if you beat me I wouldn’t tell you, and my sister wouldn’t either.” My father stared at her and after five minutes of them staring each other down, he smirked.
“You are telling the truth.” He laughed and grabbed my mother by the waist. “I guess we won’t need you. Collin, Alexzander, kill them.” They walked out with our future wives following them. Collin and I sat in our seats wide eyed. The guards were still in there to make sure we do what we were told and handed us our daggers.
The older me slowly walked up to the crying Nova. Her cheeks were stained with red and her head hung low. “I’m so sorry Nova.”
“Then don’t be,” she pleaded, “let us go. We can run away and not look back.”
“Maybe we could have a long time ago, but not now. Not when I have a wife and child.”
“Whose fault is that?” she sneered and turned her head away, “just kill me.”
The older me aimed for her heart, but shook his head. He softly grabbed Nova’s chin and turned her head towards him. “I can’t do it.” He reached up and softly kissed her. Even now I could feel the electric shocks run down my spine and up my arms. Nova was refusing at first, but gave in. They deepened the kiss, their goodbye kiss. Nova’s tears mixed in and I couldn’t help, but start to cry as well.
“I love you Alexzander.” Her soft voice said against his lips.
“I love you too.” He softly kissed her again, but Nova’s eyes widen and looked down. There was the dagger in her stomach and blood started to spread across her dress. Astra slightly gasped as the dagger went into her as well. The older me broke down and cried. He unlocked Nova from the chain that held her up and laid her on the ground. He kissed her forehead and stroked her hair back. He mumbled soothing words more to himself than her as Nova bled out.
Nova reached up to touch his face, “Shh, don’t cry.” She wiped away the tears that was sliding down Alexzander’s face and laid her hand on her stomach.
“I’m so sorry.” The older me keep repeating as Nova’s eyes rolled back. I couldn’t stand up anymore. My head spun and my stomach twisted. I reached for Ebony, “Get me out of here.”
Chapter 56
Collin’s Future Vision
We had returned to the castle in the underworld. And were in a bedroom.
“Look what that bitch did to me!” Astra Exclaimed, pointing to her eye. She had a nasty cut going down her left eye brow, into her eye, and back under. “This is going to scar.” She turned to the other me. Her eyes were ablaze. A look that I knew well. “If I see her near you again, I will personally rip out both of your throats. Do you understand?”
The fake me nodded. Obviously a little scared. “I understand. Are you sure it’s going to scar?”
“I’m sure. She had some sort of poison on her nails and even though were immune to everything. That shit is going to give me a fucking scar.” She said a little loudly.
She paced around the room obviously thinking of a way to get back at her. This me wrapped his arms around her and held her close. Obviously trying to calm her down. “If it would make you happy. No siren is going to take me away from you. You’re the only one for me.” I kissed her lightly on the lips.
She smiled. “I’m glad that you know that.” She kissed me back. “Well there is one good thing about this scar.”
“What would that be?”
“It makes me look scarier.”
That me and the real me laughed. I had to say, that scar did make her look scarier.
My vision shifted again. This time Alexzander, Nova, Collin, and Henry were in the throne room. A heated discussion was going on.
I looked around for Astra, but I couldn’t see her anywhere.
“How could you let this happen? I thought you were supposed to help us!” Yelled Nova.
“I have done my part. But it is not my fault that she chose to leave the gates.”
Wait. What? Who chose to leave?
“I know it wasn’t your fault. It was that daughter of yours. If she hadn’t had started that fight, Astra wouldn’t have been kidnapped,” Said me.
“No need to get angry. I have the best hell hounds out looking for her in the underworld.”
“That’s the thing. She’s not in the underworld anymore. She’s gone.” The fake me had tears well up in his eyes. “That fate was right. I should have told someone. And maybe this wouldn’t have happened. I can't stand losing another person that I love.”
Everyone in the room had gone silent. If there were crickets in the underworld, they would have been chirping right now.
Chapter 57
Nova
The pounding on my head receded as a bright light shined down on me. My back was stiff and my neck felt like it was stuck in a position for too long. I tried lifting my arms, but they stubbornly stayed put with metal chains. A whip lashed out and hit me in the stomach; I screamed out in pain and it bounced off the walls.
I tried shifting, but it didn’t work. I tried pulling, but that didn’t work either. “You can stop, you will never get out.” A dark familiar voice boomed. Alexzander’s dad walked out of the shadows, “We are in my dream that means I can make you bald if I want.”
“Even bald, I would still look better than you,” I snickered. Another lash came at me, but this time I was ready. It hit me again, but I didn’t want to give him the pleasure of hearing my pain.
“Now, if you will be good, I would like to invite you to dinner.”
“Why?”
“Oh, just to talk, catch up.” His eyes glistened with amusement, “Your sister will be there as well, if that helps much.”
“She would never agree to go.”
“I said that you would be there and she just couldn’t refuse the offer.” He smirked at me and walked toward the door, “Be ready in thirty minutes, a change of clothes is on your right.” He closed the door and my cuffs let me be free.
I was lying in the middle of a tiny room with no windows or any type of way to get out. The door that Alexzander and Collin’s dad walked out from melted into the wall. I was completely and utterly trapped.
I pulled myself off the table and sure enough a dark forest green dress shimmered by me. I changed into my new dress. It had been tight around my chest that made my boobs look like they were about to pop out, and designs running down my sides. The front or my dress cut off at my knees, but the back fell all the way down to the ground. A beautiful design on the front of two dragons glowed and sparked every time I moved. Even though it was beautiful, it showed too much skin than I liked, but once I put the dress on my other clothes shimmered away.
The door reappeared again, but on the other side of the room beckoning me to open it. When I finally built up the courage, I walked into a huge dining room and Astra and their dad already sat at the table. The door melted back into the wall and there was no other way to get out. “Nova,” their dad beckoned me over, “come join us!”
Astra ran towards me and hugged me, taking all my breath away. I noticed she was wearing the same dress as I was, but in a deep red. She looked bruised up from the whip and I bet I looked just as bad.
We walked back to the table and sat down, letting the dresses raise a couple of inches without us wanting it to. “Let the feast begin.” He clapped his hands and a bunch of food shimmered onto the table, it all looked tasty, but I was afraid it was poisoned.
“Why are we here?” Astra blurted out, getting straight to the point.
He looked amused again and leaned back in his chair, “To share a meal with me of course.”
“But you’re trying to kill us.”
“Kill is such a strong word and completely wrong. See I am only trying to drain all of your power; I would never try to harm you girls. You’re pretty much family to me.” He smiled, but his upper lip twitched trying to keep up his act.
“Wouldn’t ‘draining our power’ kill us?” I asked.
“No you just would be human.”
“Why are you telling us this?”
“It is called a warning,” his dropped his act and frowned upon us. “I don’t want to hurt you and I wouldn’t if you just…. Gave up and came to me.”
“Why would we do that?”
“Because I would never kill you, but I am not afraid to kill my own boys.”
“You are willing to risk your own sons to get some power? That is the stupidest thing I ever heard.”
“It is stupid, yes but, it is also effective.” He waved his hand and servants came and picked up the food no one touched. “I will let you rest on my…. Proposal, but if you do not come in exactly one week, I will come to you.” His eyes darkened and my vision to blur, “Tell my boys I said hi.”
I opened my eyes again, but to a different scene. I was in a bigger and nicer room. I was still wearing the clothes, but the bruises on my arms were gone. I looked up to see Alexzander sleeping besides me and his arm wrapped around me. I tried lifting his arm, but he pulled me in closer, “Don’t you dare,” he mumbled.
Chapter 58
Astra
When I had woken up, I understood how Nova felt. Even in our dreams we could get hurt.
I was still in the dress from the dream. But now it was all torn and muddy. I desperately wanted to change. But I didn’t have any clothes.
I closed my eyes and imagined me wearing something else. When I opened my eyes I wasn’t, I was wearing the dress.
I walked around feeling slightly strange. I guess being in hell messed with a person’s balance. I was going to have to find a way to fix that.
I walked into a loud room. Instantly everything quieted. All sorts of creatures parted their way for me. I hesitantly walked forward.
“Nice to see that you are finally awake. We have many things to discuss, and to do.”
“I bet. One moment I’m with the head of a dog. The next moment I’m waking up in a bed in a palace. Strange on how things work.” I was being sarcastic. But Henry just smiled.
“That was necessary to do. I was trying to get you in one of the easiest ways possible. On a plus side, there was no chance you would not have been hurt. Cerberus is more than capable of keeping you safe.”
“That’s not the point. Can we just get to talking?”
“Yes. Back at the beginning of your race, there were two dragons. Alessandro and Cosima. Alessandro was born from the need for a defender. Cosima was born from the need for order. Both turned into lovers. In time they had two children. Felisa and Claudio. Felisa was the first animal shifter. And Claudio was the first human shifter. Both were the pride and joy of their parents. But something came between the two of them. Eventually the fight escalated into a war. Their parents were so ashamed of them. So in a sense, they put a curse on them. They put a hold on their powers till they reached the age of eighteen. They each got a scar of sorts on their body. Their parents cast them out onto earth to learn from their mistakes. But they never did. In return their parents went into a deep sleep, waiting for the day when their children stop fighting.”
“That’s pretty amazing. How come I’ve never heard that story before?”
“Because the story has slowly been washed from the memory. You are the first in a very long time to hear the story.”
“How do I know you’re telling me the truth?”
“I told you earlier that I considered you part of my family. And I wouldn’t lie to my family.”
I just shrugged. “Alright then. Do you want me to tell everyone else the story? Or do you want to?”
“I would like for you to tell them. But you don’t have to. The choice is entirely up to you. Now onto another matter. You and your cousin are going to start training today. When she wakes up, find the court yard and we will begin.” He rose. And started walking off.
“What about Collin and Alexzander, can they train to?”
I saw Henry’s jaw twitch. “I do not care.” Then he was gone in a puff of smoke.

