Chapter One - Ivy
Mushrooms dotted the rotting undergrowth, willow branches danced into my way, my necklace bobbed in the hollow of my throat, but I didn’t care. I had to keep running. My wings fluttered, faster than a heartbeat, to keep up with my legs, even though one was limp and dragging. Desperation drove me onward, almost like the wind, it kept pushing me. I’d forgotten where I was running to, I think I just had to get out of there. Other faeries looked on in confusion, and that’s when it hit me. BAM! Like running into a brick wall. Werewolf scent, and by the smell of it, was little over fifteen minutes old. Faeries and werewolves had been cutthroat enemies for centuries. One guard was not going to follow down a werewolf path.
I slowed, not wanting to catch up with the wolf, and in a matter of ten minutes, I realized I was many miles away from the German border. At least I was safe, for a while, anyways. I noticed the slow change of environment when the heavy trees gave forth to an urban city. I folded my wings down, wincing, and shouldered into my black sweatshirt. It was then I realized the werewolf scent was much fresher here, and strong. The hair on the back of my neck rose, and I slowly turned around to see a tall and gangly teen, sitting on the bench behind me.
“Hello, Moth. What are so dangerous these days you had to follow me?” Anger at the insult, and fear made my throat feel dry. But I knew I had to control myself. We were in a busy town; neither of us could break our laws by revealing ourselves in front of all these mortals. I looked at her warily, taking in her wide amber eyes, and copper colored hair, similar to my unnatural crimson color. Her pursed lips were parted in a grimace, and a small, button nose wrinkled at my foreign smell. The girl’s most noticeable feature was her height, towering above my own. While I examined her, she checked a watch on her left hand. Suddenly, the werewolf stood up, flicking her hair behind an ear, and, in the blink of an eye, I shrunk.
Looking up, I glared. A wide grin was slowly making its way across her face. She didn’t look like she could contain it, and started laughing. This girl was cracking up, and I sat there, waiting for my enemy to get over this fit.
“You…you…” she was obviously trying to say something through her maniac laughter, and she finally stood, tears in her eyes, and choked out:
“You…can transform, but in this sudde-, sudden state of ‘danger’, you transform…” She was giggling uncontrollably, “into a mushroom!” This stupid wolf-girl began laughing again, back bent over, clutching her sides. My two large, bright eyes shot daggers at her from my toadstool head, as I waited, rather impatiently for her to regain control. The smell was quite unpleasant, and finally, she sat down on a bench, cheeks pink. “So, how about while no one is looking, you turn back, and explain why something that funny doesn’t happen to me every day.” I didn’t move. “It’s okay, I promise I won’t kill you.” I didn’t trust her, but I was getting sore, and she probably looked like a fool, laughing at what would appear to be nothing, from a mortals eyes. With one last check to make sure no one was looking, I popped back into my normal form, and picked up my fallen purple backpack.
“It’s not an instant thing, trying to think of something inconspicuous.” I growled up at her. She didn’t look like she was convinced, so I continued. “Look,” I snapped. “I have better things to do than be a clown all day.”
“Yeah, like what, run from the law?” My eyes flashed to meet hers.
“I wasn’t running from the law.”
“Then why were you following me, which no sane faerie would do without a good reason?” I kept glaring at her, my wide blue eyes meeting her amber ones.
“None of your business, unless you know where to hide a faerie, get rid of a fearsome ruler and his guard, find some honey, and ice for my wing.” I knew I shouldn’t be spilling my problems to this mutt I didn’t even know, but I was exasperated, and they were probably still looking for me. I shuddered at the memory of fierce whips, cold daggers, and cruel faces.
“You running, too?” This time her voice was more of a whisper. “I’m late. Come with me.”
I didn’t know what she meant. I had thought only the faeries had been having trouble with my Clan leader. She stood, and took off at a swift run, in the opposite direction. I kept up easily, not really knowing why I trusted her, just knowing this was my only chance.
The werewolf lead me a few miles down to the lesser part of town, and brought me towards an old, decrepit brick building. She explained as we approached the front steps.
“This is the place you need. For a while, anyway.” I immediately stopped in my tracks.
“What is this place? Why are you bringing me here, and why did you let me follow you?” I hissed through clenched teeth. Copper kid kept trying to pull me through the doors, but finally let go of my arm.
“If I answer will you come in?” She looked frightened at being seen in the open to long with me. As she should be, we were mortal enemies, after all. I gave a short nod, and she immediately began reeling off everything in a quick whisper.
“This is a safety haven for beings banished from their packs, Clans, families, and whatnot. Recently there has been a lot of dispute over power, so the ones with power, leaders, heads, whatever you call them, have taken to punishing beings who don’t seem to enjoy following them.” Here she paused for a quick breath. “Some they punish more viciously than others. You were lucky, just being banished. We haven’t found many faeries recently. What did you do?” She gazed inquisitively into my eyes.
“Umm…” I thought back, not really knowing what had triggered the guards, sudden, vicious attack. “Well, earlier today I was sitting in the Large Oak, getting some sun, talking a nap, the works, when a Patrol Officer flew by, telling me to help with some usual Mid High-Sun Festival crap, when I said, ‘Just five more minutes.’ And he went ballistic, doing his special trick, alerting all the Officers and stuff, and he grabbed my wing! So I obviously was pissed. No one, not even a faeries’ parent even touches the wings! Even though it hurt like hell, I tore out of his grip and ran. You know the rest.” I eyed my torn wing, now both out since no body was around. The usual glimmering beauty of it was gone, there was no sparkle, and it hung like a torn, limp, rag from my left shoulder. “By the way, I’m Ivy.”
“Lyss. But enough about that, we have to get that wing fixed. It’s obviously killing you!”
Chapter Two - Lyss
She was a scrappy little thing, but she had she needed help. I didn’t know a lot about faeries, seeing as we’re mortal enemies and all that jazz, but I knew one thing. Faeries’ wings are their pride and joy. I could feel a pulse in the air around her wings, and they radiated heat like a fever. To me, these remains looked like a cathedrals’ stained glass window, which someone had dared throw a stone at. I had to get this girl help, I wasn’t sure if we could save the wing, but it was of no doubt that it was causing her serious pain. Luckily, I knew someone who could probably fix it. And she was okay, for a faerie, anyway.
“Come on, Ivy. We may have some comfrey poultice left over for you wing.” I began to again lead her into the dilapidated structure. As I opened the door, she asked
“Why did you say, ‘left over?’ I’m not the first faerie you’ve tried to help?” I paused inside the doorway, and answered, “You’re not the first one, the other left soon after he was treated. You were a pretty lucky one, considering these three elves that came in yesterday. One’s legs were both broken, so the others had to carry him, and one of the older two, I think her name’s Gwyn, had a dislocated arm, and the last one luckily was only covered head to toe in bruises.
