“No.”

“Why not?” Derek asked. “I could be kidnapping you, for all you know!” he exclaimed.

Slowly she looked over at him. “If you were, you wouldn’t have asked me why I haven’t asked where we’re going.”

He couldn’t fault her logic on that.

“I like car rides,” Lena explained, surprising him. She returned to looking out the window. “Nothing is expected of you during a drive.”

“Yeah but you drive to places you don’t want to go. That should make you hate car rides.” He was thinking of every time her parents forced her to attend parties or make an appearance at a function. He would hate cars for taking him there; dread the sight of them. They were a function of her misery and the forced lifestyle her parents have planned.

She shook her head. “It’s not the car’s fault.”

Derek still didn’t quite understand but he let it go. As far as a first day went, he was off to a good start if she liked driving around. He made a mental note to always drive instead of walking which he usually did – a byproduct of Logan always stealing the car. Randy drove them sometimes but he also had to fight for the family truck.

As for this date he decided to keep it outside despite the cold weather. Judging from what she’d shared (which was very little) he concluded she liked being outside because she was trapped inside most of the time. Well he’d try to indulge her as much as he could. Whatever she wanted he’d try to give her. She deserved that.

He kept quiet the rest of the car ride. When he pulled into the parking lot at the shopping center she looked confused. People were wandering around enjoying the lights and decorations left over from Christmas. They carried shopping bags and walked around in small groups or as couples. The area had multiple restaurants, stores, and a movie theatre.

“Are we going shopping?” she asked, confused.

“Nope,” Derek grinned, ducking out of the car. He met her around the other side just as she was getting out. He took her hand so she didn’t slip on the ice.

“Then we’re watching a movie?” she asked, looking over at the theatre.

“No, not a movie,” he replied, enjoying the game. He still held her hand as they crossed one of the streets. They merged into the steady foot traffic that ran on both sides of another street that separated the storefronts. “What no more guesses?” he asked, grinning at her.

“Not if you’re not going to tell me,” she replied looking straight ahead.

Derek thought he detected a bit of annoyance in her tone and smiled even wider. “It’s a surprise,” he told he told her as they continued to walk past the shops.

She looked up at him with an expression that was half suspicious and half excited but maintained her silence. Derek let her to build the anticipation. Besides, it was nice just walking with her. He watched her face as the stores opened up and they came to the center square where dozens of people skated on an ice rink. Music played in the background as people chatted and laughed. They clustered around on benches and two little huts that were set up by the rink; one renting out skates and the other selling food and warm drinks.

Lena stopped walking, eyes wide she turned to Derek. “We’re ice skating?”

“Surprise! What’da think?” he asked, green eyes sparkling. His cheeks were pink from the cold. If it started snowing he would look exactly like he did the night they first meet.

“Can you ice skate?”

He laughed. “Can you?”

She looked a little embarrassed. “Not very well. I’ve only gone once.”

“That’s great!” Derek laughed again. At her puzzle looked he responded, “I didn’t think you’d know how to at all. Come on,” he said tugging her along. “Let’s go get our skates.”

Ten minutes later Lena stood on the ice holding onto the wooden barrier to keep herself steady and upright. People were leisurely gliding by her in a large oval. She could feel the eyes of people watching her on and off the ice.

“You have to let go of the barrier,” Derek coaxed. He easily glided back and forth and in little circles around her. It seemed effortless for him. At some point he pulled on a blue hat and black gloves.

“I’ll fall,” Lena replied shaking her head. Her grip tightened on the wooden fence.

Derek skated right up to her and gently pulled on her hands so he was the only thing keeping her upright. “I won’t let you fall,” he assured her looking into her eyes. “Just shuffle your feet, we’ll go slow until you get the hang of it.

“When was the last time you went ice skating?” he asked to distract her from the thought of falling. They were slowly making their way across the ice as people passed them.

“I don’t remember exactly,” she admitted, carefully shuffling her feet across the ice. “I was young. Maybe seven or eight years old.”

His brows furrowed together in a frown. “Your parents don’t seem the type to take you skating.”

Lena didn’t answer right away. She seemed to mull over the observation for a while as she watched her feet. “One of the hospital’s frequent donors has a daughter near my age. He invited me so my dad couldn’t say no.”

Derek wasn’t sure if it was just her usual expressionless face or if it was a bad memory for her. Now that he was getting better at reading her face he thought he saw her shut down again. But then again, he could be imagining it. He decided a different tactic was needed. He swung around on his skates so he was facing Lena while still holding her hands.

“What are you doing?” she asked.

He gave her a easy smile. “Skating with you.”

“You’re skating backwards,” she observed, carefully maintaining her own balance. Concern crossed her face before curiosity flickered to life. “How are you doing that?”

His smile light up his emerald eyes. “Just takes practice. It’s useful in hockey. We’re kicking the other teams asses this year!”

“I’m sure it’s because of your mad skills.”

He blinked. Her face was blank but he knew she was making fun of him; Lena didn’t use terms like ‘mad skills’. “Where did you hear that?” he demanded.

She smiled a little sheepishly. “TV.”

He chuckled and shook his head in amusement. Lena rapidly gained confidence on the ice as they skated. Derek thought it was incredibly cute how she panicked when he let go of your hand the first time but now she seemed to settle into the flow and her natural grace shone through. Her gaze flickered between watching other people and staring at nothing. Every now and then a wistful expression crossed her face.

Derek grabbed her mitten clad hand and spun her around. She wobbled and lost her balance as he pushed her up against the wooden barrier encasing the ice rink. He could feel her heart pounding and lungs working overtime as he pressed against her. Gazing down, he stared into her golden eyes. Startling her seemed to crack open the vulnerability she always hid. For the briefest of moments he saw all her longing and sadness before he crashed his mouth down on hers.

Heat flooded her body as his lips touched her. It wiped her mind clean till only her senses were left. His lips were soft but he used them roughly, pressing against her mouth with an urgency that couldn’t be stopped. Lena responded as if it was contagious. She parted her lips and pressed herself closer. When his tongue dipped into her mouth she didn’t even blink, she hummed in pleasure.

He hands skim up her body before holding her head. Kissing Lena was like drowning and flying at the same time. The elation she caused sent him soaring while her mere presence engulfed him completely. Derek pulled back panting, his pulse racing. Lena breathed equally as heavy. Her cheeks were flushed, her lips were red and swollen. It made them even more seductive.

“Oh God,” he muttered and buried his face in her neck. A mistake he realized immediately. If it weren’t for her scarf he would have had access to the pool of heat from her neck. Her dark scent was already filling his head. Gripping her shoulders he lifted his head and found himself staring into her eyes. They were filled with drunken pleasure but clearing. Experimentally, she rang her tongue across her lips.

Derek groaned and released his hold on her so he could skate away a few feet. The cold air cleared his head and the rest of him. After a few cleansing breaths he deemed himself ready to return. He couldn’t help but smirk a little when he realized Lena hadn’t moved muscle from when he left her.

“You ok?” he asked.

She nodded.

“Do you want to skate some more?” he asked.

Her answer was to glide around him and join the crowd again. Whether or not she did it on purpose, Derek felt she was trying to keep her distance. After kissing her so suddenly he didn’t really blame her and even tried to find the wisdom in a little distance since discovering how explosive kissing turned out to be. Unfortunately, wisdom wasn’t what he wanted. All their kisses before this were tame by comparison and he knew the reason. Lena finally kissed him back.

As he watched Lena, Derek thought her reaction to him startled her, perhaps even scared her a little. It took him an hour to coax her back to into talking again and even then she mostly just listened to him talk. If that sort of behavior wasn’t normal for her, Derek would have seriously thought he screwed things up. She ignored his long sigh as he dropped her off at the end of her driveway at the end of their date. At least he had her phone number now so he could call whenever he wanted; well, anytime he wanted after nine o’clock. Lena was very strict about not calling her before then and in typical form refused to explain why.