Chapter 59
Nova

I muffled a yawn and sleepily walked out of the bedroom with Alexzander behind me. We both walked down the hallway and ended up in the kitchen. “Morning sleepy heads,” Collin looked down at my dress, I forgot I still had on, and smirked.
“It’s not what it looks like,” Astra came in. She was still wearing her dress as well. “We got stuck in a dream.”
I took the cup of coffee out of Collin’s hands, “Your dad sabotaged our dreams again.” I casually sip Collin’s coffee and then spit it out in the sink, “What is this?”
“And our dad made you guys wears that?” Alexzander completely ignored me.
“Yeah he really enjoyed us being his guest of honor in this dream,” Astra grabbed the coffee out of my hands and did the same thing I did. I tried snatching the coffee back, but Astra refused to let go. Instead of one of us winning, we both got coffee on our dresses.
We both laughed at each other and went in our separate bedrooms. I closed the door and looked in the closet. It was full of clothing in different colors, style, but all my size. I grabbed a pair of faded blue shorts, with a green tank top, and brown boots. I threw it on the bed and headed for the shower.
I jumped out of the shower and wrapped a towel around my body and hair. I walked out of the bathroom to find Alexzander lying on the bed. “What are you doing?!”
Alexzander looked up from the book he was reading and smirked at me, “Just catching up on some reading; what are you doing?”
“When do you ever read books? Since the first day of high school you never pick up a single book.”
“I read books when,” he looked me up and down, “I find something interesting.”
I threw a pillow at his head and grabbed my clothes, “You got to stop hanging around Henry; he has a bad influence on you.”
I threw another pillow at his head and walked into the bathroom, but before I made it there a pair of arms wrapped around my waist and a chin fell on my shoulder. “Why are you changing in the bathroom?”
“Because you are a pervert with a perverted mind,” I pushed his hands away and walked into the bathroom. I put on my clothes and straightened my hair. I didn’t take long, so when I got out Alexzander was back on the bed. I grabbed a brown fedora brown hat and stormed out of the room.
“Do you want to start training now?” Astra caught up to me and looped our arms together.
“Do we have to really have to train; I mean I can kick some ass already. If I get any stronger I will be a weapon of mass destruction. Anyways I just took a shower.”
“Fine, but we are training later.”
“Your later and my later have two completely different meaning,” We walked into the movie theater. Collin and Ebony were already there laughing about something that just happened on the screen. I could feel Astra’s skin heat up and feeling in the room changed from happy to intense.
Collin had a good sense to move away from Ebony and came up and gave Astra a kiss. I unlinked my arms from Astra and sat down by Ebony, “What have you been doing lately?”
Her gaze shift from Collin to me, “Oh nothing, I just showed Collin around.”
“You showed Collin around? You really have an interest in him don’t yah?”
“What Collin? No I just like him as a friend, a good friend. I don’t want to come between them or anything. Just friend,” her eyes glazed over and I guess that was my clue that our conversation was over. I got up and walked toward the popcorn machine in the corner.
When I finally finished not burning the popcorn everyone was in the room, including an older lady I never met. She was beautiful, her hair was golden blonde and her eyes were a hazel color. I sat by Alexzander and cuddled into him, “Who is that lady?”
“She is Henry’s wife. She looks sweet, but she is a-“the lady turned around and sent daggers in our direction. Alexzander turned a light pale, but I was red from trying to hold in my laugh. When the lady finally did turn back around I was holding a pillow to my face laughing. “That wasn’t funny,” Alexzander whispered to me.
“No, that wasn’t funny. That was hilarious!” I started to laugh again and after a while Alexzander was laughing with me. Our laughing grew louder and everyone decided to kick us out of the theater room. “What do you want to do now?”
“I can think of a lot of thing we can do now,” he stepped closer to me.
“Are you and me thinking of the same thing?” I stepped closer to him.
“Are you thinking of the arcade?”
“Hell yeah I am!” I punched him in the arm and took off the way I thought the arcade might be. “Last one there is a rotten egg!”