“Anywho, we used up most of our comfrey for them, and if you’re like every other one of us in here, human remedies won’t work.” Ivy looked slightly confused by now, and she looked like she had many questions reeling through her mind, but she just walked down the hall, warily, a little behind me. Her eyes bored into the doors and pictures on the walls.
We had just come to the end if the long hallway, when, we jumped at the sudden apparition of a vampire.
Ivy
“Damn those reflexes!” Here I was again, down on the ground, this time a crimson mouse with unusually large eyes and two wings, sitting atop a purple shoulder bag. Lyss and her new buddy appeared to be trying not to laugh, all I knew is this seemed to be a trap, and I was getting out of here! I quickly began beating my wings, getting higher and higher, though rather slowly. My tattered wing was shrieking in protest. Lyss quickly grabbed my tail, carefully, so she wouldn’t hurt my wings, and held me in her hand.
“Ivy, chillax. This is Harrison. He founded this place, and he’s the one who takes care of injured and banished beings. He’s the one who can help you.” I looked up at him. As a faerie, I knew I was a little more than half his height.
“Help from a blood sucking, cold hearted thing?” I squeaked. “I didn’t want help in the first place!” I tried to wriggle out of her grip, but generally most werewolves are stronger than mice. I saw her look at Harrison in an apologetic way. He reached for my mousiness, and I tried to pull away, but Lyss dropped me into his big hands. I instantly shuddered. His skin was hard, and his eyes kept staring at my wings like they were magic or something. I felt sort of proud; I had beautiful and useful wings, while he didn’t. I was averse to anything to do with this beast. The leech’s skin was cold, and very pale, almost white. Purple eyes examined me, and he cocked his head to one side, thinking.
While one hand held me fast, the other raised up to gently stroke my wings. Honestly, the cold felt good on my wings, but I wouldn’t admit that.
“What’s your name?”
“Ivy. Don’t push it.” I spat the last words out, and I knew I was being rude, but I had no reason to trust either of them, and I didn’t like relying on someone else. He began walking with me towards one of the closest doors. “Wait! Can I change back before we go to your science lab?” I added the last bit sarcastically, but I hoped he would put me down. Apparently touching vampires disables my transformation powers.
“Of course, and don’t worry, it’s just a kitchen. It’s where we all meet at this time of day, every other day, to discuss.” As he said this, Harrison placed me on the floor. With a cry of pain, I shot back up, to my usual three feet eleven.
“Discuss, what?” I was impatient. My wing was just getting worse. He didn’t answer. I just shouldered my bag, and followed, wincing with pain as my tatters dragged on the ground. I trailed Lyss and Harrison warily into the room. Surprises made me take a step back. It looked like a French country kitchen you see on human TV, with little roosters and embroidered tablecloths. There was a small cooking area to the left, and a table to the right with eight chairs around it. Nothing like what it appeared to be outside. Already there were what must be the three injured elves seated around the table, and two others I didn’t recognize. I acknowledged the one with the arm in a cast, and guessed that must be Gwyn. Harrison cleared his throat, and everyone looked at him.
“Hey, everyone. This is a newcomer that Lyss found today. Her name’s Ivy, and be careful of her wing! Excuse me for a moment; I’ll have to prepare another room… Lyss, you can introduce everyone.” Lyss looked happy about this.
“Okay… Ivy, these three are the elves I told you about. This is Gwyn, Kapri, and Willow.” Gwyn grinned imp-like, her cropped blonde hair framing her face. Kapri smiled, shaking brown hair out of his face, though his legs must have been in agony, and Willow nodded. She looked around ten, still young and slightly wary. I smiled reassuringly. They were all exceptionally beautiful, even for elves. “And these,” Lyss went on “are Skye and Felix. They are the other wolves in my pack. I’m the newest, but they have been working with Harrison, for a while to rescue others after they themselves were chased out.” Skye growled, as if she didn’t trust a faerie, and Felix pushed his long hair back, and said,
“Well, hi, stranger. You’re the first faerie in a while. Your regime appears to be pretty harsh. What happened to your wing?” He looked at me, green eyes wide. When he said that, everyone else looked my way for a story.
“If you would like, Ivy, you can share before we start our meeting.” Harrison had returned. “And while you’re sharing, would you like this comfrey poultice?”
“Thanks, Harrison, but I can do it myself.” It was weird addressing a vampire like that, and I still wasn’t comfortable with others touching my wings, with good reason. He nodded, smiling, and handed over the salve.
“Alright,” I began, “well, Faeries’ love the sun, and today, the Black Forest was warm with the High-Sun season. I was licking some honey, after taking an afternoon nap in a high tree. The Guard do this often, and I had worked hard that morning.” I paused, my audience still listening intently. “So a big…” I rethought this as Felix snorted, “big for a faerie anyway, Guard Faerie told me to get off my lazy ass and get to work with the preparations for the Mid High-Sun Festival. I was ticked at being called a lazy ass, plus I was tired and happy on that tree, so I said “Five more minutes.” Suddenly, he had my wing in one hand, and was dragging me across the forest. I refused to be treated as such, so I ripped away, tearing my wing, and ran-flied until I found Lyss’s scent, and I followed it, because I knew they would never follow me there.” Lyss looked proud.
While I had been talking, I had been preening my wings, and rubbing the comfrey mix onto my torn one, it hurt for a moment, but luckily it stopped the aching. Then, while I waited for them to say something, I pulled some lavender-chamomile oil out of my bag, and massaged the calming oils into my wings. When I had done, I shook myself like a wet dog, and turned to face them.
They didn’t look shocked. However, their expressions showed that I was lucky to be alive. If I recall correctly, I think I just looked red in the face from anger. Harrison put his hand on my shoulder, but however nice the gesture, I shrugged it off. Thank the sky Lyss suddenly realized it would be a good time to start this mysterious meeting.
“Umm, Harrison. Meeting?” They all seemed to subconsciously shift toward him, and he began.
“Alright everyone, a day ago we discussed the enemies movements…” he pulled a map of Europe out of his pocket. “Purple is mainly elf territory, blue is almost all-faerie turf, the small spots of red are where packs dwell, and the rest is nomadic. We know the elves, faeries, and werewolves, are definitely getting more territorial, more power hungry, and crueler. We are going to continue patrolling the Faerie and Elf borders.” The werewolves looked angry, so he added defensively, “We would go there, but it’s to far for every other day. Plus, the punishments vary by pack, but the Faerie and Elf ones are getting worse. Just look at Kapri and Ivy.” Here he paused, glancing again at me. I glared, not liking the sudden attention, and he went on quickly. “So, now we announce patrols. Tomorrow, Lyss, and Willow, southern Faerie borders. Skye and I will check the nearest Elven border…” He glanced at the map, thinking something over, and when he spoke he sounded distracted. “I think that’s it.”
We all scraped our chairs back, and I headed over to Lyss.
“So, is this all you guys do? Any action involved?” She caught onto my teasing tone, and gave a hesitant smile. It looked like I was on my way to making a friend. Something I was never exceptionally good at. Something my family would kill me for if they knew who she was.