Once she disappeared down the driveway Derek sighed again and went home.

Her curiosity over powered her one day in the hallway when she saw him talking to a group of people. With a thought she colored his magic so she could see where it was applied. Her mouth fell open when suddenly everything was washed in a white light – the color she gave his magic. She could see traces on the students, especially the teachers, and a faint white mist that hung in the hallways. The only thing that appeared to not have his mark was himself. She could have discovered what each bit of magic was doing, particularly the kind that looked permanent, but after some consideration Sapphira decided she didn’t want to know.

She did however, apply the same trick to April and Ethan. Pink for April and a deep blue for Ethan. Their magic was mostly concentrated on themselves unlike Sebastian. The other portion was used in what Sapphira thought was very student council like. Things like school maintenance where the sidewalks magically cleared of snow or sound proofed study rooms. The library had no need for a librarian because the books automatically flew to their rightful spot on the selves once a student was done with them.

As she thought about it more, Sapphira realized there were things like that all over the school she never noticed before. Garbage cans emptied mysteriously and the bathrooms cleaned and restocked themselves. The magic was designed for no one to notice these happenings. Since everyone in the student council had equal power, Sapphira could see through the magic if she chose too.

The fascination lasted about a day until the amount of tasks piled up and forced her focus once again. After a day full of classes and another meeting with Ethan about the upcoming Ball, she plopped down in a study room where Zoe, Landon, and a boy named Luke were waiting for her so they could start working on their final project for history.

“It’s handy having you in the student council,” Zoe commented, as Sapphira sat down.

Sapphira rolled her eyes. Students needed to get permission from the student council before they used a study room and they had to reserve them in advanced so they didn’t get over booked. With her here they could just go in and get to work.

“I’d rather not be in the student council and wait for the stupid room,” she muttered, looking around. Actually she wished they weren’t in the study room at all.

The walls were a shade of grey just light enough not to be too depressing. There were no windows in the box of a room and no decorations on the walls. A rectangular table with four chairs filled the middle of the room and on the far wall in the back was another small table that held a computer and printer. There was nothing to do in the room but study. Sapphira felt claustrophobic and hated it. She wished they could work in the library where there were lots of windows and she could look outside.

She realized she’d been staring at the blank walls while everyone else was working. As she tore her gaze away she met Landon’s eyes; he’d been watching her. He didn’t look away now that he’d been caught staring – if that’s what he’d been doing – and Sapphira didn’t look away either. She took in every line and angle of his face. She absorbed everything from the stray pieces of ink black hair that fell over his left eye, down to his cheekbones that seamlessly narrowed into an angular chin. His lips were the palest shade of pink she’d ever seen.

“Where’s the outline you were supposed to write up?” Zoe demanded. Sapphira reached into her bag and pulled out a folder and handed the outline to her. Next Zoe turned her attention to Landon. “Did you bring the research?”

He handed her a packet of information wordlessly. She flipped through it, seeming to approve. She spent the next hour directing what each of them should do so they could finish their project on ancient China. Zoe was actually really bossy but Sapphira didn’t mind since she didn’t want to organize everything; it was much easier to let Zoe take the lead. Especially, because Landon or Luke never would.

As they finished up and were putting their things away Sapphira looked at Landon. He looked back expectantly.

“Do you still have archery during the winter?”

“Yeah. We practice in the extra gym.”

“Oh,” she muttered and looked away.

An arm suddenly came down on her shoulders. She looked up startled as Zoe said, “Let’s go get some dinner. I’m starving! What?” she demanded seeing Sapphira’s face.

“Nothing,” she replied with a small shake of her head. “I’m just not hungry. I’ll walk with you though.”

Zoe frowned, a look of disapproval forming. “You don’t eat enough.”

“I eat when I’m hungry,” she disagreed.

“That’s the problem!” Zoe exclaimed, her arm slipping off Sapphira.

“Why don’t we all go eat together?” Luke asked brightly. His face beamed in delight. He was one of those happy go lucky people who was just thrilled to be with people.

Landon shrugged his acceptance and that seemed to decide things. The four of them gathered up their things and headed through the mostly empty school. They took the paved path from the school to the boy’s dormitory. The dining hall was about half full with a mixture of boys and girls as usual. The set up was the same as the girl’s dining hall; two long tables ran parallel down the rectangular room and at the far end of the room was where students received their food.

Sapphira had never eaten in the boy’s dining hall before. She thought it would be different for some reason. It had the same chatter and spontaneous laughter; people running around or studying while they ate. Just as there was mixture of girls and boys so was the ratio of school uniforms and casual clothes.

“Are you really not going to eat?” Landon asked, looking back at her.

Luke and Zoe already had their trays loaded up with food. Landon was filling his as he spoke. Sapphira realized she mindlessly followed them into the food line but hadn’t grabbed a tray. The kitchen staff were looking at her weirdly.

She shrugged and went to get a drink then joined Luke and Zoe the table. Landon joined her a minute later. She listened to conversation for a while and was thinking of leaving when Luke suddenly turned to her. His enthusiasm startled her.

“You can stop the dance lessons for the winter ball, right? I mean, you’re on the student council.” His brown eyes were alight with hope.

“You could test out. Then you wouldn’t need to take the lessons.”

His face fell. “No I mean like cancel it all together. It’s weird to have organized dances and in a group, when we’re all wearing the same thing…”

Sapphira thought the same thing when she first heard about it. Apparently it was a new tradition that started in the past few years. Three years ago in fact, when April was a freshman. It was just the sort of thing she’d think up and force upon the other students.

“I’ve tried. You’ll have to take it up with April – not that it will do any good,” she told him. “She’s really excited about it.”

“Dance lessons are mainly for the freshmen, aren’t they?” Zoe asked pushing food around her plate. She didn’t seem thrilled at the prospect of learning to waltz either.

Sapphira nodded. “Since the upperclassmen learned the previous years. April will make the bad dancers take extra lessons though.”

“NOooo!” Luke gave an exaggerated cry.

Landon laughed at him. It was the first time Sapphira had seen him laugh. It transformed his unapproachable face into something slightly wicked.

“Don’t laugh at me,” Luke ordered. “You have to take them too.”

Landon smirked. “I already know how to dance so I won’t be joining you.”

“You know how to waltz?” Luke asked skeptically.

“Yes.” His face was unreadable.

He looked at Zoe and Sapphira for confirmation.

Sapphira shrugged. “Doesn’t surprise me.”

“Me neither,” Zoe agreed.

He looked back and forth between the three of them before howling and resting his head in his arms on the table.

“So dramatic,” Sapphira muttered but had a small smile on her lips. Secretly she loved overly dramatic people.

“Is it true that there’s going to be a lottery this year to pick dates?” Zoe asked. Her expression was torn between horror and curiosity.

“Another one of April’s clever ideas.”

“I hope she gets the worst date possible,” Luke declared, raising his head.

“She won’t. She’ll get exactly who she wants,” Sapphira replied.

“That’s so unfair!” Luke howled again. “Just because she’s in the student council doesn’t mean she can break the rules she sets for everyone else.”

“Oh she’ll draw from the lottery like everyone else,” Sapphira corrected him.

Luke looked completely confused now. His mouth hung open slightly and his brows furrowed as he tried to figure out how April will get the date she wanted through a lottery without cheating.

“Luck of the draw, right?” Landon said, looking at Sapphira.

She sent him a quizzical look but nodded. He seemed to know something else was at work there.

“I heard our dinner tables are also arranged by lottery,” Zoe volunteered.

“That seems like a lot of extra work,” Luke commented.

“Not really,” Sapphira disagreed. “It’s the same lottery that decides on dates. Each person will get a number and a letter. The people with the same number and letter will be a couple for the night and everyone with the same letters will sit at a table together.”

“How big are the tables?” Zoe asked.