Chapter 60
Astra
I tried not getting to angry. I mean after all Collin and Ebony were just talking. I’m just really protective of the ones I love. “You made a smart move coming over to me.”
Collin wrapped his arms around me, leading me to a seat. “I promise you nothing was going on. I wouldn’t touch her.” He kissed me at the base of my neck.
“I’m glad you say that. Anyway, I was coming to see if you wanted to go train with me.”
He looked at me. I put on the best pouting face that I could. His face went from being all serious, to a lop sided grin. “Sure. I need to stay in shape to keep you safe.”
I laughed. “Sure. That’s exactly why. I’m pretty sure that your getting soft.” I said poking his arms. In truth that was the opposite. His arms were well muscled, and they were still comfy.
“I’ll prove it to you then.” He whispered into my ear.
One moment he’s holding me close and we’re cuddling. The next he’s throwing me onto his back and took off running.
I was laughing my butt off as he ran down the hallway.
After running around for a few minutes, Collin finally got tired of me and set me down. “Wow. You are one heavy little monkey.”
I gaped at him shocked. “How can you say that? I’m not fat. This,” I gestured to my body, “Is all muscle. I am willing to bet that I’m stronger than you are.” I challenged him.
“Arm wrestle then?”
“You’re on.”
We found a table and sat down. “No cheating.” Was all he said.
I just smirked. Not like I needed to cheat at this game. I was awesome.
We readied our selves.
In the very beginning of the match, nobody’s arms moved. It was a match of wills. I loosened my hold. I saw the small smirk on Collin’s face. His own hand tried pushing mine down, but it didn’t work. Instead mine went back and pushed his into the table. “And that is why you should never call me fat.” I smiled at myself.
“I’m going to call that one because it was unfair. I’m not as strong as you because I’m an HS. You can call on the power of any animal you want.”
“True. But you had it coming when you called me heavy. Now let’s go find Henry so we can start training.” I turned into a wolf and took off running.
I turned a corner and barreled into someone. “What the hell! You need to learn to watch where you’re going.” Said a voice.
I was surprised to see that it was Scott. I quickly turned back to my normal form. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to run into you. It was an accident.”
His face flickered. “Henry sent me to come get you and Nova. And To come right now.” His voice had a hard tone to it.
“Hey Astra- Oh. Hi Scott.”
Scott just snarled and walked off.
“I don’t know what his problem is. But he needs to fix it before he gets hurt.”
We walked through a set of double doors, into a gym. “And you’re going to be the one to fight him?”
“Of course. I can fight him.” I nodded my head totally unconvinced.

Chapter 61
Nova

I grabbed a wooden stick that was supposed to represent a sword and threw it in the air, catching it where the hilt would be. I swung the fake sword around aimlessly and jabbed at the air. In my mind I could see blood red demons with fangs and sharp, poison tipped claws. In my hands were weapons of mass destruction that can slice through pennies with hardly any problems.
My sword pushed through hearts and sliced heads off. Fallen demons fell at my feet and loud booms of clapping sent chills up my back and all my fake demons away. “I see you are…. Very skilled,” Henry strode in.
“Astra and I took some classes when we were younger.”
“Some?”
“Ok a lot. It is not like you can’t have the next heirs unprotected,” I dropped the stick thing on the ground and watched as Astra walked in. I pushed my bangs back and stood next to Henry.
“Today we are going to work on our strength.”