The werewolves’ expression turned mischievous, as she replied:
“Well, mostly the patrols go undisturbed, until one of us finds someone like you, or we get into a skirmish.” She chuckled, clearly enjoying memories. “We actually had to fight to get the Elves out, which was more enjoyable than it sounds.” Lyss barked a laugh. Fights were clearly something she secretly enjoyed, of which I had to agree.
Her smile spread.
“Come on! I want to show you the rest of the house!” She took off in down the hall, weaving through the milling crowd, I just one step behind her.
Chapter Three - Ivy
Lyss had slowed by now, and I trailed her, noticing every chip in the paint, every crack in the wood. I observed that it was much nicer than it appeared to be outside, more homey feeling, like on the French countryside. I was also puzzled, only half-listening to whatever Lyss was rattling on about. It was weird; so far, I was actually almost enjoying Lyss’s company. It reminded her of how few friends I had back home. Lyss paused, and opened a small room with three wooden beds. They were covered in white linens, and took up most of the small room.
“This is Gwyn, Kapri, and Willows’ room. They just got here, too, so they haven’t added much personality yet, unlike Felix’s room…” she chuckled at the last bit, and I figured I’d see it soon enough. We continued on through the hall, the other three rooms were the same as the Elves, wooden walls, but only one bed. Lyss opened the last door, painted crimson, unlike the other gray ones. Behind it, was a circling wooden staircase.
“Come on, Ivy!” Lyss called, already half-way up. I flew up, not minding the stairs, and perched on the second landing. After the herbs, my wing felt a bit better. Instead of a long hallway like downstairs, there was a large, circular, living room. The cushiony chairs looked inviting after everything. But Lyss was in no mood for sitting, she ran right over to a black door, and she looked at me. Does this girl ever rest? I thought to myself. Maybe she was filled with perpetual energy, or maybe I was just tired.
Lyss waited. I walked slowly over. However much energy she had, as the sun faded, so did I.
“Wanna be any slower, Ivy? I want to show you the rest of the house before I let you even think of sleeping!”
“Too late for that.” I muttered, except I skipped the rest of the space over. I also noticed she said house, not rooms.
“This is Felix’s and Skye’s room. They’ve had a bit more time to add to their style.” She opened the door, and we went inside. I couldn’t help but laugh when I saw it. Already I could tell that it was so Felix! He had posters of rock and roll bands plastered all over the walls, and multiple disco balls hanging from the ceiling made the room sparkle.
“Well, I can see the Felix in it, but where is the Skye?” I questioned Lyss. To me she didn’t seem like the heavy metal type. Lyss barked another laugh, as if she could tell what I was thinking.
“She just sleeps in here for convenience. We like to have plenty of extra space.” She gestured to the two beds. One was against the left wall, I guessed trying to make more room of the confined space, while the other was in an alcove on the other side, with a small radio and some books next to the bed. “I think you’ve guessed that there is a pretty restricted space living here. Harrison is the only one with his own room, he’d be happy to share except no one will let him. He deserves his own space, plus all his papers and work take up a good deal of space.” She led me out, and skipped the next door to get to the last one.
“And this is our room. I hope you don’t mind sharing?” Her gaze was questioning, but I shrugged, and smiled.
“As long as you don’t snore!” She lightly punched my shoulder, and I darted away into the room.
“Wow.” It was my favorite room of all, with one side a giant window looking out to the forest. The rest was simple wood, with some squishy beanbag chairs next to the opposite wall. There were two bookcases on each side of the door, and two beds, one looking fresher than the other. In between the beds, there was another door with a fancy sign saying “Ladies Room” in an italic script. Lyss let me take it in silence, until she saw my gaze linger on the bed. She did a mock frown, and sighed,
“Well if you’re that tired, I’ll show you the rest tomorrow, we all need a good nights sleep.” The werewolf looked putout, but it didn’t bother me much. I scrambled over to the bed, threw my pack to the floor, and instantly fell asleep.
Chapter Four - Lyss
“Dammit!”
I shot up. Not a good move. My head bonked a reading light, after which I used my own choice of swear words. Rubbing my head, I slid out of bed, sitting up to see what had caused me to wake up. Nothing was there, only a sudden feeling that something was watching me. My leg prickled, and I reached down to slap a bug off of it, but I didn’t have time to do anything. “What the hell do you think you’re doing?” Through my sleepy-ness, I didn’t realize until now that that beetle had funny wings and bright blue eyes.
“Sorry, Ivy. But you shouldn’t sneak up on me like that if you care about your self preservation.” I rubbed my eyes, and picked the beetle up. One of its unusual wings looked crooked. “What happened to your wing, and why are you a junebug crawling across my pajama bottom?” To anyone else, this exchange would have looked peculiar, I thought, but luckily, no one else was here. With a crack, Ivy appeared on my bed, looking slightly dishelved in her clothes from yesterday and crow’s nest hair. The faerie winced, and looked troubled, yet still annoyed.
“You got a brush and a change of clothes? Sorry about waking you, I was about to look for some when I heard a strange noise, fell out of bed, and twisted my wing.” Ivy gritted her teeth, sleep had obviously not helped her injury.
“There’s a whole wardrobe in a drawer under you bed, but what’s this about a strange noise?” I was immediately alert, listening intently to the sounds of morning. The faerie was still in a defensive crouch on bed, talons unsheathed from her toes and fingers.
“Some splattering noise, like a raindrop hitting a metal roof, and strange gurgling.” Ivy hissed, looking around wildly. At least she hasn’t transformed. That’s a start. Then I giggled, recognizing what she heard.
“That is bacon and eggs cooking downstairs, I know I shouldn’t laugh since you eat only honey, but so funny!” I was laughing louder now. It was just so funny how she didn’t know!
“When you’ve gotten over your state of hysterics,” she muttered coldly, “you might actually think of freshening up yourself!” I stopped laughing, but I was still smiling.
“Come on, clothes in there, brushes on the bookshelf, and I’ll show you the rest on the way to breakfast.” I apparently was forgiven, and Ivy shifted out of her crouch. Her claws shot back, and she danced over to her bed, and I was confused. Now she was giggling, amusement dancing in her eyes. My eyes asked my question for me. What?
“I thought it may have been the Critei from out legends, when it was something as harmless as food!” Ivy chuckled once. She went on, probably sensing the confusion I felt. “The Critei is a dreaded creature, enemy to all creatures, but most believe to be a myth now. It was a half-human, half-animal. It had small features of its’ personal animal, for instance, ears, tail, a nose, and whiskers. But for periods of time it could turn into a more powerful version of their animal, like a giant leopard or bear on steroids.” She shuddered. “They don’t seem like much at first, but they are known for being bloodthirsty, killing just for fun.” I raised my eyebrows.
“How can there be any myths for human myths?” I questioned. Her story didn’t seem very believable, more like a tale for pups. Ivy didn’t answer, just pursed her lips. She seemed to know I thought her tale wasn’t convincing. “Anyway, enough about that, let’s get dressed, and I’ll show you the rest of the house.” Still frowning, she pulled the drawer and began examining the clothes. I grabbed a tee and some jeans, and exited to the bathroom.