“Six couples at each table.”

“I think it’ll be kinda fun,” Zoe decided after some thought. “Meeting new people, hang out with ones you don’t normally. It’ll be interesting at least.”

Sapphira muttered a vague agreement. She used to hate things like dances that involved mingling with people. She still didn’t particularly like them but perhaps she was just becoming more accustomed. The student council forced her to be right in the middle of everything. And she thought she’d have a quiet and uneventful school life…

“I need to study. See you guys later,” she announced standing up.

Everyone was still in the midst of discussing the winter ball so they were startled by her abrupt departure. They let her go without comment though. It wasn’t unusual for her to suddenly leave.

She headed back to her dorm room and laid out all her notes and textbooks on her bed and spent a couple hours studying. Mavro sat next to her curled up in a ball. He purred quietly for awhile until he fell asleep. When the creamy walls and ceiling started closing in on her, she put all her papers away and grabbed a jacket, hat, and mittens. She didn’t bother looking at the clock as she fled outside.

The minute she stepped out into the cold air she felt like she could breathe again. Feeling closed in was a hangover from childhood she thought she’d gotten over. The inky black sky was spotted with stars and minimal clouds. The moon shone silvery and bright, half way full. Sapphira filled her lungs with chilly air and started walking.

It didn’t matter where she went just that she did. The expansive grounds of the campus where deserted at the late hour. Miles of snow covered the ground that stretched out endlessly. Clusters of bare trees looked ghostly white in the moonlight and icicles hanging from their branches sparkled almost menacingly. A dark beauty seeped over the landscape, clinging to every hill and curve.

Sapphira walked above the snow leaving no footprints. She thought about her time at Silversprings Academy. It definitely hadn’t been what she expected, but who expected to be granted magical powers? She remained certain that if she didn’t have them she never would have ended up in the student council. But even bizarre power struggles with Sebastian was better than living at home. In that aspect, the school had provided the sanctuary she desperately desired. She had the space she needed and company if she wanted. And really, it was nice having friends and talking to people at school.

Mr. Daley was getting on her nerves though. She was positive school councilors did not take that much personal interest in students. He kept bringing up what she wanted to forget and always talked as if she was living wrong. Did he think she acted this way for no reason? She told him: she lives in a way that works for her. She would admit she hadn’t changed the way she thought since coming here. Perhaps that’s what she should work on. But still, that didn’t give him the right to say it was wrong.

It helped that the next big event wasn’t until Christmas. Another ball. Sapphira was sick of dances but everyone else seemed enthusiastic. It seemed that the Christmas Ball was more formal than Halloween. And it was also the last event before the students went home for winter break, well, those that wanted to. Sapphira was delighted with the prospects of close to three weeks alone on campus. She thought of it as Silversprings Christmas present to her.

Early December the snow started falling. Sapphira gazed out the window like usual as small white flakes fell from the sky. It took her a minute to realize but as she did a smile spread along her face. Unable to contain her excitement she used a little magic to ditched class and go outside. With a little encouragement from her the snowflakes grew larger. They swirled around her lazily before drifting to the ground.

By the end of the day, a foot of snow covered everything and they were looking to have a snow day tomorrow. Miraculously, paths were cleared between the dorms and school but the anticipation for no classes was so contagious even the teachers found themselves reluctant to work. Sapphira didn’t take credit for influencing their discussion but if anyone knew to ask she wouldn’t have denied it either. In the end, everyone had a day off.

The common rooms were packed with people; an equal mixture of girls and boys. Hot cider and hot chocolate were served all day to beat back the chilly weather. Cozy fires kept the rooms quite warm and felt exquisite to those that just came in from outdoor activities. The student council had thoughtfully put together a list of activities to do, both inside and outside, for those that needed something to do. Ice skating, sledding, hockey, ice sculptures, snow ball fights, cross country skiing, plus anything groups ended up doing by themselves.

Sapphira was amused to see the cheerleaders still doing their thing cheering for the hockey players. All bundled up they waved what looked like hand mufflers instead of pompoms. Christine looked beyond excited as she jumped up and down, her cheeks a glowing pink. Sapphira watched the game for a little while before heading to the other rink to ice skate. With a thought she had music playing in the background.

Encouraged by the familiar routine, her feet seemed to glide across the ice without her command. The wind rushed across her face and felt a sense of satisfaction when she landed the jump perfectly after not practicing for so long. After that she tried out the different spins and jumps; skating circles around everyone else in the rink, making a routine up as she went. The moment she paused to catch her breath, she found herself surrounded by admirers.

“Where did you learn to skate like that?”

“How long have you been skating?”

“Can you teach me?”

“Ah…” Sapphira said, overwhelmed by the crowd of people. “I’ve been skating since I was little. I had lessons. You can’t really learn advanced jumps in one day…”

Still she ended up giving a small seminar, mostly on the correct technique to use when ice skating. It felt weird telling people older than her what to do or to correct their footwork. Everyone seemed really appreciative though. When Sapphira had enough she excused herself. Quickly, she took off her skates on a bench before someone else could delay her departure.

Her gaze wandered wearily when she noticed Landon sat on the bench opposite her, also removing his ice skates. She hadn’t realized he was one of the hockey players she watched in the rink. Their game was still in progress so Sapphira assumed he’d just had enough too. He gave her a nod as she stood up to leave.

They hadn’t talked much since they danced together at the masquerade ball – not that they talked much anyways. Sapphira liked that about him. She never had to worry about excessive chatter or him trying to dig up secrets about her life. Zoe had somehow worked her way slowly and methodically into her life. It wasn’t uncommon to find them hanging out in the common room on the weekends or doing homework together after dinner.

If anyone had asked her about the friendship with Zoe she would have shrugged it off but really, Zoe was the one of the few real friends she’d ever had. Not many people had the patience or inclination to draw Sapphira out of the bubble she created to keep people at bay. And despite Zoe’s effort, after a couple of months she still had no idea why Sapphira hated attention. She got the impression that Sapphira had a difficult family situation at home because she refused to talk about them.

As if Zoe paved the way, people were less hesitant about approaching Sapphira and seemed to allow it more. They weren’t more than casual conversation with her classmates or maybe a study group but everyone felt the change. Mr. Daley seemed pleased with the progress when he called her into his office.

He positively beamed at her when she took a seat in front of him. She watched him with her usual suspicion and slight dislike; there was always something she didn’t trust about him. Of course she could have used to powers to find out what, but she never thought of it. Instead she sat stiffly in her chair and watched him carefully. He looked the same as always: dress shirt and tie, messy hair.

“So you’re finally opening up to your classmates!” he exclaimed. “You took longer than normal, especially after joining the student council – I thought that would help speed things up – but the important thing is that you did.”

“Why does it matter to you?” Sapphira asked. Something about the man always made her speak her mind when she kept such comments to herself.

Mr. Daley’s smile faded a little and his eyes grew more serious. They were more brown then green when he was serious.

“I know things are complicated at home, that’s why you chose to come to a boarding school.” He leaned forward. “I don’t want you to let that keep you back in life. Humans need relationships and isolating yourself isn’t healthy.”

“How much do you know?” she asked stiffly. Her face remained carefully blank despite her heart racing in her chest.

“Nothing detailed,” he assured her, leaning back in his chair. “Just that your parents are divorced and both remarried. It must be stressful for you seeing your parents together with other people.”

He was watching her carefully, gauging her reaction to his words but she kept her expression neutral. Her stiff posture was the only give away that the topic was uncomfortable to her.

“It’s not uncommon for that to happen.”

“Do you feel abandoned? Like your parents started new lives and there’s no place for you?”

Sapphira raised an eyebrow at him. “I didn’t know this was a therapy session.”

Mr. Daley sighed and moved restlessly in his chair. “It’s not,” he paused. She was watching him, waiting for his next move so she could counter it. Finally he said, “I hope you find someone you’re willing to talk to.”