I trudged into the living room pain running up my arms, legs, back, anything you could think, little pains tingled summing up to be one big mess of pain. I fell onto the couch and Astra fell down next to me.
Yesterday I thought the couch felt comfortable and stylish, but today it made my body and ache and sweat stained it. I pushed off the couch and laid down in Alexzander’s inviting arms. His body molded against mine and the sore slowly slipped away. “I was so wrong about you not being comfortable,” I mumbled against his chest.
I felt his laughter through his chest, a deep calming laughter, “So I don’t have to get fat anymore?”
“I never said you did,” I tried pushing off of his in annoyance, but he pulled me back and kissed the top of my head.
“If you two don’t mind, but I am going to take my girlfriend outside,” Collin rudely interrupted.
“Yeah, sure. I don’t really care,” I looked at the two of them wrapped in each other’s arms and smiled.
“Did you hear me? I said girlfriend.”
“And did you hear me? I said good for you,” I smiled at them and dropped my head back down to Alexzander’s chest. It might sound weird, but I sniffed him and sighed into his chest. A round of laughter spread across the room and a blush crept up my neck realizing everyone knew what I just did.
“Good bye you two,” Astra shook her head and pulled Collin with her outside.
I waved them goodbye and looked at Alexzander. His eyes were lazily shut closed, but a smirk spread across his face. “Alexzander,” I poked him in the cheek and kissed his nose.
“Yes ninja?”
“You know how they are all boyfriend and girlfriend?”
“Yeah….” He opened his eyes and looked down at me. “What about it?”
“Well I was just wondering…. Are we…. You know?”
“Girlfriend and boyfriend?”
“Yeah.”
He pulled me up with him and spun me around. He lifted me up and up me back down on his feet, then wrapped my arms around his neck and swayed back and forth. “Nova it would be my honor if I could be your boyfriend and I be your girlfriend.”
“Well I don’t know,” I put my head on his chest and sighed, “do you have money?”
“That is your first question, if I have money? I could be a murder or something.”
“But you’re not,” I kissed his cheek and rocked back and forth. “Do you have money?”
“yes I have money,’ he chuckled and shook his head, “Why?”
“Because when all this craziness is done, I want a huge lobster in front of me, beautiful music in the back ground, and you in a tuxedo sitting across from me.”
“If I agree then you would say yes?”
“Pretty much,” I smiled up at him and pushed his hair back.
“Sure,” he spun around and dipped me, “Will you be my girlfriend?”
“Yes I will,” he righted me and kissed me softly.
Chapter 62
Astra
When we got outside I immediately sat down. “I never want to pick up a Fire Demon again. It is going to take forever to get all of this soot off.” I tried brushing off the soot on my arms, but it only made things worse.
“That is what a shower is for.”
“I know. But that is for Humans. And I’m not a human. I’m going to do it a way that is a lot more fun.”
“How would you do that?” He cocked an eyebrow at me.
I just smiled at him. “I’m going to run like the wind.”
I shifted turning into my signature wolf. I barked happily at him and nudged him with my head.
I took off running in a random direction. Letting my senses take over. Almost truly becoming a wolf.
I ran into a garden, then into a fountain. I let the water fall down on me, washing away the soot.
“The fountain was not meant to be used like this. But I can see that it helps you.”
I turned around and saw the lady from before. She kind of made me nervous, but not to much. “I’m sorry. I saw water, and I was dirty…..” I trailed off.
“That is alright my dear. I can understand you.”
I stepped out and sat on the edge. “What did you mean that it helps me?”
“You may or may not recognize this fountain. But it is the fountain that once stood in Trevi Square. It has a long history here in the Underworld. But that’s not the story I am going to tell you.” She sat down next to me. “There is a legend surrounding this fountain. It is said that if you throw a coin into the fountain, then you will return here to the Underworld.”
“Why would you tell me a story like that?”
“Because sometime in your future you will need to come back here. And this is one sure fire way that you will.”
I just nodded. Not really convinced. “I would do it. But sadly I don’t have a coin of sorts.”I shrugged a sorry.
“That is alright my dear. I have a coin you can have.” She handed me a golden coin.
“Thanks. But I have nothing to give-“ I looked up and she was gone.
I turned my back to the fountain, and threw the coin in. I heard the splash as it hit the water. “You wish what you want. But deny what you wish.” I muttered.
I shifted back and went back to where Collin was.
I growled menacingly when I saw Ebony sitting next to him. He had that same dazed look on his face. Neither of them paid any attention to me.
I backed up a few feet. Then launched myself at Ebony. Just before I reached her, I turned back into myself, and knocked her to the ground.
I growled at her. “Stay away from Collin before you get hurt.”
She just smirked at me. “I can stay away. But I don’t think he can.” Then she melted into the ground.
I would have ripped out her throat, but she was gone.
I turned back to Collin. His face was back to normal. But he had a small smile on it. Then he noticed me. “Hey Astra. I wasn’t expecting you back for a while.”
“Obviously. If I ever see you, or hear about you being near that bitch Ebony again. You will truly see my furry. If you thought I was crazy when I was throwing those knives, then you’re wrong. I will make you wish that you never got on my bad side.” I growled at him for good measure.
Then turned into a wolf and raced off to the palace.