*****
Ivy was wearing a light knitted pullover, paired with corduroys and a black shirt. I sighed. Faeries always knew how to look nice, even in the worst situations. I couldn’t say the same for werewolves, which made me snigger. She ignored me, just gestured to the door. Another thought that made me smile was that, especially corresponding with an early morning scare, Ivy was not a morning person.
“So what else do you have to show me, Lyss? I hope it doesn’t take long. I’m starved!” Her belly agreed with her by rumbling loudly. That made us both laugh. I led her out and back into the circular living room. There was another door I hadn’t noticed before.
“That’s another bathroom.” I told her. “It also has common cures, like honey, comfrey, burdock, etcetera, etcetera.” She looked puzzled, and it took me a minute to figure out why. “Oh yeah! You eat honey! Well, don’t take any; it’s for sore throats. It is not a midnight snack supply!” Ivy snorted, and grinned mischievously.
“So what’s the last place you want to show me? I don’t think you mentioned just showing me a bathroom and medicine cabinet.” I chuckled. Despite not liking mornings, Ivy was fun to be around.
“Alright, so since this is a safe house, we have to have an extra safe-place incase the enemy find out about us. I’m required to show you, plus I think you’d be grateful to know.” She looked slightly worried, but followed me.
“Has anyone ever found out about the house that you didn’t want too?” Ivy’s eyes flicked from side to side, memorizing each step we took.
“Do you think we would still be here if there had?” I grinned darkly. “It’s this way.” We headed to the staircase.
Ivy
Lyss was leading me to the staircase, I didn’t know if we were eating first, or going to the hideaway. She paused at the top of the stairs, and it seemed she was just putting her hand on the banister to balance herself. However, she twisted one of the poles, and the third from the top stair disappeared.
“It’s simple, Ivy.” She had obviously seen by raised eyebrows. “Invaders would automatically think we used advanced Elven magic to hide, so they would use some revealing spell. But this is some dinky human kind, and magic doesn’t expose human hideouts. So we actually put one-way magic hideaway places all over the house, except we never go in. As a result, if they come, they will go into the traps, and be stuck there until we choose to release them!” Lyss smiled reassuringly, and I had to admit, it was a good plan.
“So where’s the real one lead?” I didn’t want to escape into a dark hole to some parallel universe. Lyss was about to reply, when I heard my stomach groan again. “Wait, walk and talk.” We both smiled, my tiredness forgotten, and headed downstairs, with the stair door closing behind us.
“It leads to a sewer. Don’t worry, no one ever used it!” She added, as I recoiled. “It was built, like, ten years ago, but they only half-finished it because they realized the proportions were off. Then, for a very long while, it leads to the sea.” She finished her explanation as we entered the kitchen. When she opened the door, a wave of fresh smells hit the roof of my mouth, nearly knocking me over.
I saw a jar of honey, and fluttered over in my haste. Not a good idea.
“Ouch!” I skidded to a stop, nearly slamming into Gwyn. Muttering an apology, I turned to check out my wing. It wasn’t much better. I heard giggling, and I saw Lyss snigger quietly while she left the room. Probably fetching some more comfrey. My cheeks turned bright red, and everyone else was smiling, too. Harrison alone seemed to take pity on me, and got up.
“Hungry, are we, Ivy?” He smiled, and led me over to the table. One second he was there empty-handed, and in less than a heartbeat, he was there with the honey, a bowl, and a spoon. Gwyn came to sit next to me, with some weird rusty and creamy colored things on a plate. My embarrassment momentarily forgotten, I stared.
“Are those the ‘bacon and eggs’ things Lyss told me about?” I asked. “What’s a bacon?” Gwyn put her hand to her forehead, shaking her head slowly back and forth. Willow had a grin on from ear to ear, and the werewolves appeared trying not to laugh. Even Harrison looked amused.
“What’s so funny?” Lyss was back, comfrey poultice in hand. It was all everyone could do to not go into fits of laughter. I considered mutiny.
Willow looked like she was having trouble breathing as she choked out,
“Lyss…” here she began laughing hysterically. A change from yesterday. “Ivy…bacon…eggs…” She couldn’t say anymore. Willow was laughing so hard she was making a weird hissing sound. I wanted to turn into a butterfly so I’d have two pairs of wings to fly away with, except that would make them laugh even harder. Instead I glared at everyone, and spooned some honey into my bowl.
“Okay, okay, give Ivy a break now.” Harrison announced loudly. It took a minute, but everyone quieted, my question still unanswered. I wasn’t going to push it. Shooting him a grateful look, and he smiled back. Lyss sat down beside me with a bemused yet friendly expression.
“Did you show Ivy around, Lyss?” The vampire was sitting on the counter across from us, subtly getting the attention away from me, of which I was thankful.
“I showed her everything, but we will have to explain what house noises are to her. This morning she jumped on me thinking she heard the Critei of her legends.”
“Can we just keep the subject off of “What Crazy Thing Ivy did Just Now?” I snapped. They were probably going to laugh at that too. They all looked confused, apparently they didn’t know any more about the Critei than Lyss.
“So what’s a Critei-whatsit and what did you think was it?” Willow questioned, making my face go red again. Everyone looked at me expectantly, and so I prepared to be laughed at, and began.
“According to our legends, a long time ago there was a monstrous creature. During its’ few times of peace, it appeared human from far away. Up close it was something different. Each one had an animal chosen for them at their creation, it could be anything from a mouse to an elephant, but generally they had predator behavior. So for instance, let’s say one was part cat. In human form they would have a few cat-like features, maybe whiskers, a tail and ears. They weren’t dangerous then, except for their ruthless planning. But when they wanted to be dangerous,” I swallowed, “they could transform into a huge version of their counterpart. As I put it earlier, a cat on steroids. They killed for the fun of it, and everyone lived in fear of them, because it took a great many warriors to kill even one.” They listened. It seemed an interesting story to them, but I don’t think they actually believed it.
“Well that’s a great legend, but what did you think could have been they Critei?” Skye asked, “We have legends of our own, but not half as cool!” She chuckled.
“Well, Lyss said it was that thing called bacon and eggs sizzling in their pan. I thought it was one because sometimes they make weird noises to try to scare mortals out of their homes, so he can polish them off in the street.” I thought that they were going to laugh, but apparently the expression on my face made them think better of it.
I turned to Harrison.
“So, when is the patrol going today?” I was curious, plus I wanted to go. It wasn’t going to be fun, being cooped up in here all the time.
“A few hours, around noon; why?” His voice was light, the question open. I was beginning to like Harrison.