He stood up; walking around his desk he opened his office door for her to leave. She did so without a word.

Lena looked down and shook her head in disagreement.

“You are,” he insisted.

Lifting her chin up, he gently laid his lips on hers. She blinked in surprise at the kiss before her eyes fluttered close as she drifted into it. This kiss was different than the others; sweeter, gentle and soothing. As their mouths moved together the thoughts drained from her mind and her sense filled with his taste, his scent, his touch.

Derek ended the kiss but trailed his hands down her arms. She looked a little dazed. His lips twitched in amusement. Cocking his head to the side, he asked, “Do you think you could go out today? It’s Sunday. No french lessons or anything like that, right?”

“I suppose I could,” she replied slowly.

He hoped her hesitancy came from getting out of the house and not whether or not she wanted to spend the day with him. She looked at him with what he thought was curiosity. What she was curious about she didn’t say and he didn’t ask.

“Good,” he decided and climbed off her bed. “Can you be ready in an hour?

“Yes.”

“A little enthusiasm would be appreciated,” he commented, as he put his coat on.

That had a small smile tugging at her lips. “Am I meeting you somewhere?”

“I’ll pick you up…at the end of your driveway.”

Lena had her poker face on again so he didn’t know what was going through her mind. She just nodded her understanding. Giving an internal sigh, he said bye, for now.

After a brisk walk home through the cold, Derek snuck in the house as quietly as he could. It was only around 10:30am on a Sunday so it was likely he wouldn’t meet anyone. He dumped his coat in his room went to shower. His sister Ava was sitting in the living room watching TV by the time he went down to quickly grabbed something to eat in the kitchen.

“Late night?” Logan asked, walking in and leaning against the counter.

“What do you care?” Derek replied. He was in a hurry to get back to Lena. She seemed less real when he wasn’t with her.

“Our beloved parents entrust me to look after you when they go to bed before you get home. And you weren’t home when I came home.”

He wore nothing but blue sweat pants and an inquiring look. Unlike Derek, his hair was a dark brown and his face more mature despite only a two year difference.

“What do you want?” Derek demanded.

Logan smiled. “Nothing at the moment. But I may want something in the future if you catch my drift.”

“Yeah yeah. I own you a favor.”

“Such a good younger brother,” he said ruffling Derek’s hair. Derek swatted away his hands and ducked under his arms. “You’re going out now?”

“Yup. See ya.”

He grabbed his coat and keys and left before Logan could hassle him more. Technically, he and Logan shared the car but since Logan was older he usually got dibs – which was unfair. They both knew it would be his since Logan was probably getting a car for graduation. So Derek grabbed the car before he could, besides, Logan had it last night.

Just as he pulled up to Lena’s driveway he saw her walking towards him. He found his hands suddenly sweaty on the steering wheel and quickly wiped them on his jeans. She was wearing the same long white coat he’d seen her in previously. Matching scarf, gloves, and hat in a deep blue popped with color. She slid into the car silently.

“Did you have a hard time getting out?” he asked, as he drove away from her house.

“No.”

He glanced at her. “Really?”

“I said no. Did you get into trouble for staying out all night?”

Derek rolled his shoulders. “Not really. My brother’s the only one that noticed. I owe him a favor for keeping quiet.”

“It must be nice having siblings.”

He stopped at a red light and looked at her in disbelief. “Did you hear what I just said? He’s practically blackmailing me!”

She gave a delicate shrug.

“Right, only child. I forgot.” He drummed his fingers on the steering wheel until the light changed. “I suppose having brothers and a sister is nice,” he said as if Lena had kept the conversation going. “I mean, Logan did cover for me, even though he’ll demand repayment, with no warning, at the worst possible time.”

“That’s a really convincing argument,” Lena agreed.

He nodded in agreement then quickly stopped when he suspected she was being sarcastic. Then he was just left feeling confused. Lena smiled slightly and continued to stare out the window.

“Stop moving around so much,” groaned a female voice.

That had Derek’s sleep muddled brain waking up. He flipped back over and sat up. No wonder there was so much damn sunlight, this wasn’t his bedroom, it was Lena’s. She not only had the sliding glass doors that lead to the balcony but she had windows on the other wall too.

“How can you sleep with all this light?” he complained.

“I’m used to it,” she murmured. Resigned, she also sat up and pushed at her hair. She smiled at little at Derek. His hair was messy and his clothes wrinkled.

He eased himself back down and propped himself up on his arm. “You know,” he began conversationally. “This is the first time I’ve seen you in daylight.”

“Do you still think I’m a vampire?” she inquired.

“I suppose not.” He seemed a little sad. Her suddenly worried expression had him asking, “What’s wrong?” He sort of hoped she finally realized the situation she had gotten herself into.

“Will you get into trouble for staying out all night?”

He sighed. “Depends on if my parents realized I’m gone. If they did…yeah I’m screwed. It’s not a big deal though,” he told her. “I get grounded all the time. It’s why my rooms so clean.”

Lena’s giggle had Derek grinning. “If that happens you’ll have to sneak out and visit me.”

“I don’t know where you live.”

He shrugged. “It’s easy enough to give you my address. A phone number too,” he hinted. “You do have a cell phone?” he asked worried by the look on her face.

“Yes,” she replied slowly.

“Do I have to go through secret service or something to get your number?”

She looked concerned before her expression cleared and she said, “No. I’ll give it to you.”

Derek watched her not entirely convinced. The mystery surrounding her life was beginning to bother him. He knew her well enough by now to know better than expecting her to open up and tell him about it. With that in mind, he causally asked about where she was last night – after getting her number in case unexpected events lead to his sudden departure.

Lena stayed silent so long he thought she refused to discuss her whereabouts. The moment he asked her all emotion on her face vanished. When she finally spoke her voice sounded dead and uncaring.

“I was at a fundraising benefit for Willett Hospital.”

Derek found that odd. Her parents were supposedly wealthy but why would they make their daughter attend such a posh party?

“Why would you have to go?” he asked.

“Because my parents own the hospital.”

That surprised him. He never really gave any thought to what her parents did for a job, he was much more interested in Lena, but things were still rather confusing. Why the strict upbringing and isolation if they just owned a hospital? He supposed it was rather prestigious but still…

“Do you go to these events often?” Derek wondered.

“Yes.”

“Why?” he asked completely baffled. He stared at her not understanding.

“My parents have my entire life planned out for me. Part of the plan is for me become a doctor and eventually take over the hospital. Attending these parties and getting to know people in their circles is the ground work apparently.”

“And you’re just going to let them decide your whole life for you?” Derek demanded.

He didn’t know why it bothered him so much but he was furious at the prospect of other people ruling her life. Parents that only cared about their ambitions and goals in life rather than their daughters well being. And why the hell did Lena allow it? As numb as she seemed, he knew that she had a strong will. She was smart. How did such an intelligent person get trapped like this?

The vacant look on Lena’s face changed into one of sadness. She looked down at the hands in her lap and muttered, “I do want to be a doctor. A pediatrician.”

He felt a softening after that. Reaching out, Derek gently twisted his fingers around her hair. To his surprise she continued to talk.

“My dad used to take me with him to the hospital when I was little. I’d hang out with the kids there. A lot of them died.”

A hand touched her face startling her. She lifted her eyes to gaze into a pair of green ones.

“Is that when you died too?”

“It wasn’t fair that they died and I didn’t. I couldn’t help so I’m going to do something in the future. I’ll save as many of them as I can.”

Derek could imagine what it was like for to be surrounded by death constantly. It explained why she shut herself off from the world. What really amazed him though was that she wanted to go back. Despite the pain she knew was there she wanted to help. To make a difference.

“How do you know I’m not superficial and self absorbed?” Lena demanded shifting so she sat facing him. “I’m an only child and rich. I could very well be snotty and arrogant,” she explained logically.