Chapter 63
Alexzander

Nova laid in my arms watching…. Whatever was on TV. Instead I was watching her eyes widen with amusement or a tiny frown pop up whenever the jerk in the movie would do something stupid. I grabbed her hand and kissed each knuckle before replacing her hand where it was before.
“That stupid, fucking asshole,” Astra stormed past the Nova and I’s door, leaving tension in the air. Nova stopped the movie and stared at the door, even though I couldn’t see her face I knew what was running through her mind.
“Go after her,” I whisper in her ear, sending chills down her back and mine.
“Really?” She looked at me with guilt in her eyes, “I don’t have to, I can talk to her later….”
I kissed her forehead, “It’s cool. You need to talk to her now.”
Her face lit up with happiness and she hugged me tightly, “Thank you, thank you, thank you!” She kissed me hungrily, but pulled away before I could respond, “I will make it up to you.” Nova ran out the door leaving and the juice and fire in the room with her. Seriously all the warmth in my life is surrounded around her.
I sighed and got up to look for Collin who messed up my night with Nova. I jumped down the stairs and found Collin on the couch; face down and his finger pulling at his hair. “What the fuck did you do to Astra now?” I sat down on a couch across from him and threw a pillow at his back.
“I talked to Ebony,” He looked up at me with pleading eyes, “Help please?”
“Why would I ever want to help you? This is your problem not mine,” I blew hair out of my eyes and glared at the ceiling, knowing Collin is going to win this fight.
“Please help me.”
I sighed a dramatic sigh, “Fine.”
“Thank you!” He got up and sat down next to me, “So how do you do it?”
“How do I do what?”
“Not fight with Nova.”
I laughed and looked at him, “Oh I fight with Nova. Usually they are pointless, but I do fight with her.”
“But you two are always smiling and not fighting.”
“Because usually they are pointless,” I felt like slapping him in the face. He already messed up my night and I really don’t feel like repeating myself all night. I looked over at the stairs wondering what they are doing up stairs, probably something better than this.
“Alexzander are you even listening to me?” Collin snapped me out of my thoughts.
“Yes? I mean yes I was.”
“Ok then how do I make it up to her,” he looked like he was inches from going on his knees and begging me that way.
“I’m not helping you with that. That is your problem not mine,” I got up, but Collin grabbed my arm and pulled me back down.
“Please,” he gave me a puppy, but really made me help him was I just wanted to get back to Nova.
“Fine!” I ripped his arm off of me, “First you need to get cleaned and dress in something nice. Ask her out, I already got a dinner set up by the lake and at 7:30 a chef was going to go out there and give you the food. Twinkly lights are already set up and everything.”
“Thank you!” He stood up and started up the stairs. He stopped near the top, “How did you know that I was going to need a dinner by the lake. Actually I don’t want to know, but you are the best brother anyone could have.”
“Yes the best brother ever,” I sarcastically said and started to bang my head against the wall.
Chapter 64
Collin
After I got done talking to Alexzander, I ran to my room and got dressed up. Then I went to find Astra.
I looked all around the Palace, but I couldn’t find her anywhere. I even asked some of the Demons if they saw her. But their answers were all the same; no.
I was about to give up, but I didn’t. I heard some music coming from the gym. So I went to see what it was.
When I got into the gym I found Astra working with some Samurai swords and fighting with Scott. I stood there transfixed. It amazed me at how fluidly she moved. One moment it looked like he was about to hit her with the sword, but she deflected it, sending him backwards a few feet. All he did was circle. Assessing her movements, waiting for the perfect moment. She glanced my way for just a moment, but that was enough for Scott. He attacked her. He brought the sword down hard enough on hers. It sent sparks flying, and her dropping it. Then she turned into a wolf and attacked him. He did the same thing back. The fight was over when Astra had Scott pinned to the ground, her teeth at his throat.
After a few moments, she turned back to her normal self. “You almost cost me the fight. What do you want?” She said with her back to me. She helped Scott back to his feet.
“I came to apologize.”
“You’re a little dressed up for apologizing. And you didn’t bring any flowers.” She picked up a sword and put it on the wall.
“I know. But if you accept my apology, then I want to take you somewhere.”
“I don’t know if I should. Last time we where together, you were talking to Ebony. And she’s one of the best Siren’s I’ve ever seen.”
“What do you mean siren?”
“A woman with a beautiful voice that lured men to their deaths. Smart devious creatures.”
I sighed. “I don’t believe what you’re saying. If that is true, how come she isn’t messing with any of the other men?” I countered back.
“Because, Siren’s can’t hurt a person who is in love.” Scott spoke up from the background.
“And how would you know this?”
“Right after I got here, she tried doing the same thing to me.”
I just laughed at him. “That’s not true. I love Astra.”
“Part of you does, but there’s another part of you blocking it.”
“You know what? I don’t have to deal with this bullshit. I love her with everything that I hold dear. I would never willingly hurt her. If I lose her, than cast my soul into the deepest pits of Hell.” I turned and stormed out of the room.
I honestly could not believe that I said all of those things. I mean they were all true. I just didn’t want the first time that I told her I loved her was in a heated argument. Not the most romantic way to say I love you. But it was out with the wolves now.