“Well, I was wondering if I could go with them… it would be just Lyss and Willow, and what if they ran into trouble? And I know the woods there, seeing as I used to live nearby, and as long as I put on that oil I have upstairs my wing will be fine…” I looked at him hopefully, not entirely sure whether my charade had been enough to convince him. Harrison leaned back, still perched on the counter. His red eyes turned toward the ceiling. Finally, he looked at me, straight into my eyes. It was sort of dizzying, and for a heartbeat, I lost my train of thought.
“I am not going to say no, I am not here to order you about, but I think it would be best if you stayed here. Your wing still needs rest, especially after you twisted it again, and they are probably looking for your scent around the border incase you tried to sneak back. I don’t think it would be a good idea.” While he had been talking, I took a bite of honey. I grumbled, but decided to stay. He was most likely stating the truth. Darned vampires. I thought. Why do they have to right and attractive?
“Alright. I’ll stay.” I had finished my nectar, and flitted across the room to put my things away.
Chapter Five - Ivy
It was drizzling by the time I got back to the circular room. Felix had gathered everyone but Willow and Lyss for a game of cards. I plopped myself in a squishy violet chair, and eyed the wolf.
“So, what do you guys do when you aren’t fighting, plotting, sleeping, or patrolling?” It seemed pretty mellow to me, but I wondered if there was any rules or guidelines. Harrison didn’t appear to want to force anyone, but I doubted he would allow ancient disputes get in the way of anything. He clearly seemed at ease with all the legends and what not about certain things being others cold-blooded enemies.
Felix chuckled. “We can pretty much do anything we want, except kill each other, I’d guess. Harrison doesn’t like violence, and he doesn’t tolerate it here. However, he can be good fun whenever we do come up with something to do. Sometimes we play fight, or cards, you get the idea.” He grinned mischievously.
By this time, Harrison had come up.
“Hey Felix, can we have some help? Kapri would like to come join, but we need another hand.” Felix looked up, and was about to say something, but I interrupted.
“I can bring him, Harrison.” Both men raised their eyebrows, but I ignored them and streaked downstairs. Kapri was sitting in a kitchen chair; Gwyn and Skye appeared to be trying to reason with him.
“Kapri, Ivy says she would like to help.” Harrison apparently could run fast, too. “What do you think?” Kapri looked at me like I was crazy, Gwyn snorted, and Skye eyed me with a perplexed expression.
“Ivy, no offense or anything… but aren’t you a little…”
“Small?” Skye finished Kapri’s sentence for him. I rolled my eyes, and stalked over to him.
“Shove over, Skye. I’ve got this.” I muttered. She wasn’t the one who said ‘no offense.’ Kapri looked nervous, but I just gently fluttered my wings, which lifted me up a few feet. This gave me a good view of the hall, and everyone was there, looking at me with exasperation. “Don’t worry, Kapri, I won’t claw you.” I unsheathed my claws, Gwyn looked nervous, but I couldn’t see Kapri’s face.
Gripping his arms in my hands, my talons wrapped around with a firm hold, I began fluttering faster. Both wings kept beating, causing air to ruffle everyone’s hair. My arms suddenly had more pressure on them, and I knew Kapri was being lifted out of his chair.
Over the wind, I heard everyone’s gasps. Apparently they didn’t know how strong faeries were. I headed toward the stairs, Kapris’ long legs a foot above the ground. Harrison was already opening the door, and I flew the elf up the stairs, the others trailing along behind.
Kapri was pretty light, but by the time I sat him in my purple chair only a moment later, my wing was aching.
“How was that, Kapri?” I asked, after sitting down cross-legged on the floor. That made him laugh.
“At first I was concerned… I am pretty big to carry, plus you don’t look exceptionally strong,” I grinned and flexed my invisible muscles, and my stick arms didn’t change. “But it was interesting. I never thought I’d fly!” Everyone gathered around the table, and I hoped now they wouldn’t laugh at me anymore. Felix began dealing, and everyone was content.
Chapter Six - Ivy
“So, how was your patrol?” Lyss had returned, and was helping me set up a small hammock in the top corner of our room. She had already helped me with one in the Circle Room. Lyss snorted.
“I’ll bet you had more fun here. I hate it when we don’t find anything! All we found was a funny scent, we had a hunting contest, and I listened to Willow chatter.” My brow furrowed.
“How do you two have hunting contests? I didn’t even know Elves could run fast!” I glanced out the window toward the mountains.
“Humans were right about one thing when they came up with their legends, Elves are extremely skilled with the bow, and they have excellent sight and hearing. Even little Willow rarely misses. As for the running, they have human running speed, except they have exceptional stamina. But I carry Willow, since she doesn’t have much yet….”
“So you can turn into a wolf any time? Skye said some wolves couldn’t. Is there any of the full moon stuff that mortals think, for you?” There was so much I didn’t know about my new friends, and it interested me greatly.
“Anytime I want, except I still have the dumb moon quirk. Skye was right. We’re all lucky, some wolves only transform when the moon is full, depends on who bit them.” She sighed. Apparently Lyss didn’t like her “quirk.” “So how was your day? Did Felix trick you into playing gin? He’s the master, caught me when I first joined his pack.” She grinned.
“No gin, the others rescued me from that one! We played hearts, in which Harrison crushed us…. and I carried Kapri…. and we had battle practice.” I remembered earlier. I would never have guessed the Circle Room could also be put to that use. “Skye still won’t believe that I crushed her, but Felix was harder… and Harrison was to busy.” An errant thought came to me as I flew up to the now finished hammock.
“How old is he, anyway?” Lyss looked up at me as she replied,
“He’s like, four hundred or something, but he was bitten around twenty… so you beat Skye, huh? She’s probably ticked. Doesn’t like a wounded ego.” This made us both chuckle; apparently Lyss had her own share of battle stories. I shivered at a draft from downstairs.
Suddenly I froze. The small wind brought a feeling of terror. I didn’t hear or smell anything, but fear adds a certain flavor to the air.
“Something’s wrong.” I heard the quickened breath of everyone downstairs, and I knew the dusk patrol had returned.
“Skye and Harrison.” Lyss muttered. I leapt down and skittered downstairs, the essence of silence. I could hear Lyss right behind me. We reached the kitchen in less then a second. I was about to pull open the door, when Lyss pulled me back. Her nostrils were flaring, picking up a scent.
“Back up a bit. Someone’s in there.” I did as she asked, and she started shivering. Her figure distorted, and her limbs elongated. Her hair started growing, and she dropped down to all fours. Her already long limbs extended, and her head turned pointy. In a second, she had transformed into a large, copper wolf.
I unsheathed my claws, and tugged my shoes off. I pointed to myself, and then a small window above the door. Lyss nodded. I flew up, not even noticing my aching wing, and slipped through the window. A strange sight met my gaze, and I fluttered into a corner to watch.
Standing in the center of the room, was a vampire. I knew from the pale skin, and the beauty that made her different in every move. She wasn’t that much taller than my own four feet seven, but she held a pose of power. Her brown hair was in a tight bun on the back of her head, and she was clothed in crimson robes. Harrison, Felix, Skye, Gwyn, and Kapri stood against the wall. I didn’t see why they hadn’t attacked her, until I saw something squirming in her grasp.