Derek chuckled again. “If you’re arguing with me about it, you’re obviously not.”

She gave him a look that was a cross between a pout and a glare. He loved it. The more time he spent with her the more interesting she became.

They ended up talking for hours. He told Lena about high school and his friends, family and random subject that they digressed to. She learned he had a little sister and two older brothers; one was away at college. His two best friends were Ben and Randy. All three of them sounded like playboys, which didn’t surprise Lena based on the two kisses they already shared.

Derek had a harder time getting information out of Lena. She was pretty closed lipped about her family and living situation. While she talked about hopes for the future, it was pretty clear the past was off limits.

“You should go. It’s really late,” Lena told Derek after he yawned again.

“Too much work. I’ll just sleep here,” he decided and curled up in a ball. He rubbed his face against her leg like a cat.

“Stop that!” Lena laughed pulling away. She hugged her legs close to her chest. “Seriously, you should leave,” she spoke softly burying her face against her knees.

Derek sat up, a serious expression on his face. Despite Lena’s reassurance her family wouldn’t harm her, he still felt like she was trapped in this house. “Can I come back tomorrow?”

“You’re actually asking for permission?” she asked with a raised eyebrow.

He grinned. “I thought I’d try being polite. I’m still coming even if you say no.” His smile spread even wider and his eyes danced with glee.

“It’s not my fault if you get caught and kicked out,” Lena stated aloofly.

“I never get caught,” Derek assured her. He climbed off her bed and slid his arms through is jacket he grabbed from the floor. He turned back and looked at Lena. She met his gaze but didn’t give any sign of a sad departing. Derek sighed and disappeared through the sliding doors into the cold thinking himself too much of a romantic.

“You could at least knock,” Lena said. Like the previous night she lay on her bed staring at the ceiling.

Derek frowned. She was using that indifferent tone again. He closed the door behind him and cautiously entered the room. With his eyes adjusting to the lack of light, he quickly scanned the room to make sure no one else was with them. Assured that they were alone he shrugged out of his coat and sat down on the bed.

“What’s up?” he asked.

“Nothing.”

“You don’t really get how to continue a conversation starter, do you?” Derek asked. He was confused. Last night she didn’t seem to have any problem with his presence. They talked, laughed…so what was the problem tonight? He poked and prodded at her until she finally got mad. He didn’t get the answers he wanted but anger seemed to crack her open.

Derek got the impression that she was using him as a distraction. From what, he couldn’t fathom. But rather than talk about herself she listened to him carry on the conversation by himself. An hour or so after he arrived she fell asleep. He wasn’t certain at first but when she didn’t respond to her name, he figured it out.

After pulling the covers over Lena Derek left.

The following night Derek was surprised to find her bedroom empty. He checked his cellphone and it was after midnight. Where the hell was Lena? Especially on a Saturday night. She didn’t have any friends – that he knew about – plus incredibly strict parents. It didn’t make sense to him.

He took off this coat and roamed her room restlessly. He poked through her drawers and in her closet. His friends were already giving him crap over his infatuation with Lena and now she wasn’t even here. Derek was beginning to think Randy was right: Lena didn’t exist. Or if she did, only as a figure of his imagination. The sleepless nights were taking their toll and manifesting as an incredibly interesting but complicated rich girl with an amazing butt.

Derek decided to give her an hour to show up before he left.

Just after 2am she came in. He watched her open the door and flip on the lights. The first thing he noticed was her clothes. She wore a deep purple dress that hugged her figure and stopped a little past mid thigh. Her hair had been put up and make up on her face.

She stared at Derek. He couldn’t read her expression. There definitely wasn’t any surprise, for which he was a little disappointed, but she look…grateful? Reading her expressions were always difficult.

Carefully she closed the door behind her and stepped further into the room. She stepped out of her heels and put them away in the closet. She took off all her jewelry and let her hair down. After taking out her pajamas, Lena looked expectantly at Derek. He took the hint and turned around although it took all his self control.

When he felt the bed dip down he turned to see Lena climbing on. “Aren’t you going to say anything?” he wondered.

“Goodnight?”

“Lena,” he began.

She pushed him down. He watched with some amusement and some confusion as she tucked him in then grabbed a remote sitting on her bedside table. With a click it turned off the lights and she snuggled under the covers next to him. She pressed her face into his side and seemed content to just stay that way.

Derek was happy. And confused. He wrapped his arms around her shoulders.”Lena.”

“Just for tonight Derek,” she whispered. “I just need this tonight.”

He had no problem doing this every night, but he worried what brought on this need she had. Where had she been tonight? Who was she with? Would she go again? The questions bounced around in his head and kept him awake. Then when Lena wiggled closer and he could feel her body rubbing against his, that also kept him awake. But inevitably, he did sleep.

The anonymity the masks provided relieved Sapphira. She could walk around freely, even talk with people without them necessarily knowing who she was. She wasn’t naïve enough to think no one would figure out who she was or vice versa, but still it gave her enough comfort to relax into the setting.

She stepped into the ballroom and immediately slipped to the left and up the side of the room away from the dancers. She passed the warmth of the fireplace and made her way to the staircase at the head of the room. People lingered on the platform talking and watching the room from their vantage point. Sapphira moved past them to the safety of the second level where considerably less people hung out. Most of them, she noted, were boy girl couples.

Finding a vacant spot along the railed she leaned over and watched as the masquerade ball progressed. She couldn’t help but find pride in how well everything came together. The decorations looked fabulous, the tables with their flowers and food had a constant flow of traffic without clogging, the DJ in the corner kept a steady flow of music.

Sapphira spotted April in the middle of the room dancing; she stood out like a red beacon. A dress of fire colored silk molded her body to perfection, what there was of the dress. It stopped mid-thigh and bared her back as a halter top wrapped around her neck. Sapphira could see tiny bat wings attached to her back and dainty red horns on top of her head. She wore black fishnets and black stilettos a mile high. A seductive black mask made her blue eyes sizzle and contrasted with her blood colored lips.

So the theme this year was sexy, Sapphira mused. A devil, how appropriate for Halloween. She couldn’t wait to see what she’d come up with for next year’s ball.

After watching for awhile she was pretty sure she found Christina, Adrian, and Zoe in the throng of students. She even distinguished a few of her teachers. The one of the faculty she least wanted to talk to found her.

“Sapphira, why aren’t you down there dancing?”

She turned to look at the man in a cream colored suit. His blue vest beneath his coat matched the blue mask he wore. Still, she had no trouble recognizing Mr. Daley. He gave off an untrustworthy feeling. Not that friendliness was a crime but Sapphira still felt weird around him.

“I’m enjoying myself right here,” he told him. She refused to look at him and kept her gaze fixed on the party below her.

“I heard you fainted earlier. Are you still not feeling well?” He sounded concerned.

“I’m fine,” she replied primly. Sapphira heard him sigh.

“You should socialize more. If you always hide in a corner you won’t make friends and end up alone in life.”
Now Sapphira did turn around. “Did you come up here just to lecture me? I live my life in a way that works for me so thanks, but I don’t need your input. I know exactly where I stand.”

With that said she turned and walked away. She could feel her face flushed red as she walked down the stairs. She didn’t know why she felt so mad at his words. No matter how uncalled for it shouldn’t bother her this much. This was the reason she didn’t socialize: people annoyed her. Actually, just him.
She marched through the crowd with determination and plowed her way to the exit.

“Leaving so soon?” Someone asked, snagging her arm. He stood tall, dressed in a black tail coat with a gold vest underneath. Plain brown eyes surrounded by a gold mask told Sapphira nothing of who it was.

“Yes.” She tugged her arm free and stalked out of the ballroom. Cooler air swirled around her as the noise dimmed reliving her hurting ears. She could finally breathe and move freely. Sapphira wanted nothing more than to strip out of her dress and go to sleep.