Chapter 65
Nova

I grabbed Alexzander’s jacket and walked out of our room, looking for someone, anyone to hang out with. I put on the jacket and ran into a large chest. I knew it was a chest and not a wall because I’ve been running into chests a lot lately. “Sorry Nova,” Collin pushed past me and stuffed his hands in his pockets.
I could have done two things at that point, and I might have chosen the wrong one. I ran up to him and walked next to him. “How’s it going?” I tried to start a conversation with him.
“Great,” he sarcastically said and ran his hands through his hair, “I’ve messed up.”
“Yes you have,” I agreed with him. I know how he did it and what he could have said to get out of it because I listened to Astra talk about him for half an hour before she left to blow off steam. Relationships, pain in the ass. “Do you love her?”
“Of course I do!”
“Not fully though, because you wouldn’t be sucked into the siren’s song.”
“But I’m not! I just like to hang out with a different girl once in awhile.”
“Last time I checked, I am a girl and you haven’t spoke two words to me,” I faked pouted. “We could hang out now? Unless I’m not girl enough for you.”
Two batches of cookies, five board games, and six cans of cokes later, me and Collin were on top of the stairs waiting for prey to come. Down stairs we got a trap set up, so we could hear when our next servant would come. I grabbed a green water balloon and set it in position. I heard the bell go off, I dropped the balloon, and heard a yelp.
Collin and I were on our hands and knees laughing when Ebony stormed up the stairs. She had a lovely red dress on the was almost see through, her hair was flying in different directions, and her mascara was running. Collin tried to make me stop laughing, but I looked at her again and a bubble started again. “Say cheese,” I pulled out my phone and took a picture. “Astra is going to love this,” I showed Collin my phone and we both started to laugh on the ground again.
In the picture her eyes were red and widen. I pushed off the floor and ran down the hallway; knocking on the door I heard Ebony yell in frustration and stomped down the stairs again. The door opened; all the lights were off and no one was by the door.
In my mind all I could think about is, anytime this happens and the stupid girl walks in, it doesn’t end well. Instead I turned around and started to walk off, but a cloth covered my mouth and I heard a voice mutter, “smart girl.” I tried ripping the cloth off my mouth and bite the hand of the person, but my vision started to go black and I fell to the floor.
Two voices were talking in the back ground, one male and one female. I definitely knew one of the voices, the boy’s father. I never did catch his name, weird. I pulled myself up and grabbed the closes item to throw. A lamp.
It hit a window and it flew to the ground. The boy’s father turned around with a blonde girl who was tight lipped and straightened up. “Good morning, Nova.”
“It could have been,” I smiled sweetly at him. “Who’s your whore?’
“My wh- Oh this is Fulvia, she is my…. Partner.”
“As in partner in crime. Creepy,” I pushed back my bangs, “Well Fullva, I am Nova.”
“I know who you are and it is pronounced Fulvia.”
“I wasn’t that good in Latin, so I just call you fluffy because you look all bad ass and stuff, so it wouldn’t make sense.” I laughed at my pitiful joke. But I wasn’t joking, she had on skinny black jeans, a white shirt that had rips on the sides, and black shades on. She reminded me of the older me, but less playful and blonde.
“Charming,” she turned back to who-I-don’t-know-what-his-name-is and whispered in his ear. He nodded his head, said something to a big bulky guy, and a needle went into my thigh. I didn’t even notice someone walked into the room, but now I was blacking out again.
“When I wake up, I will-“ I passed out, for the second time that day.
Chapter 66
Astra
I knew I shouldn’t have gotten mad at Collin like that. He was just trying to apologize. And I was acting like a bitch. Totally uncalled for. I should have just told him that Ebony was a siren, and maybe we wouldn’t be in this situation. So all the anger was partially my fault.
“What did you mean about Ebony trying to work her magic on you?”
“What I said. She tried making me fall in love with her. But I couldn’t because there is a person that I’m still in love with.”
I looked away from him when I spoke. “Who is this person that you’re still in love with?”
“I’m pretty sure that you know her. She’s a member of the AS. And she’s the most beautiful girl I’ve ever known.” I felt him move right up behind me.
His close proximity sending shivers down my spine. “If you still love me, than why did you betray me?”
“I would like to blame it on the alcohol. But that would be a lame excuse. One day I heard you talking to a friend about breaking up with a boyfriend. I immediately knew you were talking about me. I was heartbroken. I didn’t want to go on living. So I decided to give you a reason to break up with me. But my plan backfired slightly, she didn’t tell you right away. That day you through the party and broke up with me to be with Collin, I decided to win you back in a way that you wouldn’t leave me again.”
“So you did all of this to make me jealous?”
“Not to make you jealous, but to win you back.” He pulled me close back to him, and began to kiss my neck.
“Was it part of your plan for me and Collin to fight?”
“No. I didn’t mean for that to happen. That was an unfortunate accident.”
Then I got this feeling of anger. It felt like something deep inside me was being torn away. And it made me angry not knowing what it was. “Please just step away for now.”
He did as I said. The next moment sirens are going off around the palace. “Just stay with me.” He grabbed my hand and ran towards the wall. Pressing a button. Then we ran down a hall into a throne room.
Slowly everybody began to show up. The only person who was missing was Nova. “Where’s Nova?” For a moment nobody answered me. “If nobody answers me, then I’ll go all bat shit crazy on you.”
“You’re cousin has been kidnapped.” Henry answered.
I just looked at him. “That can’t be possible.” Then I turned towards Ebony. “This is all your fault.”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” She said innocently, but I saw the lies in her eyes.
“You try to take my boyfriend from me. To get back at me you have my cousin kidnapped. This time you’ve gone too far.” I felt my skin ripple and my claws grow.
The next thing I know I’m charging Ebony. I knock her to the ground. Snapping at her neck, trying to rip out her throat. She just pushed me off to the ground, and smiled. She kicked me in the stomach, breaking a few bones. But that didn’t stop me. I attacked her again. We went on fighting for a long while. Neither of us willing to give up.
She was walking backwards when she tripped over something. I took that as my chance to attack. I bit down onto her arm, feeling the bones snap under my jaws. At the same time her other hand racked across my left eye. Cutting it.
I loosened my hold for just a moment, but that was enough for her too disappear into the shadows.
I let out a long howl, letting the world hear my pain.
Then I passed out.


Chapter 67
Nova

I felt weak and my body was sore from my daily beating. I think that was the only thing I could look forward to during the day. Every day I sat in the corner of my room and stared out the window that showed the hallway. It was white and hardly used, but it was the only way I got to see a living thing.
Everyday I thought about Astra, Alexzander, and Collin. They were all I thought about, I wonder if they knew I was gone, if they were out there looking for me, or just sitting around the house. I knew the third one wasn’t true, but what seemed like days sitting in a white room with only a bed and a window, it drives a person crazy.
I laid on the bed and listened to the door appear, a person walk in, and the door disappear. It was the same thing every day. Fulvia would always come in and ask me, “Where is he source of your power from?” and when I didn’t answer, she would sit on the bed and sung a soft tune. It was soft and slow. Even though I didn’t know what she was singing I knew it was sad and it always brings me to sleep.
I woke up with a start, “You are so addictive,” a voice whispered in the corner. All the lights were off and I couldn’t see anything. I should have changed then, but the needles they stab me with everyday, takes away my ability for a day.
“Jace?” I called out. Jace is the boys’ father’s name that I learned a couple days ago. I felt the blood in my body heat up and not in a good way like Alexzander does with me. This feeling made my insides hurt and disgust crawl up my body. “Why are you here?”
He came closer to me with a weird glint in his eyes, “You and your sister just…. Makes me want to do things. I can see why my sons took attraction to you two, you have this way about you that makes guys like us go crazy.”
“I don’t understand,” my brain was all fuzzy and I couldn’t think straight. My stomach growled and my throat hurt from not having water. I might have been dehydrated, “The only way I make your sons crazy is by annoying them,” I laid my head back down as I heard Jace shuffle towards me.
“No not that kind of crazy,” he grabbed my arms and pinned me down. I struggled under him, but I was too weak to keep fighting. He stroked my hair as a hand crept down my body and up my shirt. My eyes started to water and I kept muttering things. “Stop fighting, you bitch,” a sting crossed my face and the hand went under my shirt again, slowly making it rise.
“Jace, what are you doing!” Fulvia screeched and pushed Jace off of me. She flicked her hand and Jace disappeared leaving me and her in the room. I let out a bone shacking sob and curled under the blankets, “Nova are you Ok?”
“I am great, thanks for asking,” I stuffed my head in the pillow and let out a scream. My face burned, my ribs ached, and now I was afraid for my life.
Fulvia sat on my bed and stroked my hair back, making me flinch. Soon though her touch felt warm as I feel my ribs slowly mended and my face cool down. “Just go to sleep Nova, I promise this won’t happen again.”
Her words reassured me and I fell into a sleep that was haunted by Jace and soothed by Alexzander