It was Willow.
Nobody gave any sign that they saw me, but I knew they had. Everyone but the vampire and Willow, who were facing the opposite direction. Seeing enough, I flitted back past the window.
Lyss stood, waiting. Through a dozen movements with my hands, I showed what was happening. Lyss gave a silent growl. We both knew that the vampire would hear the first whisper.
I sheathed and unsheathed my claws, gesturing for her to wait for my signal. Lyss nodded, and already I was back in the room. I was scared stiff. I knew I had to rescue Willow, but I didn’t know how. One wrong move and those hands would just make one move - to snap Willow’s neck.
Then it came to me. A perfect plan. I thought back to when I read the Faerie News about a new vampire coven at large. In the article, there was a picture of the leader, in the same cloak as the mosquito in front of me. They called themselves ‘supreme’ and ‘the rightful leaders’. I grinned at my luck.
Drifting silently to the floor, I began to shimmer, and as with all faerie things, I had quickly turned into an exact copy of the Leading Vampire.
Chapter Seven – Ivy
This new height almost was disorienting, and almost made me fall over. However, I knew I had to ignore it.
I stalked over to her, and flashed my hand out.
“Give her to me.” My voice was low and guttural, and it surprised me. As soon as she saw who I appeared to be, she fell into a bow, and shoved Willow toward me.
“Oh highest Master, thank you so for coming.” I kicked her, an immense pleasure.
“Stop groveling, you wretched excuse for a vampire.” The bloodsucker was already up on her feet, but was clutching her side where I kicked her. I looked down into Willow’s eyes. She seemed terrified. I was glad she didn’t know who I was, for I wasn’t sure she could act the part. Gripping her shoulders firmly, I spun to look at the vampire.
“Good work catching these fools, I’m sure some of them will make a tasty snack.” Hoping she didn’t notice the shake in my voice, I gestured to the elves and wolves, with butterflies in my belly. “You may go. I can take it from here.” Pointing to the door, I pushed Willow toward her parents, and I walked behind the brunette, taking away any means of escape.
The vampire turned and shook my hand, muttering a farewell. She turned and pushed the door open. A gasp escaped her mouth, for Lyss was waiting, coiled for a spring. She let out an enormous howl, and pounced.
It wasn’t much of a fight. The wolf slammed into the leech, pushing her onto the kitchen floor. Harrison was already there with a silver knife, and with a quick flick of his wrist, it was over. Knife in her heart, her last snarl still etched on her lips. All three of us backed away.
My back was to my friends, still standing against the wall in shock. My mind was blank. Was this what it felt like to kill someone? It felt horrible; like that vampire was my friend. It was such a waste of life. She could have been great. She could have done so much more. And then I remembered why I helped kill her, and all pity evaporated like smoke. But my head still felt foggy, like everything was in slow motion, and heavy, like a weight was pressing down on me.
It was in that state when I heard something whistling through the air. My instincts were slow, but self-preservation kicked in. I dived out of the way just in time. It happened in the space of a heartbeat. Sometimes those reflexes come in handy I thought. And then the other part of my brain asked where the noise had come from.
I whipped around, my eyes zeroing in on a silver-tipped arrow dug into the wall where I had just been standing.
“WHY AREN’T YOU KILLING HIM?” Willow screeched, her eyes spluttering tears. She already had another arrow in her bow, and in a split second, my brain cleared up. I still looked like a vampire; I still looked like the person who appeared to want to kill Willow. Another arrow whizzed by me, but this time Harrison caught it mid-air, an inch from my face. In another heartbeat, I turned to honey on the floor. I felt a pain on my head, the world began to spin, and everything went black.
Chapter Eight – Ivy
I heard sounds; I could tell they were bugs and city sounds, but I couldn’t concentrate on them long enough to figure out what they were. There was also something cool all around me, however I didn’t know what it was. I struggled to open my eyes, but they felt glued shut. Time passed slowly, and I think I fell asleep until I heard voices. This time I won the fight to open my eyes, and I saw the figures of the Elves, and Wolves. I thought we were in the kitchen, until my sight cleared and I recognized the Circle Room.
I looked around wildly, and realized everyone was sitting around the coffee table. I wondered why I still felt cool, and I noticed I didn’t see Harrison. I was lying in his hands. I blushed, and everyone looked at me.
“Yeah, Ivy’s awake!” Lyss called. I identified her across the table, and she was looking at me. I stuck out my tongue at her, and she leaned back, smiling.
“Yeah, Harrison, why don’t you put her on the floor? Blushing honey with wings doesn’t look that appetizing.” That made me redden even more, and I’m sure I looked more like gooey blood than honey. Harrison laughed, but put me down on the soft carpet.
I fizzled up to my usual height, and averted everyone’s gaze. I bent over to preen my wings, but the injured one was wrapped up in some gauze. I was about to ask what the heck that was about, but Harrison spoke before I could.
“Sorry, Ivy. You were out cold and Lyss thought it would be best if I wrapped your wing up. It only gets worse when you use it. She also thought my abnormal temperature would benefit your fever.” I turned my glare onto Lyss, who looked away, sheepishly. Suddenly movement brought my eyes to the stairs. Willow was rocketed over to me, her eyes bright and hectic.
“Why didn’t anyone tell me she woke up? I’m sorry, Ivy. I truly thought you were some sadistic vampire. I wouldn’t have ever dreamed of shooting you! And I’m sorry I stomped on you, I thought turning into gold-stuff was some vampire trick!” She was about to say more, but I clamped my hand over her mouth.
“Do me a favor and shut up, Willow. I forgive you, but apparently you clomped down on my head ahrd , and I have a headache right now, and am not feeling tolerant of chatter.”
Willow’s eyes were still wide, but she took my comment to heart and resolved to sitting down next to me.
I looked at Harrison.
“She really stomped on my head?” I felt a bandage on my forehead. Now that Harrison had put me down, my head throbbed.
“She was shooting arrows at you, and you reacted defensively and turned into honey. As she said, she thought it was some vampire trick, and proceeded to stomp on you. It was hard getting a bandage in the right place, because you can’t change when touching me, and it was hard to tell where your head was.”
I crawled on all fours to where he sat with Felix on a couch. Willow followed behind me, and copied my flopping down at Harrison’s feet. I grabbed his cold hand and placed it on my thumping head. Felix chuckled, and Kapri smacked him.
“So what were you doing when I got up?” I leaned my head back against the couch. A tinkling bell voice answered my question, Gwyn.
“We were discussing weather to leave or not. The other vampires are going to realize eventually that the wretch is missing. Harrison and Skye also found Faerie and Elf scent just outside, and it appears they have been meeting in various places. We are obviously not as safe as we thought we were.” She looked pointedly at Kapri and Skye, who appeared to disagree with her.