Her fantasy got interrupted as a hand wrapped around her arm and pulled her back in the ballroom. As soon as she regained her balance she looked up, shooting daggers at the same guy that had just bothered her the previous moment. Her look had him backing off and he quickly retreated to the safety of the crowd.

“Hmph!” she muttered.

“Careful, you’ll scare people away with that look.”

“Pity it didn’t work on you,” Sapphira retorted.

Sebastian seemed to appear out of nowhere dressed completely in white. From his white shoes to his white tuxedo and mask; Sapphira began to think the truly evil always wore white. His characteristic smirk decorated his face.

“Yes, it is too bad,” he muttered. His eye seemed to glow from behind his mask as his presence grew. Sapphira felt suffocated just standing there but the mocking gleam in his eyes kept her in place.
She thought her legs would give out soon. And that thought made her angry. Suddenly his overpowering presence evaporated as for the first time Sapphira fought back with her powers. Sending her magic creeping into his mind she saw how he thought, his perceptions, his desires. She had complete control over him.

You will stop your vindictive games with me. She spoke directly to his mind. I don’t care what you do with your powers yet you still harass me. I won’t tolerate it any longer. It was stupid to pick on the one person who could defeat you.

With that said she walked away leaving Sebastian frozen in place. Partially because Sapphira’s suddenly retaliation, but mostly because she put a brain freeze on him. With unguarded access to his mind she was able to manipulate his powers for her own use. He wouldn’t be able to use his powers for the rest of the night. She could have made it longer – indefinite – but that wasn’t in her nature. Hopefully this would teach him a lesson and he’d back off.

“You look … satisfied?”

Sapphira looked at Adrian and smiled. “I am satisfied.” She raised her glass to her lips and took another sip. One of the marble pillars stood as her back support as she watched the festivities on the sidelines.
“Good. Are you feeling better?” he asked.

She sighed. “Yes. Don’t ask,” she warned seeing his questioning look at her sigh.

Adrian wasn’t one for preying so he asked her to dance. “Oh come on!” He exclaimed. “Can you honestly tell me you came but didn’t expect to dance?”

“Well…no,” she admitted.

Before she could think of a good excuse not to dance, Adrian had her glass out of her hands and spun her out onto the dance floor. He grinned at her as he twirled her among the other dancers. Sapphira couldn’t help but laugh and enjoy herself.

The chandeliers were dimmed and colorful strobe lights turned on. The music grew louder and more hypnotic. Sapphira found herself dancing in the middle of the crowd who seemed to move as one giant body. Sometimes she had a partner, sometimes she was alone. Sometime during the night Christina and Zoe found her and the three of them partied in the small pocket of space they had among the other groups.

At midnight glitter started falling from ceiling. It caught the lights and shimmered as it spiraled down. It coated everyone’s hair, clothes, and the floor as it accumulated. Everyone found themselves lost in the atmosphere.

When the DJ announced the last song, a slow romantic piece, Sapphira wasn’t sure if she was disappointed or relieved that the ball finally came to an end. As people paired up and the music started once again she wound her way through the crowd to the exit.

A tall man stepped in front of and asked, “Will you dance with me?” she groaned.

“Sorry, she’s dancing this one with me.”

She turned to see Landon and hid a smile as he looked at the other guy. “Scram,” he ordered.

“Thanks,” Sapphira muttered as the guy who asked her to dance fled. When he held out his hand she looked surprised. She thought he just said that as an excuse. So, feeling self-conscious, she took his hand and placed hers on his shoulder. She watched him place his hand along her waist.

Landon effortlessly wore all black. It clung to his muscular frame and accentuated his movements. It made his silver eyes, the only color on him besides his lips, stand out. They seemed to glow from within his simple mask. A small smile – bordering on a smirk – played across his lips.

“Something amusing?” Sapphira asked.

“Not particularly,” Landon replied.

The tightly packed dance floor had them pushed together closer than they normally would have danced. Thanks to the added inches of her heels, Sapphira had a direct view of Landon’s mouth if she didn’t keep her head tilted up to meet his eyes. She could feel the heat radiating from his neck and the hand pressed against her waist. They swayed back and forth in slow motion.

When the song came to an end and everyone groaned in disappointment, Sapphira stepped back and sighed in relief. She didn’t need the teacher who came over the microphone to tell her it was time for bed and not to dawdle on the way to the dorms.

She listened to the laughter and chatter as groups of people slowly exited the ballroom. Most of them had already removed their masks and quite a few of them lay carelessly discarded on the floor among the piles of glitter. The only thing Sapphira could think was she was glad she didn’t have to clean it up.

Everywhere she went people were running around. The noise they made rang in her ears, an uncomfortable feeling. The courtyard between the boys and girls dormitory became an exhibit for couples as did the common rooms.

When Sapphira reached her room she almost cried in relief. She threw herself on the bed and indulged in a little magic so she didn’t have to get up and change. Her already sound proof room blocked out any excess noise from people partying and she fell asleep as soon as Mavro jumped onto the bed and lay down next to her. His purring lulling her to sleep.

The spacious room consisted of two levels. The upper level ran around the perimeter, leaving the center of the room open on the ground and ceiling. At the head of the room a grand stair case descended. Small sets of stairs on both sides lead to a large platform before the larger stairs cascaded downward. Rich wooden railings ran along the second story uninterrupted except for the marble pillars that ran from ceiling to floor. Three giant crystal chandlers hung evenly spaced across the ceiling. Twin fireplaces faced each other across the room as large caged class windows stood guard.

Sapphira couldn’t imagine what else they could possibly do regarding decorations. The room, already so grand, didn’t need any embellishments. But none the less, the decorations April picked out arrived and the students to hang them up. The student counsel, with a few other volunteers, set up tables for food, arranged seating, set up audio equipment. Delivery men streamed in and out of the room dropping off their goods.

“Are you going to take a nap before tonight? You look terrible.”

“Do you have to sneak up on me?” She spun around to glare at Landon. She had no idea why he was here; school dances weren’t really his thing. She suspected Adrian made him come along. Whatever the reason, Sapphira was glad for his massive strength that seemed to easily move things and set them up. He saved her about an hour of work and a lot of back pain.

He seemed to mysteriously show up at the exact moment she needed help with something. Many times he’d lift something out of her hands and walk away without a comment. Sapphira would have been annoyed, but it took too much effort and she was exhausted. Besides, he helped out more than anyone else. Adrian spent his time flirting with April. He stood next to her, sweet talking, while she ordered people around and checked things off a clip board she held.

By noon they were almost done. Sapphira leaned against one of the marble pillars trying to focus as people moved around her. Her mind kept going fuzzy and she just felt so tired. She closed her eyes, just to rest for a moment.

The sudden increase in noise had her opening her eyes; her eyelids felt like a pound of lead. People all around her were staring. Sapphira didn’t understand why. Her mind so muddled, slowly started working again. The angle which she usually saw from changed perspective. A gentle rocking motion carried her away from the crowd.

Sebastian’s confused face and irritated face stood out. So did April and Adrian’s concerned ones. It took Sapphira longer than it should have to realize someone was carrying her out of the room. And she found she didn’t really care who it was or where they were taking her. She closed her eyes and drifted off.

The change of movement, or perhaps the lack of motion had her struggling to return to awareness. The unbearable brightness of hanging white sheets told Sapphira she was in the infirmary. Landon stood beside her bed.

“What am I doing here?” She asked, sitting up.

Silver eyes surveyed her before answering. “You fainted.”

“I did not faint,” she protested. She never fainted a day in her life. “I barely closed my eyes for a second. I was just going to rest for a minute….” Sapphira trailed off looking confused. In truth she had no idea how she went from standing to being in Landon’s arms. Surely she would remember being picked up if not blacking out, which, she’s not convinced she did.