Chapter 68
Astra
It was driving me crazy not knowing where Nova was. And I’m pretty sure that my constant pacing was driving everyone else crazy.
When Collin had told everyone that he was the last one to see Nova, I tried to kill him. Everyone had tried to pull me off him, but the only person that was able to do that was Henry. After that I had been locked up in my room. And I wasn’t allowed out. I had to say that wasn’t one of my best moments.
Now all I was able to do was sit in my room and wait for Henry to come tell me any news. But that didn’t happen too often.
Now I sat on my bed in the Indian position. Trying to figure a way out of this room. I pictured different scenarios. Some where I broke through the wall. Or jump the next person who walked through the door. But they all ended with me getting caught.
Someone walked in my room and sat next to me on the bed. “What do you want?” I said harshly.
“I thought you would like a different person to talk to. So I came.”
I laughed at myself. “Remember the last time I saw you? I tried to kill you.”
“I remember.”
“What makes you think I won’t try to kill you again?”
“I know you want to. But you have to understand that I had nothing to do with Nova being kidnapped.”
I knew he was right. But I wasn’t ready to admit it to myself yet. I was still angry. I got up and looked at myself in the mirror. I looked horrid. And the scar on my face wasn’t helping much. “I know you had nothing to do with it. It’s just ever since coming here to the underworld, I feel different. More angry all the time. Now that Nova isn’t here, I don’t have my anchor to the world anymore. I’m like a wolf with rabies, out to kill.” I turned back to him with tears in my eyes.
He got up and hugged me. “I know it might not matter to you, but I will still be here for you.” He kissed away my tears.
Just then someone walked in. “We found something. And Henry wants her.” It was Alexzander.
“He’s really trusting me not to attack anyone?” I asked sarcastically.
“He sent me to keep you in check.” Scott stepped into the room.
“That would work.” I smiled. “But how would he know you could keep me in check?”
“I have my ways.” He pulled out a leash and collar.
“I’m not wearing that.” I stated. “I will hurt you if you try to put that on me.”
“I have to. It’s for a safety regulation.”
“Fine. What does it do?”
“It blocks the use of your powers.”
I sighed. “That’s not right. Can I at least turn into a wolf?”
“You can. But you’ll be stuck like that until the collar is taken off.”
“Alright then.” I shifted and went to him. Thinking about how stupid this was. And the jokes they would make about it.
“Thanks for not making this difficult.”
I did nothing but trot ahead of him.
We entered the throne room. “Good you’re here.” I sat on the ground at his feet. “We were searching the castle and found Nova’s cell phone.” My ears perked up. “And there was a message in the drafts.” He pulled out her phone and brought it down to eye level. “It holds the name of a single place. Arunanchal Pradesh. It is in India. Take the leash off so she may speak.” Scott did as he was told. “We think they left this clue to throw us off. What do you say?”
“I am willing to volunteer myself to go and find out.”
“I’m not going to allow that to happen. You need to stay here so you can be safe.”
“Yeah. Look how that turned out. Nova is missing. And this is the only clue we have to her. I don’t know about you, but I want to go look for her.” I stood there staring Henry in the eyes, not willing to give up.
“If it pleases you, I will send a team to see if it is true.”
“Fine. I’m already sure that I know who took her.”
Nobody answered. They all knew who I was thinking of. “I know what he wants.” Said Alexzander. We all turned to him. “He wants the source of their power.”


Chapter 69
Alexzander

“If you’re going then I am going with you,” I told them as I let what I just said sink in. I stood and walked out before anyone could argue with me because I was going with or without their permission and I planned on leaving soon.
I walked into our room, it still smelt like her. I could smell her in the air, on her pillow, and in the sheets. Most nights I slept on the couch so I wouldn’t have to deal with the agony in the room. But every night I still broke down in tears; the house lost its shine without her, life itself lost its glow without her standing right next to me.
I hesitantly stood in front of the mirror, my eyes were drained of color, dark black bags stayed under my eyes from no sleep, and my naturally tan skin was pale. I thought I was going to go insane, not hearing her laugh or anyone less in matter of fact. It has almost been a standstill in the mansion, and the only movement that has gone on in the past week has been when a servant found Nova’s phone.
“Can I come in?” Astra knocked on the already opened door. I just nodded my head and sat back down on the bed. Astra followed my suit and sighed, “So we decided that you, Collin, Scott, and I will go to India and investigate. We can’t get our hopes up because it is just a clue but-“
“You can’t help, but to get your hopes up.”
“Exactly,” she fell back on the bed and sighed. “I got to go before Henry comes and forces to put the leash back on,” she tugged at her collar and got up. “Pack up, we’re leaving tomorrow,” she walked out the room and closed the door for me.
I crawled into the bed and tucked myself where Nova should be. Why did you leave me? You knew I needed you, and you left! I started to punch my pillow feeling the frustration build up from not finding her. I need you, Astra needs you, it’s just not the same here. My punching turned into deep sobs. Where are you? I screamed over and over in my head. I stopped when I felt something inside me shift and turn.
My eyes suddenly closed and I felt my body move. When I reopened my eyes I was in a white cellar. The walls, the floor, and the sleeping girl were all white. Tears filled up as I walked over to Nova and pushed back her hair. There were bags under eyes as well, she was very thin, and bruises ran up and down her arms. She was paler than usual, but I still thought she was the most beautiful girl in the world.
Her arms reached out for me and she muttered my name. A smile that hasn’t been seen for almost two weeks inched its way up my face. I knelt down next to her and lightly kissed her forehead, “Please wake up.”
I felt the shift in my stomach again and sparks tickled my back. I slowly stood and turned around hesitantly. “Alexzander?” her eyes brightened and she crashed into me before I realized what happened. I grabbed the back of her head and smashed my lips to her, wanting, no needing her. I softly kissed each bruise on her face before looking at her grayish purple eyes, “Are you Ok?”
“The best I have been in weeks,” she brightly smiled and rested her head on my chest, “How is Astra and Collin?”
“Could be better, but they’ll get through it. What happened to you?”
“Few whips here, lots of needles and punches there,” she shrugged like it was usual. “How did you get in here?”
“We’re in a dream.”
Nova sat up with a frown on her face, “So this isn’t real?”
I pulled her back towards me and kissed her again, “Did that feel unreal.”
“The most real, I have felt in two weeks,” her eyes fluttered open and she stood up and pulled me up with her. She pushed herself off the bed and laid down, making room for me. Instead I picked her up and laid her down on top of me.
“I love what you did to the room,” I snickered at the scratch marks.
“Yeah, I’m sick of white. I don’t ever want to see it again, not even for a wedding dress,” her voice fuzzed in and out.
“We’re losing connection,” I whispered to her. I kissed her forehead, “I’ll come back tomorrow.”
“I love you,” I heard her say, but couldn’t see her anymore. I tried calling out, but I didn’t feel the sparks anymore. I love you too.
Chapter 70
Collin
I had my bag packed and was waiting for the signal to leave. Alexzander stood next to me with a happy look on his face. “Why do you look so happy?”
“I’ll tell you later,” Then he went back to twiddling with his thumbs.
We had been planning a way to get Astra out of the castle for a few days. Finally Henry’s wife thought of an idea. Take a boat up the river Styx. We didn’t know if it would work, but it was worth trying.
Now we were just waiting for Astra and Scott to show up. And it was taking a while.
“To get out of the palace were going to have to make a run for it. And since Astra can’t have the collar taken off till we leave the Underworld, she’s going to be stuck in her wolf form.
Scott and Astra walked up from behind us. They had their arms looped together. “Henry’s wife said we should wait until she gives the signal that it’s time to go. She also said that when the signal goes off, we’ll have five minutes till Henry realizes we’re gone. And another three minutes till the hellhounds catch us. So we have to get to the boat fast.” She wrapped her hand into his. I gave Scott the nastiest look I could manage. All he did was smirk. I guess this meant me and Astra weren’t together anymore. Now I don’t know what I would do. “Did you hear me Collin?”
I shook my head. “Sorry. What did you say?”
“That when we get on the boat, we’re going to need to talk.”
I didn’t respond to her. Because I already knew what was going to be said.
Just then a loud boom sounded and the ground shook. “That is our cue to leave.” Said Scott.
Astra and Scott changed into their wolf forms and took off running. Then me and Alexzander followed.
We raced past demons, werewolves, vampires. All were to worried about seeing what happened at the palace. Trying to get through all these creatures was hard, but that meant that the closer we got to the gate, the less creatures there would be.
We had just reached the gate when a howl rocked through the world. You could practically hear the music from judgment day in the back ground. Nobody bothered to stop because we still had to get through the gate.
All at once the world changed. Fire erupted from the fields around us. And an evil laugh surrounded us. “Collin Crawford, you will be mine.”
I didn’t stop to see who said that until we got to the boat. As I looked back I saw Ebony standing at the top of a tower, with a bow and arrow drawn back. She aimed the arrow, and let it go.
Immediately I knew where the arrow was heading. Before my mind could full process what was going on, my body was moving.
For a heart pounding moment, the world was still. I looked down at my shoulder, and an arrow was sticking out of my left shoulder.
I only had enough time to fall into the boat before the world went black all around me.