“I think we should head for the sea. Whoever said we couldn’t be travelers? I think it’d be fun!” Lyss seemed to be more optimistic than most of the others. I didn’t really care where we went, but I was leaning towards her and Gwyn.
“What about everyone here? We can’t just leave them! What if you guys hadn’t been there for us? It’s horrible to leave others unprotected!” Kapri spoke, gesturing to his legs as he spoke. I wondered how he had gotten up here. “Thanks to Harrison my legs are almost healed, and Gwyn’s arm is better, but we can’t leave other supernaturals who can’t take care of themselves.” The elf did have a point. What if Lyss hadn’t been there for me? I probably wouldn’t be so well off… but all I could think of right then was that Willow must have big feet. I zoned the others out, listening just to the sound of my heartbeat. It didn’t take long for me to drift off.
Lyss
Kapri’s right. I thought as I brought Ivy into our room. I don’t want to abandon anyone here. I was totally torn between going on an awesome adventure, plus probably escaping some deranged vampire covens’ wrath, and staying in the place I knew. And what the hell are we supposed to do about those Rulers who injure someone on a weekly basis? It was complicated trying to choose, and our meeting had come to an end with no decision.
I plopped down on the bed, thinking. It was aggravating how complicated things could be, and how quickly they could change. Willow crept in, silent as a mouse, and came to sit next to me. We both sat there, reflecting over the previous events, and the ones to come. The sun had almost gone down before I remembered other things.
The main thing that brought me back from my brooding was a growl from Willow’s stomach. Mine echoed pitifully. Willow looked at me, than Ivy.
“Can we g down for dinner, Lyss? I could eat an elephant!” I smiled, and popped up.
“Betcha I could eat two!” Willow giggled, and scurried out the door. I was about to follow her, but then I looked at the Faeries sleeping form.
“She has got to be hungry.” I muttered, so I ran across the room –though it wasn’t very far- and picked her up. Ivy was small, almost half my size. It was no hard thing to do.
“Lyss!” Willow caterwauled up the stairs, and I hurried out of the room. “What are you doing?”
“Coming, I’m bringing Ivy!” Our shouting woke her up, and she was squirming in my hands by the time I reached the bottom of the stairs. Ivy glared at me with her big, blue eyes.
“Put me down, Lyss.” She growled. “What the hell do you think you’re doing?”
“She’s bringing you to dinner. The last time any of us have eaten is breakfast!” Willow called. “Lyss, hurry up, my belly’s yowling!” I took the stairs three at a time, noticing Ivy’s glare turn to a slight smile. Apparently she was as glad as I was that Willow had gotten over her gloominess.
“Lyss, at least let me walk! You’re humiliating me!” It was true, Ivy’s face was a light shade of red, but she continued to struggle. If she hadn’t been so small she’d be out of my arms easily.
Willow was already in the kitchen, and so I ran the rest of the way, only putting Ivy down just behind the door. She muttered something inaudible to my ears, but I heard Harrison laugh.
She shoved open the door, a frown on her face. I ignored her, not being able to do the same to my stomach, and headed over to the table.
“Thanks god someone knows how to cook around here…Felix…” I said as I grabbed a slice of pizza, than went to sit in a chair.
“That was once, Lyss. Everyone sets fires to nachos once in a while.” He smiled sheepishly, and I grinned back. We mostly ate in silence, everyone still deciding whether to stay or go. I supposed for now we would remain here.
I swallowed my last, and particularly cheesy bite, and then realized I didn’t hear Ivy. I turned around, and saw her crouched on the counter facing Harrison, also on the counter. They appeared to be muttering back and forth in a pitch too low for me to hear.
For the first time in a very long time, I saw Harrison glare. His pale brow furrowed and he muttered something. I was pretty sure even if I could hear what they were saying, they would speak to fast for me to understand. Ivy said something else, her face set, and Harrison growled. It was a low, menacing sound, and he bared his teeth. I turned around and looked at the others. Judging by their faces, none of them had any idea what Harrison and Ivy were arguing about, even the Elves, with their exceptional hearing.
I turned around again as I heard a lighter snarl, yet still equally intimidating. I knew Ivy well enough by now that I could tell she was getting irritated.
“What the hell are you two talking about?” Felix shouted, and Kapri’s fist suddenly had him sprawling on the floor. Both of them turned and snarled at him, then widened their eyes, and closed their mouths. Ivy shifted out her crouch, and Harrison fell back out of his onto the counter in a sitting position.
“Sorry, Felix.” Harrison apologized, his voice quiet, and he looked down. Apparently neither of them had noticed we had observed their argument. Ivy looked down, but her eyes were still angry. Then she looked back up at Harrison, even sitting, a few feet above her.
“Harrison. Seriously. You need to go.” I was glad she was speaking louder, but I was as confused as ever.
“Ivy, I’m amazed I’m agreeing with Felix, but what the hell?” I mentioned. Gwyn murmured agreement, but Kapri nodded.
“Yeah, Ivy’s right, Harrison. It’s been like, a month and your eyes are bright red.” Kapri said coolly. Gwyn and Skye nodded, I looked at Felix and Willow.
“Lyss you idiot, you’re usually not this slow. He’s thirsty. However,” Ivy snarled this last bit at Harrison, “he’s to concerned about us to leave.” Harrison snarled back at her, but I think he knew logic was on her side.
“Harrison. We can take care of ourselves for one day. Go. What are we? Chopped liver?” Skye piped up. Harrison didn’t get off the counter, or move in the slightest, but the corners of his mouth twitched. Now that Kapri mentioned it, I noticed that his eyes were a bright shade of crimson.
“Thanks a bunch, Ivy.” Harrison’s sarcasm was evident, and rolled his eyes. Ivy grinned. She got on her hands and knees, and because of her size, was able to crawl across the counter to Harrison. She butted him with her head, and she pushed his feet to the floor, shoving him off the counter. I didn’t know if she was actually stronger than him, or if his will power had evaporated.
“Fine. I’ll be back tomorrow. Stay in the house…”
“We know Harrison. Now beat it. Check out some werewolf borders while you’re at it. You’re the fastest.” Ivy pushed him to the door, and he was gone. Ivy called what sounded like a wordless goodbye –though I knew it was just to loud for me to hear.
Chapter Nine – Ivy
“Someday he’s got to get over that.” I laughed. I was over my snarling mood. Lyss chuckled.
“We’re not his kids, think he’d know that by now.” Skye mentioned, turning back to her pizza. Gwyn chewed thoughtfully. I didn’t listen to the rest of their chatter; instead I scurried over to the honey jar. I clutched a periwinkle bowl, spoon, and honey, and caught the last part of their conversation as I flew over.
“Damn this bandage.” I muttered. I wobbled in the air, but held steady and landed in a chair next to Willow. I threw a smile at everyone, “hey, thanks for helping me, Kapri. I never would’ve won that fight without you!” He nodded, and sniggered.