“You were heading for the floor when I walked by,” he shrugged. “You shouldn’t let the student counsel overwork you.” His tone suddenly became more firm. “They’re all just self absorbed with hidden agendas anyways,” he muttered looking away.

Sapphira looked at him in surprise. It was unusual for Landon to comment about other people. She felt rather honored that he’s open up enough to say something freely like that.

He turned back to her looking fierce. “You sleep. Don’t worry about anything; it’ll be taken care of.” With that he left the room, closing the door behind him.

Sapphira sighed and looked around the room. Since it was a weekend the nurse wasn’t present. If an emergency occurred she could be found in the teacher’s dormitory. Most of the teachers preferred to live on campus for convenience sake rather than commute from town, if they lived in town.

If the nurse was there Sapphira probably wouldn’t have laid back down but, as it were, she left like taking that nap. Her eyes drifted close and she found herself in a familiar tall grassy field spotted with wild flowers. Polaris stood waiting for her, smiling.

Feeling spunkier than normal she marched up to him. “I have a few questions for you!”

“I’m sure they are important,” he answered pleasantly.

“Why does using my powers drain me? I specifically asked if there were side effects or consequences to using them and you said no.”

He sighed. “My dear, I’m afraid you’re the one causing the side effects.”

That stopped Sapphira in her tracks. “I am?”

“You have a curious mind,” he commented and began walking. His cloak billowed gently in the wind and his glitter shimmered in the sunlight. Sapphira ran to catch up to him.

“Although I told you there would be no negative responses from using these powers, you still believe in your heart that there should be some sacrifice for using them. Therefore you’ve experienced fatigue as a result.”

Polaris kept a steady pace as Sapphira digested when he told her. It makes sense, she admitted. She did believe there should be a catch to using these powers. Who just gives away magical powers for no reason?

“It just feels weird using magic so freely,” she muttered.

“It’s a preconceived notion that spells and rituals are needed to harness the power of magic. Magic is instantaneous and everywhere. I’ve told you before magic is manifested through will, with a thought.”

“That’s dangerous,” Sapphira murmured.

Polaris stopped walking. He turned to study her. It felt unnerving to be looked at with violet eyes but she held still; since being at Silversprings Academy she became used to being stared at.

“Very unusual,” he muttered, eyes sparkling. “But,” he turned to look at the scenery. “That’s for someone else to investigate at a later time.”

With that as his closing statement, he vanished. Sapphira stood alone as a warm breeze wrapped itself around her. It brought the sweet scent of flowers to her nose even as the grass tickled her legs. She didn’t know how long she remained there, a few minutes, a few hours, but when she woke up the sky had already gone dark outside.

Sighing, Sapphira swung her legs over the side of the bed and stood up. The clock on the wall confirmed that the party had started a half an hour ago. If she hadn’t suddenly felt full of energy, Sapphira would have considered skipping the masquerade ball. She wondered if her new found vigor resulted from the nap or releasing the fatigue because of her conversation with Polaris. The second seemed more likely. A nap, although much needed and appreciated, didn’t give such a refreshing feeling, at least not to Sapphira.

With a thought she began creating her outfit for the ball. She could feel the fabric appearing and molding around her body. Similarly, her hair moved of its own accord, arranging itself in elegant curls and pulling back in the appropriate spots.

When everything finished she stood in the empty infirmary dressed for a masquerade ball and feeling ridiculous. Strappy black heels with ribbons wound up around each ankle as miles of green silk rang down from a tight bodice to meet them. A long slit in the material revealed a good portion of her leg. Black, studded with diamonds, outlined the sweetheart neck line and ran down each side of her torso. The fabric pulled together tight in the front and back to emphasize her hips. Abstract shapes in black littered the dress.

To finish her costume, Sapphira added an elegant mask to fit around her eyes. Tiny jewels twinkled in it as feathers grew out the sides. Long dangling emeralds appeared on her ears as elbow length silk gloves, also in black, materialized on her arms.

With another sigh, Sapphira left the sanctuary of the infirmary and ventured out into the hallway. The lights were turned off so she made her way through the dark; it didn’t bother her. She imagined enticing music beckoning her forward and showing her the way to the ballroom. Only when the music from the masquerade ball overpowered her melody did it fade away.

Taking a deep breath, Sapphira walked into the crowded ballroom.

“Thanks,” she muttered, and gave him a quick caress before getting up to shower. It felt weird for her to dress in casual clothes after wearing only the school uniform for the last few weeks. With a last glance, Sapphira confirmed that she had everything she needed: jacket, mittens (her hands got cold easily), and her wallet. At precisely ten am she was waiting in front of the bus stop at the edge of the school grounds per say April’s request.

Sapphira watching the other students mingle with each other. Some were already on the bus waiting to go, others mulled around the trees. They all kept their distance from Sapphira. Suddenly April appeared out of no where looking fabulous. Sapphira wondered if shopping was just an excuse and she really had a date she didn’t anyone to know about.

Her usual sleek auburn hair tumbled down her back in long curls and pinned back along the sides. Carefully angle bangs framed her eyes. It seemed she took extra care today to highlight her sapphire eyes. Of course her skin looked flawless, like usual, and her clothes a little too dressy for just shopping with a peer.

As if April was having the opposite thoughts about Sapphira she said, “Is that what you’re wearing?” She eyes her jeans, sleek boots, and fitted jacket as if they personally affronted her.

“Yes.”

“Couldn’t you at least have worn your hair down?” she asked. She seemed a little exasperated.

Sapphira stroked her hair she pulled back into a pony earlier. With a shrug she offered her explanation. “It’s easier to go out with it up.” In actuality, with her pulled back, it drew the focus to her sharp green eyes which gave her a mysterious but sophisticated look that only those born with it could achieved.

April sighed and dragged Sapphira onto the bus. She chatted to girls in the seat behind them and listened as the boys in front tried to gain her attention. After a short fifteen minute ride, they arrived in the small town of Springwell. Sapphira wondered if the town was named after the school or if it was the other way around. Either way she observed the town with interest behind a indifferent expression.

She soon knew the town well as April pulled her along to all her favorite clothing stores, a candy shop, a flower shop; all with a comment about each one. “Boys buy flowers here for valentine’s day,” or “Lisa’s has the best deal on shoes.” In the process they passed all the things that make a town functional. The bank, grocery store, the elementary school, post office, a small hospital, the hardware store. There was a charm to Springwell. Almost a tourist atmosphere with the pretty fountains, flowers, and benches. Most of the apartments were fashioned out of brick giving an impression of age and character.

The first reprieve from the shopping madness came when April stopped at a small cafe. Sapphira could only describe it as dainty; it suited April. Clustered around their feet under the table were bags full of goods. April’s five bags to Sapphira’s one.

Sapphira couldn’t help but notice that although April’s purchases were many, she never bought a dress for the Halloween masquerade ball. Sapphira asked about it.

“Oh,” she replied with a smile. “I like to design my own dress. The stores here only have generic designs. Besides,” she picked up the classy embroidered menu, “chances are I’d end up wearing the same thing as someone else.”

Sapphira actually laughed. The horror in her voice was so absolute and disgusted it was funny. Like wearing the same dress as someone else was a sin. Though, in April’s mind, it probably was. Thus, Sapphira became curious about what she would design knowing she had a unlimited resource of magic to create it with.

“It’s a secret,” April announced, before Sapphira would ask about her dress. While she said it was a secret, she couldn’t stop the smug gleam in her eye or the satisfaction of Sapphira wanting to know. Sapphira shrugged; she wasn’t going to pester her about it if she wanted to keep it confidential.

“What about last years dress?” she asked, seeing April’s slightly disappointed look.

With the single question, she lite back up enthusiastically describing her elaborate costume from the year before. Sapphira listened with amused indulgence. It was a relief to her when April’s regular friends showed up and joined them. Sensing that their time together finished, Sapphira excused herself after eating and went to explore the town in a more satisfactory way.