Chapter 71
Alexzander

One moment I was trying to start the boat and next Astra was screaming. I turned around to see blood pouring out from Collin’s shoulder; Scott pushed off the side of the bank and we were cruising down the river. Once I got the boat on a steady path I went to Collin.
The arrow was lodged in his shoulder and Astra wouldn’t let me completely see it because her theory was if you couldn’t see it, it wasn’t there. In the end Scott had to hold back Astra as I got to work on Collin. First thing I did was pulled out the arrow, sending blood everywhere. I ripped a piece of my shirt and put pressure to the wound. I felt something fly by my face and landed inches from Astra. I turned around and saw Ebony, blood thirsty for Astra, shooting arrows at us. Most of them flew over our heads or into the River of Styx. But she has an endless amount of arrows, red eyes, and fast hands; even though she had bad aim, a lot did come our way. She soon stopped, but pulled out a sword and spread beautiful, blue-black wings.
She took flight and with her black hair and wings, she could have been an angel of death. I rushed to the bag Henry’s wife gave us; it was full of weapons, supplies, clothes, and food. I grabbed the sharpest, meanest looking sword and swung up, slicing Ebony’s arm. She wailed out in pain and fell into our boat. Ebony folded her wings and stood up. She started to sing a sweet melody. It circled me, enchanted me, but Nova’s whisper broke the trance. I grabbed her neck, holding the sword in front of me. “Bitch, that doesn’t work on me,” I started to slice her neck, but she knocked it out of my hands and jumped off the boat.
“This won’t be the last time you see me,” she melted into the river. I went to Collin, looking over him. His shoulder was turning green and looked saggy.
“Is he Ok?” I leaned down next to Astra and wrapped a protective arm around her, which got me a glare from Scott.
“T-The poison that m-m-made my s-scar, is effect-ting him,” she leaned her head on my shoulder. “T-The AS c-c-can handle the p-p-poison, b-but the HS c-can’t,” she sobbed onto my shoulder. I didn’t know what to do, so I rubbed circles onto her back in till she fell asleep.
I settled her down and sat in the other corner of the boat, “Astra is mine, don’t try to take her,” Scott snapped at me.
“Whoa, first off I already have someone…. Nova to be specific. Secondly she loves Collin and she will never be yours.” I blew back my hair and closed my eyes, “If you don’t mind, I am going to go see my girlfriend.”
I thought about the white room, the chill in the room, and Nova lying in the bed. I felt something shift in me and my soul was in the place I last saw Nova, but she wasn’t there. I called for her and screamed at the walls. I threw the chair in the room to the walls, breaking it in piece. I punched holes in the walls and ripped the pillow to shreds. I was about to give up, but a note was under the pillow.
I carefully picked it up, unfolded it, and read. Tears formed into my mind and a launched forward. I slammed it into the wall and woke back up.
Scott was in the front of the boat, trying to steer. The boat rocked back and forth, giving me a headache, and Astra woke up with a start. Suddenly we were falling down a waterfall and landed with a huge crash. But instead of dying, a whirlpool formed, confusing me even further.
I grabbed hold of Astra and Collin before drowning in the middle. Black water washed over me, but I could still hold onto them, and I could still see them. In my head a voice whispered, crushing my heart into pieces. Come and find me.

(hey people so the book has obviously ended. Hope you liked it. Me and my cousin are in the process of writing book two. If you have any questions, feel free to ask.)

Imprint

Publication Date: 06-14-2012

All Rights Reserved