“He’d never leave this place without us shoving him out the door. Literally. We’re not that helpless!” It was true. Harrison was great, and fun to be around, but he was so overprotective. It made me feel warm inside, to think that already, in little more than twenty-four hours, Harrison, Gwyn, Kapri, Willow, Felix, Lyss, and almost Skye began to feel like family.
We all ate quietly, each thinking our separate thoughts. From Lyss’s expression, I could tell she was thinking about the Leading Vampire Coven and our recent visitor. I tried to ignore her thoughts, so I slurped up the rest of my dinner, and carried my things to the sink.
Instead of staying down with the rest of them, I decided to head upstairs. I needed fresh air, and there were more windows up there. I walked out the white door, feeling the other’s quizzical eyes boring into me. The pace was slow for me, but I didn’t feel in any sort of rush. I could here raindrops pattering the rooftops and cobblestones, and the sound soothed me. I suddenly realized as I reached the top of the stairs, that besides my room, I didn’t know where any other windows were.
I sniffed the air, and drifted toward the fresh smell of rain and wind. It led me to the only door I had never entered-Harrison’s room. I was a bit hesitant to enter, but my yearning for fresh air won me over.
The inside of the room didn’t surprise me. The walls were a light gold, and there were two desks. One was covered in newspapers, the other in documents, pictures, and various scraps of paper. Directly across the room, was an old window, slightly ajar. Out of the crack, came a cool breeze, ruffling some papers. I leapt toward the window, and reached it in one bound.
With a slight screech, I pulled the window open, enabling leaves to blow in like butterflies. I made a mental note to pick them up when I came back. I wiggled through the small gap, and out onto the shabby roof. Luckily, no shingles were dismantled as I perched on the only slightly sloped roof. I lifted my head up to the sky, smiling at the pounding rain and wind on my face. It was soothing, after the stressful occurrences.
Suddenly I remembered my promise to Harrison, and I froze were I sat. Do not go outside ran through my head. I hoped he would understand, because I just needed a break from the rest of the world. I lay back against the shingles, leaves blowing into my hair, rain pounded against my face, and I suddenly realized how tired I was. I hadn’t slept for about twenty-six hours, not including my coma, which isn’t actually very restful. It was in that state, listening to the howling wind, the abandoned street, the pounding rain, that I fell asleep.
*****
It was a cold chill that awakened me. My eyelids fluttered for a moment, and then I realized what it was.
“Sorry, Harrison.” I turned my head, and he was lying on the roof about a foot away from me, eyes closed.
“It’s okay, Ivy. I don’t want to threaten you to stay indoors. And I guess it does feel peaceful.” His eyes were still closed, and he was humming softly.
I looked at the darkened sky, the clouds were gone, leaving me to watch the brilliant stars.
“What time is it? When did the others go to bed?” I looked at Harrison.
“About one in the morning. Everyone else went to bed around ten. I got back a few hours ago, and Willow was slightly worried about were you were, but Gwyn seemed to think you’d be okay.” He opened his eyes, and grinned at me. The stars illuminated his pale face, and his eyes were a deep purple, boring into mine. “Felix to loud for you?” He said sarcastically.
I sighed. “A bit. I just mostly needed a break, and I hoped nobody could see me up here.” Harrison nodded, as if he understood.
“Star’s are bright tonight, one of the only plus sides of not being able to sleep.” He had turned his violet gaze onto the sky, seeming to search the heavens for answers.
“Harrison…” I whispered, no wanting to make him angry,
“Yes?”
“What do you think we should do, the others were talking about it earlier. They think the governments are getting to strong, and will soon form an alliance. Should we leave?” I knew he was touchy about this subject, so I said it slowly, and quietly.
He nodded, still staring.
“I honestly don’t know. I fear for the others here, but I don’t want anyone of us in danger. It is a tough decision. We should hold another meeting tomorrow.” I thought this over, following his eyes toward Jupiter.
After that, neither of us needed to speak our thoughts aloud. We both stared at the constellations in silence, breathing in fresh air, each in our own little bit of serenity.
Chapter Ten-Ivy
The air was thick with the hot scent of werewolf fur. The auburn hair was crushing me, accompanied by claws and bared fangs. I hissed, and dug my claws into what I thought was the leg, and with a howl, the wolf leapt up. Instead of her leg, I was grasping onto her muzzle, staring directly into the wolfs’ large, black eyes, which were filled with pain. The eyes were about the size of my head, and I could lay from nostril to eye without my feet hanging off. She was huge. Despite of myself, a hiss escaped my throat, even as I slid off the now bleeding nose.
“Sorry about that, Lyss, guess I forgot you weren’t actually planning on killing me.” I smiled sheepishly. The huge wolf rolled her eyes, than swapped her tongue over her bleeding muzzle. “But that was a great practice round. You almost had me there at the end!” The auburn wolf barked a laugh, than suddenly let out a giant sneeze.
“Ugh, Lyss! That’s gross!” I moaned, I was now covered in wolf slobber. She gestured to her nose, indicating that we were even. Lyss then walked up to me, and with her nose, nudged me toward Felix, who was standing in the corner of the Circle Room.
“Hey, hey, Lyss. I don’t think I feel like putting myself in close proximity of Ivy’s talons. Maybe tomorrow.” He laughed, joined in by Skye, who was sitting on one of the chairs, conveniently shoved to the corner.
“I didn’t know you were one to give in so easily, Felix.” Skye sniggered, punching her friend’s shoulder. “If you’re still looking for a fight, Ivy,” she nodded towards me, “Harrison’s downstairs.”
Lyss came hopping across the room, in fresh clothes and human form.
“Aw, come on, Ivy. I’ve been dying to see how you two would do in a fight! I wasn’t here on your last one!” She stopped in front of me, smiling innocently. When I looked up, I noticed two cuts on the bridge of her nose.
“Budge out, Lyss…” I was going to say something more, but Lyss was already talking.
“Harrison, Ivy wants to fight.” Lyss had spoken in the same conversation tone we had been using just then, but Harrison was already there. “Come on, pretend you’re a real vampire for just one fight, please? You never fight anyone. At this rate you’ll be picked off easier than a beetle with no legs!” Lyss added this last bit sarcastically, knowing full well that Harrison was neither a beetle or defenseless.
“I am right to question this is just for your own satisfaction, Lyss?” He teased her, smiling widely. “And furthermore, that you know that both Ivy and I are very not-defenseless.” Lyss sniggered.
“Maybe…”
“Well then, Ivy, must we satisfy poor Lyss’s need to see if you can be beaten?” I circled around him, in the center of the room.
“I thought you didn’t like to fight?” My tone made it a question.
“I don’t like to fight to kill, because it generally means someone I know is in danger,” he clarified, “however, these mock fights can be quite interesting at times.” Harrison crouched low to the floor, spinning in time to my slow steps. Out of the corner of my eyes, I had noticed that everyone had appeared in the corner where Felix was. I took it that Harrison was not known for fighting often.
I began walking faster, making the circle a bit wider. I crouched down, almost like a tiger hunting her prey, and flew upwar