To her confusion, people kept stopping and talking to her. She had no clue why. Normally everyone avoided her. Zoe laughed at her when she came across Sapphira corner on the sidewalk by a small group of guys and girls in their grade.

“It’s not funny!” Sapphira exclaimed, stomping her foot once the people moved on. Her cheeks were flushed red, whether it was from the chill or embarrassment, it was impossible to tell.

“You looked like a deer caught in the headlights,” Zoe still chortled.

Sapphira glared at her and noticed her companion for the first time: Landon. He seemed to be evaluating her through calm eyes; she quickly looked away.

“Are you heading back to school now?” Zoe asked, composure regained. The next bus back left in ten minutes. Somehow all three of them made their way to the bus stop. No one spoke, but it was a comfortable silence.

Suddenly Sapphira turned to look at Landon on the bus. He gazed back waiting, unsure of what to expect. But she said nothing and turned back to stare out the window. After the incident yesterday, Sapphira decided he needed to be magically shielded since Sebastian had revengeful tendencies. From now on he would have 24 hour protection.

Life at Silversprings Academy over the next weeks was stressful for Sapphira. Duties for the student counsel overshadowed everything else as the deadline for the masquerade ball approached. While Ethan always seemed busy, Sapphira couldn’t figure out what with. Aside from giving her a list of things to do he stayed cooped up in the student counsel office at is desk.

Meanwhile Sapphira felt like she always had an ear to the phone; ordering decoration, arranging for them to be dropped off, organizing a committee to put them up, arguing with the caterer about serving sizes, menu, price (Sebastian was very helpful constantly changing the budget), deciding on the music selection, and locating all the equipment needed.

April only helped with the things she found interesting. She freely admitted Sapphira did all the work while everyone else just made the decisions; she didn’t find anything wrong with that. “That’s what a secretary is supposed to do,” she said. Sapphira kept her comments to herself, mostly because Sebastian always looked on with a smirk. He found her hardships amusing.

“You should just stay in bed if you’re going to sleep through class,” Zoe commented one day in class. “It’ll be more comfortable.”

Sapphira shrugged and laid her head back down. They had short break between lessons.

“What I don’t get is why none of the teachers yell at you.” Christina slide a hip on Zoe’s desk so her skirt hitched up provocatively across her thighs. “If I slept during class -

“You do,” Zoe muttered.

Christina sent her a quick glare. “Which means I know from experience. I always yet scolded or objects thrown at me.” Her gloss covered lips came together in a pout.

“Maybe they just like me better,” Sapphira murmured sleepily. She had circles under her eyes. Not only was the strain from working on the ball getting to her but she suspected shielding Landon and herself was draining her energy. Polaris hadn’t made any recent appearances so Sapphira hadn’t had a chance to ask him why. While she probably could just call for him and he’d appear, she was too busy with other things to take the time.

Few people were in the halls when she left; most clubs end their activities early on Fridays. Sapphira looked out the windows as she made her way through the halls to the exit closest to the dorms. It was windy out, blowing the vibrant leaves from their trees. She didn’t notice Sebastian until it was too late. He was waiting for her in the middle of the hallway. Without obviously turning around, there was no way for her to escape.

“What do you want?” she asked. While every instinct told her to run Sapphira didn’t want to be a coward. Perhaps they could talk things out. After all, she wasn’t interested in what he did with his powers and she had no intention of challenging him.

“Did you forget our confrontation this morning?” he asked lightly.

She had to silence all her rebellious thoughts that this was a stupid fight and he was being overly sensitive about such a small thing. Seriously, he was mad that she told him to talk to her later? She also repressed an eye roll.

“Did you need to tell me something?” she asked as neutrally as possible. She fought the urge to fidget her hands and settled on gripping them behind her back where Sebastian couldn’t see.

Sebastian dropped all pretenses. “You’re using your powers against me.”

“Not purposefully,” Sapphira disagreed. “Polaris said I use them subconsciously. Sorry if it interfered with something you were doing,” she apologized and attempted to slip past him.

He grabbed her shoulders and pushed her up against the wall. “Don’t mess with me! Subconsciously? What a ridiculous lie.” His speech sounded rational yet there was something disturbing about him.

Although Sebastian wasn’t very tall, he still had a couple of inches on Sapphira. She could feel his fingers prying into her skin through the fabric. She went cold when she saw the crazy light in his eye and a muscle twitching in his jaw. That alone told Sapphira how tightly he was wound and how easily he could snap. She sent out a mental plea for help.

“I don’t care what you do with your powers,” she put out out there.

“Yet everywhere I go is your influence,” he replied reasonably, like this was a class debate. “All my careful planning was disturbed the second you walked onto this campus. How do you think that made me feel?”

Sapphira could feel his hot breath on her cheek as he muttered into her ear. The strain in his voice was apparent. “I’ll stop so let me go.” She tried shaking off his grip and found her self slammed back into the wall. Her stomach felt sick and a metallic taste started filling her mouth. “Sebastian!”

Once again she got hit with the most excruciating pain she’d ever felt. “STOP!” she cried thrashing her head back and forth. Immediately it stopped as it did early. Her breath came out in shudders and she found her body had turned to jelly; it no longer listened to her commands. Some detached rational part of her was glad Sebastian was holding her up.

“Oops. Shouldn’t let your guard down,” he advised pleasantly. Sapphira glared at him. If he didn’t have her arms pined she would have hit him.

“What are you doing?” a harsh voice demanded from behind them.

Sebastian slowly turned his head to see who spoke. Landon stood there looking angry, his silver eyes blazing.

“It’s none of your business. Go away,” Sebastian dismissed Landon,turning his attention back to Sapphira. She fidgeted under his tightened grip. Suddenly his hands were ripped away as Landon grabbed Sebastian and pulled him back.

“NO!” Sapphira shouted, throwing a shield over Landon just as he was magically attacked.

Sebastian shook off Landon and turned back to Sapphira. With a look she was being tortured again. Landon didn’t know how she was being hurt, but the look of pain on her face was unmistakable; it was the same look she had on earlier before class.

Before her knees gave out Sebastian cuffed her hands and pinned them over her head. “You forgot yourself when you shielded him,” he criticized. “I can’t believe how inept you are at using your powers yet you still insist on interfering with my plans.”

This time when Landon pulled him off, Sapphira was ready with the shields. Despite being a year older, Sebastian was no match of Landon physically. He watched Landon grabbed Sapphira around the waist to keep her standing then turn his intimidating stare on him. Now that all the magic was nullified, it was either fight with fists or leave.

“This isn’t over,” he snarled and stalked off down the hallway.

Landon felt Sapphira trembling against his side. He wasn’t sure if she went into shock or what to do about it. He settled his uncertainty by keeping a casual but firm grip on her side in case she fainted. She sure looked like she was about to. But it seemed she just needed a moment to regain herself becuase she gently pulled away a minute later.

“Thank you,” she told him looking up into his face. She gave him a half smile, feeling like it took what little energy she had left. She was going to ask Polaris why she felt so weak. He said there were no side effects to using magic, so why after stopping a magical attack did she feel so drained? Did it take twice the effort?

“Should I take you to the infirmary?” he asked, seeing her sway where she stood.

“No. I’m fine,” Sapphira answered softly. She could see he looked skeptical, which was justified, but she just wanted to be alone and sleep it off. If he was going to argue with her about it, he was interrupted by the appearance of Mavro.

The kitten trotted down the hall towards them purposefully looking extra small in the large corridor. He meowed loudly.

“I’m fine,” Sapphira reassured him. “Just tired.” The kitten sat down a few feet away and stared at her as if trying to determine whether or not to believe her. What his decision was she didn’t know for he simply turned around and started walking the way he came. He looked over his shoulder and meowed again.

Sapphira followed him forgetting Landon and leaving him with no explanation for what just occurred. It hadn’t crossed her mind that he would want one.